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What Types of Storage Beds Are Available?

Storage beds are beds that include hidden compartments for additional storage in your bedroom. Whether you're short on space or just want to keep your bedroom clutter-free, a storage bed can be a smart solution. This guide covers the main types available - and how to choose the right one for your home. There are three main types of storage beds:

  1. Divan beds
  2. Ottoman bed frames
  3. Bed frames with drawers

The key difference between these beds is the type of storage available, such as drawer storage and ottoman lifts. Read on to discover some of the key benefits of the different types of storage beds.

The Novo Falcini Ottoman Bed Frame with open ottoman storage.
The Novo Falcini is a great example of an ottoman bed storage option

The different types of bed storage options

Here are the different storage options for beds with drawers:

2 drawersA double divan bed with two drawers
4 drawersA double divan bed with four drawers
2 full & 2 half drawersA double divan bed with two full and two half drawers
End drawersA double divan bed with one drawer at the foot end of the bed

Here are the different storage options for ottoman beds:

Full ottomanA double bed with end-lifting ottoman showing the full storage within the bed
Half ottomanA double bed with end-lifting half-ottoman storage

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What is a storage divan bed?

A divan bed consists of an expertly designed base, a headboard, and sometimes storage.

Divan bases perfectly fit the size of the mattress, which allows you to further maximise the space available in your bedroom.

Divan beds include a wide range of storage options to suit different needs. You can choose between drawers or ottoman storage with a divan bed, or a combination of both.

If you’d like to know more about this type of bed, have a look at our article 'What is a Divan Bed?' for more information.

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What is an ottoman bed frame?

Ottoman bed frames are designed with build-in storage beneath the mattress base. Instead of drawers, these beds have a lift-up platform to access a spacious compartment hidden within the frame. Suitable for small and large bedrooms, ottoman bed frames are a tidy storage solution:n:

  • TThe entire area below the mattress base is available for storage
  • Gas-lift hydraulics make it easy to open
  • No additional space is needed beside the bed

Since ottoman beds are powered by gas-lift hydraulics, the bed stays open while you’re accessing storage items - until you're ready to close it. There are models that open from the foot end or ones that open from the side. So you can find options that would suit smaller spaces or rooms where access to the bed is limited by other furniture.

Want to learn more about ottoman beds? Head over to our page, 'What is an Ottoman Bed?' for more information.

The Novo Lottie Fabric Ottoman Bed Frame in a white bedroom with yellow curtains and accent pieces. With an MO Top Picks 2025 award badge.
Since the mattress lifts vertically, you don’t need extra room at the sides or foot of the bed

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What is a bed frame with drawers?

Bed frames with drawers can provide handy storage for smaller items. It might be a bit tight for your winter duvet, but a few extra drawers for bedsheets or clothing could be really useful.

The Silentnight Bloomsbury Dusky Pink Velvet Bed Frame with one drawer open.
The Silentnight Bloomsbury Fabric Bed Frame comes complete with two drawers on either side

This type of storage bed can come with a frame that includes two drawers on either side or another option is a frame with end drawers and smaller side drawers.

Wooden bed frames with drawers were originally known as 'captain's beds'. First built onboard ships, captain's beds were made from wooden boxes full of drawers with a mattress placed on top. As the years progressed, these types of beds found their way into small houses where space was limited.

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Storage beds: which one is right for me?

If you have decided on a storage bed, there are a few important things that you should consider before you buy:

  1. How much room do you have?
  2. What do you want to store?
  3. How often do you want to access your items?
  4. Do you have any mobility considerations?
  5. What style best fits your interior?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you decide on a storage bed that best suits your needs.

1. How much room do you have?

Consider your room layout as well as how much space you have. If you have a smaller bedroom, an ottoman bed opens upwards - so no additional space beside your bed is required. What other bedroom furniture do you have? If you have bedside cabinets or a wardrobe means you have to put your bed up against a wall, then you might want to consider an end drawer storage bed.  You could also choose a bed with drawers on one side, depending on what might fit your room layout.

2. What do you want to store?

Storing things underneath a bed is an easy way to keep your bedroom clutter-free. Before buying, consider what you want to store. Larger or bulkier items - like duvets or luggage - are often easier to store in an ottoman. Smaller items, like clothes or shoes, might be better suited to drawer storage, where they can be regularly accessed.

Keep in mind that most storage beds have a weight limit. This can vary between manufacturers, so it’s important to check the product label or consult the retailer if you’re unsure.

3. How often do you want to access your items?

When you are considering what storage bed you should buy, you should think about how often you want to use the items being stored.

  • Daily basis

Drawer storage is great for storing extra clothing or everyday items. Individual drawers make it easy to organise your storage for easy access.

  • Monthly or yearly

If you are storing large or seasonal items, ottoman storage is very useful. The large storage space and easy-lift top make it easy to access throughout the year.

4. Do you have any mobility considerations?

If you experience back pain, reduced strength, or limited reach, lifting an ottoman mattress platform could prove challenging - even with gas-lift assistance. While ottomans are designed for ease of use, they still require some physical effort. In these cases, beds with drawer storage or open shelving may offer a more accessible alternative.

5. What style best fits your interior?

Storage beds come in a wide range of materials, colours, and designs — from soft upholstered frames in velvet or linen, to easy-to-clean wood finishes. Some include open shelving for books or decorative items, while others are designed specifically for children’s rooms, such as bunk beds with built-in drawers to help keep toys and clothes organised. Choose a style that not only suits your décor, but also meets the practical needs of your household. 

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Now that you know more about the different types of storage beds and what they offer, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right one for your space and needs. If you’re interested in the benefits of a clutter-free bedroom, take a look at our article on why keeping your room tidy matters.

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