A storage bed can hold clothes, bedding or toys, freeing up extra space in your bedroom. However, drawers, open under-bed storage and hydraulic ottoman-style beds all work quite differently in everyday use. If you focus only on the design or an especially high stated weight capacity, it’s easy to overlook important details.
A bed with drawers needs enough space at the side. If it’s placed right next to a wall or wardrobe, you may not be able to open the drawers fully. A hydraulic storage bed usually makes better use of the space beneath the mattress, but you’ll need enough room to move around at the head or foot of the bed.
Before you buy, check:
A 140 x 200 cm storage bed won’t necessarily measure 140 x 200 cm overall. The headboard, side rails and shelves can make the bed significantly wider or longer. For example, a model with a 90 x 200 cm sleeping area may have overall dimensions of 104 x 220 cm.
So measure the space the bed will occupy, including:
LED lighting, a USB port and an upholstered headboard can all be useful. But they’re no substitute for clear information about the frame material, slatted base, maximum weight capacity and mattress size. For a bed with LED lighting, also consider the power supply, cable routing and protection from spills.
For one person, a single storage bed or a metal bed with under-bed storage could be a good choice. Common sizes include 90 x 190 cm, 90 x 200 cm and 140 x 190 cm. Couples often choose a 140 x 200 cm storage bed or a 160 x 200 cm storage bed. The larger size takes up more room and may make it harder to access side drawers.
For children, the sleeping area isn’t the only thing to consider. Check that the mattress is the right thickness, edges are rounded, fixings are secure and the maximum user weight is stated. A children’s bed with drawers shouldn’t encourage children to climb or jump on shelves and seating areas.
A bed frame with a slatted base should clearly state which components are included. For metal beds, check the number and position of the legs, crossbars, and feet designed to prevent slipping or reduce noise. For wooden and upholstered beds, consider the frame construction, how the headboard is attached and the quality of the drawers.
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Always consider a high stated weight capacity in relation to how the bed is intended to be used. It doesn’t replace proper assembly.
Bed with drawers: A good choice if you want to keep frequently used items neatly organised. The contents are usually easier to reach, but the drawers need space at the side.
Hydraulic storage bed: Handy for seasonal clothes, bedding or larger boxes. Operate the lifting mechanism slowly, using both hands. Keep your hands and fingers away from the joints.
Open under-bed storage: A metal bed with storage and generous clearance underneath can fit storage boxes and make it easier to clean beneath the bed. However, open storage offers less protection from dust.
Why it suits this profile: The metal frame has 31.6 cm of clearance underneath for storage boxes. It comes with pre-drilled parts and labelled components for assembly. The sleeping area measures 140 x 190 cm; a mattress is not included.
The open storage area is clearly visible, so there are no hidden drawer dimensions to factor in. You’ll still need to choose storage boxes and consider dust protection separately.
Steel frame, nine legs and a stated maximum static load of 500 kg, according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: This upholstered bed combines a 140 x 200 cm sleeping area with four drawers on wheels, a padded headboard and storage compartments. The headboard includes USB, Type-C and EU power sockets.
The storage solution includes clearly described drawers. Before ordering, measure the space at the side of the bed to make sure there’s room to pull them out.
Frame made from solid wood and metal, according to the product description, plus four drawers and integrated charging ports.
Why it suits this profile: This single bed is available in several sizes and combines hydraulic storage with USB and Type-C ports, as well as LED lighting controlled by a button, remote control or app.
The product information specifies the sleeping area, maximum user weight of 113 kg and hydraulic opening mechanism. Protect the mechanism and electrical components from liquids.
Storage compartment with lifting mechanism, LED lighting with several control options and charging ports in the headboard.
Why it suits this profile: This wooden bed has two drawers, 13 cm-deep shelves at the head and foot, and a bench. The drawers can be fitted on either the left or right. A mattress is not included.
The mattress size, recommended mattress thickness of 15 cm and maximum user weight of 120 kg are specified. The bench’s weight capacity isn’t stated, however, so check this before using it to support heavier loads.
Drawers can be positioned on either side, run on wheels and are complemented by integrated shelves for books or small items.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
As well as the bed’s overall dimensions, you’ll need to allow for the drawers to open fully. Leave a little extra room to move around, open the drawers, clean and put things away. With a hydraulic storage bed, the space at the foot of the bed is particularly important.
That depends on its construction and stated weight capacity. If you’ll be opening it often, use the lifting points and mechanism as instructed. Make sure there are no objects or body parts in the way when opening or closing it.
Running costs depend on the wattage, how long the lights are used and your electricity tariff. LED lighting usually uses less energy than many traditional light sources, but you’ll need the stated power consumption to calculate the exact cost. Also check whether the lights can be switched off completely or only put into standby mode.