Upholstered Storage Beds: Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Living space in urban areas is often limited, requiring the smart use of every square metre. An upholstered storage bed is a functional solution that combines sleeping comfort with practical utility. It creates order by providing space for bedding, clothes, or other items that would otherwise take up valuable wardrobe space.

This article serves as a guide. We will introduce various models and explain the key features you should look for when choosing, helping you make an informed decision for your bedroom.

What to Look for When Choosing a Storage Bed?

The decision for a new bed depends on individual needs. Three central aspects will help you find the right model.

1. Storage Type: Ottoman Lift or Drawers?

A functional bed offers storage in different ways. The most common options are an integrated ottoman-style compartment or side drawers.

• Ottoman Bed: With this type, the entire sleeping surface is lifted, often assisted by a gas-lift mechanism. Such a hydraulic bed reveals a large, continuous storage space. This is ideal for storing bulky items like winter duvets or suitcases. However, accessing it requires removing the bedding before lifting.
• Bed with Drawers: This design integrates drawers on the sides or at the foot of the bed. They allow for quick and easy access to the contents without having to lift the sleeping surface. This option is well-suited for everyday items. However, be sure to have enough space on the sides to pull out the drawers.

2. Extra Features: LED Lighting and USB Ports

Modern upholstered beds often offer more than just a place to sleep and store things. A bed with LED lighting on the headboard or frame can create an ambient atmosphere and serve as a subtle light source. An integrated bed with a USB port or even Type-C ports directly on the headboard is particularly convenient for charging smartphones, tablets, or other devices overnight without needing extra power strips.

3. Size and Material: Matching Your Space and Style

Size is a crucial factor. A 140x200 cm storage bed is a popular choice for single people or couples in smaller apartments. For more space and comfort, a double bed with storage in sizes 160x200 cm or 180x200 cm is recommended. Measure your room carefully before buying to ensure the bed fits and leaves enough room to move around.

Common upholstery materials include fabric, linen, or velvet. The choice depends on personal preference and interior design style. Pay attention to the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure the longevity of the upholstery.

Functional Bed Recommendations

Here is a selection of beds that stand out for their specific features and design.

Ochama Metal Bed Frame, 140 x 190 cm

Why It Stands Out This bed frame features a minimalist design and a sturdy metal construction. The focus is on maximising the free space underneath the bed, which, with a height of 31.6 cm, can be flexibly used for your own storage boxes.

Pros

• High Load Capacity: The construction of metal tubes and 9 support legs allows for a static total load capacity of up to 500 kg, according to the manufacturer.
• Practical Storage Space: The high ground clearance not only makes it easy to store boxes but also simplifies cleaning with a robot vacuum.
• Thoughtful Details: Pre-drilled holes for an optional headboard, non-slip mattress stoppers, and noise-dampening foot pads increase stability and user comfort.
• Easy Assembly: Thanks to clear instructions and labelled parts, assembly is straightforward.

Who It's For? For purists and pragmatists looking for a stable, durable, and simple bed solution who want to flexibly design the storage space underneath with their own boxes.

URBAN MEUBLE Velvet Upholstered Storage Bed, 180x200 cm

Why It Stands Out This double bed with storage combines an elegant velvet design with smart technology. The hydraulic lift mechanism, integrated LED lighting, and charging station make it a multifunctional piece of furniture for modern bedrooms.

Pros

• Hydraulic Ottoman Storage: The slatted frame can be lifted effortlessly, revealing a generous storage space for bedding or seasonal clothing.
• Smart LED Lighting: The LED strips in the headboard and footboard offer over 60,000 colour options, controllable via app or remote, including a timer and music sync mode.
• Integrated Charging Station: The headboard features 3 USB ports (including a fast-charging function) and 1 Type-C port.
• Elegant Design: The curved headboard with velvet upholstery and the sturdy frame made of iron and wood ensure comfort and a load capacity of up to 300 kg.

Who It's For? For tech-savvy couples and individuals who value a stylish ambiance and appreciate smart features like customisable lighting and integrated charging options.

Beliani DINAN Storage Bed, 160x200 cm

Why It Stands Out The DINAN model focuses on the essentials: maximum storage with a minimalist look. By omitting a headboard and footboard, the bed appears very open and is perfectly suited for rooms with sloped ceilings or for free placement in the room.

Pros

• Large Ottoman Storage: The integrated slatted frame can be lifted using gas springs, revealing a spacious, hidden storage compartment.
• Headboard-less Design: The compact form without a headboard or footboard makes the bed flexible to place and accessible from all sides.
• High-Quality Upholstery: The grey linen fabric cover is durable and easy to care for. According to the manufacturer, stains can be removed with an upholstery cleaner or a damp sponge.
• Freestanding: Since the upholstery covers the entire bed frame, the bed can also be placed freely in the room.

Who It's For? For people looking for an unobtrusive and space-saving storage solution. Ideal for small bedrooms, rooms with sloped ceilings, or for anyone who wants to customise their own headboard.

URBAN MEUBLE Wooden Storage Bed, 140x200 cm

Why It Stands Out This 140x200 cm storage bed is a true organisational marvel. It combines open shelves, hidden drawers, a lift-up bench at the foot of the bed, and smart features into a single piece of furniture.

Pros

• Diverse Storage Solutions: Open shelves and drawers on the headboard and sides, as well as a lift-up bench at the foot, offer an incredible amount of space for books, decorations, and personal items.
• Smart Features: Integrated LED strips with over 60,000 colour options (controllable via Bluetooth app) as well as 3 USB-A and 1 USB-C port are built into the headboard.
• Functional Bench: The bench at the foot of the bed provides additional storage and closes quietly and securely thanks to a soft-close hinge.
• Sturdy Wood Construction: Made from high-quality wood in a white finish, the bed is durable and fits seamlessly into modern youth rooms or bedrooms.

Who It's For? For young adults and anyone who needs maximum functionality and organisation in a small space. It's an all-in-one solution that combines a nightstand, shelf, and dresser into one bed.

Discover More Options

Haven't found the right model for your needs yet? There are many more designs and functionalities to discover. Browse through our wider selection to find the ideal solution for your bedroom.

Explore more bed frames with storage here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ottoman bed and one with drawers? An ottoman bed offers a large, continuous storage space under the entire sleeping surface, which is accessed by lifting the slatted frame. It is suitable for bulky items. A bed with drawers has separate pull-outs on the sides or at the foot, allowing for quick access to smaller, frequently used items.

Does an upholstered storage bed require a special slatted frame? Typically, an upholstered storage bed is delivered with a matching slatted frame, especially if it has a lifting mechanism. For beds with drawers or open compartments, the slatted frame is often included as well, or a standard roll-up slat base is required. Check the product description, as a separate purchase is usually not necessary.

How does a hydraulic bed work? A hydraulic bed uses gas springs, similar to those found on a car's tailgate. These springs assist in lifting the mattress and slatted frame, so it can be done with minimal effort. They hold the sleeping surface securely in the open position, allowing you to comfortably access the storage space.