What counts as a “storage bed”?

A storage bed is any bed frame that incorporates hidden or semi-hidden space to store things: duvets, clothes, suitcases, etc.

Common types include:

• Ottoman (lift-up) beds: The mattress platform lifts (often with gas-struts) to reveal a large enclosed storage area beneath.

• Divan beds with drawers: The bed base has drawers built in (2, 4, sometimes more) to pull out for storage.

• Built-in compartments, shelves or shelving headboards: Sometimes storage is partly open (shelves, cubbies) rather than entirely hidden. These are more decorative/useful for things you want to access often.

• Day beds or trundles: Daybeds may combine sofa/bed use + storage; trundles are extra pull-out beds, sometimes with storage drawers.

What matters in a small space?

When space is limited, some features become especially important.

As you compare options, consider:

Pros & cons: Ottomans vs Drawer Beds

These two are the most common contenders.

Comparing them helps spot which is better for different situations.

When other styles might be better

• Loft beds / mezzanine beds: Raising the bed means using the space underneath for storage, work desk, sitting area. Good if you have high ceilings.

• Murphy (wall) beds: Fold up when not in use, freeing floor area. But usually more complex to install.

• Day beds / sofa beds: If room doubles as living/work space, these offer flexibility.

• Trundle beds: For extra sleeping space rather than storage, useful for guest rooms, and children.

Best types of storage beds for different small-space scenarios

Here are some “matches” where certain storage bed styles make more sense:

Real UK-style examples and ratings

To give more concrete ideas, here are a few beds/brands/details that stand out in the UK market:

• The Emma Ottoman Bed (Sleep Hero) – offers a large, uninterrupted storage space (literally the base) and is well rated for small rooms.

• Happy Beds’ combination 6-in-1 beds, or beds with trundles (like the Tyler Day Bed with Trundle) are good for flexible functionality.

• The Small Double Ottoman Bed options from UK firms often come with gas-lift mechanisms and are relatively affordably priced, balancing between storage space and cost.

The 5 best storage beds you can buy in the UK right now: side-by-side comparison for small spaces

Below I picked five concrete storage beds across a clear budget spectrum (budget → premium) and compared the practical details that matter in a small room: storage type, access method, footprint/height notes, estimated price (UK), and who each bed suits best. All product facts and prices are from the retailers’ pages cited next to each entry.

Quick summary (the picks)

1. IKEA PLATSA bed frame with storage — Best budget, modular drawers/doors, very compact. (£299–£596 depending on configuration).

2. Dreams — Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frames — Cheap ottoman options with side/end lift and good value for frequent use. (Around £249–£499 depending on size/sales).

3. The Dormy House — Ottoman Divan — Mid-range, well-finished UK-made ottoman-style divan with custom fabric choices. (From £500).

4. Silentnight Alaro (4-drawer) / Silentnight divan options (Argos) — Classic drawer-divan solutions, low fuss and widely available; good balance of price and easy access. (Small-double drawer divan between £555–£615).

5. Button & Sprung — Camelia (King ottoman, luxury) — Premium upholstered ottoman with sprung slatted base; high-end finish and large internal volume. (King example listed at £1,695 in round figures).

Recommendations

If I were you, here’s how I’d pick:

1. Measure everything carefully — room dimensions, distance from walls, height of window sills, door swing, etc.

2. Decide what you need stored — bulky seasonal things vs things you use every day. This will drive focus toward ottoman vs drawers.

3. Try lifting or opening sample beds if possible (in store or video reviews) to see how easy / smooth the mechanisms are. A gas strut that feels weak or squeaky is going to be annoying.

4. Check build quality — solid frames, good upholstery, good runners/hinges.

5. Style and light — lighter colours, slimmer frames, lower headboards can make a small room feel more open.