Updated : December 19, 2024
Published : December 5, 2024
Guides

In most rooms, the bed is the largest piece of furniture. It’s where you crash after a long day, scroll through your phone, or maybe pile up clothes you don’t feel like putting away. The space underneath, though, is often forgotten. It’s hidden away, collecting dust or just left empty.

But what if that under-bed area could be more than just a waste of space? With a storage bed, your under-bed region becomes a clever solution to clutter. Some beds have drawers that slide out effortlessly to hold extra blankets, pillows, and shoes. Others feature lift-up frames that reveal a deep compartment. What once sat empty can now organise your life, giving your room a cleaner, more spacious feel.

A calm, spacious vibe doesn’t just come from having everything neatly tucked away. If your storage bed is too large for your room, it can actually have the opposite effect. A bulky bed can take up too much space, leaving you with little room to move around.

That’s why getting the right size is key. If your room is small, you’ll want to avoid a storage bed that’s oversized, as it can easily overwhelm the space. You need enough clearance around the bed for airflow and movement — this keeps the room feeling light and open. For larger rooms, you have more flexibility, but you still want to ensure the bed’s size complements the overall layout.

In this guide to bed sizes, we'll explore the different storage bed options and help you pick one that's compatible with your room.

Key Factors to Help You Pick the Right Storage Bed

From bed width to overall bed sizes, there’s more to consider than just how it looks. For smaller spaces, a bed with drawers can make the most sense, as you can access your belongings without needing extra room for lifting a mattress. If you have a larger space, an ottoman bed is a solid option because it offers deep, hidden storage for bulkier items like duvets or seasonal clothes.

In this section, we’ve covered some key things to keep in mind when choosing your storage bed.

Room Size

Before committing to a king-sized bed, make sure you’ve got the space for it. It sounds obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many people skip this step. Measure your bedroom carefully — it’s easy to misjudge dimensions when standing in a showroom with soaring ceilings. A great tip is to use masking tape to mark out the bed dimensions directly on your floor. This helps you visualise how much space your storage bed will take and whether it works with your layout.

Ideally, you’ll want at least 50cm of clearance on either side of the bed for easy access. If space is limited, you can reduce this to 30cm on one side (or both, if necessary). Don’t forget to check doorways, though. Make sure all doors can swing open and close without bumping into the bed.

Now, think about the type of storage your bed offers. If it's a bed with pull-out drawers, you'll need extra room on those sides for the drawers to open fully. Lift-up storage beds need vertical space to ensure you can raise the mattress without hitting anything above, like a low-hanging light or shelf.

If you’re adding a headboard, you have to factor in a little more room for the bed's length. Integrated headboards typically add 6cm or more to the length, while non-integrated ones usually won’t change the bed’s footprint. Remember, non-integrated headboards are attached to the wall and protrude a little more.

If your room isn’t built yet or you’re feeling unsure about the bed measurements, send over your floor plan to Furl. Our team is happy to take a look and make recommendations.

Storage Bed Height

It’s important for your bed to align with your natural sitting position. When you sit on the edge of your bed, your feet should touch the floor comfortably, with your knees and hips in a nice, natural sync. This position is what makes getting in and out of bed much easier and more comfortable for your joints.

If your knees are higher than your hips, that’s a sign your bed might be sitting too low. On the other hand, if you can’t place your feet flat, it’s likely too high.

The average knee height for adults is around 40cm to 60cm, so this range is a helpful starting point. If you’re taller, you might feel more comfortable with a higher frame, while shorter people often prefer something closer to the ground.

Storage beds, in particular, are higher off the ground than standard frames because of the built-in storage underneath. That extra height could be ideal if you’re taller or want to avoid bending too low.

One way to figure out your ideal bed height is to use a favourite chair as your guide. Sit down and see what feels natural for your knees and legs. Then, measure this height and look for bed frames within the same range.

Additionally, make sure your storage bed is long enough for you to fully stretch out without your feet hanging over the edge.

Storage Needs

When deciding on a storage bed, think about how much accessibility you need for the items you'll be keeping inside.

If you need quick, daily access, drawer storage is a fantastic choice. It’s great for stashing away extra clothes, everyday essentials, or anything you need at your fingertips. With individual drawers, you can keep everything organised and easy to grab without rifling through piles.

For those bulkier or seasonal items that need a home,an ottoman storage bed is your go-to. With its large storage capacity and a smooth, easy-lift top, it’s perfect for bedding, holiday decorations, or things you only use once in a while. It keeps everything tucked away but still accessible when you need it.

Here’s a breakdown of your options to help you decide:

Storage Type	Description	Best For
2 Drawers	One on each side of the divan bed	Small, everyday items like bedding or clothes
4 Drawers	Two on each side of the divan bed	Extra storage for clothes, shoes, or accessories
End Drawers	One drawer at the foot end of the divan bed	Light items like books, shoes, or spare linens
Full Ottoman	A full-length lifting ottoman for larger storage	Seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or even sports gear that doesn’t need frequent access
Half Ottoman	A half-length lifting ottoman	Small-to-medium items like bedding, throw pillows, or things you need regularly

Flooring Type

On carpeted floors, the drawers on a storage bed can struggle to glide as easily because of the extra resistance from the carpet. Ottoman beds can also be a bit trickier to lift, especially on thicker carpets that grip the base tightly. If your room is carpeted, you might want to look for a storage bed with wheels or a lighter frame.

On the other hand, if your floors are hardwood or laminate, you’re in luck. Both drawers and ottoman storage beds glide almost effortlessly here. Drawers move without resistance, and there’s no friction to interfere with moving your bed. This is probably one of the most flooring-friendly options if you want a seamless experience with your storage bed.

For vinyl or tile flooring, while the slick surface helps drawers and ottomans move effortlessly, your bed might shift around your space if not stuck down. Protective pads on the frame’s base will fix that in no time and also guard against wear on the floor.

If you're looking for a storage bed that works on all surfaces, check out Furl's ottoman beds. They come equipped with smooth lifting mechanisms (even electric ones) that make accessing stored items super easy.

Material

The material you select for your storage bed can influence everything from durability to aesthetics. Wooden beds are a classic option, offering strength and a variety of styles like reclaimed rustic finishes or sleek polished hardwoods. They’re sturdy, warm, and look great with almost any decor.

Metal storage beds are durable, easy to maintain, and come in designs that are minimalist yet versatile. Aluminium, for instance, is lightweight and rust-resistant, while steel and iron beds have a bold structure with a lot of sturdiness to them. These are great if you’re into a cleaner, industrial-inspired look.

Wicker storage beds bring a light, relaxed feel to your space. Made from materials like rattan or bamboo, they’re especially suitable for styling coastal and bohemian bedroom themes. Wicker is lightweight yet durable and has a breezy, natural texture that blends perfectly with warm, earthy interiors.

If you want something softer and more inviting, an upholstered bed adds comfort with its fabric-covered frames. It’s nice if you like sitting up in bed with extra padding.

Room Size Guide for Storage Beds

Whether you're working with a small bedroom or a spacious master suite, choosing the right bed and size will help you make the most of your space and your storage options.

A single storage bed is a smart option for tight rooms or kid’s spaces, with under-bed drawers or lift-up options that make it simple to stash away toys or spare bedding. Ideally, these beds fit best in rooms that are at least 11 ft by 11 ft.

For a slightly bigger space, double or full beds provide more room and additional storage. You can put them in small master bedrooms or guest rooms, where you need a bit more functionality. To ensure you have comfortable movement around the bed, a room size of at least 12 ft by 12 ft works well.

Moving up, king storage beds are versatile and useful in master bedrooms, shared spaces, or even guest rooms that need extra organisation. Extra-deep drawers or hydraulic lift systems can fit everything from bulky winter blankets to your everyday essentials. If you’re considering a queen, make sure your room size is roughly 14 ft by 14 ft for optimal comfort.

If space isn’t an issue, a super king storage bed can completely transform how you use your room. With dual-sided drawers and compartmentalised under-bed storage, you’ll have all the space you need for organised living without bulky cabinets or wardrobes. Rooms with dimensions around 15 ft by 15 ft are ideal to accommodate super king bed specs.

For an Emperor bed, the minimum recommended room size is 16 ft by 16 ft, but ideally, you should have a room that’s 18 ft by 16 ft to account for the extra length. If you’re taller, or share your bed with kids or pets, the extra space means you can stretch out comfortably and still enjoy a good night’s sleep without feeling confined.

Bed Frame Size According to Style

In the UK, bed sizes are determined by the size of the mattress they’re meant to fit. So, when shopping for a new bed, make sure the mattress dimensions match the frame and will work well in your room.

For divan beds, the frame mostly matches the size of the mattress, so they sit flush. Wooden frames, however, tend to be a little larger, adding a few extra centimetres on each side. Upholstered frames can vary more, especially if they have decorative elements or a sleigh design.

If you're considering a storage bed, remember that the depth of the storage compartments can make a difference in the overall frame size.

Always double-check measurements and plan your room layout. At Furl, we offer everything from storage-friendly singles to luxurious Emperor bed sizes. Whatever your choice, our six depth options allow you to choose the storage solution that matches your unique home.

Our Mattress Size Guide

Choosing the right mattress for your storage bed isn’t as simple as picking a random size. While your storage bed can technically fit most mattress sizes, making the right choice will help you get both the comfort and function you’re looking for.

For instance, placing a twin mattress on a larger frame might leave noticeable gaps around the edges. And squeezing a king-sized mattress onto a smaller frame can compromise both support and aesthetics. You don’t want your mattress dangling over the edge of your bed; it looks awful. When deciding on the mattress size in the UK, you should also consider proportions and weight. A large, thick mattress might look overwhelming in a smaller room. Plus, keep in mind that overly heavy mattresses could put stress on the lifting mechanism of your storage bed, even if the frame is designed to handle weight. The best approach is to check the weight limits for your specific bed and aim for a balance between thickness, comfort, and practicality.

Now, let's talk about the different mattress sizes you'll come across — standard and continental. Standard sizes are typically used in the UK, while continental sizes are more common in Europe. Here's a breakdown:

Mattress Type	UK size	Euro Size
Single	80cm x 190cm	-
Small Double (Queen)	120cm x 190cm	-
Double	135cm x 190cm	140cm x 200cm
King	150cm x 200cm	160cm x 200cm
Super King	180cm x 200cm	200cm x 200cm

The continental sizes often have a length of 200 cm (compared to the UK's typical length of 190 cm for most standard sizes), so they’re a better fit for taller people. Whether you’re opting for standard mattress sizes or looking for something custom-made, selecting the right mattress has a big impact on the quality of your sleep.

At Furl, we offer a full range of both standard UK and continental mattress sizes as part of our collection. If you need something outside of the usual sizes, let us know. We may be able to accommodate custom requests.

Storage Bed Care Tips

Clean your storage bed once a month to keep your sleep environment fresh and dust-free for better health and comfort. Here’s how:

Vacuum both sides of the mattress with the upholstery attachment to remove dust.

For stains, use a mild detergent and a cloth, then let the mattress dry completely.

If your mattress starts to smell, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, rub it in with a soft brush, and leave it overnight before vacuuming.

For memory foam mattresses, check if the protector is removable and follow the care instructions.

Empty out the storage space and use a vacuum to clean any dust.

If your bed has a lifting mechanism, take advantage of the height to clean hard-to-reach corners.

After reorganising everything, vacuum under the storage bed and wipe down the skirting boards.

For upholstered headboards, vacuum dust and use a mild detergent for any stains.

Some headboards can be steam-cleaned, so always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

For leather headboards, use a soft brush attachment to remove dust, then wipe with a damp cloth and finish by buffing with a dry cloth.

Clean the bed frame using the same approach as the headboard. Make sure to get into all the crevices along the sides and bottom.

How to Assemble & Close a Storage Bed?

Assembling a storage bed might seem like a big task, but it can be quite straightforward if you approach it step by step. The first thing to do is clear some space in the room where the bed will go. It’s always a good idea to build close to its final spot — imagine assembling it outside the room only to realise it won’t fit through the doorway.

Start by putting together the main parts of the frame: the headboard, footboard, and side rails. Each brand and style will have slightly different instructions, so keep the manual handy. Once the frame is sorted, you can move on to installing the lifting mechanisms. This is usually the trickiest part, but as long as you follow the instructions specific to your model. Take your time here as often get this part wrong.

After everything is in place, give the lifting system a few test runs to make sure it’s working smoothly. The last step is adding the lower base and, of course, your mattress. While it’s definitely manageable to pull this off on your own, some brands, like Furl, offer delivery and free assembly services.

When closing the bed, make sure everything stored inside is organised and doesn’t block the mechanism. Gently press down, and the hydraulic lifts should guide the bed into place. Listen for that click — it means everything’s secure.

For safety, lock the bed once you’re done. The locking mechanism is usually easy to find at the foot or side of the frame. Electric lift ottoman beds are smoother to use, operating with just a button.

Final Words

From beds with convenient drawers for everyday essentials to larger ottomans for bulkier items, there’s an option that will help you stay organised without sacrificing comfort. Furl beds are available in various sizes and styles, with practical ottoman storage options that help you make the most of your space. Choose wisely, and you'll enjoy a tidy, restful room for years to come.

Storage Bed Size FAQs

What size is a single storage bed?

A single storage bed fits a standard UK single mattress (90cm x 190cm) with a slightly larger frame (94cm x 194cm) for storage space underneath.

Is a full bed big enough for two?

A full bed, also known as a double, can fit two people, but it might feel a bit snug. It measures around 135cm x 190cm. This gives each person about 67.5 cm of space to sleep. While it works for some couples, many prefer a queen or king-sized bed for more room and comfort.

Can you order a custom-sized mattress at Furl?

At Furl, we offer 8 standard mattress sizes that fit onto different bed sizes. We may be able to accommodate a fully customised bed, but please get in touch with our team to find out more.