Struggling to find enough space for your things? It’s easy for bedrooms to get overrun with our clothes, blankets, books and all the little knickknacks we’re bound to pick up along the way. Storage beds offer an innovative alternative to traditional storage by having space included in the frame of the bed itself.
The best storage bed will fit your criteria and personal aesthetic. For instance, if you want a sleek, modern adult-size bed with drawer storage, the DHP Dakota Upholstered Platform Bed with Storage Drawers would be an ideal choice for you.
What to know before you buy a storage bed
Drawers vs. under-bed storage
Storage beds come with two types of storage. Drawers may be built into the sides of the bed, pulling out like traditional dresser drawers. This style is helpful because it gives you more organization; some drawers can be used for books, others for clothes, etc.
The second style of bed storage, at first glance, appears to be a regular bed frame, but it lifts up to reveal under-bed storage. This style can be less visually intrusive compared to drawers, but it may not be as easy to keep organized without dividers or boxes that fit underneath.
For more information about other storage products to help you get organized, check out the full under-bed storage bin buying guide from BestReviews.
Sizing
As with any bed frame, storage beds come in twin, full, queen or king sizes. Check the dimensions of your room and your mattress (if you already have one) to make sure that everything will fit accordingly. Remember: the bigger the frame, the more storage the bed will offer.
Make, style and color
Aside from its storage capabilities, your bed is still a bed, and all the other considerations you’d take into account for the look of a bed should factor in here. Do you want it to be exposed wood, or painted a particular color? Are you looking for something sleek and modern, or more traditional and refined? Keep your particular taste in mind, and look for beds that come in multiple color options.
Storage bed features
Headboard or no headboard
A headboard will give you more support for pillows, as well as for sitting upright in your bed. If you plan on placing the head of the bed up against a wall, you may not need a headboard.
Height of the bed
Some beds lift about a foot from the ground, and others rise much higher. Users may have a particular preference for one height or another, but keep in mind that taller beds typically offer more storage space.
Weight limit
Beds come with weight limits. With adult-size beds, this is rarely an issue. However, with child-size beds or twin-size beds, there may be a weight limit, which may prove to be an issue.
Storage bed cost
Storage beds vary in cost depending on the size, materials (e.g., wood is more expensive than metal) and the cost of construction. They can cost between $400 and $800.
Storage bed FAQ
Are storage beds comfortable?
A. Yes! As long as your bed is well constructed and provides proper support for your mattress, you’ll be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep. In reality, most of the comfort of a bed depends on the mattress you choose.
What’s the difference between a storage bed and a Murphy bed?
A. A Murphy bed — otherwise known as a wall bed or pull-down bed — is attached to the wall when not in use, and it folds down from the wall to the ground when it’s time to go to bed. While it’s ideal for small spaces, it doesn’t give you any storage space to put away items. On the other hand, a storage bed isn’t mounted to the wall, doesn’t have to be pulled out to be used and offers space (either on the side of the bed or on the interior) for you to store your items.
Which storage bed should I get?
Best of the best storage bed
DHP Dakota Upholstered Platform Bed with Storage Drawers: available at Amazon
Our take: This chic, faux-leather design offers ample style at a steal of a price.
What we like: This bed comes in twin, full, queen and king sizes. It’s available in multiple colors and comes with four pull-out drawers. It is built with a metal center, side rails and wooden slats for added support.
What we dislike: Some customers complained that the supports broke shortly after purchase.
Best bang for your buck storage bed
DHP Cambridge Upholstered Linen Platform Bed: available at Amazon
Our take: This out-of-sight model will keep your bedroom space looking tidy and neat.
What we like: This bed offers a gas-lifting mechanism that reliably and safely opens up to storage underneath. It includes a chic headboard and footboard.
What we dislike: Compared to pulling out a drawer, this storage is somewhat more difficult to access. Users reported that it is occasionally difficult to shut fully.
Honorable mention storage bed
Broyhill Kids Marco Island Captain’s Bed with Trundle Bed and Drawers: available at Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond
Our take: This adorable trundle bed offers plenty of storage space for your child.
What we like: It’s available in twin or full sizes, meaning it’s perfect for children and smaller teenagers. It comes in espresso, white or gray colors, and it offers three drawers for storage. The bottom trundle unit can be hidden underneath or pulled out completely. Buyers report that it’s easy to assemble.
What we dislike: This bed has a weight capacity of 200 pounds, making it more appropriate for children than adults.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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