Beds with Storage Buying Guide | How to Choose the Best Storage Bed
A bed can be much more than somewhere to sleep.
If you're short on bedroom space or simply want to keep the room more organised, a bed with storage can provide a practical way to create additional storage without taking up valuable floor space.
From children's beds with drawers and mid sleeper cabin beds with storage to bunk beds with cupboards, high sleepers with wardrobes and double beds with under-bed storage, there are many different options available.
But which type of storage bed is right for you?
This guide explains the different types of beds with storage, what you can store in them and what to consider before choosing one.
What Is a Bed with Storage?
A bed with storage is designed with storage space incorporated into the bed itself.
Depending on the design, this could include:
- Storage drawers
- Pull-out storage units
- Shelves
- Cube storage
- Cupboards
- Wardrobes
- Under-bed storage
- Storage compartments
- Bedside shelving
Some beds combine storage with other useful features, such as desks, sofas, wardrobes or additional sleeping areas.
This means one piece of furniture can potentially provide several functions.
For example:
Bed + Drawers + Shelves
or:
Bed + Desk + Storage
or:
Bed + Wardrobe + Desk + Storage
This can be particularly useful in bedrooms where space is limited.
See our buying guide to beds with wardrobes
Why Choose a Bed with Storage?
The main advantage is simple: you get additional storage without necessarily needing another piece of furniture.
A separate chest of drawers, cupboard or shelving unit takes up floor space.
A bed with integrated storage makes use of space that would otherwise be unused or difficult to access.
This can help create a bedroom that feels:
- More organised
- Less cluttered
- Easier to keep tidy
- More spacious
- More practical
For children's bedrooms, storage can be especially valuable because there are often lots of toys, books, clothes and other belongings to find a home for.
Check out our general guide to children's storage furniture, which includes advice on beds
What Can You Store in a Bed?
The type of storage determines what is most suitable for it.
Drawers
Ideal for:
- Clothes
- Toys
- Books
- Shoes
- Bedding
- Games
Shelves
Useful for:
- Books
- Decorations
- Toys
- School equipment
- Personal belongings
Cupboards
Useful for:
- Larger toys
- Clothes
- Bags
- Bedding
- Bedroom equipment
Wardrobes
Designed primarily for:
- Clothes
- Coats
- School uniforms
- Shoes and accessories
Under-bed storage
Particularly useful for:
- Spare bedding
- Seasonal clothing
- Toys
- Suitcases
- Items that aren't needed every day
Think about what you actually need to store before choosing the type of storage bed.
Beds with Storage Drawers
One of the simplest and most practical types of storage bed is a bed with drawers.
Drawers can be incorporated underneath the bed or into the surrounding structure.
They provide enclosed storage while keeping everything relatively easy to access.
A children's bed with storage drawers can be particularly useful for keeping toys, clothes and bedding organised.
Before choosing one, check how far the drawers need to extend.
This is important in smaller bedrooms.
A drawer might fit underneath the bed perfectly, but you still need enough clear floor space in front of it to open it fully.
Beds with Shelves
Shelving is another useful form of integrated storage.
Shelves are particularly good for items you want to access regularly.
For example:
- Books
- Alarm clocks
- Decorations
- Games
- Small toys
- School equipment
Shelving can also make a bed feel more like a complete piece of bedroom furniture rather than simply a bed with storage added underneath.
Beds with Wardrobes
If clothes storage is your priority, consider a bed with a built-in wardrobe.
Some high sleepers and bunk beds incorporate a wardrobe directly into the bed structure.
This can be particularly useful in smaller bedrooms because the wardrobe doesn't require a separate section of floor space.
A bed with a wardrobe can potentially combine:
Bed + Wardrobe + Storage
Some designs add a desk as well:
Bed + Wardrobe + Desk + Storage
This can provide a complete bedroom solution within a relatively compact footprint.
Beds with Storage and Desks
A bed with a desk and storage can be particularly useful for children and teenagers.
A mid sleeper or high sleeper can use the space underneath the bed for a desk, while shelving or drawers provide storage for books and school equipment.
This can create a dedicated area for:
- Homework
- Reading
- Drawing
- Computers
- Gaming
- School equipment
Instead of having a separate bed, desk and storage unit, you can combine several functions into one piece of furniture.
Mid Sleeper Beds with Storage
A mid sleeper with storage is a popular option for children's bedrooms because it raises the sleeping area enough to create useful space underneath without being as tall as a high sleeper.
Depending on the design, the area underneath can accommodate:
- Drawers
- Shelves
- Cupboards
- A desk
- Storage units
- A play area
Mid sleepers can therefore be a good compromise between a conventional single bed and a high sleeper.
If you want additional storage but don't need a full-height high sleeper, a mid sleeper cabin bed can be worth considering.
High Sleeper Beds with Storage
A high sleeper with storage makes even greater use of the vertical space in a bedroom.
Because the bed is raised higher from the floor, manufacturers can incorporate larger pieces of furniture underneath.
Depending on the design, this might include:
- Wardrobes
- Desks
- Shelving
- Drawers
- Sofas
- Storage cupboards
- Gaming desks
A high sleeper can therefore combine several pieces of bedroom furniture into one.
However, high sleepers are taller than mid sleepers, so you need to check the ceiling height and the manufacturer's recommended age before choosing one.
Bunk Beds with Storage
Bunk beds don't have to be just two beds stacked one above the other.
Some bunk beds incorporate useful storage into the design.
This can include:
- Drawers
- Shelves
- Cupboards
- Wardrobes
- Pull-out storage units
A bunk bed with storage can be particularly useful in a shared bedroom because two sleeping spaces and additional storage can be combined into one piece of furniture.
Some designs can even incorporate a wardrobe, creating a particularly space-efficient solution.
Beds with Storage for Small Bedrooms
If you're furnishing a small bedroom, storage becomes even more important.
The key is to make use of vertical and otherwise unused space.
A conventional bed might occupy a large part of the floor without providing any additional storage.
A storage bed can use that same footprint to provide additional drawers, shelves or cupboards. Our Best Bed for Small Bedrooms guide has more space-saving comparisons.
For a small bedroom, consider:
Under-bed drawers
Good for clothes, bedding and toys.
Mid sleeper cabin beds
Useful when you also need a desk or play/storage area.
High sleepers
Useful when you want to combine a bed with a desk, wardrobe and storage.
Bunk beds with storage
Particularly useful for shared bedrooms.
Ottoman beds
Useful when you want a large hidden storage compartment underneath a conventional-height bed.
Ottoman Beds with Storage
Storage beds aren't limited to children's cabin beds and high sleepers.
Ottoman beds can provide a large amount of concealed storage underneath the mattress platform.
Instead of using drawers, the mattress base lifts up to reveal the storage area underneath.
This can be particularly useful for larger items such as:
- Spare bedding
- Suitcases
- Seasonal clothes
- Blankets
- Storage boxes
Ottoman beds can therefore be an excellent option for teenagers and adults who want substantial storage without choosing a high sleeper.
Children's Beds with Storage
Children's storage beds can be particularly useful because children's bedrooms often have to accommodate a surprising amount of equipment.
A single room may need to provide space for:
- Clothes
- Toys
- Books
- School equipment
- Games
- Sports equipment
- Bedding
A bed with built-in storage can help keep these items organised.
The best choice depends on the age of the child and what else needs to fit into the bedroom.
A younger child might benefit from accessible drawers and shelves, while an older child may prefer a desk, wardrobe and larger storage cupboards.
Beds with Storage for Teenagers
Teenagers often have different storage requirements.
They may need more space for:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Schoolwork
- Gaming equipment
- Books
- Personal belongings
A high sleeper with a wardrobe and desk can therefore be particularly useful.
Alternatively, a conventional single or small double bed with drawers may be preferable if you don't want a high sleeper.
Think about how the bedroom is likely to be used over the next few years rather than choosing a bed purely around current storage requirements.
Beds with Storage for Adults
Storage beds aren't just for children.
A conventional-height double or small double bed with integrated drawers or ottoman storage can be an excellent option for adults.
This can provide additional storage without requiring a separate chest of drawers.
For adult bedrooms, consider how much storage you need and whether you prefer:
- Drawers
- Shelves
- Ottoman storage
- A larger storage compartment
A double bed with storage can be particularly useful where wardrobe and bedroom floor space are limited.
Beds with Storage and Sleepover Beds
Some children's beds combine storage with an additional sleeping space. Our Beds with Sleepover Beds guide has more on this option.
For example, a trundle drawer underneath the main bed may provide either:
- Storage
or:
- An additional guest bed
depending on the design.
This can be useful if you occasionally have friends or family staying overnight.
If sleepovers are your main priority, however, look specifically at beds designed around additional sleeping space rather than choosing a storage bed solely because it has a pull-out drawer.
Beds with Storage and Sofas
High sleepers can also combine storage with a sofa. Our Beds with Sofas Buying Guide covers this style in detail.
This can create a highly functional bedroom arrangement:
Bed + Sofa + Storage
Some designs go further:
Bed + Sofa Bed + Desk + Storage
This can be particularly useful for teenagers who want somewhere to relax and socialise while still having plenty of bedroom storage.
How Much Storage Do You Actually Need?
More storage isn't always better.
Think about what you actually need to keep in the bedroom.
For example, if you mainly need somewhere for clothes, drawers or a wardrobe may be the best solution.
If you need somewhere for books and decorations, shelving may be more useful.
If you need somewhere for spare bedding and seasonal belongings, large under-bed or ottoman storage may be preferable.
Make a list of the things you need to store before choosing your bed.
This will help you choose the right type of storage rather than simply choosing the bed with the most compartments.
Check the Storage Dimensions
Don't judge storage capacity solely by the number of drawers or shelves.
Look at the actual dimensions.
A shallow drawer may be useful for smaller items but unsuitable for bulky bedding.
Similarly, a shelf might look large in a photograph but have limited depth.
Check:
- Drawer width
- Drawer depth
- Drawer height
- Shelf dimensions
- Cupboard dimensions
- Wardrobe hanging space
- Internal storage height
Think about the items you want to store and compare their size with the available storage space.
Check How the Drawers Open
This is particularly important in smaller bedrooms.
Before buying, check which direction the drawers open and how much floor space is required.
For example, if your bed is positioned close to a wardrobe, another bed or a wall, you may not be able to open a full-size drawer properly.
Measure the room with the storage fully extended, not just when everything is closed.
Think About Access
Storage is only useful if you can easily access it.
Drawers that are used every day should be easy to reach.
Storage underneath a high sleeper may be accessible from one side, while some compartments may require you to move around the bed.
If the storage is primarily for items that aren't used every day, this may not matter.
But if you're storing school uniforms or everyday clothes, easy access is much more important.
Storage vs Floor Space
One of the biggest advantages of integrated storage is that it can reduce the need for separate furniture.
For example:
Conventional bedroom:
Bed + chest of drawers + wardrobe + desk
could potentially become:
Storage high sleeper:
Bed + drawers + wardrobe + desk
The exact amount of furniture you can replace depends on the design.
This is why storage beds can be particularly useful for smaller bedrooms.
What Material Should You Choose?
Storage beds are available in different materials and finishes.
At Family Window, you'll find beds using materials including solid wood and high-density particleboard/MDF components, depending on the manufacturer and model.
When choosing a bed, don't judge quality based solely on whether the product is described as "wooden".
Consider:
- Construction
- Bed frame
- Bed base
- Storage construction
- Drawer runners
- Fixings
- Guardrails where applicable
- Weight capacity
- Manufacturer
- Safety requirements
For high sleepers and bunk beds, correct assembly is particularly important.
Don't Forget the Mattress
Storage features shouldn't distract from the most important part of the bed — the sleeping area.
Always check which mattress size the bed requires. Our Children's Mattress Buying Guide covers sizing and depth for every bed type.
Children's beds can use different mattress dimensions, including:
- 90 × 190cm UK single
- 90 × 200cm European single
Some larger beds use small double or double mattress sizes.
Never assume that every "single bed" uses a 90 × 190cm mattress.
Also check the maximum mattress depth specified by the manufacturer, particularly for bunk beds and high sleepers where guardrail height is important.
Are Storage Beds Safe?
A storage bed should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and within its specified age and weight limits.
For children's beds, particularly bunk beds and high sleepers, check:
- Recommended minimum age
- Maximum user weight
- Guardrails
- Ladder or steps
- Mattress size
- Maximum mattress depth
- Assembly instructions
- Relevant safety requirements
Don't modify the bed or replace components with unsuitable alternatives.
For more information, see our Bed Safety and Is a High Sleeper Safe? guides.
Which Type of Storage Bed Is Best?
There isn't one best storage bed for everyone.
Best for clothes
Bed with drawers or wardrobe
Best for books
Bed with shelving
Best for small bedrooms
Mid sleeper or high sleeper with integrated storage
Best for a shared bedroom
Bunk bed with storage
Best for a desk and storage
Mid sleeper or high sleeper with desk and storage
Best for lots of hidden storage
Ottoman bed
Best for teenagers
High sleeper with desk, storage and/or wardrobe
Best for adults
Double or small double storage bed
The right choice depends on the room, the person using the bed and what you actually need to store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are beds with storage a good idea?
Yes. A bed with storage can provide additional storage without requiring as much additional floor space as separate furniture. They are particularly useful in smaller bedrooms.
What is the best bed with storage for a small bedroom?
A mid sleeper, high sleeper, bunk bed or ottoman bed can all be good options, depending on what you need to store and how you want to use the bedroom.
Are beds with storage suitable for children?
Yes, provided the individual bed is suitable for the child's age and is used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Are beds with storage good for teenagers?
Yes. Teenagers can benefit from additional storage for clothes, books, school equipment and personal belongings. High sleepers can also combine storage with desks and other useful features.
Do beds with storage come with mattresses?
This varies between products. Always check the individual product description to see whether a mattress is included or available as an optional extra.
Do storage beds use standard mattress sizes?
Not always. Children's beds can use either UK or European mattress sizes, so always check the exact dimensions required before buying a mattress.
Are beds with drawers better than beds with shelves?
Neither is automatically better. Drawers are useful for clothes, toys and other items you want to keep enclosed, while shelves are particularly useful for books and items you want to access or display easily.
What is a bed with built-in storage?
A bed with built-in storage incorporates drawers, shelves, cupboards, wardrobes or other storage into the bed structure, reducing the need for separate storage furniture.
Final Thoughts
A bed with storage can be one of the simplest ways to make better use of bedroom space.
Whether you need somewhere to put clothes, toys, books, bedding or school equipment, choosing a bed with integrated storage can help keep the room organised without adding another large piece of furniture.
For children's bedrooms, consider mid sleepers, high sleepers and bunk beds with storage. These can combine sleeping space with drawers, shelves, desks and wardrobes.
For teenagers and adults, conventional single, small double and double storage beds can provide additional capacity without changing the height of the bed.
The most important thing is to choose storage based on what you actually need to keep in the bedroom.
Measure the room, check how the drawers and cupboards open, consider how accessible the storage needs to be and make sure the mattress and bed specifications are correct.
With the right design, your bed can provide much more than a place to sleep — it can become an important part of the bedroom's overall storage solution.