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Optimize Your Bedroom Space With These Stylish Storage Beds

Reduce clutter and maximize space in the same place you rest your head.

The West Elm x PBT Headboard Storage Platform Bed on a blue background.

Real Simple / Marcus Millan

Given the fact that the average person spends about a third of their life in bed, it’s important that you choose the right one. If you have limited storage space or small living quarters, you may also want a bed that doubles as storage. The best storage beds combine functionality, style, and comfort. 

To determine the best storage beds, we scoured dozens of retailers looking at qualities like upholstery options, type of storage, price points, and assembly. We also sought out the advice of Janelle Cohen, professional organizer and author of The Folding Book, as well as Layne Povey, principal designer at Lynden Lane Co.

“Storage beds can be a great idea for someone whose bedroom does not have ample space, or if their closet space needs to be used for additional storage,” Povey says. “When shopping for a storage bed, look at interior stores that specialize in smaller space living or form and function furniture. Stores that offer beds that don't necessarily lose the design elements, but still provide the ability to use the bed as storage.”

What Stands Out
  • It comes in a great variety of upholstery options and is made from high-quality materials.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not suited for people who want a bed with a traditional look.

Available in four bed sizes and over 30 upholstery options, the Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Platform Bed is our top pick. Not only is this piece versatile and sleek enough to suit any existing decor style, but it also comes at a reasonable price for the quality. A solid wood frame ensures this bed is durable and supportive, while the metal legs give it a modern feel.

We love that the frame is compatible with adjustable mattresses, and you don’t need a boxspring. The drawers, two on each side, are easy to open and don’t require you to mess up your perfectly made linens to access them. Should you want help with assembly, Pottery Barn offers a “White Glove Service,” in which items are delivered and assembled by appointment for an additional fee. 

Storage Type: Side drawers | Materials: Solid pine wood frame, fabric upholstery, metal legs | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California queen

What Stands Out
  • This inexpensive bed is available in different storage configurations.

What Could Be Improved
  • The frame could be made with a sturdier material.

Priced well below the other beds on our list, but with the look of a high-end piece of storage furniture, the Meritline Upholstered Platform Bed is our favorite budget-friendly storage solution. This bed comes in a number of different configurations based on your storage needs, including a trundle bed with two side drawers, a bed with a storage ottoman at the footboard, a bed with four side drawers, and more. Each comes with a hassle-free (albeit somewhat tedious) assembly.

We love the tufted head and footboard details, as well as the linen upholstery that’s available in a number of neutral hues. The drawers are on wheels and not attached to the actual frame, which allows for seamless opening without pesky tracks or construction. It’s important to note that, despite being on Amazon, this bed frame is not Prime eligible, and shipping is quite expensive (but the bed still totals for less than than the other beds on this list).

Storage Type: Drawers or storage ottoman | Materials: Plywood and fibreboard frame, linen upholstery | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king

What Stands Out
  • This bed includes six storage drawers—more than all the other beds on this list—and is constructed with lasting materials.

What Could Be Improved
  • The wood finish options are limited.

For some, the best bed is the one at the best price, and for others, the best bed is the one that will give you years of use, no matter the price. The Matera Bed definitely falls in the latter camp, as it’s made with a solid walnut or oak base (the headboard is made from fibreboard with a wood veneer). It comes with six full-extension storage drawers—three on each side—the most of any on our list. Each drawer is designed with soft-closing guides that allow you to easily access clothes, shoes, linens, or other items straight from your bed without disturbing your partner.

The clean lines and beveled edges of this bed add to its luxe, contemporary feel. Both the headboard and the base come with large slots, a subtle design choice that makes it stand out from the norm. In-home delivery and assembly is available for an additional fee (starting at $349), and Design Within Reach offers a one-year warranty on all products. 

Storage Type: Side drawers | Materials: Solid walnut or oak base, fibreboard headboard with walnut or oak veneer | Sizes: Full, queen, king, California King

Best Lift-Up Storage Bed

IKEA Storage Bed

IKEA Malm Storage Bed

IKEA

What Stands Out
  • Thanks to its lift-up design, you can store an entire bed’s worth of belongings under your mattress.

What Could Be Improved
  • You aren’t able to access your storage while sitting in bed.

A classic for a good reason, the IKEA Malm Storage Bed is our favorite lift-up bed. While you can’t sit in bed and access the storage at the same time, we love that you get the entire bed size worth of extra space when you lift the mattress as opposed to just a few drawers. It’s made with a solid wood veneer that gives the look of real wood without the price, while the high headboard gives the illusion of luxury. 

The bed frame is only available in full and queen sizes and two colors (black-brown or white). Assembly is no more difficult than other IKEA pieces, but having a helping hand is recommended. The lift-up frame is easy to maneuver and surprisingly lightweight to open, even with a fully made bed.

Storage Type: Lift-up | Material: Wood veneer | Sizes: Full, queen

What Stands Out
  • This budget-friendly bed is upholstered with soft linen and features four pull-out drawers that offer substantial storage space.

What Could Be Improved
  • It has an involved assembly process.

Complete with four spacious drawers, the Kelly Storage Bed by Novogratz is an ideal budget pick for those who want spacious storage. While the frame requires substantial assembly, the hassle is worth it for the soft linen upholstery and durable frame.

Available in nearly every mattress size and number of different colors, this frame is great for kids' rooms or guest spaces. The four drawers are large and not attached to the bed frame itself, so you can pull them out completely if needed. This bed frame also ships quickly with an Amazon Prime membership.

Storage Type: Side drawers | Materials: Solid and manufactured hardwood frame, linen upholstery | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and kingc

What Stands Out
  • This bed has convenient cabinets in the headboard, allowing you to keep belongings within arm’s reach.

What Could Be Improved
  • There aren’t any drawers on the side of the bed frame, and its short legs make it difficult to use under-bed storage bins.

Although this West Elm bed was designed in collaboration with Pottery Barn Teen, it makes a great storage bed for teens and adults alike. The headboard features two closed cabinets and two open shelves to keep all of your bedtime essentials within arms reach—great for smaller bedrooms where nightstands aren’t an option. 

Available in white, acorn, pebble, or white oak, the bed is inspired by mid-century modern design but can still blend with a number of decor styles. The bed frame sits low to the ground, so it cannot fit most standard under-bed storage bins. This frame is also Greenguard Gold Certified which means it has met strict standards for low chemical emissions. 

Storage Type: Headboard storage | Materials: Solid and engineered wood with real wood veneer | Sizes: Full, queen

Best Bed With Footboard Storage

Joybird Storage Bed

Joybird Alvin Storage Bed

Joybird

What Stands Out
  • This bed comes in a great variety of upholstery options to match your space’s design style.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only has one drawer.

We like the Alvin storage bed for its clean, modern lines and large footboard drawer. While there is only one drawer, it’s deep enough to store extra linens and even holiday decor. Because of its easily accessible nature, it also works for everyday items such as shoes

Available in over 50 upholstery options, the Alvin bed is designed to complement all of your existing decor, no matter your design style. The frame has a durable feel and high-quality fabric, but it’s important to note that assembly is a bit complicated and the drawer is prone to catching if not installed correctly.

Storage Type: Footboard drawer | Materials: Wood frame, fabric upholstery | Sizes: Queen, California king, Eastern king

Best Storage Bed With Shelves

Apt2B Platform Storage Bed

Apt2B Meadowmere Platform Storage Bed

Apt2B

What Stands Out
  • This bed has generously sized cubbies instead of drawers, allowing you to display your belongings.

What Could Be Improved
  • It only comes in one wood stain option.

If you have items you'd like to simultaneously store and display, such as books, opt for a storage bed frame that relies on shelves and open cubbies for storage. We like the Meadowmere Platform Storage Bed from Apt2B; not only are the cubbies built into the platform base super easy to access and fill, but they are also surprisingly deep. Fit anything from shoes to bins filled with craft supplies or out-of-season accessories. 

The mattress sinks into the platform frame a bit for a seamless look. The bed frame is crafted from solid softwood, and though it’s currently only available in one wood stain, the dark tone gives off a sophisticated feel. This bed also ships fast, within five to 10 days from ordering, and comes with free delivery. 

Storage Type: Open shelves | Material: Solid softwood | Sizes: Queen, king, California king

What Stands Out
  • This bed is available in two headboard heights to best fit your space.

What Could Be Improved
  • It takes a while to ship because it’s made to order.

Crate & Barrel’s Arden bed has an oversized headboard that, along with the storage base, comes cushioned with a thick polyfoam and fully upholstered fabric of your choosing. For those with lower or slanted ceilings, the headboard is available in either a 52- or 60-inch height. 

Because the bed is made to order, it takes nearly three months to ship. It also cannot be returned or exchanged. However, we love the Arden’s ability to create a unique look without the typical custom furniture price tag. Plus, with three drawers (one on each side and one in the footboard), there’s ample storage for extra linens or out-of-season clothing. 

Storage Type: Footboard and side drawers | Materials: Pine and engineered hardwood frame, polyfoam and fiber cushioning, fabric upholstery | Sizes: Queen, king

What Stands Out
  • The drawers blend in with the bedframe, allowing you to discreetly store clutter.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t have a headboard.

Simple yet effective, Article’s Pactera Oak Queen Storage Bed is available in either an oak stain or a walnut stain, and the bed frame is crafted from a mix of solid and veneered wood. The soft-closing drawers glide with ease and don’t catch on the bed slats. 

The drawers are flush with the rest of the bed, which allows for a clean frame that doesn’t even look like a storage bed. Article’s pieces ship quickly within a few days from ordering, making this a good option for someone who needs a bed frame quickly. Just note that this bed does not come with a headboard, which adds to its minimalist look, but those who want a headboard should consider another option on our list (or purchase one separately). 

Storage Type: Footboard drawers | Material: Solid and veneered wood | Sizes: Queen, king

Best Leather Storage Bed

Article Rawhide Cigar Bed

Article Rawhide Cigar Bed

Article

What Stands Out
  • This bed is upholstered with full-aniline leather that wears beautifully over time.

What Could Be Improved
  • The assembly time is estimated to be one hour.

This plush bed is a stylish choice for anyone who prefers the look of leather. It’s upholstered from top to bottom with full aniline pull-up leather, which has a soft and smooth touch that feels just as luxurious as it looks. A storage drawer is tucked discreetly in the footboard, providing extra storage space that spans the entire width of the bed while keeping a sleek profile. 

While easy on the eyes, this bed requires some effort to assemble—Article says it takes one hour to put together, which may take longer depending on your DIY skills. Once put together, you can expect this bed to last for a while thanks to its solid wood frame and leather upholstery, so long as you stay on top of proper care and cleaning

Storage Type: Footboard drawers | Materials: Solid and veneered wood, polyester fiber, full aniline pull-up leather | Sizes: Queen, king

What Stands Out
  • This bed includes drawer and cubby storage, and it has a built-in opening for a lamp.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s only available in a twin bed size.



This bed combines storage drawers with headboard cubbies, giving your kiddo lots of places to hide clutter and keep their favorite belongings within arm's reach. The three drawers come with metal door pulls to make them easy to open, and they’re 40 inches deep, which offers lots of storage capacity. The drawers only open on one side, so you can place this bed against a wall and still be able to access your things. 

While it’s only available in a twin size, you can choose between three wood finish options—white, brown, or black—to match your kid’s bedroom. The headboard shelves also include an opening to fit a small lamp, ideal for compact spaces with limited lighting options. During assembly, you have the option to attach the headboard to either end of the bed, allowing you to customize its configuration to best fit your room.      

Storage Type: Drawers and cubbies | Materials: Wood | Sizes: Twin

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Platform Bed. Not only is the upholstery customizable, but we love that the solid wood frame is super durable and self-assembly is not required. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Meritline Upholstered Platform Bed is by far the least expensive on our list, and it comes in a number of different configurations so you can choose the storage option that best suits your needs.

How to Shop for Storage Beds Like a Pro

Storage Type

The type of storage you look for in a bed frame is highly dependent on what you plan on using it for. Povey says that storage beds are especially useful for dual-purpose spaces. “If you need to store office or workout equipment in your guest bedroom, opt for a bed with drawers,” she says. “Or, if you're designing a child's room that doubles as their playroom, get a bed frame with shelves for easy access.”

Storage beds come in a few different styles that can be broken into two camps: divan beds and ottoman beds. Divan beds typically come with drawers or cubbies around the base of the bed, adding some easy-to-access storage space to your room. While you’ll find different drawer configurations, most divan beds come with two to four drawers that you can open as you’re lounging. Divan beds are usually upholstered, but you can find some wooden options, like the Design Within Reach Matera Bed. 

Ottoman beds have a lift-up design, similar to a storage ottoman. They offer more storage space than divan beds because they give you the entire area beneath your mattress to keep your belongings. But, it’s harder to keep them organized since they lack drawers, and it can be inconvenient to lift up your bed when you need to access an item. However, ottoman beds have a sleeker frame and come in upholstered and wood options. For ottoman beds, we like the IKEA MALM Storage Bed.

Material

When choosing materials, think about your priorities. Solid woods will last longer and will ultimately feel sturdier than fibreboard and veneers. On the other hand, fabric upholstery adds cushion and comfort. Cohen says that wood is her go to, but if you like a different look, don’t overthink it. “If you prefer a linen bed, as long as it provides the storage solution you need—pick whatever goes with your aesthetic,” she says.

Sizes

What size storage bed you get largely depends on your space. For a child’s room, a twin or full bed frame usually suffices. However, for many of the beds on this list, the size of the storage drawers doesn’t change between a queen and a king size, so you can opt for the size you want (or the size of the mattress you already have) without worrying about sacrificing on storage. If you’re choosing between two sizes, think about what else is important to have in your bedroom—if you want an awesome nightstand (or two), a dresser, or even a desk. If it helps, measure the different possibilities out on your floor before you order; it can make a big difference.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity is the total amount of weight a bed can safely support, which includes the weight of your mattress, your stored belongings, and your body. A bed with an insufficient weight capacity is more likely to break, so it’s important to find one that can support your body weight to preserve its lifespan and prevent damage to your belongings. Beds come in a range of weight capacities, so take into account your body type (and the body type of your partner if you share a bed) before making a purchase. If you’re looking at divan storage beds, it’s also important to consider drawer weight capacity to ensure you won’t damage the drawers while storing your belongings.

Questions You Might Ask 

What should you store in a storage bed?

According to Cohen, what you store depends on the type of storage that your bed frame offers. “A storage bed that has drawers is best for storing out-of-season clothing or things you don’t have room for in your traditional storage spaces but still need easy access to,” she says. “Lift-up beds are good for things you don’t need access to every day—think Christmas decor items or guest bedding/pillows.”

Do you need to use a box spring with a storage bed?

In most cases no, you do not need a box spring with a storage bed. The majority of storage beds have storage in its base, which means the bed is similar to a platform. Unless specifically noted, your regular mattress can sit directly on the bed frame’s slats. Sometimes people will add a box spring if they want extra height or support, but it’s not necessary.

Are storage beds less supportive than other beds?

No, storage beds are not any less supportive than typical bed frames. They are built and come with the same slats and supports as a traditional frame. Unless you’re switching mattresses as well, most people don’t notice a difference. Cohen says that it’s the same mattress you’ve always had, so it won’t be less supportive, but it will be more functional.

Can you use an adjustable base with a storage bed? 

An adjustable base sits inside your bed frame, so you can’t use one if you have drawers or storage space within the base of your bed. Instead, you can consider storage beds with headboard storage only, like the West Elm x PBT Headboard Storage Platform Bed, which has a clear under-bed area that allows you to fit your adjustable base in your bed frame. 

Take Our Word for It

This article is written by Kate McGregor, a design and market editor who has written about the best in home goods and furniture for publications such as ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, The Expert, and Domino; and Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, we researched a wide range of storage beds, keeping in mind materials, upholstery options, durability, and price point. We also consulted Janelle Cohen, professional organizer and author of The Folding Book, as well as Layne Povey, principal designer at Lynden Lane Co., a firm that specializes in residential design and events.

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