Storage Bed Frames: Practical Solutions for Every Bedroom
With space becoming more valuable in New Zealand homes, making the most of every inch matters.
Enter the storage bed. It’s an amazing solution that adds so much storage, without taking up space. They are designed with built-in storage space, allowing you to store items in drawers or hidden compartments.
For a more comprehensive understanding, check out our
storage bed buying guide before you decide.
Types of bed frames with storage
- Gas-lift (ottoman) bed:
- The entire base lifts up (don't worry, the hydraulics do the heavy lifting for you!) to reveal a massive hidden compartment.
- Suited for bulky or seasonal items that require long-term storage, such as extra pillows, duvets, blankets, small suitcases, special-occasion shoes, travel bags, and so on.
- Bed frame with drawers:
- These bed frames feature built-in drawers on the sides or at the foot of the bed.
- Ideal for storing everyday items you need to grab quickly.
- Think of gym gear, bed linens, craft supplies, board games, toys, and clothing.
- Bookshelf bed frame:
- These beds feature open shelving or a ‘secret’ flip-down compartment in the headboard to store books, decorative items, or personal effects.
- Some models even have LED lighting or a USB port built directly into the headboard.
- In spaces where a bedside table isn’t practical, a gas lift bed frame with integrated headboard storage can replace the need for one, while still giving you a convenient place to keep (and maybe even charge) your phone.
Why choose a storage bed frame?
Storage bed frames are a smart solution for combining style, comfort and functionality in one piece of furniture.
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- Maximise floor space without adding extra storage furniture
- Keep bedrooms tidy, organised and clutter‑free
- Store items discreetly out of sight
- Coordinate bedside tables, tallboys and lowboys with your bed frame for a cohesive look
- Available in a wide range of sizes, materials and styles
How do I choose the right storage bed for me?
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If you...
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Choose a...
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Have a narrow room and can't open drawers
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Gas-lift bed frame
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Need to grab things daily (like socks or sheets)
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Drawer beds
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Want to display books or charge your phone; no space for bedside tables
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Headboard storage bed
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What to check before you buy
A few simple checks can save you from daily frustrations and ensure you get the most out of your purchase.
- Drawer clearance & layout
If you’re choosing a drawer storage bed, make sure the drawers can fully open without hitting bedside tables or walls. In tighter spaces, a foot-end drawer design or a gas lift mechanism bed may be a better fit.
- Bed size, room space & access
- Make sure the bed size suits your room. Not just for sleeping, but for moving around it.
- Larger sizes, like Queen and King, offer more storage but take up more floor space.
- Also consider access - gas lift beds need vertical clearance, while drawer beds require enough side space to open fully.
- Always check measurements against your bedroom layout.
- Ventilation matters
A slatted base is the better option as it allows airflow around your mattress. This helps prevent moisture build-up, mould, and musty smells in your mattress and stored items.
- Drawer mechanism & flooring type
- Fixed runners or metal tracks help drawers slide smoothly without snagging on rugs and high-pile carpets.
- Drawers with independent wheels are usually better suited to hard floors.
- Weight capacity
Check the recommended weight limit. This typically includes the mattress + sleepers, so ensure it suits your household.
Do lift-up storage beds require a special mattress?
No, any standard-sized mattress (innerspring, memory foam or hybrid) will work. Provided the mattress isn’t too heavy or too light. Check the product descriptions or ‘Specifications’ tab for the recommended mattress weight limit.
Is it hard to lift a gas lift bed?
No, a gas-lift bed frame is generally not hard to lift, as the hydraulic pistons are designed to do the heavy lifting for you. Closing it requires a firm push downward. The mechanism provides a smooth, assisted motion that requires minimal physical effort. For everyday use, a drawer bed frame is a better option if you need to access items frequently, such as everyday clothes, socks, undergarments, current-season shoes, and bags.
Are storage beds suitable for children’s rooms or only for adults?
Bed frames with storage drawers underneath are suitable for both children and adults, as long as you choose a design that’s safe, durable, and appropriate for the child’s age.
For kids’ rooms, they’re especially useful for storing toys, clothes, and bedding. Look for features like smooth drawers and soft-close mechanisms for added safety and convenience.
