How to choose the right storage bed and declutter your bedroom once and for all - A Buyer's Guide

For any home, storage beds make the most of every square metre.

We'll walk you through the types of storage beds, how they work, and how to pick the one that suits your space and personality.

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What's a storage bed?

Storage beds serve a dual purpose!

They are a type of bed with built-in storage; you sleep on the mattress on top, while the bed base or inner frame contains drawers or compartments underneath to stash all your gear. Think towels, extra bedding, shoes, seasonal items, and even board games.

With more smaller homes being built across the country¹, these beds are becoming essential. Whether you're living in an older house, downsizing, or have ever shoved stuff under your bed and hoped no one would notice, this buyer's guide is for you.

Harvey Norman carries three popular storage bed types, from simple drawer bed bases to bedframes with storage drawers and gas lift bed frames with complete under-bed storage.

Popular storage bed types

Gas lift bed frames

The mattress base easily lifts with a gas mechanism, revealing a spacious storage compartment. This is handy in small homes, units, and baches—anywhere space is tight. It's ideal for city living, shared spaces, or downsizers, maximising every square metre.

Our gas lift range includes fully upholstered bedframes with a gas lift base, featuring both a headboard and base.

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Bed frame with drawers

The full works - frame, headboard, and built-in drawers all in one. Some are crafted from solid timber with stunning natural wood grains, so they don't just store your stuff - they look sharp doing it.

These are stylish, if you prefer things at arm's reach, or have a more traditional aesthetic. They can add a contemporary or rustic charm to any bedroom.

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Bed base with drawers

These fully upholstered bases come with one to four drawers, depending on the size and brand. Some drawers can handle up to 30kg, which is more than enough for spare blankets, winter clothes, or that pile of gym gear you swore you'd start using.

They are ideal for families or individuals who need daily access to storage.

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Storage beds: what's the appeal?

Clutter can be a mood killer, and according to a study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology (Volume 46), possession clutter has a strong negative impact on a person's well-being².

Storage beds are a fantastic way to keep clutter out of sight while keeping your essentials close at hand.

Live in the city? You're probably dealing with limited floor space.
Got kids? There's never enough room for all their stuff.

These beds aren't just tidy. They're practical. Even roomy homes can benefit!

Ever tried finding space for bulky winter duvets? Exactly. And in most cases, they mean you can skip buying extra furniture altogether.

What to look for and think about (without overthinking it)

We all want more room without giving up floor space. These beds are clever - they let you store more without adding clutter. Some make life easy with pull-out drawers. Others hide your stuff like a secret stash. Either way, you win. Let's break it down. Here's what matters:

The queen-size, Braga bed frame with drawers, with a drawer open, in a bedroom styled with natural elements. Matching bedside tables from the Braga collection sit on either side of the bed, along with matching bedside lamps and some ornaments.

How you open it

Lift-up or pull-out? Gas lifts are great when you want hidden storage. Drawers are perfect for frequent access, which older people may find easier to manage than lifting.

Space around the bed

Drawer beds need more room on the sides or the foot of the bed to open fully. Gas lift beds don't need as much horizontal space, but they do need room to lift vertically. Double-check that you'll have the clearance if you have a low ceiling, sloped roof, or loft setup. There's nothing worse than a bed that can't open properly.

Weight capacity

Some gas lift models are best with light mattresses, while bigger beds can take heavier mattresses. Choose a bed that can support the weight.

Designs

Wood, fabric, glossy? Headboard or no headboard? Lean and modern might suit city flats, while soft upholstery or timber might suit more traditional tastes. Some like the full setup, others don't. Pick what suits your style.

Your budget

Do you want the bells and whistles? Or do you only need more storage? If it's a flatting situation or a starter bed, simplicity is smart. If you're settling in long term, spend a little more for quality and finish.

You'll notice the difference over time. Whatever the case, aim for the best quality within your price range. Harvey Norman's finance options make purchasing easier and more affordable.

What sizes are available at Harvey Norman

This is a key factor to consider when choosing your storage bed. While standard sizes are available, the overall dimensions will vary depending on the bed's design. Be sure to check the dimensions on the product page.

Bed sizes / Storage bed types	Gas lift bed frames	Bed frames with drawers	Bed bases with drawers
Single
King single
Double
Queen
King
Super king
Californian king

Students might choose a single, king single, or double. Families? A queen or king, especially if two people use the bed daily. Whatever your situation, measure your room. Twice. Drawer beds require open space beside or at the foot. No one wants to realise they can't fully open a drawer because it hits a wardrobe.

Build quality - What's worth your coin

Not all beds are created equal! They need to be sturdy and reliable to support your beauty sleep and hold your belongings. Here are some key features to look for:

Solid wood

Long-lasting, hard-wearing and robust. Ideal for family homes or permanent setups.

Metal

You'll find steel hinges, gas lift struts and the internal mattress base frames made from steel.

Upholstery

Soft finishes are great if you're leaning towards comfort, also great in modern bedrooms.

Drawer runners

No one wants a drawer that sticks or falls off track - smooth glides matter, soft-closing drawers are even better!

Test it out in-store if you can. Please give it a wiggle. Open the storage. You'll know what feels solid. It'll be well worth it!

From entry-level to top-end beds - Which is right for you?

Entry-level storage beds

Expect good value! These are great for budget-conscious buyers. You can choose from gas lift bases like the Marlow queen-size gas lift bed frame, or simple drawer setups like the Trendtek 2-drawer queen storage base.

Marlow queen size gas lift bed

Cobar king storage bed frame

Trendtek 2-drawer queen storage base

Mid-range beds

This sweet spot is a reliable yet stylish option for families, couples, or anyone who wants quality without going all-out. Check out the Edge gas lift bed frame in queen size, the Olivia super king gas lift bed frame, the Palm Beach storage queen bed frame and the Designer silver drawer bed base by A.H. Beard. Our mid-range beds also have lovingly handcrafted New Zealand-made storage beds with premium-quality materials.

Edge queen gas lift bed frame

Palm Beach queen bed frame with drawers

Designer silver drawer bed base by A.H. Beard

Top-end storage beds

These beds bring the wow! Expect solid timber frames, plush upholstery, luxe finishes, LED lighting, USB ports, cupboard and shelving space in the headboards, long manufacturer's warranties (some boasting 10 to 15 years).

Some of our higher-end drawer bed frames can be made-to-order to suit your tastes. You can choose from various timber stains, upholstery fabrics and handles. Ideal if this is your forever bed, or you're giving your bedroom the full glow-up.

You'll really notice the upgrade in gas lift beds in the mid to high-end range, from the luxe upholstery to the maximum weight capacity.

Venice plain upholstered californian king bed frame

Venice button upholstered californian king bed frame

Grand Luxury Langham californian king bed base

Compare the types

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison of the bed types:

Feature	Gas lift bed frame	Bed frame with drawers	Bed base with drawers
Storage access	Easily lift the mattress base with the help of gas struts	Pull the drawers out from the bed frame	Pull the drawers out from the sides or front
Storage capacity	One large, open compartment	Separate drawer compartments (1-2). Drawer capacity varies.	Separate drawer compartments (1-4). Drawer capacity varies, with some that can hold up to 30kg per drawer (King Koil)
Room clearance needed	Needs space above to lift properly	Needs side or foot space for drawers	Needs side or foot space for drawers
Weight limit	Varies by product, with some items capped at 250 kg	Varies by product; some items have a 300 kg limit	Varies by product; some items have a 300 kg limit
Design options	Sleek, modern designs	Traditional, modern and upscale designs	Minimalistic, with plush upholstery
Assembly level	Moderate to high	Medium complexity due to extra parts	Easiest setup, some with no assembly required

Other things to consider

How you clean

Let's be honest - how often are you really vacuuming under the bed? If the answer is "not much" (or "what vacuum?"), then a storage bed is going to feel like a blessing.

No more dust bunnies setting up camp. With lift-up beds, everything's enclosed. Drawer beds are even better if you like things tidy, without deep cleaning every week.

For the neat freaks, you'll love being able to wipe down internal compartments and keep everything contained. For the rest of us, it's one less place to clean.

Do you have pets that treat the space under the bed like their personal cave?

No more fishing out missing socks or cat toys! All Harvey Norman gas lift beds have a wooden panel base at the bottom of the storage compartment, which keeps your belongings from touching the floor directly.

New Zealand Made™

Support local craftsmanship and curate your bedroom with quality. Harvey Norman's New Zealand Made™ range is lovingly handcrafted, and products can be customised to your tastes. Look for the New Zealand Made™ Kiwi trademark on our furniture!

Warranty cover

Our beds include a manufacturer's warranty. Coverage includes:

Any frame or material defects
Gas lift bed warranties cover fabric, frame and struts

Manufacturer's warranties range from 1 to 15 years. At Harvey Norman, we are committed to high-quality products. We also offer a fabric protection kit for the care of upholstered fabrics. However, if you're considering an extended warranty, our Product Care™ plan delivers added peace of mind by covering eligible faults for a specified period.

Need help deciding?

Pop into your nearest Harvey Norman for a free consultation with one of our experienced bedding specialists. They'll help you choose your storage bed and can also assist with the right mattress, bedding, and pillows to enhance your sleep. Our team will be more than happy to help!

Book a bedding consultation

Storage bed FAQs

A base is just the platform and drawers — it usually doesn't include a headboard or decorative features. A bed frame comprises the whole structure, offering design and storage.

Final take

Storage beds can give your bedroom an instant makeover and are a worthy investment. Whether you're living small in the city, wrangling the kids' clutter, setting up your first flat, or simplifying things for the golden years ahead.

While you may consider the initial cost of buying a storage bed outright, a trusty storage bed can last for years, even decades, when looked after properly. Harvey Norman's convenient interest-free payment options make purchasing more affordable with manageable monthly instalments.

If space is limited and there's little room for opening drawers, consider a gas lift bed for a chic solution.
Opt for a base with drawers for versatility and easy daily access to storage - perfect for families and students alike!
Choose a drawer bed frame if you want something stylish, user-friendly, and suitable for long-term setups.