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Since we spend almost a third of our lives sleeping (or attempting to do so), logic follows that bedrooms should be sanctuaries equipped with the best mattresses (mattresses specific to your needs like the best cooling mattress, best mattress for side sleepers, or best mattresses for back pain from the best place to buy a mattress, the best pillows from the best place to buy pillows, and best bed sheets from the best place to buy bedding. Even the best sectional sofas if you tend to clonk out on the couch. It’s crucial to create a room in which to retreat from the world and forget about problems while basking in a carefully cultivated order where everything has its place.
Unless, of course, like me, your bedroom is one of those with a woefully tiny closet and significant lack of storage space. In that case, you may feel as if your belongings are preventing you from achieving an optimal level of Zen, or even any level of Zen.
I live in a pre-war apartment in New York City with minimal closet space. While I do have two bedrooms, they are both quite small with room for a queen-sized bed, but not much else (the smaller room doesn’t even accommodate a normal sized dresser) which wouldn’t necessarily be a problem, but the rest of the apartment is equally remiss in providing any place to store clothing or linens. I could use the ‘bins under the bed’ approach, but I've never particularly liked that as things always seem to get jumbled up and unless you use a long dust ruffle, you can see them.
Thankfully, storage beds exist, which solves all of these issues while being both stylish and practical. These include beds with drawers or cubbies, as well as lift up mattresses or head boards outfitted with shelves. Storage beds usually cost more than regular beds, but they do mean you can probably forego buying a dresser. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes to complement a range of design styles. Here are some of the best options available.
What to consider when buying storage beds
Size
This is perhaps the most important. Not only do you need to make sure the bed will fit in your space, but remember to take into account that you need ample room to pull the drawers out – and that many storage beds have them on two (or even three) sides. If your bed of choice has a headboard with shelves, it’s going to take up more space than a regular bed of the same size. As my dad always used to say, “measure your space, then measure again.”
Storage type
The three main types of storage beds are those with cubbies or drawers on the bottom, pop-ups (where the mattress lifts up), and those with an integrated headboard shelf space. Which option is best for you depends on personal preference, but those with underbed storage in the form of drawers tend to be best for people who want to expand their everyday closet space. L while lift up beds are ideal for providing a space for things you won’t need to access on a regular basis.
Material
Storage beds come in a range of materials: upholstered ones made with linen, velvet, or microfiber, as well as various wood finishes. Beds constructed from solid wood will be sturdier than those made from MDF or engineered wood, though they will also be heavier. Which, in a bed, is a decidedly good thing.
Our top picks for the best storage beds
Best budget storage bed: Upholstered Platform Storage Bed with Classic Headboard and Four Drawers
This upholstered bed is comfortably under $500 and comes complete with button tufted head and footboards, offering a budget minded option that doesn’t skimp on storage space. The four spacious drawers roll independently from the frame with room for linens, clothing, and anything else you want to stow out of sight. It is available in three neutral hued colors to complement most décor. For the price it’s an attractive, sturdy option.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Queen
- Colors available: White, gray, beige
- Storage type: Side drawers
- Materials: Plywood, fiberboard, linen, velvet
- Weight capacity: 600 pounds
What we like:
- Budget friendly
- Spacious drawers
- Modern looking
- Comes in linen or velvet
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t include Prime delivery on Amazon
- Colors often sell out quickly, so check back for restocks
The bottom line:
An excellent budget minded storage bed with side drawers and a contemporary look.
Lifeand Queen Size Upholstered Platform Bed with Classic Headboard and 4 Drawers, No Box Spring Needed, Linen Fabric,Beige
Best wood storage bed: West Elm Quinn Storage Bed
The Quinn bed from West Elm features beautiful and modern wood fluting on the headboard, footboard, and drawer fronts (there are four, two on each side). The drawers slide smoothly on metal glides and each side also houses two storage cubbies, perfect for baskets or decorative bins. A solid bed, this one offers a unique, fresh aesthetic while also providing ample storage.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Full, queen
- Colors available: Natural wood/white, lacquer/haze
- Storage type: Side drawers (4) and cubbies (4)
- Materials: Solid wood, engineered wood
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
What we like:
- Wood fluting
- Drawers slide smoothly
- Solid construction
What we don’t like:
- Not available in king size
The bottom line:
Modern, wood bed with both storage drawers and cubbies.
West Elm Quinn Storage Bed
Best splurge storage bed: Design Within Reach Matera Bed
Featuring sleek, clean lines, beveled edges, beautifully slotted mortise and tenon corner joints, the Matera Bed from Design Within Reach ($6,695) hovers between functional object and sculptural work of art. Three storage drawers on each side equipped with soft-closing, stealthy quiet glides provide tons of room for clothing, bedding, and other treasures. This sturdy bed will last for years while never looking dated.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Full, queen, king, California king
- Colors available: Oak, walnut
- Storage type: Six side drawers
- Materials: Solid oak or walnut, walnut or oak veneer over MDF
- Weight capacity: 750 pounds (queen)
What we like:
- Sturdy, durable construction
- Clean lines
- Soft close drawers
What we don’t like:
- Shipping times can be long
The bottom line:
Sturdy, well-made, solid wood bed with ample storage in a classic style that will last a long time.
Design Within Reach Matera Bed
Best kids bed with storage: Max & Lily Twin Kids’ Bed with Storage
Fashioned from solid New Zealand pine wood, this twin sized bed from Max and Lily is the perfect addition to a kids’ bedroom for just $800. The two drawers (on castors) are separate from the bedframe and can be positioned to roll out from either side. Featuring clean lines and available in a range of colors, this bed fits in with a variety of decor. My favorite color is the rich, medium blue.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Twin
- Colors available: Natural, white, espresso, gray, blue, walnut, pecan, clay
- Storage type: Side drawers (2)
- Materials: Solid pine
- Weight capacity: 400 pounds
What we like:
- Available in multiple colors
- Made with a non-toxic finish
- Sturdy
What we don’t like:
- Drawers not attached to frame
The bottom line:
Stylish, sturdy, twin sized kids’ bed with two side drawers for storage.
Kid's Twin-Size Bed with Storage Drawers
Best bed with storage for teens: Pottery Barn Teen Cleary Captain’s Bed
This storage bed from Pottery Barn Teen would have been the answer to so many of my teenage dreams, especially the one for more space in my small (and, thankfully, unshared) bedroom. There are five pullout drawers and one cubby (which doubles as a step) for stashing clothing, art supplies, sporting equipment, books, and anything else a teen might deem precious. Plus, there are two pull out work spaces for homework, angsty journal writing, or drawing-three of my most favorite, nerdy, artsy pastimes.
For an even more elevated (and to satisfy all those Princess and the Pea aspirations), the Cleary Captain’s bed is also available in a loft bed style.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Twin, full
- Colors available: Walnut, white, beige, smoked charcoal
- Storage type: 5 drawers, 1 cubby, 2 pullout workspaces
- Materials: Solid wood, wood veneer
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds (twin)
What we like:
- Lots of storage
- Pull out work spaces
- Great for small bedrooms
What we don’t like:
- Some may not like how high the mattress sits
The bottom line:
High storage bed for teens with drawers, a cubby, and pull-out work spaces for use in small bedrooms.
Pottery Barn Teen Cleary Captain’s Bed
Best upholstered storage bed: Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Bed
Available in a wide range of made-to-order fabrics, the Jake Bed features a simple silhouette and metal legs which are available in different finishes including brushed bronze and gold. The drawers (two on each side) roll on rails and are adjustable to provide stability on floors of old houses. The upholstered finish is a high-quality contract grade like you’d find in a luxury hotel.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Full, queen, king, California king
- Colors available: Ash, dove, navy, smoke, and many more
- Storage type: Side drawers
- Materials: Solid pine wood, engineered wood, metal
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
What we like:
- Very customizable
- High quality
- Slender, understated metal legs
What we don’t like:
- Storage drawers not as deep as some others
The bottom line:
Well-made, extremely customizable upholstered storage bed available in 32 different fabrics.
Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Bed
Best platform bed with storage: Pottery Barn Stratton Storage Platform Bed
The third Pottery Barn entry on our list proves that the retailer really knows how to design with storage in mind. This storage bed is unique in that it boasts storage drawers on each side, in addition to the bottom for a total of six. Each operates on a bottom mounted metal glide raised from the floor, so it never catches on carpets or uneven wood flooring. With metal pull handles and a tightly upholstered headboard, the Stratton Platform Bed works especially well in traditional or cottage-inspired decor. Think, seaside Nantucket house.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Full/queen, king
- Colors available: White, brushed fog
- Storage type: Side drawers and footboard drawers
- Materials: Solid wood, linen, metal hardware
- Weight capacity: 600 pounds
What we like:
- Exceptionally well made
- Six storage drawers
- High platform height
What we don’t like:
- Only available in two colors
The bottom line:
Sturdy, high quality, traditional platform bed with as much storage as a full-sized wardrobe or dresser.
Pottery Barn Stratton Storage Platform Bed
Best storage bed with shelves: Apt2B Meadowmere Storage Bed
Made from solid wood and finished in a manner to allow knots, saw marks, and all the natural grain lines to show, the Apt2B Meadowmere Bed satisfies all your craftsman design checkboxes. Each side has three shelves or cubbies, with an additional two in the footboard for ample storage space. This platform bed is especially fun to style—this is the time to show off those decorated hat box and basket containers, along with your favorite books and accessories.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Queen, king, California king
- Colors available: Brown/espresso
- Storage type: Side and footboard shelves/cubbies
- Materials: Solid wood
- Weight capacity: 800 pounds
What we like:
- Craftsman design
- Solid wood
- Finish shows wood grain
What we don’t like:
- Only available in one color
The bottom line:
A solid wood craftsman bed with ample shelf storage on the sides and footboard.
Apt2B Meadowmere Storage Bed
Best lift-up storage bed: DHP Cambridge Lift Up Storage Bed
With a gas hydraulic lift mechanism, the DHP Cambridge Storage Bed provides tons of space under the mattress to stow seasonal linens, clothing, and shoes to manage the clutter in other areas of your bedroom. The button tufted headboard, footboard, and minimalistic lines makes it a perfect addition to the modern sleeping space. This bed is for those who crave the open, modern design aesthetic, but aren’t quite inclined to completely Marie Kondo their entire life. Why discard what you may need in the future—and can conveniently tuck away?
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Twin, full, queen, king
- Colors available: Black, dark gray, light gray
- Storage type: Lift up
- Materials: Wood, linen
- Weight capacity: 450 pounds
What we like:
- Clean, modern design
- Hideaway storage
- Easy hydraulic lift
What we don’t like:
- No locking mechanism on lift
The bottom line:
Sturdy, modern, minimalist bed with hydraulic lift up storage.
DHP Cambridge Lift Up Storage Bed
Best storage bed with drawers: Mr. Kate Moon Storage Bed with Drawers
Fitted with four plush velvet covered drawers and a curved headboard, the Mr. Kate Moon Upholstered Bed satisfies all your eclectic, funky, dramatic, velvet filled style dreams. Plus, with the included storage drawers (which are free-rolling and do not attach to the bed frame) it's super practical and functional. They are even equipped with a locking system that prevents them from randomly rolling out.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Full, queen, king
- Colors available: Blush, light gray
- Storage type: Side drawers
- Materials: Metal, wood, velvet upholstery
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
What we like:
- Curved headboard
- Plush velvet upholstery
- Funky aesthetic
What we don’t like:
- Very low frame
The bottom line:
Funky, velvet upholstered bed with matching, free-rolling storage drawers.
Mr. Kate Moon Storage Bed with Drawers
Best bed with headboard storage: West Elm Mid-Century Headboard Storage Bed
As a fan of all things mid-century (and those manufactured from actual wood), this platform bed with headboard storage from West Elm is one of my favorites. The storage shelves feature both open cubbies and closed compartments which you can access/configure via sliding wood doors. The West Elm Mid-century Headboard Storage Bed is made from FSC-certified wood in a Fair-Trade Facility in Vietnam.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Full, queen
- Colors available: Acorn, white, beige
- Storage type: Headboard
- Materials: Solid spruce wood, wood veneer
- Weight capacity: 600 pounds
What we like:
- Mid-century design
- Real wood
- Low platform
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t provide tons of storage
The bottom line:
Beautiful mid-century modern bed with headboard storage.
West Elm Mid-Century Headboard Storage Bed
Best bed with footboard storage: Rove Concepts Charlotte Bed
The Charlotte Bed from Rove Concepts features vegan-leather tufted over high density foam on the headboard, a wood veneer frame with metal brackets, and a hidden storage drawer at the foot that is hidden well. Perfect for modern, minimalist aesthetics, this heavy, well-made bed goes well with a variety of decors.
Specifications:
- Sizes available: Queen, king
- Colors available: Alesund, white
- Storage type: Footboard
- Materials: Walnut veneer, MDF
- Weight capacity: 705 pounds
What we like:
- Vegan leather
- Modern
- Solid and sturdy
What we don’t like:
- Drawer opening drags when on carpet
The bottom line:
Sturdy, modern, wood veneer bed with tufted headboard and hidden footboard drawer storage.
Rove Concepts Charlotte Bed
How we chose the best storage beds to recommend
We scoured thousands of online reviews and recommendations to find the best rated storage beds available. I took into consideration materials used, as well as functionality, sturdiness, and aesthetic properties (nobody wants an ugly bed no matter how practical it may be). I also tried to include options that would satisfy a range of sensibilities and styles. Many of the ones I included I’ve tested out in showrooms throughout New York City while shopping for my perfect storage bed solution.
The two I ended up buying after extensive angst and waffling were the West Elm Mid-Century Headboard Storage bed because I adore mid-century modern furniture and The Design Within Reach Matera bed because of its small footprint and simple lines (in a small room, anything too fussy looks overbearing to me).
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What should you not keep in bed storage?
Lift up storage beds are best for things that you won’t need to access on a daily or weekly basis such as seasonal clothing, extra blankets and pillows, or even holiday decorations. Beds with drawers can be used just as you would a dresser or wardrobe. That said, there are some things that aren’t ideal to stow under the bed: Anything breakable, important documents (which can be susceptible to light and air), and anything flammable (nail polish, perfumes, etc.).
Does a storage bed need a box spring?
In most instances, no. The majority of storage beds work similar to a platform bed base, whether that be wood slats or a solid base. I like a higher height to my bed (perhaps a throwback to childhood games of deadly crocodiles or alligators), so I use a boxspring. If you are going to add a box spring, keep in mind the overall height of the head and foot boards to ensure the end proportions are aesthetically pleasing to you.
How can I make my storage under my bed look nice?
If your storage bed features open shelves or cubbies, consider decorative bins, boxes, or baskets to organize and contain your possessions.
Are storage beds less supportive than other beds?
Absolutely not. They come with the same kinds of slats and supports as traditional beds. If you switch to a storage bed, you’ll likely not even notice a difference. Unless, of course, you change your mattress, too.
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