Practical and stylish under bed storage ideas

You must make the most of every possible inch of storage space in a small bedroom and that void under the bed can become a vital area for stashing stuff. Check out these practical and stylish under bed storage ideas

Tight Space storage bed with Dumpling headboard, Loaf

There are several ways you can use the space under your bed for storage.  You can invest in a divan bed that comes with storage in the form of drawers, shelves, a vast cavity that's accessed when you lift up the mattress or a mix of all these. Or, you can choose a raised bed frame that you can stow under bed storage containers or stand alone drawers beneath. 

Beds with pull out drawers

When you think of beds with drawers, the traditional divan bed is the first shape that springs to mind. If you want a classic boutique hotel style feel, an upholstered divan with drawers is perfect. If you want something a little more contemporary, consider a wooden bed base with storage. The Bali Storage bed, shown above, comes with drawers, shelving, cubby holes, pull-down sections and even pull-out bedside tables.
If you do opt for a bed with drawers and want to go for bedside tables too, check that you will be able to open the drawers if a bedside table is alongside the bed.
Make sure that the drawers you go for are sturdy too. You don't want the bottom falling out of the drawer once it's filled with heavy shoes or handbags. 

Harrison lift-up storage bed, My Furniture

Lift-up storage beds

Lift-up storage beds, where the entire mattress lifts up to reveal the huge cavity in the bed base, are a relatively new innovation. These ottoman style bed storage areas are particularly useful for storing bulky items such as suitcases and duvets. Look for one that is powered by a gas-lift mechanism so that it is not heavy to lift. The Harrison lift-up storage bed, shown above, is also raised slightly above the ground on feet so that you can see a little beneath the bed, which will help a room to feel slightly larger too.

Silentnight Pocket Geltex 2000 Divan Bed, Silentnight

This new Silentnight Pocket Geltex 2000 divan bed features a lift up ottoman storage area at the foot half of the bed and the option for drawers in the top section.

Woood Stage Bed with drawers, Cuckooland

Child and teen storage beds

You can get beds designed for children and teenagers that come with built-in storage too. Deep drawers are particularly useful for storing toys, games and clothes. The Woood Stage bed, featured above, is a little wider than standard beds, but it comes with a built-in bedside table area.
Check out our buyer's guide to cabin beds

Dinkum in washed oak under bed storage drawer, Loaf

Under bed stand-alone storage drawers

You don't have to choose a bed with integrated storage, you can choose separate storage options that either match or compliment your bed, such as the Dinkum wooden under storage drawer, shown above.

Sealed fabric under bed storage trunks are another option. If you push them deep under your bed, you won't be able to see them when standing in the room. Look for ones with a sealed zip lid, as shown above, to keep everything dust free. 

Vintage suitcase, Scaramanga

If you are going to store items under your bed that are going to be on show, make sure that they are stored inside something attractive, such as a vintage suitcase or stylish box or basket. 

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More ways to make your little home feel larger