Quick answer: A storage bed is worth it if floor space or storage is tight. It reclaims the dead space under the mattress — via built-in drawers or a gas-lift base — giving you storage roughly equal to a small dresser without taking up extra floor area. The trade-offs: they cost a little more, are heavier to move, and gas-lift versions need clearance above the bed to open.
What is a storage bed?
A storage bed is a bed frame designed to use the space beneath the mattress. There are two main types: drawer storage (drawers built into the base that slide out from the side or foot) and gas-lift storage (the whole mattress platform lifts up on hydraulic struts to reveal a large compartment underneath).
The pros
- Reclaims wasted space — ideal for apartments and smaller bedrooms.
- Reduces clutter — store linen, off-season clothing or spare bedding out of sight.
- Can replace a dresser — freeing up floor space elsewhere in the room.
- Keeps the room calm — less visible furniture, cleaner lines.
The cons
- Higher price than a basic frame of the same size.
- Heavier and harder to move or reposition.
- Gas-lift needs overhead clearance to lift the platform fully.
- Drawer versions need side clearance for the drawers to open.
Who should buy one?
Storage beds suit renters and apartment dwellers, small or built-in bedrooms, and anyone short on wardrobe space. If you have a large room with plenty of wardrobes, a standard frame plus a tallboy or dresser may give you more flexible storage for less.
Frequently asked questions
Are storage beds worth the extra money?
Yes if you're short on storage or floor space — the under-bed compartment can replace a dresser, so the extra cost often pays for itself in saved space. In a large room with ample wardrobes, the benefit is smaller.
Do storage beds need a special mattress?
No. Storage beds take standard Australian-size mattresses. Just match the mattress size to the frame and check the recommended mattress depth on the product page.
Gas-lift or drawers — which is better?
Gas-lift gives one large open compartment and needs overhead clearance; drawers give divided, easy-access storage and need side clearance. Choose gas-lift for bulky bedding, drawers for everyday items.
Can a storage bed sit on carpet?
Yes. Drawer beds glide fine on carpet, though very thick pile can add friction; gas-lift beds are unaffected as the storage opens upward.
Browse: storage bed frames · all bed frames. New to buying a bed? Start with our bedroom furniture buying guide. Every order ships Australia-wide — online-only, warehouse-direct.
