If you live in a flat or apartment in the UK, you know the key principle: space is a premium resource. Small rooms, low ceilings, and the complete lack of any built-in wardrobes mean that storage solutions in bedrooms become extremely valuable. And this is precisely why the top-quality storage bed frames in UK apartments are increasingly becoming a must-have.
Whether you opt for Ottoman beds with lifting mechanisms or choose a storage divan bed with drawers or a captain’s bed with hidden storage, today’s storage bed frames no longer look like bulky and ugly pieces of furniture. Instead, what you’ll get is a beautiful and stylish way to maximize your bedroom storage and minimize clutter.
In this article, we’ll cover everything about storage beds, from the types of storage bed frames in the UK to the best material for the job and popular storage bed frame UK retailers to the most frequently asked questions by flat-dwelling Brits.
Table of contents
Why Storage Bed Frames Are Essential for UK Flats & Apartments
In typical British apartments, particularly in cities like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, space on the floor is usually scarce once you’ve installed a double bed, a wardrobe, and a study table. This is when space-saving bed frames help.
A proper storage bed frame converts the empty area under the bed into the following:
- Drawers for storing clothes and bedding
- Hydraulic lift system (ottoman bed)
- Roll-out guest bed/tray for additional sleeping space or toy storage
- Built-in shelving units around the bedhead or bedside areas
In comparison to plastic underbed containers, storage beds provide an integrated design, more durability, and easy access. When it comes to studio apartments, a bed with an integrated wardrobe and/or desk and storage becomes literally two furniture items in one.
Key takeaway: Proper storage beds give you additional wardrobe space, eliminate the need for drawers, and make your bedroom seem twice as big!
The Main Types of Storage Bed Frames for Small Flats
Storage beds come in different categories. Here are the common types of storage beds in the United Kingdom.
1. Ottoman Lift-Up Bed Frames (Most Popular)
The Ottoman lift-up bed frame utilizes either gas lift or hydraulics to lift the mattress and create a spacious area beneath it for storage purposes. There is an option of having an end-opening bed frame that works best against a wall and a side-opening, which is useful where there are obstacles at the foot end of the bed.
Best for: Deep storage (seasonal clothes, suitcases, spare duvets)
Space rating: ★★★★★
Popular in UK: Yes, especially grey ottoman beds, velvet storage beds, and low ottoman beds for attic flats
2. Bed Frames with Built-in Drawers
They appear to be conventional beds, but instead of having drawers inside, they feature drawers sliding out from either the side or the foot-end of the bed. Drawer bed frames offer more convenience than ottomans since there is no need for lifting.
Best for: Daily items (jumpers, jeans, kids’ toys)
Space rating: ★★★★☆
Example: Divan bed with drawers, captain’s bed UK
3. Divan Beds with Drawers
The traditional design of divan bed frames uses a wooden box mounted on wheels, which can also have two or four drawer units incorporated into the frame. These are cheap, light, and readily available. Most furniture stores in the UK provide divans with drawers in compact double bed sizes.
Best for: Budget-conscious flat-dwellers
Space rating: ★★★☆☆ (less depth than ottoman)
4. Trundle Storage Beds
A trundle bed is one with an extra mattress (or deep drawer) beneath that slides out. Perfect for studio apartments or rooms shared by children. Some even provide more drawers to store toys and linens.
Best for: Guest-ready studios & kids’ rooms
Space rating: ★★★★☆
5. Murphy Beds with Storage
Murphy beds are ideal for small studio apartments since they fold into a wall cabinet with shelves (or a desk) built in and provide plenty of storage space, but they tend to be a lot more expensive than other types of convertible bed frames, making them the most versatile option available today.
Best for: Micro-flats & home offices that become bedrooms
Space rating: ★★★★★
Best Materials & Styles for UK Flats & Apartments
To have a storage bed that can withstand the dampness from the stairs, be small enough for stairways, and still look nice in your rental property, here are some of the best beds for storage.
Wooden Storage Bed Frames
Solid wood bed frames with storage are strong, timeless, and suitable for period-style flats. White storage bed designs look great in modern-style or airy flats. Scandi-style storage beds have a mix of light-colored wood and clean lines.
Upholstered Options
An upholstered storage bed made of a soft material such as velvet, linen, or grey will be a perfect addition to north-facing flats. The headboard can double as a place to sit while reading. The top-selling storage bed style in the UK is the grey ottoman bed. The reason is that grey does not show dirt well, and it matches most other types of decor.
Industrial & Compact Narrow Frames
Use a narrow storage bed frame in smaller second bedrooms or box room apartments (e.g., a 3’0” single and a 4’0” small double). A low-profile storage bed will fit well if there are sloped ceilings (a common occurrence in converted Victorian properties).
Conclusion
Residing in a flat or an apartment in the UK will always mean having to make some sacrifices in terms of space. However, your bed frame does not need to be one of them. As we’ve found out, the most effective bed frames with storage for UK flats and apartments are more than mere supports for mattresses. In fact, they function as substitutes for large wardrobes, eradicate mess, and make unused under-bed space useful.
The mechanism you select for your bed frame should depend on the size of your room and its intended purpose. For instance, gas-lift ottoman beds are great for storing heavy items, while divan beds with drawers are useful for accessing items on a daily basis. In addition, captain beds serve multiple purposes, and their mechanism should be chosen accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The storage bed will save you from the expense of purchasing both a chest of drawers and a wardrobe as well. With an average cost of £300 to £600 (e.g., cheap storage bed frames in the UK), it gives you about 2 or 3 large suitcases of storage.
Yes, but only if your bedroom is 10′ x 10′. Select the side-opening ottoman king-size option and not the one requiring space under the bed. You’ll find king-size storage beds with gas lifts offered by John Lewis and Habitat, suitable for modern flats.
More storage space goes to the ottomans (up to twice the divan space). But affordability and accessibility favor divans since you don’t have to lift the top part. Buy divans for your spare room and ottomans for the bedroom.
