Storage Beds

We would start with the space at the foot of the bed. A lift-up platform needs room for you to stand while the deck and mattress are open, so measure from the foot of the frame to the nearest wall or dresser before you choose. The headboard height is the same on this page, so the wall width and that lifting space matter more when you compare pieces.

Next, ask how often you will open the storage. If it is once or twice a season, a simple lift-up frame in linen or corduroy will do the job. If you reach under the bed every week, look for a frame that stays steady when the platform is up and leaves you room to stand to one side. Most of these beds take a mattress without a box spring. That leaves you room in the budget for a better mattress.

The feature worth paying for is charging you will actually use. If you plug in a phone by the bed every night, a frame with a built-in outlet keeps the floor clear and the cord out of the way. The feature to skip is lighting if you already have a lamp you like. A reading light on a headboard is easy to ignore once the room is set up, and we would put the money into solid wood or steel under the upholstery instead.

These beds will not suit a tight room with a low ceiling or a tall dresser right at the foot. They are also a poor choice if you need to store deep bins or luggage. The area around a lift platform is best for flat things like linens, blankets and off-season clothes, not for bulky items. If that is what you have, a closet or a dresser will do the job better than a platform bed.