Storage beds have transformed from compromise solutions to premium furniture investments. In 2025, UK homeowners recognise that the space beneath a bed represents valuable real estate – often equivalent to an entire wardrobe’s capacity. But not all storage beds are created equal. Mechanism quality, storage depth, build integrity, and long-term durability separate exceptional brands from those offering shallow drawers and fragile frames.
We’ve curated the top 5 storage bed brands in the UK based on storage capacity, engineering quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re maximising a compact bedroom or simply seeking smarter organisation, this guide will help you invest in storage that actually works.
Comparison Table
# | Brand | Location | Storage Type | Storage Depth | Key Features | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Furl | Nottingham (Made in UK) | Ottoman/Gas-lift | Up to 40cm (deepest in UK) | Bespoke, British-made, reinforced bases, effortless mechanisms | 5/5 |
2 | Savoir Beds | London | Ottoman/Manual lift | 30-35cm | Luxury craftsmanship, handmade, premium materials, bespoke service | 4/5 |
3 | Hypnos | Buckinghamshire | Ottoman/Gas-lift | 25-32cm | Royal Warrant holder, quality mechanisms, sustainable materials | 4/5 |
4 | Ottoman Beds | Online (UK) | Ottoman/Gas-lift | 25-30cm | Specialist focus, range of fabrics, competitive pricing | 4/5 |
5 | Millbrook Beds | Hampshire | Ottoman/Drawer options | 20-28cm | Heritage craftsmanship, handmade in UK, quality materials | 4/5 |
Top 5 Storage Bed Brands
1. Furl
For over 16 years, Furl has been engineering Britain’s most innovative storage beds – combining unprecedented storage depth, effortless access, and craftsmanship that transforms bedroom organisation.
Why Furl Dominates Storage Bed Innovation:
Furl’s ottoman beds offer up to 40cm of storage depth – the most generous in the UK market. This isn’t incremental improvement; it’s genuinely transformative capacity. Full suitcases, seasonal wardrobes, sports equipment, Christmas decorations – items that normally consume wardrobe or loft space fit comfortably beneath your bed.
Engineering That Works Daily:
Every Furl storage bed features gas-assisted or electric lift mechanisms that raise easily and stay open, offering full access without strain. Unlike cheaper alternatives requiring two people or causing back strain, Furl’s systems are designed for daily, single-person use.
British Craftsmanship, Bespoke Quality:
All Furl furniture is handcrafted in Nottingham workshops by skilled makers. No outsourcing, no mass-production – just precision manufacturing ensuring consistent quality. Reinforced bases support heavy loads without warping or sagging over time, a critical consideration often overlooked in storage bed design.
Specialties:
- Industry-leading 40cm storage depth
- Gas-assisted and electric lift options
- Reinforced bases for heavy-load capacity
- Full bespoke customisation (dimensions, fabrics, headboards)
- Modular delivery for tight access
- Professional on-site assembly included
Built for Longevity:
Furl’s warranty structure reflects genuine confidence: 5 years on mechanisms, 2 years on upholstery, 1 year on mattresses and accessories, with lifetime repair support for minor faults. Parts are serviceable and repairable, extending product lifespan and reducing waste.
The Complete Experience:
Free home measuring ensures perfect fit. Professional installation means your bed is assembled correctly in the room it’s meant for. A 60-day risk-free trial on selected products removes purchase anxiety. This isn’t just buying furniture – it’s investing in a complete service experience.
Ready to maximise your bedroom with Britain’s deepest storage beds? Discover handcrafted quality that combines beauty, functionality, and engineering excellence.
2. Savoir Beds
Savoir Beds represents the luxury end of British bed-making, handcrafting bespoke beds in London workshops since 1905. Their storage bed options combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary functionality.
Specialties:
- Handmade luxury beds with storage options
- Ottoman lift mechanisms
- Premium natural materials
- Bespoke service and customisation
- Heritage craftsmanship expertise
Savoir’s approach prioritises sleep quality first, storage second. Their ottoman bases use manual or assisted lift mechanisms with storage depths around 30-35cm. The focus is premium materials, meticulous construction, and personalised service. Expect investment-level pricing reflecting London craftsmanship and luxury positioning.
3. Hypnos
Hypnos has been manufacturing beds in Buckinghamshire since 1904, holding a Royal Warrant as bed manufacturer to Her Majesty The Queen. Their storage bed range combines heritage expertise with modern engineering.
Specialties:
- Ottoman storage beds with gas-lift mechanisms
- Sustainable and natural materials
- British manufacturing heritage
- Royal Warrant quality standards
- Range of storage depths (25-32cm)
Hypnos storage beds offer reliable mechanisms and quality construction at various price points. Their commitment to sustainable materials and British manufacturing appeals to buyers valuing provenance. Storage depths are respectable though not market-leading, with focus on mechanism smoothness and frame durability.
4. Ottoman Beds
Ottoman Beds specialises exclusively in storage bed solutions, operating primarily online with competitive pricing and wide fabric selection. Their focused product range demonstrates deep category expertise.
Specialties:
- Specialist ottoman bed focus
- Gas-lift mechanisms across range
- Extensive fabric and colour options
- Competitive online pricing
- Storage depths 25-30cm
The brand’s online-first model keeps costs accessible while offering reasonable customisation. Mechanisms are generally reliable, though build quality varies by price point. Storage depths are industry-standard rather than exceptional. Good option for budget-conscious buyers seeking decent storage without premium pricing.
5. Millbrook Beds
Millbrook Beds has been handcrafting mattresses and beds in Hampshire since 1946, offering British-made storage solutions with heritage craftsmanship. Their storage beds combine traditional techniques with contemporary functionality.
Specialties:
- Handmade in Hampshire
- Ottoman and drawer storage options
- Quality materials and construction
- British manufacturing heritage
- Storage depths 20-28cm
Millbrook’s strength lies in mattress expertise extending to bed bases. Their storage options tend toward traditional drawer systems alongside ottoman lifts. Storage depths are modest compared to specialist ottoman manufacturers, but build quality and material integrity are consistent strengths.
What to Look For in a Storage Bed
Storage bed purchases require more scrutiny than standard bed frames. Here’s what separates exceptional storage solutions from disappointing investments:
Actual Usable Depth
Manufacturers often advertise “storage height” including frame thickness, resulting in misleading figures. Ask for actual internal clearance. A bed claiming 30cm storage might offer only 22cm usable space after accounting for frame, mechanism, and mattress base. Measure what you intend to store and ensure genuine fit.
Mechanism Quality and Effort
Test the lift mechanism repeatedly. Does it raise smoothly with one hand? Does it stay open at full height without holding? Cheap gas struts fail within months, requiring awkward propping or dangerous slam-downs. Quality mechanisms should feel effortless and inspire confidence in daily use.
Base Reinforcement
Ottoman storage bases experience significant stress when lifted fully loaded. Cheap bases warp, bow, or crack under weight. Look for reinforced construction – internal bracing, robust materials, and engineered strength. Ask about weight capacity and base warranty coverage specifically.
Access Configuration
Consider how you’ll actually access storage. End-lift ottomans require bed-end clearance. Side-lift designs need bedroom layout compatibility. Drawer systems offer easier access to specific items but reduce total capacity. Match access method to your room layout and usage patterns.
Assembly and Delivery
Large storage beds rarely fit through standard doorways as single pieces. Quality manufacturers deliver in sections with professional assembly included. This ensures proper mechanism installation and eliminates damage risk from forcing furniture through tight spaces.
Long-Term Serviceability
Mechanisms wear with use. Can parts be replaced? Does the manufacturer stock spares? What’s the warranty on lifting mechanisms specifically? British manufacturers typically offer better long-term support than imported beds where parts availability is uncertain.
FAQs
How much weight can storage beds actually hold?
Quality storage beds should support 100-150kg of stored items without structural issues, though this varies significantly by manufacturer. Furl’s reinforced bases are engineered for heavy-load capacity, supporting full suitcases and dense storage without warping. Cheaper beds may claim similar capacity but lack the internal bracing to prevent sagging over time. Always ask for specific weight ratings and whether the warranty covers base structural integrity under load. If a manufacturer won’t specify capacity, that’s often a red flag.
Are gas-lift mechanisms reliable for daily use?
High-quality gas struts are extremely reliable, often lasting 10+ years with daily use. However, cheap mechanisms fail within 6-18 months, particularly when lifting heavy loads repeatedly. The key is strut quality and quantity – sufficient struts properly rated for bed size and typical load. Reputable manufacturers use commercial-grade mechanisms with proven longevity. Warning signs include mechanisms requiring significant force to lift or beds that won’t stay open reliably. Electric lift options eliminate gas strut concerns entirely but add cost and require power access.
What’s better – ottoman storage or drawer storage beds?
Ottoman storage offers significantly more capacity (the entire bed base lifts, revealing full under-bed space), making it superior for bulky items, seasonal storage, or maximum organisation. Drawer storage provides easier access to frequently-used items without lifting the entire mattress but reduces total capacity by 40-60% due to drawer mechanisms and wasted space. Choose ottoman for maximum storage and infrequent access; choose drawers for regular access to specific items. Some beds offer hybrid solutions, though these typically compromise both functions.
Can I use any mattress with a storage bed?
Most storage beds accommodate standard mattresses, but verify weight limits – particularly for ottoman mechanisms lifting the mattress. Heavy memory foam or pocket spring mattresses may require upgraded gas struts. Some manufacturers offer optimised mattresses designed specifically for their storage bases, ensuring proper weight distribution and mechanism longevity. Always confirm mattress compatibility before purchasing separately, as voiding warranty through improper mattress pairing is surprisingly common.
How much storage space does a king-size ottoman bed actually provide?
A king-size ottoman bed (150cm x 200cm) with 40cm depth provides approximately 1,200 litres of storage – equivalent to 6-8 large suitcases or a substantial wardrobe. This assumes full-depth ottoman design like Furl’s. Standard ottoman beds with 25-30cm depth offer roughly 750-900 litres. For context, that’s enough for complete seasonal wardrobe rotation, sports equipment, bedding sets, and luggage storage. Actual capacity varies by bed dimensions and internal clearance, so always request specific volume measurements rather than relying on marketing claims.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
