Storage beds solve a very British problem: our bedrooms keep getting smaller while our belongings don't. The average new-build master bedroom in the UK measured just 13.37m² in the 2010s — down from 15.34m² in the 1930s, a fall of roughly 13% according to LABC Warranty's analysis of new-build floorplans. This guide uses the real numbers to help you choose the storage bed that wins that space back.
Table of contents
- The UK bedroom space problem, in numbers
- The three types of storage bed compared
- Which storage bed suits your room?
- Frequently asked questions
The UK bedroom space problem, in numbers
The data behind the storage-bed boom is stark:
- 13% smaller: average new-build master bedrooms fell from 15.34m² (1930s) to 13.37m² (2010s) — LABC Warranty, 2019.
- Smallest in Western Europe: the RIBA report The Case for Space found UK new-build homes, at around 76m², are the smallest in Western Europe.
- 11.5m²: the minimum size for a double bedroom under the Government's Nationally Described Space Standard — barely enough for a bed, wardrobe and walkway.
A double bed occupies about 2.6m² of floor. In an 11.5m² room, that's nearly a quarter of your floor space — which is exactly why a bed that stores things underneath is the highest-value furniture decision in a small home.
The three types of storage bed compared
| Type | How it stores | Capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottoman bed | Whole platform lifts on gas pistons | Largest — full bed footprint | Maximum storage, narrow rooms |
| Storage divan | Drawers built into the base | Moderate — 2–4 drawers | Everyday access without lifting |
| TV bed | Storage plus footboard TV lift | Good — shared with TV housing | Master bedrooms, cinema nights |
An ottoman typically offers three to four times the volume of a two-drawer divan — we compare them fully in ottoman vs divan beds.
Sovereign Premium Ottoman Bed — our pick for heavy storage use
Uprated gas-lift built for daily opening. From £329.99 with free UK delivery and a 5-year warranty.
Shop the Sovereign Premium →Which storage bed suits your room?
Room under 12m²: an ottoman bed — nothing slides out sideways, so it works tight against walls. Check the opening direction in our side-lift vs end-lift guide.
You need daily access: a storage divan — a drawer opens in one second without touching the mattress.
Master bedroom, space to spare: a TV bed adds an entertainment upgrade to the storage.
Cianoi Storage Divan Bed — our pick for drawer storage
Under-bed drawers with a padded velvet headboard. From £259.99 with free UK delivery.
Shop the Cianoi Divan →Frequently asked questions
Are storage beds worth the extra cost?
For most UK bedrooms, yes — the £100–£200 premium over a basic frame typically costs less than the chest of drawers it replaces, without using any floor space. Our honest pros and cons guide covers the exceptions.
Which storage bed holds the most?
An ottoman bed — the storage spans the full bed footprint at roughly 25–30cm deep, around three to four times a two-drawer divan's capacity.
Do storage beds need special mattresses?
No. Any standard UK mattress works; medium-weight mattresses keep ottoman lifting easiest. See choosing a mattress for an ottoman bed.
What sizes do storage beds come in?
All standard UK sizes from single (90×190cm) to super king (180×200cm) — full dimensions in our UK bed sizes guide.
