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 →
