4 Must-See Storage Beds Solutions (for Small Spaces)

There are so many different ways to store things under a bed. You can go with one of many designs for enclosed storage beds.

Here is a short introduction to some of the design variations.

Platform storage beds

These beds are popular if you like a modern or Asian look because they typically are pretty low and in a simple design.

The bed, most often, consists of 3 parts:  a platform with a loose mattress on top. Underneath are typically drawers or storage bins, which are not attached to the bed but rolls an separate small casters.

Get this bed and many more from $180- $1,100 (incl. shipping)

This particular bed I really like, the design is simple and the finish looks gorgeous. The storage is hidden behind beautiful white sliding doors.

Storage beds with drawers

This kind of bed is one single unit, all storage is incorporated in the finished bed frame. Storage beds like this are typically high beds, to make the most of the drawer space below.

Everything can be neatly organized under the bed and you avoid dust bunnies getting in your stuff.

You can find beds like this here.

This bed is pretty big. The built-in headboard has drawers too.

With this storage bed, you need to be aware of having enough space around the bed, so you have room for the drawers to be pulled out, but also visually because of the dark wood.

This one is also a beauty, made in the dark wood finish:

Get it here for $336 here (incl. shipping)

Flip-up storage beds

A third option, when looking for storage beds, is the half flip-up design. The whole mattress is lifted up, with the help of pistons to ease the weight.

Underneath, the whole bed frame is freed up for storage. When the mattress is out of the way, you have easy access to all areas of this storage bed.

You can get these storage beds with the lift mechanism either at the headboard or on the side, depending on the space you have in your room.

See more about this bed ($929 incl. shipping) + more here

DIY storage bed

This high storage bed is great if you have the floor space for a bed.

It is a normal sized bed, just higher.

Seven years ago we ran out of storage, so decided to build a bed high enough to fit a serious amount of stuff. Morten and I had just gotten married, so moving all of our stuff into one apartment, and adding all the wedding gifts was not easy – we were drowning!

I built this storage bed with my dad; I gave him a sketch of my ideas, and he found all the wood for the bed, and cut it to size.

I don’t remember the cost of the bed, and it was mostly built out of scrap and reused supplies that my dad had lying around. We bought some cheap foam mattresses and a good top mattress to soften them up.

It’s a great example, that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a nice comfortable bed. This storage bed has never disappointed me, it fits so much stuff.

I want to share the drawings with you for the frame and some directions, so you can build it yourself.

What you do with space under the bed is up to you. I use bed rollers under the storage bed, but really the sky is the limit if you are a handy person. You can build drawers, fit it with shelves or even build an extra ‘pull-out’ bed for when guests come over.

I have put my measurement on the drawings and directions, but if you want a smaller or higher bed, just change them:)

Build this high storage bed in 5 steps

1: Cut all the wood to the measurements (use mine or make up your own) and drill the holes.
2: Screw B and C together, remember to make a left and a right.
3: Assemble sides A and B so you have the whole frame. You can choose to use normal screws or the ones I have used and shown on the detail sheet. It makes it easier to take the bed apart and put together again, without getting the wood fragile.
4: Insert D and attach with angle brackets, this way you limit the number of screws showing on the front piece. Make sure the top of D align with the top of B, and that it is right in the middle of the two B sides.
5: Place the bed slats and screw them in place – and you have your high storage bed!

Sizes of the wood you need

A: 2 pieces of plywood (1”) L:73” x H:27” (185×68 cm), If you want a headboard, make one higher to fit the size you want.
B: 2 pieces of plywood (1”) L:79” x H:10” (200×26 cm), It’s a good idea to make the top edge on the outer side round. This will make it more pleasant to get in and out of the high bed. It is easier to get a smooth round edge on real wood, like pine, than on plywood.
C: 2 pieces (1×1”) L:79” (200 cm): Pre-drill 5- 6 small holes. One in each end and the rest evenly spread out.
D: 1 piece 1,5” (4 cm) L:79” x H:4” (200×10 cm): The width has to be 1,5” to support the bed slats if you can’t find something with this width the detail sheet below shows some alternatives.
E: 2 sets of bed slats L:79” x 35,5” (200×90 cm): You can buy them new on measurements, or just reuse some from an old bed.

Detail sheet for the storage bed

If you’re not up for building your own storage bed, you can click here to see some other storage beds.

I hope you’ll enjoy building a storage bed as much as I did – let me know how it goes :)