Storage Bed vs Traditional Bed: Which is Best for You?

Beds are the anchor of a bedroom. They dominate the space visually, dictate how the room functions, and - if chosen well - they make the difference between restful nights and restless ones. But beyond comfort, there’s another decision to make: do you opt for a storage bed or a traditional frame?

It sounds simple, yet this choice shapes far more than aesthetics. It affects how you live in the room day to day, how much space you reclaim, and even how calm the environment feels. Let’s unpack what each option offers and why more people than ever are asking if storage is worth it.

What Makes a Storage Bed Different

At its core, a storage bed integrates hidden compartments beneath the mattress. Ottoman-style frames lift up - often with gas-assisted or electric mechanisms - to reveal deep storage cavities, while divan bases use drawers built into the sides. Both types transform unused space into practical storage, which for many households can be game-changing.

These aren’t minor compartments for a stray book or blanket. High-quality ottoman beds can lift as high as 1.7 metres, offering enough room for seasonal clothing, spare bedding, or even bulky suitcases. It’s an architectural rethink: instead of cluttering floors with baskets or overflowing wardrobes, belongings are tucked neatly away under the place you sleep.

The Appeal of Traditional Beds

Traditional bed frames, by contrast, are pared back. No lift-up mechanisms, no hidden drawers - just a frame, a base, and a mattress. They often appeal to purists who prefer simplicity or want a lighter, more minimal piece of furniture. Without the added engineering, traditional frames are usually easier to move and can sometimes be less expensive upfront.

There’s also an aesthetic argument. Some people prefer the airiness of a bed raised off the floor, with light flowing beneath it. This can make a bedroom feel more open, particularly in spaces where the footprint is already generous and storage isn’t an issue.

luxurious looking low storage bed

Storage Bed: Benefits and Drawbacks

The obvious advantage of storage beds is functionality. They allow one piece of furniture to do double duty - as both a sleeping surface and a discreet organiser. In smaller rooms, this can be transformative, helping reduce visual clutter and making the space feel larger. For a full breakdown of storage bed benefits and drawbacks, have a read of our blog on the subject.

The potential drawback? Weight and mobility. Storage beds are heavier and less easy to shift, particularly once loaded. If you move house frequently or like to rearrange furniture often, a traditional frame might suit your lifestyle better.

The Comfort Factor

There’s sometimes a misconception that storage beds compromise on comfort. In reality, the comfort of any bed comes from the mattress and base system, not whether the frame contains storage. High-quality storage beds are designed to support the mattress evenly, ensuring you sleep as comfortably as you would on a traditional frame.

Traditional beds, however, may offer more variation in style - from slatted bases to ornate headboards. If aesthetics matter as much as function, this could be a deciding factor.

Who Benefits Most from Storage Beds

For city dwellers and anyone with limited storage space, the appeal is obvious. Bedrooms in new-build flats often lack generous wardrobes, and under-bed storage provides a discreet solution without cluttering the room. Families, too, appreciate the ability to stow away spare bedding or children’s toys.

Even in larger homes, the advantage isn’t lost. Why waste square footage on bulky chests of drawers when that space could be freed up for seating, art, or simply emptiness? A storage bed allows the bedroom to feel intentional, not overfurnished. In other words, it’s less about necessity and more about refinement.

Who Benefits Most from Traditional Beds

Traditional frames still have their place. If storage isn’t a concern and you prize ease of movement, they can be more practical. They’re also ideal if you prefer a lighter visual footprint - a slim frame on legs, for instance, can help make a large bedroom feel even more open.

Some people also enjoy the ritual of minimalism. A simple frame, mattress, and nothing else. No compartments or mechanisms, just the essentials. For those drawn to that purity, traditional beds still deliver.

beautiful low storage bed
traditional bed in a modern house

A Middle Ground?

It’s worth remembering that storage doesn’t have to dominate the aesthetic. Many ottoman designs today look almost identical to traditional upholstered beds until lifted, with sleek lines and customisable fabrics. It’s possible to enjoy the best of both worlds: elegance above, practicality below.

Furl’s Perspective

At Furl, we’ve long believed that furniture should serve more than one purpose. That’s why our ottoman beds lift higher than standard, making storage easy to access, and why our mechanisms are engineered for daily use. To us, a bed isn’t just a sleeping platform - it’s part of the architecture of the home, and it should support both rest and order.

For those who don’t need storage, we still build traditional-style frames, with the same focus on longevity and design integrity. The choice isn’t about right or wrong but about which philosophy of living aligns with you.

Which Should You Choose?

If your priority is calm, uncluttered space, a storage bed is likely the wiser choice. It consolidates function and style into a single piece, freeing up room for living. If, however, you value mobility, simplicity, or a lightweight aesthetic, a traditional bed may serve you better.

Both are valid, and both have evolved. What matters most is that your bed supports your life beyond sleep - whether that’s as a discreet organiser or as a quietly beautiful frame in its own right.

The Verdict

Storage beds and traditional beds are not competitors so much as different philosophies. One prioritises integration, the other simplicity. The decision depends on your space, your lifestyle, and your design sensibility.

The good news? Whichever you choose, a well-crafted bed is always an investment in comfort. And when thoughtfully selected, it sets the tone for the entire room. For those leaning towards a dual-purpose design, Furl’s smart alternatives to traditional beds combine craftsmanship with convenience, proving that practical need and design excellence can sit comfortably side by side.

comfortable looking bed with pillows and blanket

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David Norman

David Norman is the founder of Furl, a UK-based furniture brand known for redefining how people live with space-saving, design-led storage beds and sofa beds.

With almost two decades of hands-on experience in product design, manufacturing, and brand strategy, David has built Furl into a trusted name among urban professionals seeking calm, clutter-free homes. His work has been recognised for its innovation and craftsmanship, with features in publications such as Yahoo Finance and The Telegraph.

David continues to lead Furl’s creative direction, developing furniture that solves real-world problems without compromise.