Choosing a bed design with storage comes down to one question: what will you keep under it, and how often will you reach for it? Winter quilts that come out once a year belong in a lift-up box. Daily T-shirts belong in drawers. If you have a full wardrobe already, a bed without storage might serve you better.
We have laid out four families of storage bed design below: lids, drawers, big king size storage and open frames with nothing underneath. Whether you want a double bed design with storage or a single, a table then compares them on capacity, ease of reach and floor space. Many people simply ask the shop for a box wala bed design, but there are more choices than one box. For the full box family, see the box bed design hub, and for gas lift help see hydraulic bed design.
Box Bed Design with Storage Under a Lift-Up Top
The lift-up box gives the most space for the least money. A double bed box design holds two rolled mattresses, quilts and a suitcase or two.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildPly, maple laminate
- StorageHydraulic lift
The whole top lifts on pistons to reveal one open box. Best for bulky, rarely used things.
Tell your carpenterAsk for a lid stopper strap so the lid never swings back into the wall.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildPly, light walnut laminate
- StorageLift-up, 4 bays
Dividers turn one big box into four bays: bedding, suitcases, festival things and spare pillows. You find things without digging.
Tell your carpenterAsk for cross dividers in 18 mm ply. They also stiffen the top board.
- SizeQueen 60 x 75 in
- BuildPly, grey fabric wrap
- StorageSide hinged lift
Hinges run along one long rail here, which helps when the foot end almost touches a wall.
Tell your carpenterSide hinged lids need the bed at least 2 ft away from the wall on the open side.
Drawer Bed Design and Bed Frame with Drawers Design
A drawer bed design, or a bed with storage design built on drawers, lets you take out one thing without lifting a mattress. You trade a little capacity for a lot of ease.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildSheesham, walnut PU
- Storage4 side drawers
Four drawers do the job of a small dresser. Use them for daily clothes, towels and bed sheets.
Tell your carpenterUse ball bearing channels rated for at least 35 kg per drawer.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildPly, white matte laminate
- Storage2 foot drawers
Foot end drawers suit a bed squeezed between walls or side tables on its long edges.
Tell your carpenterFoot drawers need 3 ft of free floor at the end of the bed to open fully.
- SizeSingle 36 x 72 in
- BuildPly, oak laminate
- StoragePull out trundle
A low trundle bed rolls out from under the main bed. Storage by day, a spare single bed when guests stay over.
Tell your carpenterUse lockable castor wheels and a 4 inch thin mattress in the trundle.
King Size Bed Design with Storage
A king size bed design with storage holds almost as much as a wardrobe. The trick is splitting it so each part is easy to open.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, smoked oak veneer
- StorageLift-up and 4 drawers
Lid on top for bulky items, drawers on the sides for everyday things. The most storage you can get under one bed.
Tell your carpenterBuild drawer bays and box as separate zones, each with its own floor and partition.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildTeak, honey PU
- StorageHead shelves and box
Head storage with open niches plus a full box below. A good fit for a master bedroom without side tables.
Tell your carpenterA head unit adds 8 inches to bed length. Check room length first.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, grey leatherette
- StorageHydraulic lift
Smooth leatherette all round and a gas lift box. Easy to wipe, a good choice for dusty cities.
Tell your carpenterLeatherette can peel in strong heat, so a west window with harsh sun is a poor neighbour.
Bed Design Without Storage: Open Frames
A bed design without storage keeps air moving and floors clean. Homes with dust allergies often prefer it.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildSheesham, natural PU
- StorageNone, open legs
Tall legs leave a clear gap below for sweeping and air. It feels cooler in summer than a closed box.
Tell your carpenterAny frame above 48 inches wide wants an extra support foot below its middle rail.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildMS tube, black powder
- StorageNone, open frame
A light metal frame and wooden slats. Easy to move when you shift homes.
Tell your carpenterAsk for powder coat, not plain paint, so the frame does not rust in humid weather.
- SizeDouble 48 x 78 in
- BuildRubberwood, oak stain
- StorageNone, low platform
A low platform with a ledge all round. No box, but the ledge works as a bedside shelf.
Tell your carpenterLeave a 2 inch gap under the platform edge so you can clean beneath with a flat mop.
Storage Types Compared
| Type | Capacity | Ease of reach | Floor space needed | Cost level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lift-off top | High | Hard, strip the bed | None extra | Lowest |
| Hydraulic lift | High | Easy | None extra | Medium |
| Side drawers | Medium | Very easy | About 30 in beside bed | Medium |
| Foot drawers | Low to medium | Very easy | About 36 in at foot | Medium |
| Head storage | Low | Easiest | Adds bed length | Medium |
| No storage | None | Not needed | None | Varies |
See head box beds for the headboard option in depth.
Pick by Your Situation
- Small room, no wardrobe: hydraulic box plus a head shelf.
- Bed between two walls: foot drawers or a hydraulic lid.
- Older parents: drawers or hydraulic, never a heavy lift-off top.
- Dust allergy or very humid city: open frame on legs.
- Guests often: trundle drawer or a sofa cum bed elsewhere.
Keeping Stored Things Fresh
Store clean, dry clothes only. Use cotton bags rather than plastic, which traps moisture. Add silica packs or dried neem leaves. Through the rainy months, prop the lid up for an hour whenever a dry day comes. Never store food or open liquids inside.
Questions people ask
Which bed design with storage gives the most space?
A full lift-up box gives the most, especially in a king size. A mix of a lift-up top and side drawers comes close and is easier to use daily.
Are drawer beds better than box beds?
Drawers are easier to use every day. Boxes hold more and need no floor space to open. Many people choose a mix.
What is a box wala bed?
Box wala is everyday Hindi for a bed that has a chest built underneath. Say it in any market and the salesman will walk you to lift-top and gas piston models.
Is a bed without storage a good idea?
Yes, if you have enough cupboard space. It is cooler, lighter and easier to clean under, and good for people with allergies.
How much space do bed drawers need to open?
Side drawers need about 30 inches of clear floor. Foot drawers need about 36 inches. Measure before you order.
Can a storage bed have a cushioned headboard?
Yes, almost every storage bed can take a padded headboard. See headboard cushion designs for ideas.