The wardrobe is full, the chest of drawers is bursting at the seams, and your blanket box is stuffed to the top. You’re running out of storage, and then you notice there’s a big empty space you’re not utilising properly – right underneath your bed. It’s the perfect place to store seasonal clothes, extra duvets, or even some personal bits and pieces that you just can’t seem to find a home for anywhere else. Welcome to the wonderful world of storage beds. But are they comfortable?
Firstly, what are storage beds?
Storage beds are exactly what they say – beds with extra storage built in. These can be ottoman style beds or divans with drawers providing you with around a meter square of extra storage space that up until this point has been gathering nothing but dust. Incorporate vacuum-pack bags into your storage solutions and you’ll be amazed just how much you can cram under the bed without worrying about your bedroom looking cluttered or untidy.
How you access that under-bed storage space will entirely depend on your preferences and the size of your bedroom. If your bedroom is only just slightly larger than your bed, then a hinged ottoman where the top of the bed lifts up to reveal the storage space underneath is your most practical option. If you’ve got a bit more room then divans with side-opening drawers may be better, especially if you want quick and easy access to the contents.
They’re expensive, though, right?
Well, yes, they will cost you a little more than the average open frame bed, but consider this. If you buy an ordinary bed and still want to utilise some storage space, you’ll need some kind of storage mechanism, like an additional chest of drawers, or a tall boy. The cost of this extra piece of furniture outweighs the saving you make on the bed, often by a considerable amount. So financially, a storage bed actually makes more sense.
Are they any different in terms of layout from an ordinary bed?
Generally, storage beds have exactly the same slatted layout as a normal bed, with the added advantage of a robust lower frame to house your drawers or storage area. So they’re strong, long-lasting, and robust enough to give you years of use.
Are they comfortable then?!
This is where divan or storage beds and ordinary beds converge. When it comes to comfort, the base of the bed is really immaterial. What matters is the mattress you put on top. And that’s entirely up to you.
Storage beds generally come in set sizes (such as queen or king size), so most mattresses will fit quite happily without the need for expensive, customised mattresses. It’s all down to personal preference, too. You can go with a traditional sprung mattress, or try something more 21st century like a memory foam mattress for extra comfort. Back problems giving you sleepless nights? Try an orthopaedic mattress or one that provides cushioning and support all the way along your spine.
Cost is always a factor when it comes to buying a mattress for any bed. But at Bed Guru we firmly believe that you can’t put too high a price on a good night’s sleep. However, there are budget options available, such as traditional sprung or non-sprung mattresses, which provide you with great comfort at an affordable price.
If you’re sensitive to dust then look for mattresses that are dust-mite resistant and hypoallergenic, and if you have a latex allergy then obviously, avoid latex mattresses. Want to go green? Pick an organic mattress that doesn’t contain any glues or adhesives and is made from organic cotton.
Clutter-free bedrooms are more comfortable
The environment you create in your bedroom will dictate how good a night’s sleep you get. If you keep your room tidy and uncluttered, you’ll find it to be more restful and relaxing, promoting better sleep patterns. Getting rid of all that clutter and putting it away in a storage bed is a practical, affordable and smart option.