Storage drawer or lift-up base? | Bedshed
Design Inspiration

Should I choose a storage drawer or a lift-up base?

Should I choose a storage drawer or a lift-up base?

Should I choose a storage drawer or a lift-up base?

A storage bed is one of the smartest ways to keep your bedroom organised while making the most of your space. Whether you’re living in a small apartment or just need extra room for bedding, clothing, or seasonal items, a bed base with storage can be a game changer.

Two of the most popular options are storage drawers beds and lift-up bed bases. While both provide extra storage, they serve different needs depending on your bedroom layout, lifestyle, and accessibility requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and help you decide which option is right for you.

Storage Drawers Bed:Practical and Accessible

A bed with drawers features built-in drawers along the sides of the bed frame or at the front end of the bed. These can be single or multiple drawers, depending on the bed size.

Benefits

  • Easy access: Drawers slide out smoothly, making it easy to reach your items.
  • Organisation: Perfect for separating clothes, shoes, or smaller items.
  • Design flexibility: Works well in rooms with lower ceilings since the bed height is standard.

Limitations

  • Room size: Sliding drawers require floor space to open fully, so it may not be ideal for very tight bedrooms.
  • Limited storage volume: Drawers are generally smaller than the full under-bed space provided by a lift-up base.

Best for

  • Those who want quick access to daily-use items.
  • Bedrooms where the ceiling height is limited.
  • People who prefer organised, segmented storage.

Lift-Up Bed Base:Maximising Under-Bed Space

A gas lift bed base (also called a lift-up bed base) uses a hydraulic mechanism to raise the mattress, revealing a large storage compartment underneath.

Benefits

  • Maximises storage: Ideal for bulky items like duvets, blankets, and spare pillows.
  • Hidden storage: Items are neatly concealed, keeping your bedroom clutter-free.
  • Easy to operate: Modern lift-up bed bases use gas-assisted mechanisms, making lifting effortless. 
  • A new two-stage auto lift-up base design is emerging in the market that lifts like a standard gas lift, then moves to a flat position to make bed-making easier and provides extra room to access the storage area more conveniently.

Limitations

  • Height considerations: Lift-up beds are typically taller than standard beds.
  • Access frequency: Not as convenient for daily-access items, as you have to lift the mattress to reach the storage.

Best for

  • Storing seasonal clothing, spare bedding, or larger items.
  • Bedrooms where ceiling height allows for taller beds.
  • People looking for a minimalistic, clean look with hidden storage.

How to Choose the Right Storage Bed

When deciding between a storage drawer bed and a lift-up bed base, consider these factors:

Room size & layout

  • Drawers need extra floor space, while lift-up beds require clearance above the mattress.

Accessibility & lifestyle

  • Need daily access? Drawers are more convenient.
  • Storing items long-term? Lift-up beds provide more space.

Storage needs

  • Small items or shoes: choose drawers.
  • Large bedding or bulkier items: lift-up base.

Aesthetic & design

  • Drawers offer a more segmented look.
  • Lift-up beds give a clean, uncluttered style.

Customisation

  • Bedshed’s Infinity Customisable Collection lets you select storage drawers or lift-up options in a range of fabrics, sizes, and colours to suit your bedroom perfectly.

Additional Bedroom Storage Ideas

If you’re looking to further maximise space, consider:

  • Under-bed storage boxes for smaller items.

  • Multi-functional furniture like bedside tables with drawers.

  • Smart organisation tools such as dividers or storage bins.

Is it time for a storage bed frame?

Choosing the right bed frames with storage comes down to your room layout, lifestyle, and storage needs. A storage drawer bed offers easy access for everyday items, while a lift-up bed base provides maximum storage space for larger or seasonal items.

No matter which option you choose, a storage bed is a practical and stylish way to keep your bedroom tidy. Explore Bedshed’s range to find the perfect bed base with storage that fits your space and lifestyle.

Wake up to savings!

Subscribe now for exclusive mattress, furniture and bedding deals.

What makes us
better in the bedroom.

These are just some of the ways we make your Bedshed experience better.

Next day delivery now available!

Bedshed Logo

Bedshed is one of Australia's largest mattress, bedding and bedroom furniture retailers. We carry ranges of beds, bedroom suites, children's bedroom furniture, headboards & bases and mattresses from brands like Sealy, Sleepmaker, Drift, TEMPUR, Kingsdown, Dreamsense and Insignia, as well as a wide range of manchester and pillows.

©2026 Bedshed Franchising Pty Ltd

We accept:

*In selected stores only, not available online