10 Clever Space-saving Beds that Maximise Every Inch
Check out the best multi-functional and storage-savvy designs for when sleeping space is tight
Karen Wilson
7 March 2016
UK based Houzz contributor and freelance property and interiors journalist with experience in both the regional press and national magazines. I've picked up loads of tips from homeowners and experts alike, having visited hundreds of gorgeous real homes across the North of England.
UK based Houzz contributor and freelance property and interiors journalist with experience... More
If the idea of a pull-down bed conjures up images of cramped bedsits, or if a bed with drawers makes you think of tired student divans, it’s time to rethink your preconceptions. Today’s clever bed designs manage to combine style and practicality with aplomb. There are now many multi-functional designs and canny under-bed storage solutions to help you make the most of your space. Here are 10 of the best.
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If you’re blighted by a lack of storage, beds with drawers built in underneath can pack in plenty.
Don’t be put off by memories of those old-fashioned divan beds that required a skirted valance to hide the ugly base – there’s much more choice these days. Take your pick of drawers from leather, suede, wood and many other stylish materials.
Don’t fancy built-in storage? Then go for a budget-friendly selection of pretty boxes to sit beneath, your bed or storage on wheels that slides out with ease.
Too much clutter? Tidy up with these under-bed storage ideas
If you’re blighted by a lack of storage, beds with drawers built in underneath can pack in plenty.
Don’t be put off by memories of those old-fashioned divan beds that required a skirted valance to hide the ugly base – there’s much more choice these days. Take your pick of drawers from leather, suede, wood and many other stylish materials.
Don’t fancy built-in storage? Then go for a budget-friendly selection of pretty boxes to sit beneath, your bed or storage on wheels that slides out with ease.
Too much clutter? Tidy up with these under-bed storage ideas
Opt for a drawer bed
Fancy sleeping in a drawer? If you’re considering a whole wall of bespoke storage, this quirky design is great for a child’s bedroom, or as a spare bed for sleepovers. It could also work well in an attic bedroom to utilise the space in the eaves.
Fancy sleeping in a drawer? If you’re considering a whole wall of bespoke storage, this quirky design is great for a child’s bedroom, or as a spare bed for sleepovers. It could also work well in an attic bedroom to utilise the space in the eaves.
Do the drop
Why bother with the hassle of moving furniture out of the way in order to use a pull-down bed, when you can opt for a design that drops down over your sofa? You’ll need to choose a couch with a low back, like this, then simply open up and enjoy this ingenious space-saving bed.
See, too, how an entire wall of mirror-fronted storage doubles the feeling of space in this studio flat.
Why bother with the hassle of moving furniture out of the way in order to use a pull-down bed, when you can opt for a design that drops down over your sofa? You’ll need to choose a couch with a low back, like this, then simply open up and enjoy this ingenious space-saving bed.
See, too, how an entire wall of mirror-fronted storage doubles the feeling of space in this studio flat.
Make it work in daytime
A common problem with a pull-down bed is how the space looks when the bed isn’t in use. All too often you’re left with a bland, featureless area that you can’t even dress up with pictures if you’re constantly having to move them in order to use the bed.
One great option is to hide your bed using sliding doors decorated with a large-scale mural, or you could even opt for decals or wallpaper to liven up the door concealing your bed.
A common problem with a pull-down bed is how the space looks when the bed isn’t in use. All too often you’re left with a bland, featureless area that you can’t even dress up with pictures if you’re constantly having to move them in order to use the bed.
One great option is to hide your bed using sliding doors decorated with a large-scale mural, or you could even opt for decals or wallpaper to liven up the door concealing your bed.
Build in bedside tables
One downside to a pull-down bed is the lack of bedside tables. So why not build them in? This neat design includes concealed shelving on either side of the bed – perfect for those night-time essentials. Consider incorporating a built-in cupboard nearby or above to stash bedding and pillows, too.
One downside to a pull-down bed is the lack of bedside tables. So why not build them in? This neat design includes concealed shelving on either side of the bed – perfect for those night-time essentials. Consider incorporating a built-in cupboard nearby or above to stash bedding and pillows, too.
Pull out a drawer
Another solution to the bedside table problem is to incorporate a pull-out drawer or a simple platform within a built-in storage system, which can double up as a handy surface.
Here, the homeowner also keeps a rug on the floor, which lies beneath the bed when it’s in use, making the space feel homely rather than temporary.
Another solution to the bedside table problem is to incorporate a pull-out drawer or a simple platform within a built-in storage system, which can double up as a handy surface.
Here, the homeowner also keeps a rug on the floor, which lies beneath the bed when it’s in use, making the space feel homely rather than temporary.
Think about privacy
Instead of a typical drop-down door, a side-opening one on lockable wheels can offer a degree of privacy when your bed’s in use – which is particularly useful in an open-plan space.
You could move a modular unit on wheels across the bottom of the bed to gain even more privacy, or, if you’d rather enclose the space entirely, add an extra hinged section to the door. Or how about a curtain pole on the ceiling so drapes can be pulled across?
Instead of a typical drop-down door, a side-opening one on lockable wheels can offer a degree of privacy when your bed’s in use – which is particularly useful in an open-plan space.
You could move a modular unit on wheels across the bottom of the bed to gain even more privacy, or, if you’d rather enclose the space entirely, add an extra hinged section to the door. Or how about a curtain pole on the ceiling so drapes can be pulled across?
Consider the décor
Pull-down beds are usually associated with sleek, contemporary interiors, but they can also work well if your style is more vintage or rustic, as this elegant design shows.
It’s all about the surroundings, so max out the cosy factor with wood panelling or wood-effect wallpaper, plus plenty of comfy cushions to make your occasional guest bed as inviting as possible.
Discover a fabulous foldaway bed in a New York apartment
Pull-down beds are usually associated with sleek, contemporary interiors, but they can also work well if your style is more vintage or rustic, as this elegant design shows.
It’s all about the surroundings, so max out the cosy factor with wood panelling or wood-effect wallpaper, plus plenty of comfy cushions to make your occasional guest bed as inviting as possible.
Discover a fabulous foldaway bed in a New York apartment
Don’t forget the practicalities
It’s important to build in essentials, such as lighting and plug sockets, when you’re planning a foldaway bed, especially if it has double doors like this one, which would make it tricky to plug in a mobile phone or reach a night light.
Neat flush fittings are a must – this room has spotlights above the bed with light switches on either side.
Team your bed with a painted or wallpapered back section to give the space a shot of boutique-hotel style.
It’s important to build in essentials, such as lighting and plug sockets, when you’re planning a foldaway bed, especially if it has double doors like this one, which would make it tricky to plug in a mobile phone or reach a night light.
Neat flush fittings are a must – this room has spotlights above the bed with light switches on either side.
Team your bed with a painted or wallpapered back section to give the space a shot of boutique-hotel style.
Choose a sleepover bed
Another great idea for children’s rooms is a single bed with an additional pull-out bed tucked neatly below. This clever design also has the added benefit of a built-in, drop-down desk area for doing homework.
Check out more space-saving foldaway furniture
TELL US…
Do you have a space-saving bed? Share your images in the Comments below.
Another great idea for children’s rooms is a single bed with an additional pull-out bed tucked neatly below. This clever design also has the added benefit of a built-in, drop-down desk area for doing homework.
Check out more space-saving foldaway furniture
TELL US…
Do you have a space-saving bed? Share your images in the Comments below.
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@Campbell Watson - Hi how much is this type of bed with storage, I really like it :-)
Hi Suja, the price varies a bit according to what size of bed you choose and in which fabric or leather, please find a link to the bed in question below where you can find prices and more information: http://www.campbellwatson.co.uk/bedroom/beds/beds-flou/flou-angle-bed
Many Thanks
Great inspiration for beds to help enhance and save spacec. Shop space saving beds such as ottoman beds, tv beds and small doubles on mysmallspace.co.uk