Owning or renting a home with minimal space often leads to cramped quarters. One of the biggest complaints is losing usable space with beds and other furniture. However, the area under the bed has the most significant opportunity for extra storage that is often overlooked. Many people have heard of Murphy beds that fold up when not in use. Storage beds offer many of the same benefits with less maintenance. The following are a few things to keep in mind when shopping.
Lifting the Bed
The most significant disadvantage a storage bed has is that it requires a person to lift the mattress to access items stored underneath. If you have a disability, you will want to find options that raise with remotes or hydraulics. Unfortunately, most frames that do not operate remotely will still require upper body strength. Therefore, if you have any issues with back or arm weaknesses, these are not going to be an excellent fit for your needs.
Accessing Items Underneath
Storage beds are versatile, and almost anything can be put under the mattress. If you have a disability but love this bed frame style, consider storing seasonal items, suitcases, or other items that you rarely need to access. You can also use these beds in guest rooms and allow guests to place travel items they will not need until they are ready to leave again. College students find storing things like movies, games, and school supplies that are only required once a week. Whatever you plan to keep, remember that you will need to lift and lower the bed to access it.
Room Size
If you have a large room, hidden storage is not as necessary as pull-out under-bed storage options. However, small spaces will benefit from beds that lift. The most crucial aspect to consider is the area’s height because your bed will need to raise enough for you to access all items under. Murphy beds require taller rooms because they fold up completely. While the LED double bed lifts to roughly a 45-degree angle, it offers a built-in lamp to cut down on other fixtures taking up floor space.
Why Storage Beds are Better
Platform beds and divans offer the ability to slide items under the bed, so why opt for a storage bed? Baskets, boxes, and drawers become cluttered quickly. Drawers are often too shallow for thick comforters or suitcases. Boxes will attract bugs and vermin to make a home, destroying the items inside. Finally, pushing a button to raise a bed adds a talking point to your room when friends come over.
In the end, the final decision is yours to make. The numerous styles and sizes available give you the ability to shop around and meet your needs. It is always important to keep functionality in mind when you shop, but the style of your home also plays a part. A cohesive look is just as vital as optimal use of space to any living quarter.