Limited floor space is a problem that many of us are dealing with, in one form or the other. Whether it is greater per square foot rents, growing families or just smaller homes in growing cities, people are forced to innovate when it comes to making the best use of their space. Since beds usually take up a lot of space (especially if you want them to be large enough to fit two comfortably!) it only makes sense to get the most of it by using the space below the bed. Here are a few ways in which you can make the most of your under-bed storage.

• Expandable Beds

Your under-bed storage space can be used to put a pull-out bed, complete with a mattress that’s ready in place, so that you can sleep more guests with ease when they come over! You can also use these beds on a regular basis if you are really tight on space. That way, during the day your room is a spacious chamber with just a narrow single bed, which transforms every night into a space that comfortably sleeps two. Simply push the lower bed in every morning so that you have plenty of space to walk around – and pull it out when it is time to sleep!

• Platform Beds

If you have a high-enough roof to support the design, then beds built on a raised platform are the best way to add more room for storage. That’s right – a platform that runs the complete length and breadth of the room, with a secret cellar space underneath! Now doesn’t that appeal to the adventurous child in you?! Not only can you store things directly below the bed, but also wherever the platform extends to. You can have long drawers, boxes with lift-up lids and a lot more! 

• Beds with Hydraulic Storage              

These are the most popular design today, combining convenience with simplicity and low initial cost. Beds with hydraulic storage are the most convenient way to store a wide range of items. As compared to traditional lift-up beds, hydraulic beds are much easier to use and an excellent investment for elderly people and young kids. You can easily lift up the bed's base to access things stored within the box. You can also choose between beds that open completely or in two halves (front and back or left and right) which improves ease of usage on a regular basis but means that you cannot easily store very large items.

• Beds with Pull-out Drawers

If hydraulic storage and lift-up beds are too much hassle for you and you do not mind bending or sitting down to access your stored items, then nothing compares to the ease of a pull-out drawer type storage. This does not mess up your bed sheets or quilts and you can access it as many times as you want. Therefore, you can also store your everyday items in your under-bed drawers like clothing, shoes, accessories and much more! The only thing to watch out for: Make sure there’s enough open space around the bed to allow you to stand and open the drawers easily!

• Beds with Open Storage

Apart from concealed storage in the form of drawers and boxes beneath the bed, you can also use your headboard and footboard to display items with open storage. Open shelves and boxes built into the frame of the bed can be used to replace bedside tables and can store everything from books, tablets, chargers, glasses and medicine, and much much more! You only have to extend your arm to access anything you want. Not only does this make things more convenient, it also adds character to your bed! Of course, the amount that can be stored is much less than with a hydraulic bed.

If you are thinking of getting a new bed built or want to transform your existing bed, then these ideas can certainly help you maximise storage without taking up any extra floor space. You can use a plethora of materials to get the textures and hues of your liking – small, crafted details can also go a long way when adding more character to the bed. Happy designing!