Making the Most of a Box Room Bedroom

Squeezing a comfortable bed into a box room can seem impossible, but even the cosiest box room can be an inviting sleep sanctuary with some savvy furniture choices.

When floor space is limited, furniture needs to pull double duty. Beds with storage that look amazing while also maximising storage space are ideal. Choosing a bed frame designed specifically for small spaces makes all the difference, so compact frames with built-in storage help carve out an extra room.

Ottoman Beds: Best All-Around Storage Solution

An ottoman bed is the cleverest solution for carving out extra space in a box room. When closed, it simply appears as a standard bed frame without a hint of hidden storage. But lift the mattress platform and discover an expansive interior compartment.

Robust hydraulic lifts make it easy to hoist up the hinged lid and access ample storage space for off-season clothing, spare linens, or anything else crowding your precious square footage. The lift mechanism is smooth and nearly silent – no noisy hardware or awkward handles to disturb beauty sleep.

Ottoman beds match the dimensions of the mattress itself, forgoing bulky side rails or a space-hogging footboard. A perfectly tailored fit maximises floor space in any squeeze of a room. Sleek, low-profile models work exceptionally well for studio layouts. Ottoman beds are tailor-made for small, congested bedrooms yet deliver a custom look at an accessible price point. Any size fits the bill, from cosy single up to small double.

Pictured: Felix 4FT 6 Double Ottoman Bed – Black. Available from Bedstar. Priced £289.

Divan Beds: Flexible Storage

A divan bed has a solid, supportive base the same width and length as the mattress. Many divan frames maximise space by incorporating drawers directly into their structure as a replacement for a chest of drawers.

The number of drawers built into a divan bed can vary widely based on your needs, although single beds and small doubles usually have one or two drawers.

Divan beds are a cheaper alternative to ottomans but look the same externally. Most of our divan beds are available with drawers or ottoman storage.

Low Bed Frames: Keep It Simple

If storage isn’t a priority, a pared-back low bed frame allows you to keep the look simple. Low bed frames lift the mattress just a few inches off the ground, often supported by wooden slats rather than a solid base. This creates an airy, floating effect while using minimal visual space. Without bulky legs or a headboard, a low platform bed keeps neat lines to maintain an open feel. A low Japanese-inspired platform frame for studio-style spaces has a relaxing, lounging vibe.

Pictured: Shed Beds Tokyo 4FT 6 Double Bed Frame – Light Oak. Available from Bedstar. Priced £279.

Futon Beds: Casual Flexible Option

Another unfussy option is a space-saving futon bed. With a thin mattress that folds away easily, a futon works well for occasional use or as flexible guest bedding.

Futon mattresses fold over a solid wood or metal frame to quickly convert into a couch or lounger. Adding a futon bed allows you to effortlessly transform a box room from the bedroom into a sitting room. A futon bed offers a relaxed, casual look and versatility for a small space that needs to multitask.

Tall, Narrow Furniture

Aside from space-saving beds, the ideal furniture proportions for cramped quarters are tall and narrow. Dressers, wardrobes, shelving units, and accent cabinets take up less visual space when their footprint is vertical rather than horizontal.

Consider elongated floor lamps for the tightest box rooms instead of bulky side table lamps. Multi-level shelves provide tiered display space while occupying minimal wall area. Floating shelves are perfect for utilising pesky sloping ceilings.