Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Storage Bed

A practical guide for New Zealand homeowners who want smarter storage, long-lasting quality, and better bedroom organisation

A storage bed can make a dramatic difference in how organised and functional your bedroom feels, especially in modern New Zealand homes where space is often limited. Whether you're living in a compact Auckland apartment, a family home in Palmerston North, or a coastal property with smaller bedrooms, choosing the right storage bed can help reduce clutter and free up valuable wardrobe space.

But while storage beds offer impressive benefits, buyers often make several common mistakes that lead to disappointment later. A storage bed is a long-term investment and the wrong choice can impact how comfortable, accessible, and practical your bedroom truly becomes.

At Furniture Tree, a trusted New Zealand-owned furniture store, we help customers every day who realize they overlooked important details before buying. This guide outlines the top mistakes to avoid, so you can confidently choose a bed that suits your space, lifestyle, and storage needs.

1. Not Measuring Your Room Properly

This is by far the most common mistake and it often leads to frustration during delivery or assembly.

Storage beds require more space than standard beds, not just for the frame but for how the storage area operates.

Common issues include:

• Drawers hitting walls, wardrobes, or bedside tables
  
  

• Lift-up beds touching ceiling fixtures when raised
  
  

• Not enough walking space around the bed
  
  

• Cramped layouts once the bed is installed
  
  

How to avoid this mistake:

Measure everything carefully:

• Room length and width
  
  

• Position of doors and wardrobes
  
  

• Required clearance for drawers (side or foot)
  
  

• Headboard height
  
  

• Mattress height combined with frame height
  
  

A few extra minutes with a tape measure can save you from a long-term layout issue.

2. Buying the Wrong Type of Storage Bed for Your Needs

There are two main types of storage beds:

• Drawer storage beds
  
  

• Lift-up (gas-lift) storage beds
  
  

Many buyers choose based solely on appearance instead of functionality, only to realise their daily routine doesn't match the bed style.

Drawer storage beds suit people who:

• Want quick access to daily items
  
  

• Have enough space on the sides of the bed
  
  

• Prefer neat, compartmentalised storage
  
  

• Are buying for children or elderly family members
  
  

Lift-up storage beds suit people who:

• Need to maximise storage space
  
  

• Have smaller bedrooms with limited side clearance
  
  

• Store bulky or seasonal items
  
  

• Prefer a clean, minimal look with hidden storage
  
  

Choosing the wrong type can make storage either difficult or less useful than anticipated.

3. Ignoring the Quality of the Storage Mechanism

The mechanism is the heart of a storage bed, yet many people overlook it. Especially in lift-up beds, the hydraulic system must be strong, stable, and smooth.

Low-quality hardware may:

• Make lifting the bed extremely difficult
  
  

• Lose strength over time
  
  

• Cause the bed to slam shut
  
  

• Fail under the weight of a mattress
  
  

• Create safety risks
  
  

What to look for instead:

• High-quality gas-lift hydraulic arms
  
  

• Reinforced hinges
  
  

• Thick drawer runners with smooth glide movement
  
  

• Strong internal framing
  
  

At Furniture Tree, all storage beds are curated to ensure durability which is essential for long-term use.

4. Overlooking the Weight Capacity of the Storage Area

Not all storage beds can handle the same weight. If you plan to store items like thick winter bedding, heavy luggage, or large containers, the bed must be built stronger than average.

Issues with low-capacity frames:

• Drawer bottoms sag
  
  

• Lift-up platform becomes unstable
  
  

• Hinges weaken or break
  
  

• Internal base may bend
  
  

Always check how much weight the bed can handle. A well-built frame ensures safety and longevity.

5. Choosing Style Over Functionality

While design is important, the real purpose of a storage bed is to provide usable, practical space. Many people fall in love with a headboard design, fabric texture, or colour and forget to think about how the storage operates.

Problems this creates:

• Drawers blocked by bedside tables
  
  

• Lift-up bed too heavy for daily access
  
  

• Bed height too tall for comfort
  
  

• Storage size too small for intended items
  
  

How to avoid it:

Always prioritise functionality first, then narrow down based on style.
A beautiful bed is only truly valuable if it works for your lifestyle.

6. Forgetting to Evaluate the Mattress Compatibility

A bed frame does not work in isolation the mattress contributes significantly to usability.

Issues caused by ignoring mattress factors:

• A heavy mattress makes lifting a gas-lift bed difficult
  
  

• The combined height may become too high to sit comfortably
  
  

• Wrong mattress size or thickness may affect storage operation
  
  

What to keep in mind:

• Choose lighter mattresses for lift-up beds
  
  

• Check the total bed height (frame + mattress)
  
  

• Ensure it fits NZ standard sizing
  
  

A well-matched mattress improves both comfort and ease of use.

7. Not Considering How Often the Storage Will Be Used

One mistake buyers make is choosing storage without thinking about how often they’ll access it.

Examples:

• Daily access items don’t suit gas-lift beds
  
  

• Bulky items don’t fit well in drawer storage compartments
  
  

• Seasonal items are better suited to lift-up beds
  
  

Think about your storage habits before choosing a frame. The best bed is one that complements your routine, not complicates it.

8. Overlooking the Assembly Difficulty

Storage beds, particularly gas-lift models, are more complex than standard beds to install. Some require two people to assemble and careful alignment of hydraulic components.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Assuming any bed can be assembled alone
  
  

• Not checking delivery pathway width
  
  

• Ignoring whether the bed can be disassembled easily for future moves
  
  

If you’re unsure, professional assembly is always recommended.

9. Choosing Cheap Materials or Flimsy Construction

A storage bed carries more weight, experiences more movement, and needs stronger construction than a normal bed. Choosing a cheaply made frame often leads to problems within a year.

Weak materials lead to:

• Drawer jamming or misalignment
  
  

• Wobbly frames
  
  

• Cracks in MDF or low-quality timber
  
  

• Shortened lifespan
  
  

Invest in quality materials such as engineered timber, solid wood, or reinforced framing. A well-made bed is safer, quieter, and more durable.

10. Not Thinking About Long-Term Use

Your needs may change over the next few years. Homes get reorganised, wardrobes fill up, and family dynamics shift. A bed that suits only your current needs may not serve future ones.

Ask yourself:

• Will I need more storage over time?
  
  

• Am I likely to move to a smaller room or home?
  
  

• Will this bed remain practical as children grow?
  
  

Planning ahead ensures your storage bed remains useful for many years.

Final Thoughts: Make a Confident, Informed Choice

A storage bed can be one of the most functional, space-saving investments for your home but only when chosen thoughtfully. By avoiding the mistakes above, you can ensure your bed meets your storage needs, fits your room perfectly, and offers long-lasting comfort and convenience.

At Furniture Tree, we help New Zealanders choose the right storage bed based on real needs, room layouts, and lifestyle habits. Whether you prefer to shop online or visit our stores in Auckland or Palmerston North, our team ensures you find a bed that truly works for your home.