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Storage Beds: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Bed

Storage Beds: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide If your bedroom often feels crowded with spare blankets, winter duvets, or clothes that don’t quite fit in your wardrobe, you’re not alone. Many of us run out of storage space faster than we expect  especially in modern homes and apartments where every inch matters. That’s where storage beds come in. They combine comfort, practicality, and design, helping you make the most of your space without adding extra furniture. Whether you live in a small city apartment or a family home with growing storage needs, a storage bed can instantly make your room feel tidier and more organised. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what storage beds are, why they’re so popular, the different types available, and a few key things to look for before buying one. We’ll also show you why gas lift storage beds have become one of the best choices for Kiwi homes. What is a Storage Bed? A storage bed looks just like a standard bed, but there’s a smart twist  hidden space underneath your mattress. Instead of letting that area collect dust, it turns into a functional spot for storing things like extra bedding, seasonal clothes, or shoes you don’t wear every day. Depending on the design, the storage area can be accessed through drawers built into the base or by lifting the mattress using a hydraulic mechanism (commonly known as a gas lift bed). The idea is simple: your bed does double duty  as a comfortable place to sleep and a clever storage solution. Why Choose a Storage Bed? It’s not just about saving space  it’s about simplifying your life. Here are some reasons why a storage bed might be the smartest addition to your home: Maximise your space: Great for apartments, smaller bedrooms, or guest rooms where storage can be limited. Keep things tidy: Say goodbye to clutter. Store spare sheets, winter duvets, or kids’ toys neatly out of sight. Stylish and versatile: Modern storage beds come in a range of materials and finishes  from soft fabric upholstery to sleek wooden frames  to match any bedroom style. Built to last: A well-constructed storage bed can easily last years, providing strength and durability along with style. Easy access: Gas lift models make it effortless to reach everything you’ve stored underneath without bending or pulling drawers. In short, a storage bed gives you all the comfort of a regular bed, plus an organised space that makes everyday life a little easier. Different Types of Storage Beds Storage beds aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs and space, you can choose from a few key styles: 1. Gas Lift Storage Beds These are the most popular type for a reason. Gas lift beds feature a lift-up base that reveals a large storage compartment under the mattress. The gas lift mechanism makes it light and easy to lift, even with a heavy mattress on top. It’s perfect for storing bigger items like blankets, luggage, or off-season clothes. Best for: Small bedrooms or anyone who wants maximum hidden storage. 2. Drawer Storage Beds These beds have built-in drawers at the base that slide out smoothly, making it easy to keep smaller items organised. They’re perfect for things like shoes, bed linens, or extra pillows. Best for: Larger rooms where there’s enough space to pull drawers out comfortably. 3. Ottoman Storage Beds Ottoman beds work similarly to gas lift beds but often open from the side rather than the foot. They’re a good choice if your room layout makes a front lift impractical. Best for: Bedrooms where the bed sits close to a wall or window. 4. Divan Storage Beds Divans have a box-style base that often comes with drawers or sliding panels. They’re sturdy, supportive, and commonly paired with matching mattresses. Best for: Traditional bedrooms and people who prefer an all-in-one bed-and-base setup. Among all these, gas lift storage beds are often considered the most practical and stylish choice. They make full use of the space beneath the mattress, keeping your belongings protected and dust-free  and they look great doing it. How to Choose the Right Storage Bed When shopping for a storage bed, it’s worth taking a little time to think through your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Room Size and Layout If your bedroom is compact, a gas lift bed will give you easy top access to storage without needing extra clearance space for drawers. For bigger rooms, drawer storage beds can work beautifully. 2. Bed Size Storage beds come in all sizes  single, double, queen, king, and super king. Choose the one that suits your space and sleeping needs. A queen or king-size gas lift bed can store a surprising amount  you’ll be amazed how much it holds. 3. Ease of Use Gas lift beds are designed for convenience. The hydraulic system does most of the work for you, so lifting the mattress feels light and effortless. This is particularly helpful if you need regular access to your stored items. 4. Style and Material From natural wood to premium upholstery, storage beds now come in every look imaginable. Wooden bases bring warmth and timelessness to a room, while fabric or leather finishes add a soft, modern touch. Choose one that complements your existing furniture. 5. Durability A good storage bed should feel solid and stable. Look for strong wooden slats or a sturdy platform base. Avoid frames that feel flimsy or lightweight  they won’t stand up to years of use. Key Things to Look for Before Buying Before making your final decision, check for these details: Frame strength: A solid wood frame will last much longer than cheaper alternatives. Mechanism quality: If you’re buying a gas lift bed, test how smoothly it lifts. A good one should feel light, not stiff. Base construction: A thick wooden base supports both your mattress and the items inside without sagging. Headboard design: Whether you prefer a simple, minimalist headboard or a button-tufted statement piece, your bed should reflect your style. Assembly and warranty: Always buy from a trusted retailer that offers warranty coverage and easy assembly instructions. Our Gas Lift Storage Beds At Furniture Tree, we take pride in offering solid gas lift storage beds that blend quality craftsmanship with timeless design. One of our customer favourites features a luxurious button-tufted headboard, upholstered sides, and strong wooden legs for a sturdy, elegant finish. The base is built from thick, durable wood  so it’s not just stylish, it’s made to last. The gas lift mechanism glides smoothly, giving you full access to the spacious under-bed compartment. It’s ideal for storing your bedding, clothes, or even suitcases. We design our beds to be more than just furniture; they're an investment in comfort, functionality, and long-term durability. Storage Beds vs. Traditional Beds Feature Storage Bed Traditional Bed Storage Space Hidden compartment or drawers None Style Options Wide range — modern, classic, upholstered, wooden Similar range Practicality Doubles as storage and bed Bed only Ease of Cleaning Keeps floor clutter-free Harder to clean under Price Range Slightly higher but offers more value Lower upfront cost So, how do storage beds stack up against traditional ones?While traditional beds may be a little cheaper upfront, storage beds deliver far more value in the long run. They help you declutter your home, free up wardrobe space, and create a cleaner, calmer environment. Think of it this way: you're not just buying a bed; you’re adding a clever piece of furniture that makes your room feel bigger and more organised. Tips for Maintaining Your Storage Bed A storage bed is built to last, but a little care goes a long way: Don’t overload it: Even though the compartments are roomy, avoid overpacking to keep the base in good shape. Keep it dry: If you’re storing bedding or clothes, make sure they’re completely dry before putting them in. Use organisers: Storage boxes or bags make it easier to keep things neat and easy to find. Check the mechanism: Occasionally check the gas lift or drawer tracks to ensure they’re running smoothly. Dust regularly: A quick vacuum or wipe under the base keeps everything fresh and clean. Final Thoughts A good bed should do more than just give you a good night’s sleep, it should also help you live better. A storage bed brings order, comfort, and elegance to your space, making it one of the smartest pieces of furniture you can buy. Whether you choose a gas lift storage bed for maximum space, or a drawer storage bed for easy access, the key is to find one that fits your lifestyle and complements your décor. At Furniture Tree, we’ve carefully curated a range of beds designed for Kiwi homes strong, stylish, and made to last. If you’re ready to declutter your space and upgrade your bedroom, explore our collection today. Visit your nearest Furniture Tree store in Auckland and Palmerston North or browse online to discover the perfect storage bed for your home.

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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers & Back Pain Relief

Why Side Sleepers Need Extra Care If you’re a side sleeper, you’re not alone. Most Kiwis we meet in our Palmerston North and Auckland showrooms sleep on their sides. It’s comfortable, feels natural, and is one of the healthiest ways to rest. But here’s the catch: side sleeping puts more pressure on your shoulders and hips than any other position. That’s why so many side sleepers wake up with stiff backs, sore hips, or even tingling arms. The mattress you choose can either make that pain worse or take it away.   What Actually Happens When You Sleep on Your Side We’ve seen this firsthand: On a mattress that’s too firm, your shoulders and hips can’t sink in enough. That creates painful pressure points and pushes your spine out of alignment. On a mattress that’s too soft, your body sinks too far, bending your lower back unnaturally. Over time, this can cause or worsen chronic pain. What you really need is a medium-soft balance something cushioned enough to relieve pressure, but supportive enough to keep everything in line.   The Features That Matter Most Based on years of listening to our customers, here’s what side sleepers should look for: Plush top comfort: A Euro top or pillow top layer eases shoulder and hip pressure. Pocket springs: Each spring moves independently, so your body is supported evenly. Edge support: Reinforced edges stop sagging and keep the mattress stable. Breathable layers: Helps prevent overheating  something Kiwi summers often highlight. Motion isolation: Essential for couples. You don’t want your partner’s tossing and turning keeping you awake. Key Features Of Dream Comfort Mattress Feature Description Cover Material High-Quality Knitted Fabric + Polyfiber Padding – Soft, breathable surface offering plush comfort and long-term durability. Gel Memory Foam 1cm Advanced Gel Memory Foam – Conforms to your body, regulates temperature, and relieves pressure points. Cloud Feeling Foam 2cm Pressure-Distributing Foam – Features a cross-linked molecular structure for zero-tension support and enhanced contouring. Honeycomb open-cell design allows air circulation and moisture evaporation. Treated for anti-microbial and anti-mite protection. Supportive Core Layers Includes convoluted foam, high-density hard foam, and soft foam – Engineered for balanced firmness and comfort layering. Pocket Spring System 1.8 Gauge Individually Wrapped Coils – React independently to body movements, offering ergonomic alignment and minimizing partner disturbance. Edge Support 7cm Foam Box Encasement – Reinforces mattress edges and maximizes usable sleep surface for long-term structural integrity. Total Height 32cm – Multi-layered construction offering structured comfort and deep support. Bed Frame Compatibility Suitable for all types of bed bases: Foundation, Slatted Base, and Box Spring. Firmness Level Medium Firm Recommended Sleep Positions Ideal for Side, Back, and Stomach Sleepers Shipping & Setup Ships rolled and boxed – Convenient, easy setup at home. Dream Comfort Mattresses are Available in the following dimensions Width Depth Height 1520 mm 2030 mm 320 mm 1830 mm 2030 mm 320 mm 1670 mm 2030 mm 320 mm 1070 mm 2030 mm 320 mm   How Our Dream Comfort Mattress Solves These Problems Our Dream Comfort Medium-Soft Mattress was designed with side sleepers in mind. The Euro top surface cradles your shoulders and hips, giving you that plush relief. A layered foam system balances softness with underlying support. The 1.8 Gauge pocket spring core keeps your spine aligned while minimising partner disturbance. Reinforced edges prevent the sagging that often ruins a mattress after a few years. Breathable cotton and knitted fabrics keep airflow moving in NZ’s humid climate. This combination means you don’t have to choose between “soft” and “supportive”  you can have both. Common Mistakes Side Sleepers Make When customers come to us after buying elsewhere, these are the regrets we hear most: Buying the cheapest mattress, only for it to sag within 18 months. Choosing something that feels super soft in-store but causes back pain within weeks. Ignoring edge support, which leads to that “rolling off” feeling. Forgetting how hot some mattresses get, especially memory foam-heavy ones. That’s why we recommend side sleepers test mattresses carefully, and always check the specs, not just the price tag. A Real-World Example One of our customers in Auckland told us she had been waking up with shoulder pain for years. She assumed it was just age. After moving to a Dream Comfort Medium-Soft, she noticed the pain ease within the first month. That’s the difference the right support can make. Why Furniture Tree? We’re a proudly NZ-based business, and we know what matters to Kiwi households: comfort, durability, and value. With the Dream Comfort Range, you get: A mattress engineered for real NZ sleepers Premium features without inflated “luxury” prices Easy mattress-in-a-box delivery anywhere in NZ Our local expertise to help you choose the right fit Final Word If you’re a side sleeper battling shoulder, hip, or back pain, don’t put up with it. The wrong mattress will only make things worse. The right one can give you deeper rest, better mornings, and long-term comfort. Check out the Dream Comfort Medium-Soft Mattress at Furniture Tree today. We’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes  and we’d love for you to experience it too.

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How to Choose the Right Mattress for Long-Term Health & Comfort

Why Your Mattress Is More Important Than You Think At Furniture Tree, we often meet people who tell us: “I didn’t realise how much my old mattress was affecting me until I replaced it.” It’s a story we hear again and again. Aches in the morning, restless nights, or waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed the culprit is often sitting right under you. We spend nearly a third of our lives in bed. That’s thousands of nights where the wrong mattress can put stress on your back, shoulders, or hips. On the other hand, the right one can help your body recover, keep your spine in line, and make you feel fresh when you wake up. So how do you choose a mattress that won’t just feel good for a few months, but actually supports your health long-term? Let’s talk through what we’ve learned from working with Kiwi families for years.   Think About How You Actually Sleep Everyone has their favourite sleeping position and it makes a big difference. Side sleepers (very common here in NZ) usually need a mattress that’s a bit softer, so the shoulder and hip sink in without throwing the spine off balance. Back sleepers often need something more supportive to keep the lower back from arching. Stomach sleepers usually do best with a firmer base, otherwise the middle of the body sinks in and strains the back. Combination sleepers move around a lot, so they need something versatile that works across positions. We’ve found the sweet spot for most couples is a medium-soft mattress, like our Dream Comfort Range. It has just enough plushness to cradle pressure points but still holds your body straight.     Your Body Type Matters Too We see a lot of customers walk in thinking their comfort level is one-size-fits-all. But body type really changes how a mattress feels. If you’re on the lighter side, firmer mattresses may feel like you’re sleeping on a board. Heavier sleepers sometimes sink too much into softer foams that’s when reinforced pocket springs are crucial. And if you’re managing back issues or arthritis, you’ll want both cushioning and strong edge support to keep things stable. That’s why our Dream Comfort Mattress is built with a 32 cm height, 1.8 Gauge smart pocket spring core and reinforced edges. We wanted something that works across different body types and doesn’t sag out after a couple of years.     The Types of Mattresses You’ll See in NZ When you’re shopping around, you’ll come across a few main types: Innerspring: Traditional, bouncy, often the cheapest but they can sag and transfer motion easily. Memory foam: Great for pressure relief Hybrid (springs + foam): Our favourite balance combines support and comfort. Latex: Durable and natural, but usually more expensive and heavier. Euro/Pillow top: That plush feel on top of a supportive base. Quality makes all the difference here. We lean toward hybrid mattresses like the Dream Comfort because they solve most of the common issues support, comfort, airflow, and durability.     What to Look for Inside the Mattress It’s easy to get distracted by marketing fluff, but the construction is what really counts: Foam density: Denser foams last longer and don’t flatten as quickly. Spring gauge: Thicker springs give stronger support. Edge reinforcement: Stops you from rolling off and extends the usable surface. Breathability: Fabrics like cotton and knitted covers keep air moving, which matters in our damp NZ climate. The Dream Comfort mattress ticks these boxes breathable knitted fabric, layered foams, cotton pads, and reinforced edges. It’s built to last, not just look good on delivery day.     Don’t Just Buy for Today, Buy for 10 Years Mattresses aren’t a short-term purchase. A good one should last 7–10 years, so think beyond what feels comfortable for five minutes in the store. Ask yourself: Does it have proper edge support, or will it sag quickly? Is the warranty long enough to match the promise? Does it suit your sleeping style and body, not just your partner’s? Will it handle NZ’s mix of humid summers and cool winters without trapping moisture? This is why we designed the Dream Comfort Mattress Range with both durability and comfort in mind. Reinforced springs, breathable fabrics, and long-term support all the things we’ve seen people regret not choosing.     Caring for Your Mattress Even the best mattress needs a little care: Rotate it head-to-foot every few months. Use a quality protector it helps with hygiene and keeps the warranty valid. Keep it on a solid base (slats shouldn’t be too far apart). Air it out occasionally. We’ve noticed customers who follow these simple steps get years more out of their mattresses compared to those who don’t.     Why We Back Dream Comfort Here’s why we stand behind the Dream Comfort Medium-Soft Mattress: Plush Euro top that relieves shoulders and hips Multi-layer foam and cotton for balanced comfort 32 cm height for that luxury feel Pocket spring core for strong, even support Reinforced edges to stop sagging Mattress-in-a-box delivery for easy setup anywhere in NZ It’s built for real Kiwi homes, comfortable, durable, and fairly priced compared to overseas “luxury” brands.     Final Thoughts Choosing a mattress isn’t just about how it feels when you lie on it for five minutes. It’s about how it will treat your body for the next decade. We’ve seen firsthand how the right mattress can turn restless, painful nights into deep, energising sleep. That’s why we recommend taking the time to get it right and why we’re proud of our Dream Comfort Mattress Range. If you’re ready to invest in your long-term health and comfort, come see us at Furniture Tree or explore our Dream Comfort mattresses online. We’d love to help you wake up feeling rested and ready every day.

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