Storage Bed Size Guide: Fit, Clearance and Mattress Depth
You measured the room, picked a 180×200 mattress size and ordered a storage bed. Then the frame arrives and the drawers hit the wardrobe door, or the mattress sits a few centimetres too high above the side rails. In compact Dubai and Sharjah apartment bedrooms this happens often. The mattress size and the frame size are not the same number.
A storage bed adds a base, side panels and a lifting or sliding mechanism. That means it needs more floor space than a standard bed, and it limits which mattress you can put in it. Three measurements decide whether it works: the frame footprint, the clearance around it, and the mattress depth.
Frame Size Is Not Mattress Size
Storage beds are listed by the mattress they hold, so a “king” means a 180×200 cm mattress. The frame around it is larger because of the side rails, headboard and base. As a working rule, the frame runs roughly 10–20 cm wider and 5–25 cm longer than the mattress. A padded headboard adds more length. Always use the dimensions on the product page, not the mattress size. (Not sure what to call your current mattress? See what a 180×200 mattress is called in the UAE.)
| Mattress size (cm) | Typical frame footprint (cm)* | Bedroom width needed with 60 cm on both sides |
| 120 x 200 | 130–140 x 205–225 | about 255 cm |
| 160 x 200 (Queen) | 170–180 x 205–225 | about 295 cm |
| 180 x 200 (King) | 190–200 x 205–225 | about 315 cm |
| 200 x 200 (Super King) | 210–220 x 205–225 | about 335 cm |
*Approximate. Varies by model and headboard design.
If the width figure is more than your room offers, move down one size or push one side of the bed against the wall. Our guide to how bed size changes a small bedroom covers that trade-off.
Clearance: The Space the Storage Needs to Open
Clearance is where storage beds differ most from standard beds, because the storage has to open without hitting anything.
- Walkways: Leave about 60 cm on each side you walk or dress, and 75–90 cm where you can. In a narrow room, one side against the wall is a sensible compromise.
- Hydraulic lift beds: The base lifts from either the side or the foot. Check which direction your model uses. Keep wardrobe doors, benches and bedside furniture out of the lift path. Also check the space above, since AC units, wall shelves and low ceilings can block the raised base.
- Drawer beds: A drawer pulls out roughly its own depth. Allow that distance plus room to stand and reach. Drawers at the foot end need a clear run toward the door.
- Delivery: A large frame still has to reach the bedroom, so measure doors, lifts and corners first. Our bed delivery checklist for tower buildings walks through it.
Not sure which mechanism suits the room? Hydraulic vs drawer storage beds compares capacity and access.
Mattress Depth: The Limit People Overlook
Every storage bed has a recommended mattress depth. If the mattress is deeper than the frame allows, it rides above the side rails, slips more easily and looks unbalanced. If it is too thin, you get a visible gap and less support at the edges.
Weight matters on hydraulic models. The gas struts are rated for a load range. A heavy, thick mattress can make the lift stiff or stop it holding open. Pocket spring and hybrid mattresses are generally heavier than foam of the same size, so check the weight limit when you compare options. If you are still choosing, foam vs pocket spring explains how the two constructions differ.
Before ordering:
- Note the frame’s maximum mattress depth and weight limit.
- Measure the depth and weight of your existing mattress, or check the spec of the new one.
- Check the fitted sheet size so the sheets match the mattress depth.
Storage Bed Size FAQs
What size storage bed suits a small bedroom?
A 160×200 cm queen is usually the largest size that still leaves walkways in a standard apartment master bedroom. Smaller rooms often suit a 120×200 cm model.
How much space do I need around a storage bed?
Plan for about 60 cm on each side you use, and more at the foot end if the drawers or lift open there.
Can I use my existing mattress on a storage bed?
Yes, if its size matches and its depth and weight are within the frame’s limits. Check both before you order.
Do hydraulic storage beds need extra clearance?
Yes. The base lifts, so you need free space on the lift side and enough height above it.
Find the Right Fit
Check the frame dimensions, clearance and mattress depth against your room, and the right storage bed will fit without surprises. Browse the storage bed collection at The Home, or pair a frame with a mattress. You can shop online across the UAE or visit our Dubai showroom to see the sizes in person.
