For most people who need more storage, yes: a hydraulic storage bed is worth it. The mattress platform lifts up on gas-assisted arms so you can reach a large storage space under the bed without moving anything. At Furniture and Mattress Outlet, hydraulic storage beds currently start at $343.99 for a single and go up to $1,738.99 for a king platform bed.
How a hydraulic lift bed works
A hydraulic storage bed (also called a lift bed or gas lift bed) has a hinged platform that holds your mattress. Lift arms on the sides carry most of the weight, so when you raise the platform it opens smoothly and stays up while you put things in or take them out. When you're done, you lower it and it looks like a normal bed again.
Every bed in our hydraulic storage beds collection lists this feature in its product details. For example, the manufacturer describes the IF 5160 Bed (Black PU) as including a hydraulic lift and a platform with mattress support. The Queen Lift Bed Frame (Taupe) lists a gas lift storage system, hydraulic support arms and a slatted platform base.
The pros
- Storage you can actually reach. The area under the mattress becomes space for spare bedding, pillows, luggage or out-of-season clothes. Many people find lifting the platform easier than pulling boxes out from under a regular bed.
- Helpful in small rooms. In condos and smaller bedrooms, a lift bed can take the place of extra closet or dresser space.
- Often no box spring needed. Many lift beds have a built-in platform. The IF 5445 Lift Storage Bed (Grey Fabric), for example, lists built-in mattress support with no box spring required. Always check the product page for the bed you choose.
- A tidy look. The base is enclosed, so there is no open gap under the bed for things to roll into.
The cons
- Heavier and bulkier. A lift bed has more parts than a simple frame. The Queen Lift Bed Frame (Taupe), for example, lists a weight of 281 lb. Measure doorways, hallways and stairs before you order. Our guide on measuring before furniture delivery walks you through it.
- More work to assemble. The lift mechanism adds steps. Assembly is available for an extra charge. Call 437-995-4507 for a quote.
- You still lift the mattress. The arms do most of the work, but you are raising the mattress along with the platform. If you plan to use an unusually heavy mattress, ask us before you order.
- No under-bed gap. Robot vacuums and under-bed bins won't fit underneath.
- Usually costs more than a basic frame. In our store, the IF 5275 Bed is $183.99 in double, while the IF 5160 hydraulic bed is $369.99 in double.
Sizes and current prices
Prices below are bed only (no mattress) and were checked when this article was written. The product page always shows the current price.
- IF 5160 Bed (Black PU) and IF 5163 Bed (Grey Fabric): single $343.99, double $369.99, queen $393.99, king $443.99. The IF 5160 queen is listed at 84 x 63 x 33 inches (L x W x H).
- IF 5445 Lift Storage Bed (Grey Fabric): double $441.99, queen $443.99, king $532.99.
- IF 5872 Lift Storage Bed (Beige): double $578.99, queen $593.99, king $643.99.
- Queen Lift Bed Frame (Taupe): $1,126.99. King Lift Bed Frame (Taupe): $1,309.99.
- Barcelona Platform Bed and New York Platform Bed: $1,432.99 in double or queen, $1,723.99 and $1,738.99 in king.
Not every model comes in every size. Single sizes are mainly in the IF 5160 and IF 5163. If you're not sure which mattress size fits your room, see mattress sizes in Canada.
Lift bed + mattress combos
If you need a mattress too, we pair the IF 5160 lift bed with a mattress in every size:
- Single with Nora Hybrid Mattress: $592.99
- Double with Rest-o-pedic Euro Top Mattress: $459.99
- Queen with 5" Foam Mattress: $469.99
- King with 7" Prime Foam Mattress: $629.99
For example, the queen IF 5160 bed ($393.99) plus the Sleep In Regular Foam Mattress (5") in queen ($173.99) adds up to $567.98 when bought separately, compared with $469.99 for the combo. See all bed + mattress combos.
Is a lift bed right for you?
A hydraulic storage bed is a good fit if you're short on storage, you have a smaller bedroom, or you want to keep bedding and seasonal items out of sight. A simple platform bed may suit you better if you move often, need to carry the bed up narrow stairs, or want space under the bed for a vacuum.
Quick answers
Do hydraulic storage beds need a box spring?
Many don't, because they have a built-in platform. Check the product details for the bed you're looking at.
What sizes do your lift beds come in?
Depending on the model, single, double, queen and king. The IF 5160 and IF 5163 come in all four sizes.
Is a mattress included?
No. Lift beds are sold as the bed only, unless you choose a bed + mattress combo.
How much does delivery cost?
Delivery is free to every address in our service area, with no minimum order, and usually arrives within 7 business days. Assembly is available for an extra charge.
Ready to compare? Browse our hydraulic storage beds or call us at 437-995-4507 with any questions.