Hydraulic vs Box Storage Bed: Which Should You Buy?

Hydraulic or box storage bed? Compare how each works, storage space, ease of use and room size to choose the right storage bed for your bedroom.

In most Indian homes there is never enough storage, and the space under the bed is the biggest unused area in the bedroom. A storage bed turns it into room for quilts, suitcases, out-of-season clothes and spare mattresses. The real question is which type to choose. There are three common options, and each suits a different home.

How a hydraulic storage bed works

The whole mattress platform lifts up on gas-lift pistons (usually called "hydraulic") and stays open while you take things out. The entire area under the bed becomes one large storage space.

Advantages

• The most storage space, with access to the whole base at once.
• Fits big items easily: suitcases, extra mattresses, quilts.
• No space needed in front of the bed for drawers, so it suits compact rooms.
• The base is fully closed, so no dust collects under the bed.

Things to know

• You lift the platform together with the mattress. The pistons do most of the work, but it still takes a little effort.
• The gas lifts must be rated for the weight of your mattress.
• It usually costs more than a box bed.

How a box storage bed works

The base is divided into compartments covered by panels. To reach your things, you lift the mattress and then the panel over the compartment you need.

Advantages

• The most economical way to get storage under the bed.
• Simple construction with no mechanism to maintain.
• Good for things you only need a few times a year.

Things to know

• Lifting the mattress by hand is awkward, so it isn't ideal for things you use often.
• Not the best choice for elderly family members.

The third option: drawer storage

Some beds have large drawers at the front or the sides instead.

• Daily-use items are easy to reach without lifting anything.
• But you need about 60 cm of clear space in front of each drawer, and drawers hold less than a full hydraulic base.

Which one should you choose?

• Choose hydraulic if you want the maximum storage, you store big items, or your bed is close to the wardrobe or a wall.
• Choose box storage if budget is the priority and you only open the storage occasionally.
• Choose drawers if you need to reach things every day and there is space in front of the bed.

Many families combine them: a hydraulic master bed for bulky items, and a bed with drawers in the children's room for toys and books.

Standard bed sizes in India

• Single: about 3 x 6.25 ft (36 x 75 in)
• Queen: about 5 x 6.25 ft (60 x 75 in), or 60 x 78 in
• King: about 6 x 6.25 ft (72 x 75 in), or 72 x 78 in

Measure your mattress, or buy it first, before you order the bed. A custom-made bed can be built to fit the exact mattress size and the space you have.

What to check before you buy

• Base material: the storage base carries weight every day, so it should be made of good plywood, not particle board. Marine-grade plywood also copes better with humidity. See our plywood grade guide.
• Ventilation: small air holes in the base help prevent a musty smell, especially during the monsoon.
• Gas lift quality: ask for branded lifts rated for your mattress weight.
• Headboard: upholstered leatherette or fabric, panelled wood, or a headboard with built-in side tables and lights. Choose one that is comfortable to lean against.
• Height: a bed height of about 45 to 50 cm including the mattress is comfortable to sit on and get up from.

Storage beds by Bosk

We make hydraulic and box storage beds with upholstered headboards, built to your room size in our Bhavnagar workshop on marine-grade plywood. See our storage beds in Bhavnagar, and plan a matching wardrobe in the same finish for a complete bedroom. Call or WhatsApp +91 97378 17777 for a free quote.

Frequently asked questions