Are Gas Lift Beds Worth Buying?

Are Gas-Lift Bed Frames Worth It? A Balanced Look

In many homes — especially smaller apartments, shared bedrooms, or minimalist spaces — storage is the name of the game. A bed with hidden storage can save floor space and reduce clutter. This is where a gas-lift bed frame (also called a storage/ottoman bed) becomes attractive. But “worth it” depends a lot on your lifestyle, space, and what you want from a bed. Here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, and how to decide if it’s right for you.

✅ What Makes Gas-Lift Beds Great

- Maximum Hidden Storage

Unlike drawer beds that give you a few narrow drawers, gas-lift beds open up the entire under-mattress footprint as a single large storage compartment. That makes them great for bulky or seasonal items — think suitcases, winter blankets, spare pillows, out-of-season clothes, old books or keepsakes, and so on. 

- Space-Saving & Clean Aesthetic

Because the storage is internal and doesn’t require side clearance (unlike drawers), you can place the bed flush against a wall, or close to other furniture, making them an excellent option for small bedrooms or tight floorplans.
On top of that — many gas-lift frames come upholstered or in modern finishes, which can make them look sleek and contemporary in your bedroom decor.

- Good for Bulkier/Kinder Storage Items

If what you need to store isn't just spare socks or books, but large bedding sets, suitcases, bulky items — the “all-in-one” under-bed compartment is usually more flexible than rigid drawers. 

- Clutter Reduction & Tidier Look

Because you can close away all storage — rather than having items sticking out or needing extra furniture — it helps maintain a minimalist, clutter-free bedroom vibe. 

⚠️ Where Gas-Lift Beds Fall Short (And What to Watch Out For)

- Access is Less Convenient for Frequent Use

To get to anything in storage, you need to lift the mattress platform. That’s fine for occasional or seasonal items — but a bit of a hassle if you plan to use the storage daily (e.g. as closet space for everyday clothes). Drawer-style storage tends to win for everyday accessibility.

Also, if your bed is fully made (with fitted sheet, duvet, pillows), you might need to unmake it before lifting — not ideal for quick grabs. 

- Higher Upfront Cost & More Complex Mechanism

Gas-lift beds are typically more expensive than standard bed frames or drawer beds, because of the hydraulics and reinforced build required. 

They also come with more parts (frame, pistons, hinges), which means assembly tends to be more complex; sometimes requiring extra care or even professional/assisted build for safe and proper setup. 

- Weight Limits & Mattress Compatibility Matter

Because of the lift mechanism, there are limits to how much weight the bed can safely hold — both mattress + bedding above, and items stored below. Overloading can strain or damage the lift system over time. 

Heavier mattresses or thick pillow-tops may make lifting the bed harder, or stress the struts more — meaning you might lose some of the convenience. 

- Maintenance & Long-Term Reliability Concerns

Because they rely on hydraulic/gas struts, there is a risk (even if small) of mechanical failure over many years — e.g. struts losing pressure, hinges weakening, or difficulties opening/closing smoothly. 

If maintenance is neglected (e.g. not checking weight loads, not cleaning, jamming items inside), durability can suffer. 

🧑💡 Who Should Consider Buying a Gas-Lift Bed Frame

Based on the strengths and drawbacks — a gas-lift bed is most worth it if:

  • You live in a small apartment, studio or compact bedroom where floor space / room layout matters.

  • You want to maximize under-bed storage — for bulky items, seasonal belongings, suitcases, spare bedding, etc.

  • You don’t need to access storage daily, or don’t mind “unmaking” the bed to reach items.

  • You care about a clean, minimalist bedroom aesthetic without visible drawers.

  • You’re willing to invest a bit more upfront to combine a bed + storage in one, rather than buying separate furniture (e.g. drawers, chests, wardrobes).

🎯 My Verdict: Gas-Lift Beds Are Worth It — If You Know What You’re Getting

I believe gas-lift bed frames offer a very strong value proposition — especially for people with limited space or a lot of items to store. The clever use of under-bed storage can replace bulky furniture, reduce clutter, and help keep a room tidy.

That said — they’re not perfect for every situation. If you need storage accessible daily, or you have a heavy mattress and like flexibility, a simpler drawer-style bed (or even a basic frame + separate storage) might suit you better.

In short: gas-lift beds are worth buying — as long as you’re realistic about how you’ll use them, how much storage you need, and how much you want to spend.

Shop our range of gas lift beds https://selsdirect.com.au/collections/gas-lift-storage-bed-frames

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