Gas lift beds are popular for one simple reason: they turn the space beneath the mattress into usable storage without adding another piece of furniture to the room. For smaller New Zealand bedrooms, apartments, rentals and guest rooms, that can be a very practical trade-off.
But are gas lift beds actually worth it? The answer depends less on the mechanism itself and more on your room layout, what you need to store, and how often you want to access it. This guide walks through the real advantages and limitations so you can decide whether a gas lift bed suits your space.
What is a gas lift bed?
A gas lift bed uses a lifting mechanism to raise the mattress platform, giving access to storage underneath. Instead of pulling drawers out from the side of the bed, you lift the base to reach the storage area below.
That makes gas lift storage different from drawer-storage beds, even though both use the footprint of the bed more efficiently.
If you want to compare both formats first, read our Storage Bed vs Standard Bed guide, or browse the full Storage Beds collection.
Why gas lift beds can work well in smaller NZ bedrooms
1. They use storage space you already have
The biggest advantage is that the storage area sits directly beneath the mattress platform. You are not adding another cabinet, chest or set of freestanding drawers to the room.
That can be especially useful where the bed already takes up most of the available floor space and you want to keep the room easier to move around.
2. They do not need drawer clearance at the sides
Drawer-storage beds need enough room beside the frame for the drawers to open fully. A gas lift bed is accessed from the mattress platform instead, so it can be a better fit when the bed sits close to a wall, bedside table or other furniture.
This is one of the strongest reasons to choose gas lift over drawers in a narrow room.
3. They create one larger storage zone
Because the space underneath is not split into separate drawers, a gas lift bed can be more practical for bulkier items such as spare bedding, seasonal clothing, extra pillows or guest linen.
The storage is also hidden from view, which can help keep a bedroom visually simpler.
What are the trade-offs?
1. Access is different from opening a drawer
If you want to grab something quickly every day, a drawer can feel more direct. Gas lift storage is generally better suited to items you want nearby but do not need to access constantly.
Think about what you are actually planning to store before choosing the mechanism.
2. You still need to plan the room around the bed
A gas lift bed may reduce the need for side drawer clearance, but you still need enough space around the frame for normal use, making the bed and assembly.
Always check the full external dimensions of the bed frame rather than assuming the mattress size is the same as the frame footprint.
3. The frame is usually more substantial than a basic bed base
Because the storage space and lifting system are built into the structure, gas lift beds often have a more enclosed or upholstered base than a simple metal frame. That can be a positive if you want a softer, more finished bedroom look, but less suitable if you prefer a very light, open-frame style.
Gas lift vs drawer storage: which is easier to live with?
Neither is universally better. The best option depends on room clearance and access habits.
- Choose gas lift storage if side clearance is limited, you want one larger hidden storage area, or you mainly store bulky and occasional-use items.
- Choose drawer storage if you want quick access to smaller groups of items and have enough room beside the bed for drawers to open.
LivingTopia currently offers both formats. You can compare Gas Lift Storage Beds with broader Storage Beds before deciding.
What should you check before buying a gas lift bed?
Measure the full bed footprint
Do not measure only the mattress. Headboards, upholstered side rails and footboards can make the overall frame wider or longer.
Check access for delivery and assembly
Measure doorways, hallways, stair turns and the final room. Larger upholstered frames can be more awkward to move through tight access points than a very simple frame.
Think about what you will store
Gas lift storage is most useful when you have a clear purpose for the space. Spare bedding, off-season clothing and guest items are usually a better fit than things you need multiple times a day.
Choose the bed size around the room, not just the mattress you want
A larger bed can add more storage space, but it also takes up more room overall. Balance sleeping space with walking clearance, bedside access and other bedroom furniture.
Current LivingTopia gas lift bed examples
If you want to see how the format looks in real products, these current LivingTopia models show different sizes and upholstery styles:
- Isabella Boucle Queen Gas Lift Bed Frame - White
- Isabella Teddy Boucle Double Gas Lift Bed Frame - White
- Fomo Super King Teddy Gas Lift Bed Frame - White
- Calma Super King Gas Lift Bed Frame - Light Grey
So, are gas lift beds worth it?
They are worth considering when storage is one of the main problems in the room and you want to use the bed footprint more efficiently. They are particularly useful where side drawer clearance is limited or where you want one larger concealed storage area.
If you already have plenty of storage, prefer an open-frame look, or need very frequent access to small items, a standard or drawer-storage bed may suit you better.
The easiest way to decide is to start with the room problem first, then choose the mechanism.
Want hidden under-bed storage? Browse Gas Lift Storage Beds. Still comparing formats? View all Storage Beds or Bed Frames.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas lift beds good for small bedrooms?
They can be a good fit because the storage sits beneath the mattress platform and does not require side drawer clearance. You still need to check the full frame size and make sure the room has enough space for normal use and assembly.
What can I store in a gas lift bed?
Gas lift storage is well suited to spare bedding, seasonal clothing, pillows, guest linen and other items that do not need constant access. Always use the storage area in line with the individual product instructions.
Is a gas lift bed better than a bed with drawers?
It depends on the room. Gas lift beds suit spaces with limited side clearance and larger items, while drawer-storage beds can be more convenient for frequent access to smaller groups of belongings.
Do gas lift beds take up more room?
The storage itself sits within the bed footprint, but the overall frame may be larger than the mattress because of the headboard, side rails and footboard. Always check the full product dimensions before buying.
Are gas lift beds suitable for rentals?
They can be useful in rentals where built-in storage is limited, but check room size, access for moving and assembly, and whether the bed is practical to relocate if you expect to move frequently.
