Under-Bed Storage Space Calculator
The space under your bed is often the most under-used storage in the whole bedroom, but it's easy to either overbuy boxes that never fit or underestimate just how much you can fit away. Choose your bed size and clearance below to see your usable volume.
Work out your under-bed storage space
Choose your bed size and enter the clearance height beneath the frame.
A Double (190 x 135cm) bed with 20cm of clearance gives you approximately:
513L of usable space
That's enough room for around 6 standard under-bed storage boxes in a single layer (based on a typical 70 x 40cm box footprint).
Recommended products
A few well-reviewed under-bed storage solutions to consider.
- Fabric
£24.91
Pros
- Clear top window makes contents easy to find
- Zip closure keeps dust out
- Folds flat for storing off-season
Cons
- Fabric is not fully waterproof in damp lofts or garages
- Metal
£27.50
Pros
- Folds flat to just 7.4cm when not in use
- Four 360° swivel wheels, two lockable, for easy access
- Metal frame gives sturdier support than plastic or fabric bins
Cons
- Wheels can squeak on carpet over time
- Plastic
£28.99
Pros
- Double flap lid opens from either side
- Removable wheels for easy access
- BPA-free plastic protects bedding from dust
Cons
- Sold as a pack of 2, not 3
Frequently asked questions
How much storage space is actually under a standard bed?
It depends heavily on bed size and frame clearance, but a double bed with a typical 20cm gap beneath it offers a surprising amount of usable volume — often more than a couple of medium storage boxes' worth once you account for the full footprint.
Does bed frame clearance vary a lot between beds?
Yes — some divan and low-profile frames leave barely any gap at all, while others, particularly beds designed with storage in mind, offer 20cm or more, so it's worth measuring your own frame rather than assuming a standard figure.
What size boxes work best for under-bed storage?
Flat, wide boxes designed specifically for under-bed use tend to make better use of the space than tall general-purpose boxes, since they maximise floor coverage within a limited height rather than wasting headroom.
Is under-bed storage a good option for seasonal items?
It works well for things you don't need often, such as spare bedding, out-of-season clothing or suitcases, since the space is a little less convenient to access than a wardrobe shelf but offers a lot of otherwise unused volume.
How this calculator works
The calculator takes your bed size (single, double, king or super king) and multiplies the length by width by the clearance height to get the total volume in litres. It then calculates how many standard under-bed storage boxes (70 x 40cm footprint) you can fit in a single layer across the bed's footprint. The result gives you both the total usable volume and the practical box count.
Clearance height is the gap between the floor and the underside of the bed frame. A typical divan base with no drawers has 15-25cm of clearance, while a bed designed for storage might have 25-35cm. Low-profile beds with slim frames might have only 5-10cm, which is enough for slim storage bags but not for boxes. Always measure your actual clearance with a tape measure — don't assume it matches the manufacturer's specification, especially if the bed has legs or castors.
Under-bed storage by bed size
| Bed size | Footprint | 20cm clearance | 30cm clearance | Boxes that fit (single layer) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 190 x 90cm | 342L | 513L | 6 boxes | Small bedroom, guest room |
| Double | 190 x 135cm | 513L | 770L | 9 boxes | Standard bedroom, couple |
| King | 200 x 150cm | 600L | 900L | 10 boxes | Master bedroom, couple |
| Super King | 200 x 180cm | 720L | 1,080L | 12 boxes | Large bedroom, family |
Worked example: A double bed with 20cm clearance
A double bed (190 x 135cm) with 20cm of clearance has a total under-bed volume of 190 × 135 × 20 = 513,000cm³ = 513L. That's enough for a surprising amount of storage — roughly 9 standard under-bed boxes in a single layer, or 18 boxes if you stack them two high (if you have 40cm of clearance). For most people, a single layer of boxes is more practical, as it's easier to reach and see what's stored.
If you use vacuum-packed storage bags instead of boxes, you can fit much more in the same space. A vacuum bag reduces the volume of clothes or bedding by 50-70%, so 513L of space could hold the equivalent of 1,500-2,500L of loose items. Vacuum bags are ideal for seasonal clothing, duvets and pillows — they compress flat and slide easily under the bed.
Common mistakes when using under-bed storage
- Buying boxes that are too tall for the clearance. A standard 35L storage box is typically 25-30cm tall, which won't fit under a bed with only 20cm of clearance. Always check the box dimensions, not just the capacity. Under-bed boxes are specifically designed to be low-profile (typically 15-20cm tall) to maximise the use of limited headroom.
- Forgetting to account for the bed frame's obstructions. Some divan bases have drawers on one side, legs in the corners, or a central support beam that reduces the usable area. Measure the actual open space under the bed, not just the bed's overall footprint. A bed with four small legs might have almost the full footprint available, while a bed with a solid base and drawers on one side might only have half the space.
- Storing items that can be damaged by damp or pests. Under-bed spaces can be dusty and sometimes damp, especially if the bed is on an external wall or in a room with poor ventilation. Don't store valuable items, electronics, photographs or important documents under the bed — use sealed plastic boxes for protection, and avoid storing anything sensitive to mould or moths.
- Making the space inaccessible. If you have to move the entire bed or lift a heavy mattress to access the storage, you won't use it regularly. Choose storage solutions that slide in and out easily — boxes with handles, pull-out drawers, or a wheeled under-bed storage unit. If the space is hard to reach, you'll end up storing things you rarely need and forgetting what you have down there.
What to look for when buying under-bed storage
Box design matters for under-bed use. Look for boxes specifically labelled as 'under-bed' — they're designed to be low-profile (15-20cm tall) and have a flat, wide footprint that maximises the use of limited headroom. Avoid tall general-purpose storage boxes, even if they're the right capacity — they'll stick up above the bed frame and won't slide in properly. Handles or cut-out grips on the ends make the boxes easier to pull out from under the bed.
Material affects durability and protection. Fabric storage bags with a rigid base are lightweight and flexible, but they don't protect against dust, damp or pests. Clear plastic boxes with secure lids are better for long-term storage — they keep dust and moisture out and let you see the contents without opening them. For seasonal clothing and bedding, vacuum-sealed bags are the most space-efficient option, but they need a vacuum cleaner to pack and unpack.
Finally, think about organisation. A set of uniform boxes that stack neatly and slide in and out easily is better than a random collection of different-sized containers. Label each box with its contents and the season — 'Winter clothes - 2025' is more useful than 'Bedroom stuff'. If you use clear plastic boxes, you might not need to label them, but a quick note on the lid still helps when you're searching for something specific.
More questions answered
How much storage space is actually under a standard bed?
It depends heavily on bed size and frame clearance, but a double bed with a typical 20cm gap beneath it offers a surprising amount of usable volume — often more than a couple of medium storage boxes' worth once you account for the full footprint.
Does bed frame clearance vary a lot between beds?
Yes — some divan and low-profile frames leave barely any gap at all, while others, particularly beds designed with storage in mind, offer 20cm or more, so it's worth measuring your own frame rather than assuming a standard figure.
What size boxes work best for under-bed storage?
Flat, wide boxes designed specifically for under-bed use tend to make better use of the space than tall general-purpose boxes, since they maximise floor coverage within a limited height rather than wasting headroom.
Is under-bed storage a good option for seasonal items?
It works well for things you don't need often, such as spare bedding, out-of-season clothing or suitcases, since the space is a little less convenient to access than a wardrobe shelf but offers a lot of otherwise unused volume.
Can I use under-bed storage with a divan base that has drawers?
Yes — if your divan base has drawers on one side, you can still use the remaining under-bed space on the other side. Measure the open area that's not occupied by drawers, and choose boxes that fit within that space. Some divan bases have drawers on both sides, which might leave only a narrow strip in the middle — in that case, look for slim, flat storage bags rather than boxes.
Should I use boxes or vacuum bags for under-bed storage?
It depends on what you're storing. Boxes are better for items you need to access regularly or that you don't want to compress (shoes, handbags, books). Vacuum bags are better for bulky, compressible items like clothes, duvets and pillows — they can reduce the volume by 50-70%, letting you fit much more in the same space. For a mixed storage solution, use boxes on one side and vacuum bags on the other.
How do I protect items from dust and damp under the bed?
Use sealed plastic boxes with tight-fitting lids rather than fabric bags or open boxes. Look for boxes with rubber seals or locking lids for extra protection. If your room is prone to damp, place a moisture absorber sachet or a small dehumidifier in the under-bed space. Avoid storing anything directly on the floor — put the boxes on a raised platform or a sheet of plywood to keep them off the concrete or floorboards.
What should I not store under the bed?
Avoid storing valuable items, important documents, electronics, photographs or musical instruments under the bed — the space can be damp and dusty, and it's not as secure as a wardrobe or safe. Don't store food (it attracts pests), candles (fire risk), or heavy items that could damage the bed frame or make the boxes difficult to move. Stick to seasonal clothing, bedding, towels, shoes and other non-perishable, non-valuable items.