Storage is one of the most common problems in Perth bedrooms. Whether you are in a two-bedroom apartment in Northbridge or a four-bedroom house in the suburbs, the space under the bed is either completely wasted or packed with disorganised items that are difficult to access. A gas lift storage bed solves that problem directly by turning the under-bed space into a clean, accessible storage compartment.
This guide explains exactly how gas lift beds work, what their real advantages and limitations are, and whether one suits your home.
How a Gas Lift Bed Works
A gas lift bed has a bed base made from a solid timber or MDF platform that is hinged at the head end and supported by two or more nitrogen-charged gas pistons, one on each side. When you lift the mattress from the foot end, the gas pistons assist the upward movement, making it easy to raise a heavy mattress with one hand. The base locks in the open position while you access the storage area underneath. When you lower it, the pistons slow the descent, so the base does not drop suddenly.
The storage compartment underneath is fully enclosed by the bed frame on all four sides. This keeps contents dust-free, which is a meaningful advantage over open shelving or under-bed containers that accumulate dust quickly in Perth’s dry climate.
The lifting mechanism requires no electricity and no maintenance under normal residential use. The gas pistons in quality beds are rated for 50,000 to 80,000 lift cycles, which at one lift per day translates to more than 130 years of use.
What Fits Inside a Gas Lift Bed
The storage depth under a standard gas lift bed base is between 25 and 35 centimetres, depending on the bed height. A queen-size gas lift bed (153cm x 203cm base) provides approximately 0.9 to 1.1 cubic metres of usable storage space. That is enough for:
- Extra bedding sets (2 to 3 full sets in vacuum-compressed bags)
- Out-of-season clothing in flat storage boxes
- Spare pillows and throws
- Luggage and travel bags (most standard suitcases fit flat)
- Large board games and hobby equipment
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Feature | Gas Lift Bed | Standard Bed with Under-Bed Drawers | Standard Platform Bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage Access | Full base lifts, full access | Drawers on 1 to 2 sides only | No storage |
| Storage Capacity | High (full under-bed area) | Medium (drawer size only) | None |
| Dust Protection | Full enclosure | Partial (drawers) | None |
| Price Range | Mid to high | Mid | Low to mid |
| Mattress Compatibility | All mattress types | All mattress types | All mattress types |
| Assembly Effort | Moderate (2 people) | Easy to moderate | Easy |
| Access Frequency | Occasional (not daily) | Daily or weekly | N/A |
The Real Limitations
Gas lift beds are not ideal for daily storage access. Because the mattress must be lifted each time, they suit items you retrieve weekly or seasonally rather than items you need every day.
The bed also requires approximately 60 to 80 centimetres of clear space at the foot end for the mattress to hinge upward fully without hitting a wall or a wardrobe. If your bedroom places the foot of the bed directly against a wall, a gas lift bed will not work in that configuration.
Some gas lift beds have a weight limit on the storage area itself. Heavy items such as books, tools, or gym weights should be distributed across the base rather than stacked in one corner.
Who Are Gas Lift Beds Best For?
Gas lift beds are most practical for:
- Studio apartment occupants who need maximum storage from every piece of furniture
- Renters who cannot install built-in wardrobes and need flexible storage solutions
- Households with seasonal clothing storage needs (Perth summers and winters require very different wardrobes)
- Spare bedrooms used infrequently where the under-bed space can store guest bedding without taking wardrobe space
They are less practical for:
- People who access under-bed storage multiple times a day
- Bedrooms where the bed sits with the foot against a wall
- People who prefer low-profile beds (gas lift beds are typically 50 to 60cm from floor to mattress top, which some people find too high)
Products at Perth Furniture & Fun
Perth Furniture & Fun’s gas lift storage beds are available in velvet fabric finishes including emerald green, navy blue, and dark grey. The Velvet Dream Gas Lift Bedcombines soft velvet upholstery with built-in under-bed storage, making it a practical choice for bedrooms where extra storage is useful. All beds carry a 1-year manufacturing warranty and are available for delivery across the Perth metro area within 3–5 business days.
Velvet also adds a soft, premium finish to the bedroom and is generally comfortable for indoor use in Perth. Its performance can vary depending on the fibre and construction, so positioning the bed away from strong direct sunlight can help maintain comfort and appearance.
Conclusion
A gas lift bed is a practical investment for any Perth home where wardrobe space is limited or seasonal storage is a regular challenge. The mechanism is reliable, the storage capacity is meaningful, and the dust-free enclosure suits Perth’s dry climate. If your bedroom has adequate foot clearance and you store items weekly rather than daily, a gas lift bed is a straightforward upgrade over a standard platform bed.
Browse the current range at Perth Furniture & Fun or visit the Midvale showroom at Unit 4, 164 Great Eastern Highway, open 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any mattress type be used on a gas lift bed?
Yes. Gas lift bed bases are compatible with memory foam, latex, pocket spring, and hybrid mattresses. There is no mattress type that conflicts with the gas lift mechanism.
How much weight can a gas lift bed storage compartment hold?
Most quality gas lift beds support 100 to 150 kilograms of storage weight distributed across the base. Check the product specification for the exact limit before storing heavy items.
Is it hard to lift a gas lift bed with a heavy mattress on it?
A quality gas lift mechanism requires 3 to 5 kilograms of upward force to initiate the lift, regardless of the mattress weight. The gas pistons carry the mattress load. A foam mattress above 35kg may require more initial force. Most people lift with one hand comfortably.
Do gas lift beds require professional assembly?
Assembly is manageable for two adults with basic tools. Most gas lift beds require 45 to 90 minutes to assemble. Perth Furniture & Fun includes assembly instructions and required tools with each purchase.
What is the storage depth inside a gas lift bed?
What is the storage depth inside a gas lift bed?
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