Are Gas Lift Beds Worth It? Let’s Break It Down

Jul 1, 2025

If you’ve ever looked around your bedroom and wished for just a bit more storage, you’re not alone. Whether you’re living in a cosy apartment, a growing household, or just trying to keep things neat, hidden storage has become a go-to solution for many Aussies. That’s where gas lift beds have started popping up everywhere — in showrooms, social media feeds, and maybe even your mate’s spare room.

But the big question is: are gas lift beds actually worth it? Are they comfy to sleep on? Are they safe? And is the extra storage space really that useful?

Let’s break it all down so you can figure out if this clever bed style suits your space and your sleep.

What Is a Gas Lift Bed?

A gas lift bed looks just like any standard bed frame — until you discover its hidden trick. Underneath the mattress lies a spacious storage compartment that’s accessed by lifting the bed base upward, supported by gas struts (the same kind of thing you find in a car boot). That’s where the name comes from.

Rather than drawers that slide out, the entire base lifts up, giving you full access to the space beneath your mattress. It’s like having a built-in storage unit that no one can see.

There are usually two main types:

Manual gas lift beds: You lift the frame by hand. It’s not hard, but you do need to give it a decent push.
Hydraulic-assisted gas lift beds: These use a smoother lifting mechanism and often feel easier and lighter to operate — ideal for daily use.

And yes — once it’s closed, it stays shut. No gaps, no dust collection, no visual clutter.

How Does a Gas Lift Bed Work?

At the heart of every gas lift bed is a clever lifting mechanism powered by gas struts — those sealed cylinders filled with compressed gas and a small amount of oil. When you pull the handle or lifting strap (usually located near the foot of the bed), the struts help raise the bed base with a smooth, controlled motion.

Here’s how it plays out in real life:

You give a gentle lift from the base.
The gas struts take over, making the lifting feel almost weightless.
The bed base stays raised, hands-free, while you load or unload items.
When you’re done, a gentle push closes the bed slowly and safely — no slamming or heavy thuds.

It’s simple, but the real magic is in the design. The struts are strong enough to support both the mattress and the base, and they hold the bed open at a safe angle while you access the space below.

Most models include:

Soft-lift assistance so the bed doesn’t fly up too fast
Lock-in-place hold for safety while open
Even weight distribution to prevent frame damage

The mechanism is also designed to be discreet — completely hidden once the bed is closed, with no visible moving parts or clunky hardware. So it looks sleek, functions cleanly, and doesn’t interfere with your daily routine.

Are Gas Lift Beds Comfortable?

Short answer? Yes — as comfortable as any other bed.

The gas lift mechanism sits underneath the mattress base and doesn’t affect the sleep surface. So the comfort level you experience depends entirely on the mattress you choose, not the fact that it’s a gas lift bed.

Here’s what matters when it comes to comfort:

Bed Base Type:
Most gas lift beds come with either a solid flat panel or slatted base. Slats allow for a bit of flexibility and airflow, while solid bases offer extra firmness. Both can support a quality mattress well.
Stability:
A well-built gas lift bed doesn’t wobble or creak. The lift mechanism and frame are designed to lock into place when closed, so you shouldn’t feel movement during sleep — even if you toss and turn.
Mattress Compatibility:
You can use innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, or latex mattresses — just check the weight. The heavier the mattress, the harder it may be to lift (especially on manual models).
Daily Use:
If assembled properly, a gas lift bed feels no different to sleep on than a traditional platform bed. In fact, many people forget it’s even a storage bed until they need it.

So, if you’re eyeing one for extra storage but worried about poor sleep — don’t be. It’s the mattress doing all the comfort work, not the lift.

Are Gas Lift Beds Safe?

Safety is a fair concern — especially when you’re dealing with heavy lifting mechanisms and internal storage. But the good news is, modern gas lift beds are built with safety in mind.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Locking Mechanisms

Most gas lift beds include a stay-open feature, which means once the bed is lifted, it stays in place without needing to be held. You won’t have to worry about it suddenly dropping down while you’re loading it up.

2. Slow-Close Technology

The gas struts aren’t just strong — they’re also designed to close slowly. That eliminates the risk of a sudden slam, which could damage the bed or, worse, cause injury.

3. Child-Safe Design

While it’s best to keep young kids from playing with the lift function, the mechanism is usually too heavy for a small child to lift alone. Plus, most models don’t expose any pinch points when operated properly.

4. Sturdy Construction

The frame and base are made to handle both the mattress weight and regular lifting. If you buy from a reputable brand (like Levede), you’re getting reinforced joints, proper strut pressure ratings, and balanced support.

5. Assembling It Right Matters

As with any large furniture, safety depends a lot on proper assembly. If a gas lift bed isn’t built level or the screws are loose, it can creak or shift. Always follow the instructions or get help putting it together.

In short — yes, they’re safe, especially when purchased from trusted brands and used as intended.

Pros and Cons – Let’s Break It Down

Gas lift beds promise a lot — from hidden storage to space-saving magic. But are they all upside? Let’s break down the good, the not-so-good, and what actually matters in daily use.

Pros

1. Huge Hidden Storage
You get access to the entire footprint of your bed for storage — way more than standard drawers. Great for suitcases, extra bedding, seasonal clothes, or even off-season décor.

2. Clutter-Free Design
No drawers sticking out into walkways. Once it’s shut, everything is hidden — no visual mess, no dust bunnies, just a clean room look.

3. Ideal for Small Spaces
Perfect for tight bedrooms, apartments, or shared rooms where storage is limited. You don’t need space on the sides to open drawers — just lift from the top.

4. Stylish and Versatile
Available in plenty of fabrics and finishes — linen, velvet, leather-look — in both modern and classic styles. You won’t need to compromise on aesthetics for practicality.

5. No Need for Extra Storage Units
Buying a gas lift bed could save you from needing a chest of drawers or under-bed tubs, which means fewer bulky items in your room.

Cons

1. Heavier and Bulkier
Because of the lift mechanism and reinforced frame, gas lift beds tend to be heavier than standard frames. This makes them harder to move — especially up stairs.

2. Higher Upfront Cost
They’re usually more expensive than basic bed frames. But you’re paying for storage and function, not just a place to sleep.

3. Manual Lift Can Be Tricky for Some
If you’ve got a heavy mattress and a manual lift bed, you might need a bit of strength to open it. Hydraulic-assisted ones solve this, but they cost more.

4. Assembly Takes Time
You’ll need to follow instructions carefully or pay for assembly. And once it’s built, it’s best to leave it where it is — moving it’s not fun.

5. May Require Maintenance Over Time
Gas struts can wear out eventually — just like a car boot. They’re replaceable, but it’s something to be aware of if you plan to keep the bed for years.

In short, gas lift beds are a smart solution for many households, but you’ll want to weigh up your lifestyle, space, and how often you’ll use the storage before committing.

Gas Lift Bed vs Drawer Storage Bed

If you're comparing storage bed options, the two front-runners are usually gas lift beds and drawer beds. Both add valuable storage, but they work differently — and suit different room setups.

Let’s look at how they stack up:

Storage Access

Gas Lift Bed:
Lifts up from the top to reveal the entire under-bed space. You get full use of the floor area beneath the mattress.
Drawer Bed:
Includes 2–4 pull-out drawers, usually on the sides. The amount of storage depends on the number and size of drawers.

Verdict:
Gas lift wins for total storage volume. Drawer beds offer quicker access for smaller items.

Room Layout Requirements

Gas Lift Bed:
Only needs clear space at the foot of the bed to lift up — no clearance needed at the sides.
Drawer Bed:
Needs enough space on either side to pull out drawers. Not ideal for tight bedrooms or beds against walls.

Verdict:
Gas lift is better for narrow or awkward rooms.

Dust & Cleanliness

Gas Lift Bed:
Storage is fully enclosed — keeps dust out and items hidden.
Drawer Bed:
Open gaps and drawers can collect dust over time.

Verdict:
Gas lift is cleaner and more sealed off.

Ease of Access

Gas Lift Bed:
You lift the whole mattress base — fine for occasional access, but not ideal for daily items.
Drawer Bed:
Quick and easy access to essentials like socks, PJs, or chargers.

Verdict:
Drawer beds are more convenient for frequent use.

Price & Build

Gas Lift Bed:
Usually costs more due to the lift mechanism and sturdy frame.
Drawer Bed:
Can be more budget-friendly, especially in flat-pack options.

Verdict:
Drawer beds win for affordability; gas lift beds win for long-term function and space-saving.

Are Gas Lift Beds Worth It?

So, after weighing up the comfort, practicality, and cost — are gas lift beds actually worth the buy?

For many Aussie households, the answer is a solid yes, especially if you:

Live in a smaller home or apartment
Need extra storage without more furniture
Want a sleek, tidy bedroom without clutter
Don’t want to constantly vacuum under the bed

You’re not just paying for a bed — you’re getting hidden storage, a cleaner layout, and a more spacious feel, all without adding bulky furniture to your room.

That said, they’re not for everyone. You might want to reconsider if:

You move homes frequently (they’re heavy and awkward to shift)
You don’t really need the extra storage
You prefer drawer access over lifting a whole mattress

Still, for the majority of people looking to maximise bedroom space, they’re a practical investment that solves a common problem: “Where do I put all this stuff?”

And with quality options now more affordable than ever, the return in daily convenience is hard to beat.

Would We Buy One?

If your bedroom’s bursting at the seams or your wardrobe’s on the verge of collapse, a gas lift bed could be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

It gives you:

A full bed’s worth of hidden storage
A cleaner, less cluttered room
A stylish frame without sacrificing comfort

And it does all of that without taking up a single extra centimetre of floor space.

Yes, they cost more than your average bed frame, but the storage, style, and functionality easily pay off, especially if you’re short on space or keen to keep your room looking sharp.

Check out Levede’s range of gas lift beds — built for real Aussie homes, combining comfort, quality, and loads of storage space. With thousands of happy customers, it’s a smart choice if you want your room to work harder without looking like it is.

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