More Than Just a Seat: Finding the Perfect End-of-Bed Bench at IKEA

We all have that one chair in the bedroom. You know the one—it isn't used for sitting. Instead, it serves as a purgatory for clothes that aren't quite dirty enough for the hamper but not crisp enough to go back on the hanger. This clutter cycle is exactly why adding a bench to the foot of your bed changes the dynamic of a room. It provides a dedicated surface for putting on shoes, a visual anchor for the bed frame, and, most importantly, a massive amount of hidden utility. If you are hunting for an end bed bench ikea solution, you are likely looking for that sweet spot between Scandinavian minimalism and practical hoarding.

IKEA doesn't actually have a single category labeled "end-of-bed benches." If you wander the warehouse looking for that specific sign, you might leave empty-handed. The trick lies in looking at their low-profile storage units, TV stands, and modular drawer systems through a creative lens. By repurposing these items, you get high-capacity storage that looks custom-made without the custom price tag.

The Heavy Lifters: Maximizing Storage

If your primary goal is hiding winter blankets, spare linens, or that overflow of sweaters, you need deep drawers. The Nordli series is arguably the heavyweight champion of bed bench storage ikea hacks. While technically sold as modular chest of drawers, the low configurations are perfect for sitting. You can combine two or three of the single-layer drawer units side-by-side to create a long, seamless bench that runs the width of a Queen or King bed.

The beauty of the Nordli is the soft-close mechanism and the clean lines. There are no protruding handles to snag your duvet cover on. I used a 2-drawer wide Nordli configuration in a previous apartment, and it swallowed up four thick wool blankets and my entire collection of gym bags. To make it sit-friendly, I simply added a custom-cut piece of plywood on top wrapped in batting and linen fabric. It looked like a piece of furniture that cost five times the price.

Another contender in this category is the Småstad. Originally designed for children's rooms, this pull-out bench drawer is incredibly deep. Don't let the "kids" label deter you. If you swap out the standard handles for sleek leather pulls or brass knobs, it transforms into a sophisticated bedroom bench storage ikea piece. The drawer is essentially a giant bin on wheels, making it incredibly easy to toss decorative pillows into before you sleep.

The DIY Icons: Kallax and Bestå

You cannot discuss IKEA furniture without mentioning the Kallax. Turning a 1x4 Kallax unit on its side is perhaps the most universally recognized furniture hack. It fits perfectly at the end of a standard bed. The cubbies offer versatility that drawers don't. You can use wicker baskets for ugly items like charging cables or socks, and leave other cubbies open for books or decorative objects.

However, the Bestå TV unit is the more sophisticated cousin for this application. Because Bestå frames are reinforced to hold televisions, they are generally sturdy enough to support seating weight if reinforced properly. The frame dimensions are ideal for an end bed bench ikea setup because they are slightly deeper than the Kallax, giving you more surface area to sit comfortably. With the Bestå, you have the option of adding high-gloss doors or textured fronts, allowing you to match the texture of your nightstands or headboard.

My Experience with the "Hack" Approach

A few years ago, I needed a solution for a narrow guest room. A standard upholstered bench was too wide and offered zero function. I bought a simple Bestå frame, left the legs off to keep it low, and attached a slab of butcher block wood to the top using construction adhesive. The wood top gave it warmth and rigidity, preventing that slight "bowing" that can happen with particle board over time. It served as a luggage rack for guests and a storage unit for spare towels. It took an afternoon to assemble and modify, but it solved a specific spatial problem that off-the-shelf furniture couldn't touch.

Aesthetics Over Volume: The Design-Forward Choice

Sometimes you don't need a place to store winter coats; you just want the room to look finished. In this case, you might look at the Stockholm collection. While inventory fluctuates, the rattan and natural fiber benches often released under this line add necessary texture to a room. Bedrooms often suffer from "box syndrome"—square bed, square dresser, square rugs. Adding a bench with rounded edges or natural woven materials breaks up the geometry.

The Skogsta bench, made of acacia wood, is another solid option if you prefer an industrial or farmhouse aesthetic. It lacks enclosed storage, but the open space underneath is perfect for lining up shoes or placing three identical woven baskets. This approach to bed bench storage ikea styling feels lighter and airier than a solid block of drawers, which is beneficial if your bedroom is on the smaller side. Seeing the floor underneath the furniture tricks the eye into thinking the room is larger than it is.

Sizing and Proportions

Before you drive to the store, grab your tape measure. A common mistake is buying a bench that is wider than the bed itself. Visually, this throws the room off balance and creates a tripping hazard in the darker hours of the morning. Ideally, your bench should be about 75% to 85% of the width of your bed frame. For a Queen bed (roughly 60 inches wide), look for a bench between 45 and 50 inches. A King bed can handle something up to 65 inches wide.

Height matters just as much. You generally want the bench to be slightly lower than the top of your mattress. If the bench is higher than the bed, it creates a visual barrier and makes the bed look like it's sunken into the floor. Most IKEA TV units and low drawer systems sit at around 15 to 18 inches high, which aligns perfectly with modern mattress heights.

Making It Comfortable

Since most of these solutions involve hard surfaces (wood or laminate), comfort is the final piece of the puzzle. You don't need to be an upholsterer to fix this. IKEA often sells sheepskins (like the Rens or Ludde) which can be draped over a hard bench to instantly soften the look. Alternatively, buying long, thin seat cushions designed for outdoor furniture is a clever workaround. These cushions are durable, come in neutral colors, and often fit the dimensions of a Kallax or Bestå perfectly.

Whether you choose a pre-made solution or decide to hack a kitchen cabinet to fit your needs, the addition of storage at the foot of the bed clears the mental and physical clutter of the bedroom. It reclaims that wasted square footage and finally gives you a place to put your socks on without hopping around on one foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can IKEA cabinets actually support the weight of an adult sitting on them?

Most IKEA units like Bestå or Nordli are designed to hold heavy TVs or full drawers, but they aren't officially rated as seating. However, many people use them this way successfully. To be safe, ensure the weight is distributed evenly, or consider reinforcing the top with a solid wood plank or plywood to prevent bowing.

How do I stop the bench from sliding on hardwood floors?

Since many of these units are relatively lightweight when empty, they can shift when you sit down. Applying heavy-duty non-slip rubber pads to the bottom of the legs or base is usually sufficient. If the unit is on a rug, it likely won't move, but on laminate or wood, grip pads are essential.

Is it better to use drawers or open shelves for end-of-bed storage?

This depends on what you are storing. Drawers (like in the Nordli) are superior for clothing and linens because they protect fabrics from dust and keep the visual clutter hidden. Open shelves (like the Kallax) are better for books, shoes, or items stored in decorative baskets for quick access.