While all bedrooms may be different, there are usually a few universal details. For starters, there always seems to be “the chair” for clothes that are not quite dirty enough for a hamper, but not clean enough for the closet. Nightstands also tend to collect everything from books to lotions to paper mail, and there just never seems to be enough storage.
Like most people who deal with these small-yet-significant challenges on a regular basis, I thought the answer for all of it was to just go to sleep. It’s funny how worrying about decluttering and organizing goes away when you’re sleeping or napping. But then I’d wake up, and the pile of unorganized bedding and workout clothes would still be there.
The one closet in my apartment already works hard enough, so I figured the best bet for more storage — and, by extension, a tidier bedroom — was to find a bed I could stash things under. It was also the only logical solution because of my room’s size.
There are countless ways to turn a bed into a storage unit. You can literally just stuff things underneath, never to be seen again. Or if you’re a fan of containers, perhaps a small collection of matching boxes is best for you. And if you prefer a slight workout, you might think that a bed with a frame you can lift to reveal an open spot beneath the mattress is wise.
Personally, I was on the hunt for a bed that had pull-out drawers beneath for ease and convenience. And I found it in Article’s Pactera Storage Bed.
I ordered the Pactera in early 2023 along with a velvet headboard, and shortly after, two men delivered the items and assembled the frame in less than 30 minutes. The white-glove service was what impressed me most at first, because if it were up to me, I’d still be reading the instruction manual on how to put the pieces together.
But in the months and years since, I’ve had a sustained appreciation for the Pactera because it’s the perfect balance of form and function with its classic mid-century look and immensely useful storage. In fact, it’s been the secret to keeping my bedroom tidy these last two years.
The two soft-close drawers at the foot of the bed store all of my linens, office gear, and workout supplies with space to spare. These drawers are a little over 6 inches high with a 2-foot depth, and they can hold a lot even though they don’t go the full length of the bed.
Given that the drawers are at the foot of the frame, it’s easy to access everything I need. I’m never searching too hard for anything because the drawers extend completely and everything is within view. When they’re closed, the drawers almost disappear into the bed frame; they get hidden underneath my duvet cover anyway. The oak finish I have is versatile, catches light beautifully, and is easy to keep clean.
If this is reading like a rave, that’s because it is — I can’t think of a single downside to this bed. I’m not surprised by how much I like the bed, considering Article is beloved by multiple editors here at Apartment Therapy, but I’m constantly surprised by how much I can store inside the drawers.
The velvet headboard might provide all the soft and cozy vibes on my bed, but the storage aspect is what really lets me rest easy.
Buy: Pactera Queen Storage Bed, $999
