TV Beds Buying Guide 2026: How does a TV Bed Work

TV beds are innovative, convenient and classy, elevating your entire bedroom experience. A TV bed is a designed bed with a TV lift in the footboard that accommodates a TV up and down to a certain size. The frame comes with a lift mechanism that you can raise or lower as per the need. 

The whole mechanism works using a remote, giving you a cinema experience from the comfort of your bed. The television screen remains hidden inside the footboard when not in use. This creates a sleek and minimalist appearance. But before you buy a TV bed, you need to know a few tips so that you make the investment right. This guide is all about that! 

What Is a TV Bed and How Does It Work?

A TV bed is a bed frame that contains a motorised lift system built into the footend. This allows a television to rise into viewing position when needed and hide away when you do not need it. Most modern television beds use an electric lift, so the whole process takes only seconds.

• The Footboard and Lift Mechanism

The footboard sits taller than a normal bed end because it has to house the screen and the motor that moves it. A metal frame inside holds the TV steady, while the lift raises it through a slot at the top of the footboard.

• Electric Lift Systems

Electric models use a motorised mechanism managed by a remote or a button on the frame. In some models electric lifts often include a safety cut off so the TV powers down automatically once it lowers back into place.

• How the Wiring Stays Hidden

All the cables run inside the bed frame instead of trailing across the floor. Some footboards include a dedicated slot for a Sky box, games console, or DVD player, with the wires routed neatly through to the mains socket.

Why a TV Bed Is the Perfect Bedroom Upgrade

People call TV bed frames a modern upgrade in your bedroom and for the right reasons. The built in motorised mechanism in the footboard accommodates TV screens in different sizes properly. This eliminates the need to have different TV stands, wall mounts and messy cords. It gives the room a clean and aesthetic look without any sort of mess. 

• More Space in Smaller Bedrooms

Flats and smaller bedrooms benefit the most, since there is no need for a separate TV stand or wall bracket. This matters more in UK small homes where you can manage the space without compromising on your sleeping comfort. 

• Hidden Storage Under the Mattress

Ottoman TV beds lift on a gas strut to reveal a deep storage compartment under the mattress. This is suitable for spare bedding, seasonal clothes, or anything else you want out of sight. 

• No Drilling or Wall Damage

A TV bed avoids wall mounting altogether, so there is no drilling and no risk of damaging a freshly decorated room. This also suits renters, who often cannot alter walls at all.

• A Proper Home Cinema Feel

Some premium models add built in speakers or Bluetooth audio, so sound comes from the bed itself rather than the television alone. Paired with the right mattress, it turns movie night into a proper cinema experience without leaving the room.

Things to Consider While Buying a TV Bed

Room size, TV size, and storage type matter most when choosing a TV bed. The frame runs longer than a standard bed, since the footboard has to hold the screen and its lift mechanism. Measuring your room and your television before you order avoids the most common fitting problems.

• Measure Your Room, Not Just the Bed

A double TV bed frame is longer than a standard double mattress, purely because of the footboard. Always measure the full frame length from the product page, not the mattress size alone, and leave enough clearance for doors and wardrobes to open.

• Check Your Television Exact Dimensions

Screen size alone does not guarantee a fit. Check the exact width, height, and depth of your TV against the footboard's maximum measurements, as two televisions with the same diagonal size can differ in thickness by several centimetres.

• Choose Left or Right Opening Storage

Ottoman storage can open from either side, depending on the model. Think about which side of the room has clear floor space before you choose, especially if one side sits close to a wall or wardrobe.

• Confirm Mattress and Base Compatibility

UK industry practice allows a manufacturing tolerance of around 20mm on mattress and base dimensions, so a snug fit is normal. Slatted bases also vary in spacing, so check that your chosen mattress suits the base type before you buy.

What Size TV Fits into a TV Bed Footboard?

Most of our TV bed models  fit screens between 32 and 43 inches. Some larger or made to order frames stretch to 47 or even 50 inches. The exact fit depends on width, height, and thickness, not the screen size printed on the box alone.

• Standard Footboard Compatibility

The majority of TV beds on the UK market are designed around 32 to 43 inch screens, which cover most bedroom viewing needs without the television dominating the room. But screen compatibility also depends on the size of the bed and use of the TV mechanism. Some mechanisms can hold up to 65” TV but they can fit into a king size and super king size TV bed’s footboard. 

• Checking Width, Height and Depth

A footboard compartment has a fixed width and height. If your TV is taller or wider than the slot allows, it will not fit, even if the diagonal screen size looks correct on paper.

• Why a Slimmer TV Fits Better

A standard size TV beds footboards usually allow a maximum depth of around 6 to 7.5cm. Slimline televisions fit comfortably within this space, while older or curved screens may be too thick for the compartment.

Disadvantages of TV Beds

TV beds cost more than a standard bed frame and take up extra room length. The footboard sits higher than usual, which can feel cramped for taller sleepers. They are also heavier and harder to move during a house move.

• Higher Price Than a Standard Bed

The lift mechanism, extra frame material, and electrical components all add cost. A TV bed will usually cost more than an equivalent bed without the built in screen.

• A Longer Frame Needs a Bigger Room

The taller, deeper footboard means a TV bed rarely suits a very small bedroom. Always check the full frame length against your room before ordering, not just the mattress size.

• Less Legroom for Taller Sleepers

Taller sleepers sometimes find their feet reach the footboard, especially on smaller frame sizes. A king or super king TV bed usually solves this, but it is worth checking the internal sleeping length first.

• More Effort to Move House

A TV bed has more parts than a standard frame, including the lift motor and wiring. Dismantling and reassembling one during a house move takes more care and more time than a simple bed frame.

FAQs 

Do TV beds have under bed storage?

Many TV beds include ottoman storage beneath the mattress, though not every model has it. Non Ottoman versions cost less but skip the extra space, so check the product listing for storage capacity before you buy.

Do TV beds come with speakers?

Some models include built-in speakers connected through Bluetooth or a direct cable to the television. Entry level frames rely on the television's own speakers instead, so check the spec sheet if built in sound matters to you.

Do TV beds come with LED lights?

Some of our TV beds include LED strip lighting around the frame or headboard, often controlled by a remote or app. Standard models still skip this feature, so check the description rather than assume it is included.

Are TV beds worth buying in the UK?

TV beds are worth buying in the UK if you want a clean and clutter free bedroom look. These innovative bed frames replace heavy media units and wires while giving your room an upgraded look. But TV beds cost more than normal beds and add heavy mechanical parts. 

Are TV beds suitable for small bedrooms?

Yes, TV beds are suitable for small bedrooms as they eliminate the need to place a separate TV stand. But you need to measure your room properly before investing in these beds as they take a bit more space than normal bed frames. 

How easy is it to build a TV bed?

A TV bed takes longer to build than a standard frame because of the lift mechanism and wiring. Most arrive flat packed with step by step instructions, and many retailers offer a paid assembly service if you would rather not build it yourself.

How do I choose the right TV bed for me?

Start with your room measurements and your television's exact dimensions, then decide whether you want ottoman storage. From there, compare the best tv beds within your budget on frame length, lift type, and included features like speakers or USB charging. The final choice fits your room and your habits rather than just your budget.