Time for a new bed.  Since there is exactly one closet in my apartment, and no other storage space, it would be best to have a bed with storage options.  And I’m willing to part with a few bucks, but we’re not talking FLOU beds here (which start at $3500). 

Currently I have a basic platform bed with enough room underneath to store my winter clothes.  It’s…fine. 

For a while, I thought I’d like the Mandal from IKEA, but now I’d be loathe to go with built-in drawers (especially since the black drawers have been discontinued?!).  I’ve got my bed against one side of the wall, so I’d only get to use the drawers one on side, and it’s a pain to clear out access space.  Also, drawers typically eat up precious space with, you know, sides and a bottom. 

Based on internet reviews, West Elm beds — though nice-looking and relatively cheap — are out due to supposedly poor construction. I haven’t seen anything good at Crate and Barrell. CB2 might have an option or two…though nothing mind-blowing.

Prefer a bed with underbed storage (like the EQ3 Core 4 Post, above), or a lift-top bed.  

My sister’s got the now-discontinued EQ3 Bossa Bed, which would have been the perfect lift-top, I think. 

I love the ‘lip’ on the side of the mattress, and the discreet row of shelving for bedside books. 

There’s also the IKEA Sultan Alsarp, which is a boxspring with lift-top storage.  I’ve got an IKEA mattress, so it would certainly fit. 

Wonder if I could make it look pretty though? I thought it might be possible to upholster the box spring — it’s covered with white fabric as it is. If I could get a line on wool felt, I could approximate another IKEA bed I’ve contemplated — the cosy-looking (but oddly pricey) GRIMAN:

This guy also did a great job just popping the Sultan Alsarp into a frame.  Of course, I don’t have a frame.

On the hunt.  My back is begging me to come up with something soon.