TV Beds UK: The Complete Buying Guide (2026)

A TV bed folds a working television lift into an upholstered bed frame, so your bedroom keeps its clean, hotel-style look by day and turns into a private cinema by night. They've become one of the fastest-growing bed categories in the UK — but the mechanism, the price jump over a standard frame, and the practical trade-offs catch a lot of first-time buyers off guard. This guide covers what you actually need to know before choosing one.

What Is a TV Bed?

A TV bed is an upholstered bed frame with a built-in lift mechanism — usually housed in a compartment at the foot of the bed — that raises a television into view at the press of a remote, then lowers it flush out of sight when you're done. Most UK TV beds fit screens between 32" and 50", though larger compartments can take up to 55".

There are two main mechanism types:

• Electric lift (most common): A quiet motorised arm raises and lowers the TV smoothly, controlled by a remote or wall switch. This is what you'll find in the vast majority of modern TV beds, including our Nexus TV Bed.
• Manual lift: A gas-strut or hand-cranked mechanism, less common on new UK models, mainly found on older or budget designs.

Key Features to Check Before Buying

• Screen size compatibility – confirm your TV's width and depth fit the lift compartment; most beds state a maximum screen size (typically up to 43"–50")
• Noise level – a quality electric mechanism should be near-silent; noisy motors are usually a sign of a cheaper gear system
• Remote and manual override – look for a bed that includes both a remote control and a manual safety release in case of power cut
• Weight limit – TV lift compartments have a maximum television weight (commonly 15–25kg); check this against your set
• Upholstery and frame quality – the lift is only as good as the frame around it; a solid, reinforced timber frame prevents rattling when the TV is raised

TV Bed vs Ottoman Bed vs Standard Bed Frame

If storage matters more than screen time, our Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed guide is worth reading first — many buyers cross-shop these three categories before deciding.

UK Sizes and Price Guide

TV beds are sold across the same standard UK sizes as other upholstered frames:

Single (3ft) · Small Double (4ft) · Double (4ft6) · King Size (5ft) · Super King (6ft)

Expect a typical UK TV bed to start around £530–£600 for a Single and rise to £700–£830 for a Super King, depending on fabric and mechanism quality — broadly £90–£150 more than the equivalent standard upholstered frame, reflecting the lift mechanism and reinforced compartment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Removes the need for a separate TV stand or wall mount, keeping the room visually calmer
• The TV disappears completely when not in use — useful for smaller bedrooms or minimalist interiors
• Most electric mechanisms are simple to operate and reliable when well-made

Cons

• Higher upfront cost than a standard frame or ottoman bed
• Foot-end TV compartment usually replaces most of the under-bed storage space
• Requires a nearby power socket for the lift mechanism, so cable routing needs planning before delivery

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an electrician to install a TV bed? No — TV beds plug into a standard UK wall socket. You just need one within reach of the foot of the bed, which is worth checking before you order.

Can I use my existing TV with a TV bed? In most cases, yes, provided its screen size and weight fall within the compartment's stated limits. Measure your TV's width and depth (not just the diagonal screen size) before buying.

Is a TV bed noisy? A well-made electric mechanism runs near-silently. If you're buying in person, ask to see the lift operate in the showroom before committing.

Do TV beds have any storage? Some models include small side drawers or a shallow storage shelf alongside the TV compartment, but the main under-bed space is largely taken up by the lift mechanism itself — if storage is the priority, an ottoman bed will usually serve you better.

What happens if the power goes out? Most quality mechanisms include a manual override lever so the TV can still be lowered by hand if needed.

Browse Our TV Bed Collection

Our TV bed range includes the Torino, Ravello, Monaco, Kingston, and Nexus models, each available across all standard UK sizes with free mainland delivery. Browse the full TV Beds collection.

About Bed Innovation

Bed Innovation is a UK specialist in upholstered beds, mattresses, and bedroom storage solutions. Browse: TV beds, ottoman beds, divan beds, and mattresses.