A bed end is one of those small additions that makes a bedroom feel finished rather than just furnished. Whether you're after somewhere to sit while putting on shoes, a spot to lay out tomorrow's outfit, or simply a bit of visual balance at the foot of the bed, a bed end quietly does the job. At Sleeping Giant, our range of bed ends spans sizes, materials and finishes, so there's an option to suit almost any bedroom. Browse the collection below, or explore our full furniture range to shop the rest of the room.
A bed end, sometimes called an end-of-bed bench, is a low, upholstered or timber piece of furniture placed at the foot of the bed. It's a long-standing addition to bedroom furniture across Australia and beyond, valued for filling what would otherwise be an empty stretch of space with something both functional and considered.
Unlike a full bench seat or an ottoman, a bed end is generally sized to match the width of the bed itself, giving the room a more tailored, intentional finish.
Before choosing a bed end, it's worth measuring the width of your bed frame, along with the space available at the foot of the bed.
A few things to check:
Width – ideally, your bed end shouldn't be much wider than your bed frame, so it sits neatly rather than overhanging
Depth – check how far the bed end will project into the room, particularly if space is tight between the bed and a doorway or walkway
Height – a lower profile bed end tends to suit smaller rooms, while a taller one can double more comfortably as seating
Getting the size right means your bed end adds function and style without making the room feel cramped.
From minimalist to more traditional, bed ends are one of the easier pieces to match to an existing bedroom. A neutral boucle or linen bed end suits a calm, understated room, while a bolder colour or fabric can act as a considered accent at the foot of the bed.
Because bed ends are generally smaller and more affordable than a full bedroom suite, they're also one of the easier ways to refresh a room's look without replacing the bed frame itself.
A storage bed end gives you a genuinely useful spot for spare linen, throws or out-of-season bedding, particularly in bedrooms without a lot of extra wardrobe space. Research on home organisation has found that people who see their homes as cluttered tend to report lower levels of overall wellbeing, which makes even small, practical storage additions like a bed end worth considering as part of a tidier bedroom.
Because everything sits inside a closed lid, a storage bed end keeps items out of sight without needing extra shelving or a bigger wardrobe.
Beyond storage, a bed end is a genuinely practical spot to sit. It's useful for putting on shoes, getting dressed, or simply having somewhere to perch that isn't the bed itself, particularly first thing in the morning.
A bed end also plays a role that's easy to overlook — visual balance. Left completely bare, the foot of the bed can look unfinished, especially with larger bed frames. A bed end fills that space in a way that feels intentional rather than empty.
A few simple styling ideas can help a bed end feel like a considered part of the room, rather than an afterthought:
Add a folded throw or a couple of cushions for texture
Choose a fabric or tone that complements your bed frame or bedhead
Keep the surface relatively clear so it's still easy to sit down and use
Pair with a rug or floor lamp nearby to round out the foot of the bed
Keeping the styling simple usually looks more considered than overcrowding the surface.
At the end of the day, a bed end is a small piece that does a lot of work in a room — storage, seating and styling, all in one spot. It's a practical addition worth considering whether you're furnishing a new bed base and frame from scratch or simply looking to finish off an existing bedroom.
As a general guide, choose a bed end close to the width of your bed frame, so it sits neatly at the foot of the bed rather than overhanging.
No, some are simple bench-style seats without storage, while others have a hinged lid or internal compartment for linen and throws.
A bed end is generally sized to match the width of the bed and sits specifically at the foot, while an ottoman is a more flexible piece that can be used in a living room or elsewhere in the home.
Upholstered bed ends tend to be the most comfortable option for regular use, while timber and bench-style bed ends are more suited to occasional seating.
Vacuum the fabric gently, spot clean spills as soon as they happen, and keep the piece out of direct sunlight to help it last.