Chester Beds in Kenya – Custom Made Beds by Zion Furniture
Looking for a Chester bed in Kenya? Zion Furniture custom makes Chester beds with gas lift storage in any size, colour, and fabric, delivered across Nairobi and Kenya.
Introduction
The Chester bed has become one of the most requested bedroom furniture pieces in Kenya. Combining elegant upholstery, a statement headboard, and generous under-bed storage, the Chester bed solves two problems at once — it makes your bedroom look beautiful and it gives you somewhere to keep your things.
If you are furnishing a master bedroom, a rental apartment, an Airbnb, or a family home, a Chester bed gives you luxury looks and practical storage in one piece. This guide covers everything you need to know about Chester beds in Kenya — what they are, the different types, sizes, fabrics, prices, delivery, and why a custom-made Chester bed is usually a better investment than a ready-made one.
What Is a Chester Bed?
A Chester bed is an upholstered bed with a built-in storage compartment underneath the mattress base. The base lifts up — usually with the help of gas pistons — revealing a large storage space that runs the full length and width of the bed. This is why Chester beds are also called gas lift beds, ottoman beds, or storage beds.
The name “Chester” comes from the Chesterfield style, a classic British furniture design known for deep buttoning, rolled edges, and luxurious upholstery. Many Chester beds feature a Chesterfield-style headboard with diamond or square buttoning, which gives the bed its elegant, hotel-like appearance.
So a Chester bed typically has three defining features:
- An upholstered base with a lift-up storage compartment
- Gas pistons or hydraulic lifts that make raising the mattress easy
- A padded, often buttoned headboard that gives the bed its premium look
In Kenya, the Chester bed is favoured because it delivers so much in one piece. You get a comfortable, sturdy bed. You get storage that would otherwise require a separate divan or wardrobe. And you get a headboard that makes the room look styled and finished.
Why Chester Beds Are So Popular in Kenya
Kenyan homes and apartments are getting smaller, and storage is always in short supply. A Chester bed addresses that directly. Instead of buying a bed and then finding space for extra boxes, suitcases, and bedding, you store everything inside the bed itself.
There are other reasons the Chester bed has become so popular:
It looks expensive. An upholstered Chester bed instantly lifts the appearance of a bedroom. It photographs beautifully, which matters for Airbnb hosts and anyone sharing their home on social media.
It saves space. No need for a separate storage trunk or extra wardrobe. Everything goes under the mattress.
It is comfortable and quiet. Built properly on a hardwood frame with a solid base, a Chester bed does not squeak or wobble the way cheap metal beds do.
It suits any size of room. From a compact 3×6 in a bedsitter to a 6×6 in a master suite, the design works.
It is easy to maintain. Upholstered fabric can be vacuumed and spot-cleaned. Leather and faux leather wipe clean.
Well-built Chester beds are made every week for clients across Nairobi and Kenya. It is one of the most popular products in the market, and good makers have refined the design to be both beautiful and genuinely durable.
Types of Chester Beds
Not all Chester beds are the same. The storage mechanism and configuration vary, and each has advantages depending on your space and how you use the bed.
Gas Lift Chester Bed (End Lift)
This is the most common design. The mattress base lifts from the foot end of the bed, hinging at the headboard. Two gas pistons do the heavy lifting, so you can raise the base with one hand even with a mattress on top. This design gives you access to the full storage area.
Best for: Most bedrooms. Simple to use and maximum storage access.
Side Lift Chester Bed
With a side lift, the base hinges along one long side and lifts sideways. This is useful when the bed sits in a corner or against a wall at the foot end, where an end lift would be blocked.
Best for: Beds positioned with the foot end against a wall or in tight corners.
Ottoman Chester Bed with Full Base Lift
Some clients prefer the entire base to lift clear of the frame, giving unobstructed access to every corner of the storage space. This design is slightly more complex to build but offers the easiest loading and unloading.
Best for: Anyone storing bulky items like suitcases, bedding sets, or seasonal clothing.
Drawer Storage Chester Bed
Instead of a lift-up base, this design uses drawers built into the sides or foot of the bed. You do not need to lift anything, but storage capacity is smaller and drawers can be harder to open if the bed is against a wall.
Best for: Clients who prefer drawer access over lifting.
Chester Bed Without Storage
Some clients simply want the look — a beautifully upholstered bed with a buttoned headboard — and do not need the storage. These are built too, at a lower cost.
Best for: Clients who already have enough storage and want the aesthetic.
When ordering, describe how your room is arranged and you will get a recommendation on the right mechanism.
Chester Bed Sizes Available in Kenya
Any size can be built. The most popular sizes in Kenya are:
3×6 Chester Bed
Compact single or small double. Suitable for bedsitters, children’s rooms, and smaller guest rooms. Storage space underneath is still substantial — enough for bedding, shoes, and boxes.
4×6 Chester Bed
A popular size for single adults and teenagers. Gives more sleeping space than a 3×6 while still fitting comfortably in a modest room.
5×6 Chester Bed
The most popular double size in Kenya. Comfortable for two adults. Fits well in most bedrooms, including apartments in Roysambu, Kasarani, Zimmerman, and Kahawa.
6×6 Chester Bed
A queen or king equivalent, offering generous sleeping space. Ideal for master bedrooms in larger homes and townhouses.
Custom Sizes
If your room needs an unusual size, beds can be built to your exact measurements. Send the dimensions of your room and a design can be proposed that fits perfectly, leaving space for bedside tables or a wardrobe.
Headboard Styles for Chester Beds
The headboard is what gives a Chester bed its character. Several styles are available:
Chesterfield Buttoned Headboard – Deep diamond or square buttoning on a padded panel. This is the classic Chester look and the most popular choice in Kenya.
Wingback Headboard – Curved sides that wrap slightly around the head of the bed. Adds a cosy, cocooning feel.
Sleigh Headboard – A gentle outward curve at the top, giving a softer, more traditional look.
Panel Headboard – Clean horizontal or vertical panels without buttoning. Suits a modern, minimal interior.
Curved Top Headboard – A smooth arch shape with padding. Popular for contemporary bedrooms.
Tall Headboard – Extended height for a dramatic, hotel-suite look. Works well in rooms with high ceilings.
Features can also be combined — for example, a tall curved headboard with subtle buttoning on the lower section. Bring a photo of what you like and something similar can be built.
Fabric Options for Your Chester Bed
Velvet – The most popular choice for Chester beds. Luxurious, soft, and it catches light beautifully. Velvet in grey, navy, emerald, or cream looks stunning with buttoning.
Linen and Cotton Blends – Breathable and natural. A good option for warm coastal regions and for anyone who prefers a relaxed, textured look.
Leather and Faux Leather – Durable and very easy to clean. Ideal for families with children or pets, and for Airbnb hosts who need furniture that survives heavy use.
Bubble and Textured Fabric – Soft, plush, and modern. Matches well if you already own a bubble sofa.
Performance Fabrics – Treated to resist stains, spills, and fading. The practical option for busy households.
Fabric can be sourced in any colour. Bring a paint swatch, curtain sample, or a photo, and it can be matched as closely as possible.
Storage Capacity – What Actually Fits Under a Chester Bed
Clients are often surprised by how much space a Chester bed provides. Depending on the size, you can typically store:
- Several suitcases
- All your spare bedding, duvets, and pillows
- Seasonal clothing
- Shoes and shoe boxes
- Children’s toys
- Books and documents in sealed boxes
- Ironing board, fan, or other household items
A 5×6 Chester bed generally offers more usable storage volume than a standard two-door wardrobe. That is why many buyers choose a Chester bed specifically to avoid buying an extra wardrobe.
Frame and Build Quality
The frame is the part you never see, and it is the part that determines whether your bed lasts two years or fifteen.
A well-built Chester bed frame is made from seasoned hardwood — mahogany, mvule, or cedar. The joints are glued and screwed and reinforced at stress points. The base is solid and firm so your mattress is properly supported. Quality gas pistons are rated for the weight of the mattress and bedding, so the lift stays smooth for years.
Cheap Chester beds on the market often use softwood or particleboard frames, thin base boards, and low-grade pistons that fail within a year. The bed then sags, squeaks, or the lift stops working. Good craftsmanship avoids all of that.
Quality in all dimensions means quality in every hidden part of the bed, not just the visible upholstery.
Mattress Compatibility
A Chester bed works with almost any mattress type — foam, spring, memory foam, or hybrid. Because the base is a solid platform rather than slats with wide gaps, your mattress is evenly supported.
One important point: if you are buying a gas lift Chester bed, a very thick and heavy mattress can make lifting harder. When ordering, tell the maker the thickness and type of your mattress so pistons rated appropriately can be fitted. If you are buying a mattress at the same time, ask for advice on the best combination.
Chester Bed Prices in Kenya
Prices depend on size, fabric, storage mechanism, and headboard style. As a guide:
- 3×6 Chester bed with storage: from KSh 32,000
- 4×6 Chester bed with storage: from KSh 38,000
- 5×6 Chester bed with storage: from KSh 45,000
- 6×6 Chester bed with storage: from KSh 55,000
Factors that affect the final price include the fabric you choose (velvet, leather, and performance fabrics cost more than standard upholstery), the headboard height and detailing, whether you want gas lift or drawers, and any custom sizing.
For an accurate quote, send your preferred size, fabric, and headboard style. At Zion Furniture, we respond with a detailed price, often the same day.
Call or WhatsApp 0706413364 for a free quote.
Fast Delivery Across Kenya
Zion Furniture organizes fast and reliable delivery. Within Nairobi and along Thika Road, same-day delivery is available for confirmed orders. Delivery covers all 47 counties in Kenya.
We deliver to Roysambu, Githurai, Kahawa, Kasarani, Zimmerman, Ruiru, Thika, and Juja, as well as Westlands, Karen, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Lavington, and all Nairobi suburbs. Outside Nairobi we deliver to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri, Machakos, and every other county.
Your bed arrives assembled and positioned exactly where you want it. Outside Nairobi, delivery typically takes 2 to 5 days depending on location.
Why Choose Zion Furniture
- Custom specialists – every Chester bed is built to your size, fabric, and style
- Quality in all dimensions – hardwood frame, quality pistons, careful stitching
- Local and accessible – visit the workshop on Thika Road
- Fast delivery – same-day within Nairobi, nationwide coverage
- Satisfaction guaranteed – if something is not right, it gets fixed
Zion Furniture is based along Thika Road, between Roysambu and Githurai 45, past the CarWash footbridge. You are welcome to visit, see the work, feel the fabrics, and discuss your design face to face.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make a custom Chester bed?
Production takes 5 to 10 working days depending on design and workload. Simpler designs can sometimes be completed in 3 to 4 days. You get a clear timeline when you order.
Is the gas lift safe and easy to use?
Yes. Quality gas pistons make lifting easy even with a mattress on top. They are designed to hold the base open safely while you load or unload storage.
Can I choose any colour?
Yes. Any colour can be matched. Bring a swatch, photo, or sample.
Does the storage get dusty?
The storage area is enclosed within the bed base, so it stays far cleaner than open under-bed space. The compartment can also be lined if you prefer.
Can I use my existing mattress?
Yes, in almost all cases. Tell the maker the size and thickness so the right pistons can be fitted.
Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes. Delivery covers all 47 counties.
What payment methods do you accept?
M-Pesa, bank transfer, and cash. A deposit is required to begin production, with the balance due on delivery.
What if the bed does not fit through my door or staircase?
Beds are designed in sections that can be assembled on site, so access is rarely a problem. Mention your staircase or doorway when ordering.
Can I order a Chester bed without storage?
Yes. Chester beds with fixed bases are also built, at a lower cost.
Conclusion
A Chester bed gives you three things in one piece of furniture: a comfortable bed, generous hidden storage, and a headboard that makes your bedroom look like a hotel suite. Zion Furniture builds custom Chester beds in any size, fabric, and colour, with hardwood frames and quality gas lift mechanisms.
Quality in all dimensions. Fast delivery. Nationwide service.
Call or WhatsApp: 0706413364 / 0781009025
Visit us: Thika Road, between Roysambu and Githurai 45, past the CarWash footbridge.
Your perfect Chester bed is one call away.
