I just got the Mandal bed yesterday! it seems a lot more sturdy than the last ikea bed i had (Hopen), and it's solid pine instead of particleboard which is nice. the drawers are hugeee. I'm diggin' it.

I have used both the storage drawers & the flip up bed system for 'deep' storage. I prefer the flip up beds, because it's a pain to move the bedside tables to access the drawers by the headboard. Plus, you get more open storage space w/ the flip up system.

I really wanted a Flou flip up, but it was out of my price range, so I ordered the "Lucca leather storage bed":

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lucca-Chocolate-King-size-Storage-Bed/1771330/product.html

I've had mine for about 2 years, and haven't had any problems. Keep in mind you might be limited on types of mattresses you can use w/ the lift hydraulic system (memory foam are probably too heavy).

i get my now blu dot modulicious bed this coming friday... i will let you know how it works out but i loved the floor model - very sturdy and substantial feeling. can't wait to fill up the six drawers!

i meant "new" blu dot modulicious bed!

I've had a Flou bed for almost 4 years now and love it -- yes they're pricey but I had a lot of time to save for it and it's turned out to be the best furniture investment I've ever made. FYI I've had a Tempur-pedic matress on it from the start and the mattress not too heavy for the frame at all - the bed hydraulics function just as smoothly now as they did the day I bought it.

We purchased Bludot's Modulicious queen bed in dark brown for less than $700 when Bludot decided to discontinue the color.
The best part is the support it gives the memory foam mattress. No box spring required.
The drawers by the night stands are annoying, but we solved that by putting seasonal stuff in there.
I'll never go back to Ikea for poorly constructed crap again!
http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/111308jacoblaurie/00053_H