Bed Frame Buying Guide
Searching for a new bed frame? Learn everything you need to know about the different types of bed frames to complement your bedroom design.
The Complete Bed Frame Buying Guide
Your bed is the heart of your bedroom – a peaceful haven that’s fundamental to your health and wellbeing, and the centrepiece of your carefully curated décor. As the place where we spend approximately a third of our lives, it’s essential to select the best type of bed frame to suit your unique needs, tastes and preferences.
With so many different types of bed frames available, the search for the perfect one may feel a little overwhelming. Allow us to guide you through the various bed base types, from the classic charm of divans to the whimsical allure of day beds, ensuring you find the bed frame that perfectly complements your own personal sanctuary.
What is a bed frame?
A bed frame is a structural framework that supports your mattress and bedding, usually elevated off the ground and often incorporating a headboard and footboard. It protects your mattress from moisture, dust and debris and prevents sagging, providing you with a more comfortable sleep experience.
Bed frames are not only functional but can also make a striking statement in your interior design, creating a beautiful focal point within your bedroom décor. Bed frames come in an array of different styles, varying greatly in their design and finish, whether crafted from weathered wood, elegant metal or enveloped in luxurious upholstery.
Does a bed frame affect your sleep quality?
A good night’s rest is the cornerstone of our emotional and physical wellbeing, and this begins with the sanctuary of our sleep space. Imagine sinking into a bed that cradles you in comfort and support, allowing you to drift peacefully into truly restorative sleep. Your mattress is the very foundation of this experience, and while it’s crucial to invest in the right mattress for your needs, it’s equally important to select the best type of bed frame.
A bed frame offers the essential stability your mattress requires to support and cocoon your body as it’s designed to do, distributing weight evenly, reducing pressure points and contributing to a more comfortable and undisturbed night’s sleep. Elevating your mattress off the ground improves air circulation and prevents moisture and dust buildup. This helps keep your mattress in optimal condition and promotes a healthier, more hygienic sleeping environment.
Understanding the different types of bed frame
Selecting the best type of bed frame is a deeply personal process, influenced by your unique requirements, such as the décor style you prefer, whether you require hidden storage and how much space you have available in your bedroom. Before you begin your journey to discover which is the best kind of bed frame for you, it’s important to understand the different bed base types and how they can blend functionality and style to meet your needs.
Bed frames
In its essence, a standard bed base is a solid structure on four legs, with a rectangular frame encasing a slatted platform to support the mattress. There are many variations, not only in the materials used but also in the artistry of the design. Minimalist styles whisper of simplicity with just a platform base, while the most elaborate bed frames boast a four-poster structure adorned with flowing fabric drapes. Most styles of a standard bed frame are crafted to include a statement headboard offering both comfort and a touch of luxury, and some also feature a footboard, creating the enchanting silhouette of a sleigh bed.
The materials used in crafting these bed frames add another layer of charm and character. A wooden bed frame brings warmth and rustic sophistication, while metal bed frames can offer a sleek and understated feel. For those seeking a soft and cosy ambience, an elegantly upholstered bed frame swathed in a luxurious textile is an opulent choice. Each material, whether solid weathered oak, powder-coated metal or a plush fabric, contributes to the unique allure and personality of your bed frame.
Ottoman beds
You may be familiar with the term “ottoman” as a footstool or blanket box that conceals storage within, but what is an ottoman bed frame? Following the same principle, an ottoman bed offers incredibly discreet but impressively generous storage space concealed underneath the mattress. An intelligently designed hydraulic system allows safe and easy operation, so you can effortlessly lift and gently lower the entire mattress for convenient access to your belongings with minimal exertion or effort.
This type of bed frame is exceptionally suited to smaller bedrooms, providing ample storage without taking up additional floorspace. The wide and deep storage chamber can easily house large, bulky or seasonal items that require occasional access, such as bed linen, duvets and towels, winter coats or Christmas decorations. Ottoman bed frames come in a wonderfully versatile range of styles, often featuring a stunning, statement headboard, bringing style, sophistication and elegant functionality to any bedroom setting.
Divan beds
A divan bed base is similar to an ottoman bed in that it makes use of the space beneath the mattress to offer a cleverly concealed storage solution. Instead of lifting the frame to access the space, divan beds feature spacious, handle-free drawers that sit seamlessly within the base, allowing you to effortlessly retrieve your items from either side. This is the best kind of bed frame for discreet storage of smaller or everyday essentials that require frequent and easy access.
Divan bed bases are traditionally crafted from a wooden frame padded with soft wadding and upholstered in a luxurious fabric, offering a supreme level of comfort. They are often available in a stunning array of fabrics, colours and textures, with elegant and stylish coordinating headboards that create a striking centrepiece in your bedroom design. A divan bed blends this aesthetic beauty with flexible practicality, allowing you to choose a bed frame with the configuration of drawers to suit your unique needs.
Day beds
A day bed is a different style of bed frame with a three-sided design that elegantly blends the functions of a sofa with those of a single bed. It’s a wonderfully versatile piece of furniture, offering a stylish and inviting seating area by day and effortlessly transforming into a snug and comfortable sleep space by night. A day bed is the best type of bed frame for solo sleepers in smaller bedrooms, or those seeking to make the most of the space in their home with multi-functional interior design.
Day beds can also incorporate a trundle bed, which sits perfectly underneath the bed frame and can be pulled out and raised to create a sumptuous and comfortable full-sized bed. When dressed in luxurious, neutral bed linens, a day bed with the addition of a guest bed is the perfect solution to harness the hidden potential in your spare bedroom, allowing you to maximise the space on a daily basis while still providing a warm and inviting sanctuary for occasional overnight guests.
Headboards
Imagine transforming your bedroom into a luxurious retreat with a statement headboard that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bedroom design. While not technically a bed frame, a stylish headboard can create the illusion of a complete bed frame, evoking the opulence and comfort of a high-end hotel suite. From the classic charm of deep-buttoned upholstery to the sleek lines of modern minimalism, a meticulously crafted headboard can elevate your sleep space and enhance your overall décor.
How to choose your ideal bed frame
With the different bed base types in mind, you can begin the search for the perfect style to suit your personal sanctuary. Follow our three-step bed frame guide to ensure you select the best kind of bed frame for you, based on your preferred bed size, the aesthetics of your bedroom décor and how much space you have available.
1) Decide on your preferred bed frame size
When selecting the ideal bed frame size, let your personal preferences and circumstances guide you in making an informed decision that enhances your sleep environment. Consider external factors, such as the dimensions and layout of your bedroom, along with more intimate influences such as sleeping habits, body measurements and whether you’re sleeping alone or with a partner.
A traditional double mattress will comfortably accommodate two people, however those with larger bedrooms or a preference for more space might lean towards the luxury of a king or super king-sized bed frame. An emperor bed frame is the ultimate indulgence, offering an abundance of room for unrestricted movement. For an at-a-glance view of standard bed size dimensions, refer to our convenient bed frame size chart:
| Bed Size | Centimetres |
|---|---|
| Single | W90 X L190 CM |
| Small Double | W120 X L190 CM |
| Double | W135 X L190 CM |
| King | W150 X L200 CM |
| Super King | W180 X L200 CM |
2) Choose your ideal style of bed frame
With your ideal bed size chosen, you can now embark on the exciting journey of selecting the perfect style of bed frame. Explore the many different designs at your fingertips, allowing you to blend practicality, such as incorporating storage solutions, with the more creative elements of your décor. Let your imagination flow as you craft a sanctuary that reflects both your functional requirements and your aesthetic desires.
You may prefer the rustic charm of a weathered oak bed frame, the sleek minimalism of a metal bed base or the sumptuous opulence of a divan bed with a deep-buttoned headboard swathed in elegant upholstery. If you require hidden storage, an ottoman bed may be the best type of bed frame, while those furnishing smaller bedrooms or guest rooms may prefer to consider a day bed-style frame. Ultimately, the perfect bed frame should seamlessly blend with your room’s aesthetic while meeting your more practical needs.
3) Check if your bed frame will fit
Before purchasing your bed, ensure it complements the dimensions of your bedroom and can be easily moved into your home. Note the precise measurements of the bed frame using our bed frame size chart and visualise its placement in your bedroom by mapping out the area with masking tape. This allows you to walk around and assess the remaining space, ensuring it meets your expectations.
Additionally, verify that the bed can navigate through doorways and staircases with ease. Measure all entry points and clear any obstacles such as pictures or freestanding lamps to facilitate a smooth installation. Proper planning at this stage will help you avoid any unexpected issues when your beautiful new bed frame arrives in your home.
Need help assembling your bed?
Each of Feather & Black’s stunning bed frames arrives flat-packed with simple step-by-step instructions, making self-assembly incredibly easy. However, should you prefer, we also offer an assembly service. For an additional fee, our highly trained experts will swiftly and discreetly assemble your new bed frame on your behalf, removing all packaging in the process, and leaving you free to enjoy your first blissful night’s sleep in your new bed.
What’s your style?
When it comes to the different styles of bed frames, allow your personal interior design tastes to be your guide. Let our exquisite collection of meticulously designed bed frames inspire you to create a bedroom that resonates with your individuality. Each design promises long-lasting luxury that complements your unique style and enhances both the beauty and functionality of your home.
Rattan bed frames
A rattan bed frame is a beautiful addition to contemporary bedroom décor, offering enduring elegance and natural charm that blend seamlessly into various modern-day trends, from rustic farmhouse to Scandinavian chic. Rattan’s intricately woven and delicately detailed finish is wonderfully tactile, yet incredibly durable and exceptionally long-lasting, allowing you to revel in its inviting warmth and earthy beauty for years to come.
Our Vintage Rattan Bed frame makes a bold and striking style statement with its high headboard and elegant footboard, exquisitely crafted in rich dark wood with a stunning rattan finish. Embrace a softer, more romantic style with our beautiful Sienna Rattan Bed frame, where 100% natural rattan takes centre stage in the gentle, sweeping curves of the graceful headboard.
Weathered oak bed frames
Weathered oak bed frames are timelessly elegant, bringing a wonderful warmth and irresistible charm to your bedroom sanctuary. The art of distressing new oak wood highlights the natural undulations and imperfections in the grain to craft a luxuriously lived-in look that’s unique to each piece. The beauty of a weathered oak bed frame lies in its subtle neutrality, which blends seamlessly with any modern décor.
Our deeply sophisticated Sienna Bed frame is the epitome of romanticism, taking influence from the French-inspired aesthetic in its gently sweeping curves, wonderful weathered oak finishes and natural linen accents. For a more pared-back and effortlessly luxurious feel, embrace the clean, straight lines and sumptuous yet understated comfort of our stunning, weathered oak Aubrey Bed frame.
Metal bed frames
Metal bed frames have long been admired for their wonderful versatility, easy maintenance and exceptional durability, yet they also showcase an enduring beauty that transcends trends. Contemporary metal bed frames stand the test of time, effortlessly complementing an array of interior design styles, whether you find comfort in the sleek simplicity of minimalism or the cosy refinement of rustic farmhouse chic.
Our exquisite Oliver Bed embodies this adaptability, offering various size options and an array of charming hues to inspire you in curating the bedroom décor of your dreams. The durable metal bed frame, designed in a traditional dorm style with softly curving lines and delicate mouldings, creates a statement centrepiece that’s equally at home in a stunning master suite or tranquil guest room.
Upholstered bed frames
An upholstered bed frame is the ultimate indulgence, cradling you in the luxurious embrace of sumptuously soft fabric as you drift into peaceful sleep each night. Whether enveloped in plush velvet, soft linen or cosy bouclé, an upholstered bed frame transforms your bedroom into a haven of decadence and relaxation; a sanctuary to escape the outside world and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Our timelessly elegant Scandinavian-style Cambourne Bed features a lavishly upholstered headboard wrapped in irresistibly indulgent bouclé. Its gently winged design and calming neutral hue create a cocooning effect to lull you into a state of blissful serenity. For a bold and sophisticated ambience, the Art Deco-inspired Wooster Bed boasts an impressive statement headboard enveloped in opulent tones of rich cream or deep navy velvet.
Bed frame guidance from our experts
At Feather & Black, we understand that a new bed frame is a significant investment and it’s important to find the right one. Our lead buyer offers the following expert advice on how to use this guide to embark on your bed buying journey:
“Navigating the bed base types and the different styles of bed frames can seem like a daunting task, but it’s really all about you and your unique needs. Pause to consider your health and wellbeing, your practical requirements and your desire to create an aesthetically beautiful bedroom. Firstly, prioritise comfort and support by selecting a high-quality, well-crafted bed frame that provides the necessary stability for your mattress to aid restful sleep.
“Next, decide on the type of bed frame you prefer and what suits your practical needs. For example, in smaller spaces, consider ottoman or divan beds with hidden storage solutions that don’t compromise on style. Match your décor by choosing a bed frame that complements your bedroom’s design, whether it’s the rustic charm of weathered oak, the sleek lines of metal or the luxurious feel of upholstery.
“Ensure the bed frame fits your bedroom dimensions and personal space requirements by using our bed size chart and visualising its placement. You may also want to consider the height of the bed frame with your existing mattress and how easy the material is to care for and maintain. Lastly, consider the ease of assembly and opt for our professional services if you prefer convenience and efficiency.”
Armed with all the information you need on how to choose the best type of bed frame, you can now begin the journey to find your perfect match. Explore our expertly curated collection of meticulously designed bed frames, each one showcasing exquisite craftsmanship, to transform your bedroom into a luxuriously comfortable and wonderfully stylish retreat.