When building a bedroom, your bed frame will likely be a focal point — or at the very least, a jumping-off point for the rest of your room. Selecting a bed frame is more than just a stylistic decision, however. There are also matters of comfort and durability to consider. You want a bed frame that suits your lifestyle as well as your aesthetic. To help, we’re spotlighting some of the most popular bed frame choices and giving you all the details on which one will work best for your needs and style preferences.
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Things to Consider
There are a number of things you should consider when purchasing a bed frame, including your bedroom’s size and your budget. Before you jump to making a purely stylistic choice, consider the points ahead.
Size
The very first decision you should make when selecting a bed frame? What size you want. Sizes include twin, full, queen, king, and California king. Choosing a size should be informed both by your sleeping arrangement and your bedroom’s size. Twins and fulls are generally best for kid’s rooms because they’re smaller. That said, if necessary, a full can be used in a primary or guest bedroom that needs to accommodate two sleepers. Queen, kings, and Cali kings all accommodate two sleepers easily.
Material
Bed frames are constructed of all sorts of materials, including wood, metal, and upholstered plywood. Less common options include Lucite and wicker. Try to select a material that suits your lifestyle. For instance, a family who regularly has pets in the bed might want to consider a wood bed frame rather than an upholstered bed frame which can attract and collect fur. Additionally, if your bedroom gets a lot of direct sunlight, you might want to avoid upholstery which can fade.
Storage
If your bedroom is small and you don’t have much space for storage, you may want to consider a storage bed frame. Storage bed frames generally integrate shelf or cabinet storage into the headboard or drawer storage under the bed frame. Storage bed frames are available in vintage and newly-made styles, but generally have a more modern aesthetic due to their boxy nature.
Height
If you frequently watch TV or read in bed, there may be merit to opting for a tall-backed headboard that can offer full back support. Of course, a couple of substantial pillows can also work, so this one isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker.
Budget
Taking inventory of your budget can make narrowing down your options considerably easier. While most materials have high-end and low-end versions available, a wood bed frame will generally cost more than a metal bed frame. Upholstered bed frames vary wildly depending on what fabric was used. Leather bed frames, for instance, will generally be more expensive than performance velvet ones.
Choosing the Material
There are many different types of bed frames available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Some popular options include:
Wood beds
Wood bed frames are known for being durable and visually appealing. Wood beds frames can be made of a variety of woods, including maple, oak, mahogany, and cedar. A bed’s coloring will depend on what type of wood it’s made from. Wood bed frames can also be painted. Wood beds can be sourced in virtually any style, ranging from traditional to modern. That said, they tend to be best for those who desire a more formal look since wood is a visually hard surface.
Metal beds
Most metal beds are made of iron, although it possible to find chrome and brass designs, especially if you’re looking for a more modern or postmodern style. Metal beds generally showcase slatted construction. Slats prevent the bed from weighing too much, or looking too visually heavy. Metal beds are generally best for those who are okay with a less plush-looking bedroom setup. Metal bed frames are usually fairly simple, and their look is more sparse than other bed frames.
Upholstered beds
Upholstered headboards is a large category that includes everything from leather beds to velvet beds to linen beds. A bed’s look can vary greatly depending on what upholstery fabric it’s covered in. The same goes for its durability. Ultimately, upholstered beds are generally considered not as durable as metal or wood beds. Fabric tends to be more susceptible to wear and tear, including fading, snagging, and rips. If you opt for a light-colored upholstered bed, you’ll also have to worry about staining.
Wicker beds
Wicker beds have increased in popularity lately, and it’s easy to see why as they offer a unique textural effect. Wicker beds also have the added benefit of being extremely lightweight. Generally, wicker bed frames will have a bohemian or cottage-style appearance. Because wicker doesn’t have a reputation for being the most durable material on the market — it’s prone to broken reeds and cat claws— you may want to avoid wicker if you’re looking for a “forever” bed. On the other hand, it’s a great option if you’re looking for bed frame that will work well in a kid’s room for a decade or two.
Lead photo design by Grace Home Furnishings / Photo by Lance Gerb
