Buy now, pay later
It’s time for a new bed, but what type do you go for? If you’ve eliminated the idea of a metal bed frame, you’re left with two basic types – upholstered beds and wooden beds. But which one do you choose? And what type of bed frame is best for you?
On average, most people replace their bed frames every 10-20 years. As it’s a key investment, it’s important to make the right choice.
Why choose a wooden bed?
Wooden bed frames are a real favourite. One of the most traditional methods of making a bed frame, they’ve been in use for hundreds of years. If looked after properly, they can last for decades.
1. They suit any décor
Whether you’ve got a country cottage or an ultra-chic apartment, wooden bed frames suit almost any décor. You can go as ornate or as simple as you want. A stunning wooden bed frame can form the focal point of your bedroom interior design. It allows you to build your signature look around the largest piece of furniture in the room.
2. They are easy to keep clean
Every bedroom gets a little dusty. But these types of frames are super-easy to keep things clean. All you have to do is wipe the frame down with a damp cloth to pick up the dust. Then bring back the shine with furniture polish. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it keeps your bed frame looking as good as new.
3. They are eco-friendly
Wood is a renewable resource and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Look for frames made from FSC® Certified timber that has been sourced from sustainable forests.
4. They last for years
A good quality bed frame will last for decades if it’s looked after properly. They also tend not to squeak as much as metal bed frames!
Are there any cons?
Wooden frames can be heavy, so if you move house regularly, they could be a bit of a hassle to take apart and put back together every time. If you’re not sure how to put together a wooden bed, you can ask your delivery team to do it for you when you order.
Why choose an upholstered bed?
We’ve looked at wooden beds, but what do upholstered beds have to offer? Bright colours, soft fabrics and lots of different styles make them equally at home in both traditional and contemporary interiors.
1. They are colourful
While wooden frames have the advantage of the natural beauty of timber, upholstered bed frames can be any colour you want. They can also be upholstered in a range of different materials, depending on your preference. Go for soft pink to ultra-chic charcoal grey, cool blue or forest green – the choice is yours.
2. They are cosy
As with all soft furnishings, upholstered beds are soft, comfortable, and very snuggly. Top things off with an upholstered headboard and you have a cosy bedroom where you can curl up together, watch TV in comfort, or have a lazy Sunday morning reading the papers in bed.
3. They are lighter than wooden bed frames
Upholstered beds tend to be lighter than wooden ones. If you need to move them for any reason, it’s easier to do so. They are also easier to dismantle if you’re moving house. If you’re fitting a new bed into your bedroom, ask your delivery team how to put together an upholstered bed. Or better still, take advantage of an assembly service from your bed supplier.
Any drawbacks to upholstered beds?
The one drawback to upholstered beds is that they are not as easy to keep clean as a wooden bed. They’ll need hoovering regularly to keep the dust down.
If you’re asthmatic or suffer from allergies, it may be better to opt for metal or wood instead. You’ll also need to be careful not to spill that morning coffee on the upholstery, as it could be very difficult to get stains and spills out.
| Consideration | Wooden bed frame | Upholstered bed frame |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £140-£1,800 | £130-£850 |
| Durability | Long lasting | Good durability but not as long-lasting as wood |
| Cleaning | Easy - simply wipe clean | Can be tricky to clean |
| Storage space | Depends on the model – under-bed storage is available | Super-flexible storage spaces including ottoman and divan styles |
| Easy to move | No - heavy frame | Easy – lighter than wooden frames |
| Support | Very supportive | Good support with additional comfort from upholstered headboards |
| Disadvantages | Difficult to move | Hard to clean |
What are the best bed frames?
With so many great styles on offer, and at so many different price points, it’s hard to narrow it down. However, we love the following for their looks, their practicality, and their styling:
Our top upholstered choice
The Birlea Lancaster Grey Fabric Bed – this classically elegant style works well in both traditional and contemporary surroundings. The soft grey colour works with almost any colour scheme, while the rolled headboard and footboard make it a timeless design.
The addition of divan drawers in the frame adds to its appeal, giving you that all-important extra storage space. It’s a mid-price bed that comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. It also ticks the green box, as for every order, we plant a tree to offset our CO2 footprint.
Our top wooden frame choice
We love the Bedmaster Malmo Oak Ottoman Bed. This gorgeous, mid-price-range bed has so much charm and style, with a simple yet classic design that really showcases the beauty of the gold-toned wood.
A slatted headboard and low foot end make it compatible with any type of décor, including contemporary minimalism.
The big advantage to this bed is the large capacity storage space underneath, accessed by a hydraulic ottoman top. It’s super-easy to lift, and as it raises from the foot end, it won’t encroach on your floorspace, making it a great choice for smaller bedrooms. As with all our wooden beds, we plant a tree for every order, to offset our CO2 footprint.
For even more information, check out our expert tips on how to buy a new bed, as well as how to measure a bed.
