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What is the Difference Between a Bed Frame and a Bedstead?
Whether you read about a "bed frame" or a "bedstead", both are describing the same thing: the framework, or platform, that your mattress is placed on. At Mattress Online, we tend to use "bed frame". An increasingly popular choice, a good-looking bed frame is a great way to add character and style to your bedroom. Since bed frames tend to be the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom, they are often the main focal point in the room.
Bed frames are available in a great range of styles, materials and colours, and are typically available in a choice of:
- wood
- metal
- fabric
- real or faux leather
Are you looking for a new bed frame? Read on to find out more!
Bed frame buying guide
When choosing the right bed frame for you, you'll need to consider:
- how much space you have
- the style of bed you like
- whether you prefer a firm bed
- your storage needs
- your budget
Read on to find out how to choose the bed frame that's right for you!
1. How much space do you have?
A bed frame is one of the biggest items of furniture in your bedroom, so it's important to measure the available space you have for it. To do this, outline the area for your bed on the floor, using masking tape. Remember to add some clearance space if you want to add drawers.
Unlike divans, bed frames include a headboard and a foot end as standard. We recommend checking the dimensions of both to ensure your bed frame will fit comfortably in your room.
Since bed frames are usually larger than a mattress - unlike divan beds, which are the same dimensions as a mattress - it's important to check the overall width, length and height of the bed frame, especially if you have a small room.
- Do you have a small bedroom?
- A single or a small double bed may be the best option. If you need a bed for your loft room or box room, the Friendship Mill Studio Wooden Bed Frame is a great choice. Choosing a bed frame with storage, or with plenty of underbed space to store your items, could also be helpful.
- Are you tall?
- We recommend that your bed is 10cm longer than you are. A king size or superking size bed frame is longer in length than a double. We also offer a number of bed frames with low foot ends, and a selection can even be made-to-measure. Please get in touch for more help and information.
2. What style of bed frame do you prefer?
Bed frames are available in a great range of styles, materials and colours. Whether you prefer wooden bed frames, metal beds, leather or fabric, read on to discover the perfect bed frame for you!
1. Wooden bed frame
A wooden bed frame is a classic addition to your bedroom and creates a warm and attractive look. A natural product, a wooden bed can be made from pine, oak, or other types of wood. Many wooden beds are also environmentally-friendly, since they are constructed using wood from sustainable sources, such as Scandinavian pine.
Whether your style is modern or traditional, we offer a wide range of wooden beds, wooden guest beds, children's beds and wooden bunk beds.
2. Metal bed frame
Metal bed frames are a popular choice. Sturdy and stylish, they add a sophisticated look to your bedroom, and are equally suited to traditional or modern decor. Available in a wide range of colours and styles, our range of metal beds start from as little as £94.95 - so they're a good option if you’re on a tight budget.
3. Fabric bed frame
On-trend and available in a wide range of colours, a fabric upholstered bed is a great choice if you're looking for a stylish centrepiece for your bedroom. Perfect for contemporary and traditional tastes alike, a fabric bed frame can give your bedroom a cosier feel than metal or leather beds.
4. Leather bed frame
A leather bed adds a cool, sophisticated touch to any bedroom. A stylish focal point, you can choose between faux leather or real leather, and they're available in a choice of colours. Leather beds tend to offer a wider variety of storage options than wooden or metal beds. We even offer a range of leather TV beds - for the ultimate indulgence!
3. Do you prefer a firm bed?
Bed frames are constructed using two types of base. These are called slats, and they determine the overall firmness of the bed. We advise that the gaps between each slat should be no greater than 7-8cm, approximately 3 inches.
- Solid slats
- A firmer, more supportive option, solid slats enhance the firmness of your bed. They are rigid and more sturdy than sprung slats, and offer no "give". You should choose solid slats if you prefer a firm bed.
- Sprung slats
- Sprung slats are slightly curved, or bowed, creating a natural flexibility. They are less firm than solid slats and offer more gentle support. They may also help to prolong the life of your mattress.
An example of sprung slats: the Silentnight Sydney Metal Cream Bed Frame
4. Do you need storage?
Underbed storage is particularly useful if your bedroom is small. Whilst most bed frames do not include storage underneath as standard, some do include built-in storage. Check out our bed frames that include storage, or take a look at our top picks below.
| Bed Frame | Storage Type |
|---|---|
| Time Living Atlanta Fabric Bed | Drawers | Faux Leather Drawer Bed Frame | Drawers |
| GFW Regal Grey Fabric Ottoman Bed | Ottoman |
Do you simply need a lot of underbed space? Check the dimensions of the specific bed frame you like for further information - we call this "underbed clearance".
5. What is your budget?
Our range of bed frames at Mattress Online offers great value for money and is competitively priced. Whether you are on a tight budget, or you can afford to splash out a little, read on to discover the perfect bed at a price that suits you.
Budget bed frames under £100
Looking for a great bed at a low price? Available in a range of sizes, our budget range of bed frames under £100 are fantastic value for money - and look great, too!
Mid-range bed frames
Our mid-range bed frames between £100 and £300 are a great option if you want a little more for your money, without breaking the bank. We offer a wide selection of over 50 bed frames to choose from.
Luxury bed frames
Make a statement with our wide range of stunning, higher-end beds. Give your bedroom the wow-factor and choose from our luxury collection of bed frames.
A bed frame is the centrepiece of your bedroom. Considering we spend around a third of our lives in bed, choosing the right bed is an important investment. Why not browse our full range of bed frames - handpicked to suit all styles, budgets and preferences.
