When it comes to choosing the best bed frames for you, there is a lot to consider; comfort is key, but style is just as important. If you’re looking to refresh your bedroom, a new bed is the fastest and easiest way to do so.
What is the best type of bed?
An ottoman bed is good for storage, but a low platform bed might be better at opening up the room. A cast iron bed is a timeless choice, but a four poster bed might be more impactful. With so many questions to ask and elements to consider, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled an edit of stylish double beds, four poster beds and platform beds to choose from, with the aim of helping you achieve the very best night’s sleep on the absolute best bed.
Ornate beds can add so much beauty to even the plainest rooms, so don’t shy away from more unusual pieces. If you prefer a more streamlined look, consider whether you’d prefer to dress your bed in crisp white sheets or patterned bedding, as that will help inform your decision. Wooden bed frames have stood the test of time as a sturdy, reliable and sleek option that last for years and look wonderful in nearly every type of bedroom. If you have a high ceiling, a four poster bed might make a nice choice. For inspiration, have a look at our guide on how to do a four poster bed.
Newly launched, the ‘Out for the Count Four Poster Bed’ by NiX is a subtly theatrical bed frame. You can add curtains for a more relaxed look, or lean into its clean lined form. There are three options to choose from: marine blue, ruby red and sage green.
For maximum impact, you can’t go wrong with a fully upholstered bed frame. Whether you plan on placing it in front of colour drenched walls, or want to make it the centrepiece in a pared back space, the ‘Rivas’ bed from Soho Home is a great choice. There are 16 fabric options to choose from, each one a signature Soho Home offering, so you’re sure to find something you like.
Wooden bed frames are unique in the landscape. They’re practical, easy to clean, and fit into most colour schemes without issue. Plus, if you tire of the plain wood, you can easily sand it down, prime and paint it a different colour in a single weekend. We particularly like the Swoon ‘Claudine’ bed frame. Grand, but not too imposing.
When it comes to comfort, you can’t get much better than a bed frame made by a mattress specialist. Simba are our go to when it comes to mattresses, so it’s no surprise they’ve risen up through the bed frame ranks so quickly. The ‘Atlas’ is a simple, clean lined choice, that looks just as directional as any bed frame made by a design-first retailer.
Brass bed frames are a perennial favourite of House & Garden editors. They are cosy and inviting whilst still looking grown up enough to hold their own in a smart bedroom. The Cornish Beds company is our go to for fully customisable pieces, and the ‘Hampton’ is our top pick.
For under £500, you can’t get much better than this stylish Habitat bed frame. There’s a certain mid century cool to it that looks at once laidback and inviting.
The best bed frame to buy, at a glance
If you don’t have time to read our full edit of the best bed to buy, we’ve compiled some at a glance information here.
- Best bed frame overall – Out for the Count Four Poster, £2,995 from Nix.
- Best upholstered bed frame – Rivas Bed, £3,595 from Soho Home.
- Best wooden bed frame- Claudine King Bed, £899 from Swoon.
- Best specialist bed frame- Atlas Bed Base, £499 from Simba Sleep.
- Best metal bed frame- Hampton Bed, £1,830 from Cornish Beds Co.
- Best budget bed frame – Chiltern Spindle Double Bed Frame, oak, £400 from Habitat.
- Best luxury bed frame – Lyndhurst Double Bed, £2,190 from Darlings of Chelsea.
Which type of bed is right for me?
The traditional bed frame has four legs, space underneath and a built in headboard. Once you’ve purchased a bed frame, you will still need to buy a mattress so ensure you factor that into your budget. A good quality bed frame is built to last multiple generations of use as it is made from strong materials such as metal and wood. These components are designed to be shown off and aesthetically pleasing, rather than hidden away underneath your bedding, as with a divan bed.
What is a divan bed?
A divan bed is usually made up of the divan base and a matching mattress, although some models come with a built in headboard, too. The divan base can be hollow, providing extra storage, or have drawers on three sides for convenience. (If you’re after one of these, check out our shopping guide to the best ottoman beds.) Traditionally, the base is constructed from wood and then upholstered to your specifications. If you require flexibility and manoeuvrability, ensure your divan base has castors or wheels so it can accommodate that need.
