What makes a good bed frame and how do I choose a new bed?
If you're looking for a brand new bed, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available. Which is the best? Are some types of frames better than others? There is no universal set of criteria for what makes a good bed frame, but let's take a look at some of the qualities you'll want to look out for before choosing a new bed.
What makes a good bed frame?
We think it's important to consider your unique needs and choose a frame that meets them. There are four key factors to consider - comfort, storage, aesthetics, and durability.
Comfort
It's easy to assume that it's your mattress that determines your level of comfort in bed, but the bed frame plays an important role too. The frame or divan base affects the overall firmness of the sleeping surface. Bed frames with slats offer a certain amount of flexibility, with sprung slats providing the most cushioning. Solid slatted bed frames have very little give, which means they feel much firmer.
Divan beds can be pocket sprung, which means they have some springs in them which offer a little bounce and softness. Platform divans, which don't offer any bounce at all, are very firm. Firm doesn't necessarily mean uncomfortable. Some people find themselves more comfortable on a firm bed than a soft one because they find their joints are better supported. However, it's important to consider the firmness of a bed frame or divan when assessing whether it's right for you.
You should also consider your comfort when getting in and out of bed; a factor that depends on the bed frame. A bed that is too high or low can be difficult to get up from, particularly for people with mobility problems. A solid slatted bed frame or a solid platform divan that doesn't offer any spring or bounce might make it more difficult to move around on the bed or get up.
Keep these factors in mind when considering the comfort of a bed frame.
Product: Heavy Duty Divan base
Storage
For many people, storage space in the bedroom is at a premium, and under-bed storage is essential for keeping the room tidy and organised. If you have a small bedroom that is limited in space, storage might be a major factor in determining what makes a good bed frame.
Divan beds can have drawers built-in for storing clothes, shoes, and other bits and pieces. Large divans can accommodate up to four drawers; two on each long side. However, it's important to consider the layout of your bedroom and whether these drawers will be accessible. It might be better to opt for two draws on just one side if the bed will be pushed up against a wall, or a drawer on each side at the foot of the bed if you'll have bedside cabinets on each side at the top of the bed.
In small bedrooms where space around the bed is limited, drawers might not be a very practical option if there isn't much room to pull the drawers out. Ottoman beds are a brilliant alternative. With these, the platform which houses the mattress lifts up to reveal a large area of empty storage space underneath.
The problem with ottoman beds is that they can be heavy and difficult to operate, particularly if you have a very deep and heavy mattress on top. For this reason, our heavy-duty ottoman bed frames are built to accommodate mattresses that weigh up to 100kg, and we can supply higher pressure struts when even heavier mattresses are used.
Aesthetics
Although style tends to be much less of a priority than comfort and practicality, it still plays a role in determining what makes a good bed frame. You'll want to consider the aesthetic of your bedroom and find a bed frame that matches.
Divan bed frames are somewhat traditional in their style, and they're not as popular in contemporary homes as they once were. However, they are reasonably versatile in terms of style because you can select a headboard that suits your unique style, and even switch the headboard out should you fancy a style change and not want to replace the entire bed.
Bedsteads offer a great deal more choice when it comes to aesthetics. You can find them in an array of styles, materials and colours.
Metal bed frames are available in very modern designs with simple clean lines or more traditional designs with ornate detailing.
Wooden bed frames have similar varieties available, but the natural look of wood tends to provide a sense of timelessness, no matter the style you choose.
A new bed can be a big investment, so a good bed frame is one that is versatile enough to suit a variety of decor styles. This gives you the freedom to redecorate the bedroom with new colours and aesthetics with the confidence that your bed will always fit in.
Product: Sandringham Shaker Bed
Durability
A good quality bed frame should last for years, but it's important to consider carefully how it will be used. For example, the average bed frame will not have a very long lifespan when used by a heavy couple. That's exactly why we specialise in reinforced beds which are extra strong and durable for overweight people.
Our beds are now popular with people of all sizes because their sturdy, heavy-duty construction means they're truly built to last. Given how much time we spend sleeping, our bed is one of the most-used pieces of furniture in the house. It's important to invest wisely in a good quality frame that will provide you with comfortable sleep for years to come.
When you consider buying a bed, it can be helpful to view it in person to see if it feels robust enough to last. If a bed makes creaking or crunching noises when it is used, or parts of the frame appear to move independently of each other when you put pressure on them, these are signs the frame is not particularly strong.
Check out our full range of strong beds now to find a frame that meets all of your exacting needs.