A guide to bed frames

Bed frames come in lots of looks and materials, from simple wood or metal to plush upholstered options. Some even have built-in storage. A bed that sets the style in your bedroom or one that blends in? Or something in between? The choice is yours. See below for tips about divan beds and wooden-base spring mattress beds.

A grey-green TÄLLÅSEN upholstered bed dressed with light grey-beige ÄNGSLILJA bed linen, plus cushions and a bedspread.

1. Know bed frame features and types

You buy a bed frame to help set the look and feel of a sleeping space, not just to support a mattress. To boost the bed as a focal point (or to give yourself a cushy backrest), go for a headboard. Under-bed storage can be omitted, added on (cases, boxes) or built-in. Tip: filter beds by size, features, etc.

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A birch/Luröy BJÖRKSNÄS bed frame dressed in beige/white/dotted KLYNNETÅG bed linen next to a BJÖRKSNÄS bedside table.

Double bed frames: room enhancers

A bed frame’s materials can say a lot: wood (warm, natural), metal (versatile, timeless) or fabric upholstery (cosy, classy). Want storage space? Look for a free height under the bed of more than 20 cm.

Bedroom with a white BRIMNES bedframe with storage dressed in a white black/check VITKLÖVER duvet cover with two pillowcases.

Storage beds: space maximisers

A storage bed comes with matching drawers or boxes for concealed convenience. Some headboards offer storage, too. Single beds fit storage on one side only; double beds can have storage on more than one side.

The corner of a ESPEVÄR slatted mattress base with legs has the white cover pulled back to show the solid-pine slats.

Mattress bases: versatile supporters

A mattress base is a simple foundation. Besides a mattress, it must have a cover and legs. Slats come with it (separate ones are not needed). Mattress topper? You decide.

A beige LILLFJÄLLET divan bed with storage dressed with dark grey DYTÅG bed linen.

Divan beds: coordinated softies

A divan bed often sells as a set: mattress topper, spring mattress, mattress base and 10 cm legs. The base, mattress and headboard use matching covers. Most have a padded headboard attached. Some include storage.

Beds with storage

Drawers underneath your bed are a great place to keep your bed linen and extra blankets or duvets, or even your night-time reading. They’re easy to reach and especially helpful if you don’t have a lot of space. You can also find headboards with storage and even beds with built-in storage units.

See all beds with storage

A white NORDLI bed frame with storage underneath. Two of the drawers are open and contain books, a bedspread and various items.

See all beds with storage

Upholstered means extra cosy

If you fancy bringing an extra cosy feel to your bedroom, then an upholstered bed could be for you. The headboard with soft padding can help make you nice and comfortable when you’re reading or relaxing in bed.

See all upholstered beds

A bedroom with a TÄLLÅSEN light green upholstered bed frame and white bed linen with a white throw folded across the end.

You can see a bedroom with an upholstered TUFJORD bed frame in light grey and white bed linen. A light-coloured bedspread is laid over the end of the bed.

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A hand lifting a firm/light blue VALEVÅG pocket sprung mattress off of a bed frame.

2. Mind the structural musts

When buying a bed, always check the product details and good-to-know information for specifics about midbeams and bed slats.
Most double beds require a steel SKORVA midbeam to stabilise the frame and keep the mattress in place. It’s typically included in the bed’s price but packaged separately.
Most single and double bed frames need bed slats to support the mattress. A standard LURÖY slatted bed base is typically included in the price of wooden, metal and upholstered bed frames but often packaged separately.
Divan and wooden base spring mattresses have bed slats integrated into their designs. You do not need to buy separate bed slats.

A LAPPTÅTEL pillow, low on a firm/light blue VESTERÖY pocket sprung mattress on a bed frame.

3. Choose a mattress

Be sure the size of your mattress will fit your chosen bed frame. Check the product measurements for length and width when you buy a bed.
The height of a mattress mainly matters for personal preference. But a bed can seem disproportional if its mattress is too thick or thin. Consider how much of the mattress will be visible with a headboard, a footboard or a mattress base.
Consider the overall height of your bed from the floor to the top of the mattress. It should be easy for you to get in and out of bed.
Divan beds and wooden base spring mattresses include mattresses, but you choose firmness and size.
Want help choosing the right mattress? Check out our mattress buying guide.

The arms of a person securing an ÄNGSKORN mattress protector to a mattress.

4. Care for your investment

Chances are, it’ll take you 1-3 weeks to choose and buy a bed. Taking care of your dream bed respects the time, energy and money you’ve spent. Your future self will thank you, too.
A mattress protector prolongs the life of a mattress while keeping away stains and dirt. Some are waterproof. They’re all removable and machine-washable. (We recommend washing monthly.)
If your upholstered bed frame, mattress base or mattress has a removable cover, wash it regularly.
Maintain your bed frame by tightening screws once in a while.
Broke a slat? Missing a bracket? You can often replace damaged or lost parts. Learn about our spare parts service.

For a completely coordinated bedroom

With our wide range of sizes, colours, materials and features, we’re sure there’s a just-right bed at a price you’ll love. Want to buy a bed frame, bedside table and storage pieces that match? Look for a coordinated product series such as HEMNES or one of the many bedroom furniture sets.

See all bedroom furniture sets