Choosing the Right Bed Frame

A bed frame is more than just a structure to hold your mattress. It defines the look of your bedroom, affects how your mattress performs, and determines how much storage space you have available. With so many styles, materials, and configurations available, choosing the right bed frame can feel overwhelming.

This guide covers everything you need to consider to make a confident, informed decision.

In this guide:
Bed Frame Types | Materials | Base and Slat Types | Storage Options | Size and Room Fit | Headboards | Bed Frame vs Divan | Common Questions

Bed Frame Types

Standard Bed Frame

A standard bed frame consists of a headboard, footboard (optional), side rails, and a slatted or solid base. It sits on legs, raising the mattress off the floor. Standard bed frames are available in a wide range of styles — from simple, minimal designs to ornate, upholstered statement pieces.

Ottoman Bed Frame

An ottoman bed frame incorporates a gas-lift mechanism that raises the mattress platform to reveal a large storage compartment underneath. It combines the aesthetic of a bed frame with the storage capacity of an ottoman base. See our Ottoman Bed Buying Guide for full details.

Sleigh Bed Frame

A sleigh bed has a distinctive curved or scrolled headboard and footboard, resembling the shape of a sleigh. Sleigh beds make a strong visual statement and suit traditional, classic, and contemporary interiors depending on the material and finish.

Panel Bed Frame

A panel bed has a flat, upholstered or wooden headboard and footboard. It is one of the most versatile and widely available bed frame styles, suitable for most bedroom aesthetics.

Platform Bed Frame

A platform bed sits very low to the ground, often with no visible legs or a very low profile. Platform beds suit contemporary and minimalist interiors and make a room feel more spacious by keeping the visual weight low.

Four Poster Bed Frame

A four poster bed has four vertical posts at each corner, traditionally supporting a canopy. Modern four poster beds often have the posts without the canopy, creating a dramatic, architectural look. Best suited to larger bedrooms with high ceilings.

Materials

Upholstered Fabric

Upholstered bed frames are covered in fabric — typically linen, velvet, or a woven textile. They have a soft, warm appearance and suit most bedroom styles. Velvet upholstery adds a premium, luxurious feel. Fabric frames require occasional cleaning and are susceptible to staining.

Best for: Most bedrooms, those who want a soft, warm aesthetic, contemporary and classic interiors.

Faux Leather

Faux leather bed frames are easy to wipe clean and have a sleek, contemporary look. They are more practical than fabric for households with children or pets. Quality varies — higher quality faux leather is more durable and looks more like genuine leather.

Best for: Contemporary interiors, households with children or pets, those who want easy maintenance.

Solid Wood

Solid wood bed frames are durable, long-lasting, and have a natural, warm appearance. They suit traditional, Scandinavian, and rustic interiors. Solid wood frames are heavier than upholstered or metal frames but are generally more durable.

Best for: Traditional, Scandinavian, and natural interior schemes, those who want maximum durability.

Metal

Metal bed frames are lightweight, durable, and available in a range of finishes including black, white, gold, and brushed steel. They suit industrial, contemporary, and minimalist interiors. Metal frames are generally among the most affordable options.

Best for: Industrial, contemporary, and minimalist interiors, those on a budget, those who move frequently.

Base and Slat Types

The base of a bed frame determines how the mattress is supported and how it performs. Most bed frames use a slatted base.

Slatted Base

Slats are horizontal wooden boards that span the width of the frame. They support the mattress and allow airflow underneath, which helps regulate temperature and prevents moisture build-up. Key considerations:

• Slat spacing: Gaps between slats should be no wider than 7cm for adequate mattress support. Wider gaps can cause the mattress to sag between slats over time.
• Slat thickness: Thicker slats are more durable and provide better support.
• Sprung slats: Some frames use curved or sprung slats that flex slightly under weight, adding a small amount of cushioning and reducing pressure on the mattress.

Solid Base

Some bed frames use a solid platform base rather than slats. A solid base provides even, firm support and is particularly well suited to memory foam and latex mattresses. It reduces airflow compared to a slatted base.

Storage Options

Many bed frames include built-in storage:

• Under-bed drawers: Drawers built into the base of the frame, typically on one or both sides. Check which side the drawers open on before ordering — if one side is against a wall, ensure the drawers open on the accessible side.
• Ottoman lift: A gas-lift mechanism that raises the entire mattress platform to reveal a large storage compartment. See our Ottoman Bed Buying Guide for full details.
• No storage: Many bed frames have no built-in storage. Under-bed space can still be used with separate storage boxes if the frame sits high enough off the floor.

Size and Room Fit

Bed frames are available in all standard UK sizes — single, small double, double, king, and super king. The frame size should match your mattress size exactly. See our Bed Size Guide for full UK size dimensions and room size recommendations.

When choosing a bed frame, consider:

• The overall height of the frame — a taller frame makes the bed easier to get in and out of but takes up more visual space
• The footboard height — a tall footboard can restrict movement at the foot of the bed and may feel confining in a smaller room
• The leg height — higher legs allow more under-bed storage and airflow; lower legs or no legs give a more grounded look

Headboards

Most bed frames include a headboard. Key considerations:

• Height: A taller headboard adds visual impact and provides comfortable back support when sitting up in bed. A lower headboard suits minimalist and contemporary interiors.
• Padding: A padded or upholstered headboard is more comfortable for sitting up in bed than a hard wooden or metal headboard.
• Style: The headboard is the most visible part of the bed and sets the tone for the room. Choose a style that complements your existing furniture and décor.

Bed Frame vs Divan: Which is Right for You?

• Choose a bed frame if: You want a specific design aesthetic, you prefer visible legs and a frame structure, or you want to use a slatted base for airflow and mattress ventilation.
• Choose a divan if: You want built-in drawer storage, a clean upholstered look with no visible frame, a solid supportive base, or a lower profile bed. See our Divan Bed Guide for full details.

Common Questions

Do bed frames come with a mattress?

Bed frames are usually sold without a mattress. Check the product listing carefully to confirm what is included. At Novera Home, listings clearly state whether a mattress is included.

Can I use any mattress with a bed frame?

Most mattresses are compatible with slatted bed frames. Memory foam and latex mattresses require slat gaps of no more than 7cm, or a solid base, for correct support. Always check the mattress manufacturer’s recommendations.

Are bed frames easy to assemble?

Most bed frames are delivered flat-packed and require assembly. Assembly instructions are included with all our products. If you need help, please contact us.

What size bed frame do I need?

Your bed frame should match your mattress size exactly. See our Bed Size Guide for full UK size dimensions.

How do I know if a bed frame will fit in my room?

Measure your room carefully before ordering. Allow at least 60cm of clearance on each accessible side of the bed and at least 90cm at the foot. Use masking tape on the floor to mark out the frame dimensions before ordering. See our Bed Size Guide for room size recommendations.

Ready to find your bed frame? Browse our bed collection or contact us for personalised advice.

Bed Size Guide | Mattress Buying Guide | Ottoman Bed Buying Guide | Divan Bed Guide | All Buying Guides