How to Choose the Perfect Bed Frame

When shopping for a new bed frame, people often get carried away with design and forget function. You want a bed that's both comfortable and beautiful. A bed frame is an investment in a better night’s sleep that helps you to relax after a long day. It’s one of the essential aspects of a bedroom, so you should purchase a bed frame that you’ll love for years to come.

Thinking where to start? Beds come in various sizes, styles, shapes, and materials, so you might be surprised by the choices available when you start shopping for a new bed frame. But don’t worry, the Artiss expert team is here to help. 

We’ve put together a bed frame buying guide for Australia that covers everything from the type of bed frame to its sizes and materials, which will help you make the right choice. So make sure you continue reading till the end. 

Let’s get started!

Determine your bed frame budget

Setting a budget should be your first step when furniture shopping. It helps you understand how much you can allocate to buy the furniture you need, so you can narrow your search and not waste time checking items that don’t fit your budget. Additionally, if you don’t set a budget before purchasing, you might purchase something unnecessarily expensive.

Artiss’ expert advice is to compare items at different shops and brand stores, taking into account furniture price and quality. It may be worth starting your search online at marketplaces including MyDeal, Kogan or Catch in Australia. Don't forget to look for products with Australia wide delivery starting at affordable prices. Another tip, avoid buying all of your home furniture at once. Take time to furnish your home, so you only buy things that suit your needs.  

Decide what size bed you need

Consider the size of your bedroom before you buy a bed frame. First, consider the maximum space that your bed frame and bedside tables could realistically occupy. Leave at least one metre of space on all three sides of the bed. This gives you enough space to move around freely. 

Depending on how spacious your bedroom is, decide what size bed you need. Consider the tallest person who will sleep in the bed and add about 15cm on top of their height to get the right length. 

A queen size frame is perfect for couples with enough space for small movements. If your kids love to hop in with you, you might prefer a king size frame. A double size frame is best for an adult who needs more space. This size also works well for teens, as it can accommodate them for a long time.  

Reputable brands such as Artiss provide a wide selection of bed frames in single size, double size, queen size, king single, and king size to suit your varying needs. Our range comes with Australia wide delivery at special price.

Consider the height of the bed frames

Another important consideration when purchasing a bed frame is its height. High beds require a higher ceiling; otherwise, it can make your bedroom feel cramped. If the bed is too low, it could become hard to clean underneath, which may be difficult if it's where you store household items.

Artiss’ easy trick to find an ideal height is to check if you can comfortably rest your feet on the ground, while sitting on top of the mattress. While you’re seated, check if your knees and hips are at the same level or more or less equal. If that's the case, the height is ideal for you.  If you already have bedside tables to accompany your bed frame, you'll also want to make sure these align in terms of height and width. Generally, queen size or king beds are the tallest.

Find the right bed base construction

The purpose of a bed frame is to support your mattress, so you need to choose a bed frame that’s solidly constructed and durable. The bed base you choose can affect the durability and comfort of your mattress. So it's recommended to look for a bed base that can hold the weight of your mattress without sagging or bending. 

There are different types of bed bases available in single size, double size, queen size, king single, and king size, out of which we’ve discussed the most popular picks. Our expert team's advice is to learn the pros and cons of different types of bed bases so that you make a winning choice.  

Slatted bed base

Slats, made of engineered board, are a solid foundation for your mattress. They help with even weight distribution and keep you, the sleeper, comfortable through the night. Slats are typically thinner yet strong enough to hold your mattress' weight securely. Remember to lay the slats across the bed frame. This will prevent your mattress from sagging or shifting. Also, ensure that the slats are not over 14cm wide. This can prevent moisture from evaporating, which may cause mildew. Lastly, the gaps between the slats shouldn't exceed 10cm as this can impact the level of comfort. 

Pros of a slatted bed base

The advantages of a slatted base include:

• Good ventilation for your mattress

• Store items underneath

• Easy to assemble

• Lightweight

• Better durability

• Even weight distribution

Cons of a slatted bed base

The disadvantages of a slatted base include:

• May require support

• Thin slats could cause your mattress to sag

• Can slide if not properly secured

Platform base

A platform base helps create a modern, low-profile look. Most mattresses are compatible with this type of base. It features a sturdy and supportive surface in the form of a solid, raised platform or slats with clean lines for a mattress to sit on. A flatter surface offers good firmness and a comfortable night’s sleep, while a slatted style keeps your mattress well-ventilated, reducing the growth of mildew and allergens. With a tremendous variety of styles and selection of sizes available at an affordable price, a platform bed base takes a centre stage in minimalist style modern bedrooms.

Pros of a platform bed base

The advantages of a platform bed base include:

• Keeps your mattress well-ventilated

• Compatible with most mattresses

• Designed for a contemporary bedroom

• Store small items underneath

• Durable and sturdy

• Some come with storage features

• Cost-effective

• Solid base

Cons of a platform bed base 

The disadvantages of a platform bed base include:

• May feel too firm for some users

• Not ideal for side sleepers   

• May feel too low

Box spring bed base

A box spring bed base is a rectangular box about the same size as your mattress filled with springs inside. This old-fashioned base is designed for durability and bounce, but can compromise support and stability, which can cause partner disturbance. The box spring base pairs well with an innerspring mattress, but it is not ideal for a memory foam mattress. This style of bed base has faded in popularity because mattresses made with more modern materials, such as latex, don’t require a box spring. While solidly constructed, the heavy weight of a box spring bed base also weighs on their popularity. But, if you're someone who enjoys a bouncy bed, the box spring bed base is perfect for you. 

Pros of a box spring bed base

The advantages of a box spring bed base include:

• Protects your mattress

• Adds bounce

• Durable

• Improves airflow

• Evenly distributes weight across the bed

• Store narrow items underneath

• Often sells at a discount or special price

• No shifting or slipping

• Elevates height

Cons of a box spring bed base 

The disadvantages of a box spring bed base include:

• Partner disturbance

• May not provide adequate support

• May affect stability

• Heavier

Choose your ideal bed base style

Everyone has their own style when it comes to decorating their space. While there are so many bed designs today that you can choose from, you should consider the overall style of your bedroom when selecting a bed frame to create a cohesive look. 

If you’ve got a traditional bedroom, you might want to choose a wooden bed frame that comes with footboard and intricate detailing. And for a modern bedroom, a simple and contemporary style bed frame might be the best choice. To help you on your buying and styling journey,  we’ve created an Artiss style guide, The Alphabet of Interior Design, to give you an in-depth understanding of popular furniture styles in Australia and help you to achieve the décor of your dreams. 

Material matters

There’s a wide range of bed frames on the market from cots to a California king. From Murphy beds that are an ultimate space-saver, to rustic wooden bed frames, traditional canopy, and even innovative hanging beds, the options in bed frames are endless. So let’s explore some top bed frame picks that will guide you to make a better selection.  

Wooden bed frames

Wood is the most common material used for making bed frames. It’s known for its long-lasting quality and natural look that keeps the bed frames looking beautiful and sturdy for years. Wooden bed frames come in a wide range of styles with drawers for storage. You can go for intricate detailing for a traditional bedroom, or a simple design for a contemporary bedroom. Depending on your style and décor, you may settle on a natural or light coloured pine bedroom furniture, the most popular types in Australia, or even an oak bed frame or warmer mid-century modern bedroom furniture. 

Pros of a wooden bed frame 

The advantages of a wooden bed frame include: 

• Sturdy and durable

• Wide range of styles

• Hard-wearing

• Timeless appeal

• Natural look and feel

• Lasts longer

• Easy to match

• Can store items in storage drawers

Cons of a wooden bed frame

The disadvantages of a wooden bed frame include: 

• Difficult to move

• Relatively expensive

Premium fabric upholstery bed frames

Stylish bed frames with premium fabric upholstery are a trendy choice for their sleek appearance. An upholstered bed frame will provide cushioned support and help create a cosy feeling in your bedroom. It's a popular choice for adults in queen or king size, not so much for kids in single or double as it's harder to clean. If you’re not a morning person, be aware that a fabric bed frame could actually make it more difficult for you to get up and go to work.

Pros of a fabric upholstered bed frame

The advantages of a fabric upholstered bed frame include: 

• Soft and comfy feel

• Multiple style options, particularly for queen and king

• Ability to store items underneath

• Match your décor

• Safer choice

• Decorative look

Cons of a fabric upholstered bed frame

The disadvantages of a fabric upholstered bed frame include: 

• Hard to clean 

• Not suitable for pet owners

• Can stain 

• Need regular cleaning to maintain a clean, tidy look

Leather bed frames

Looking to add a luxurious touch to your bedroom? It’s hard to beat leather bed frames. They have become increasingly more popular in Australia. A leather bed frame is primarily made from solid wood and then wrapped in leather, which makes it exceptionally beautiful and durable. You can find black, grey and white bed frames in genuine and faux or vegan leather. Depending where you live in Australia, however, a leather bed frame can trap the heat in summer.

Pros of a leather bed frame

The advantages of a leather bed frame include: 

• Luxurious feel

• Durable material with room to store items

• Timeless appeal

• Wide variety in colours, types and styles

Cons of a leather bed frame 

The disadvantages of a leather bed frame include: 

• Dry leather may crack

• Need regular cleaning to keep clean  

• Expensive

Metal bed frames

If durability is what you're looking for, metal bed frames are the best choice. You can keep your metal bed frames looking new for years by following an easy regular care routine. Metal and metallic bed frames are tough and hard-wearing, meaning you don’t have to worry about insects spoiling it. While steel tube and cast iron were popular choices of yesteryear in Australia, metal bed frames these days come in modern, streamlined designs.

Pros of a metal bed frame

The advantages of a metal bed frame include: 

• Hard-wearing

• Can hold significant weight

• Available in decorative designs 

• Modern and elegant 

• Easy to keep clean and maintain

• Store household items underneath

Cons of a metal bed frame

The disadvantages of a metal bed frame include: 

• Creates a squeaky noise

• Susceptible to developing rust

• Design can be flimsy

• Difficult to find in sizes larger than queen

Gas lift bed frames 

Looking to add more storage in your bedroom? A gas lift bed frame can make a great storage solution for small spaces. Gas lift bed frames come with built-in storage underneath the mattress. You can easily access this storage area with a gas lift mechanism. The best part about this bed frame is that it provides a concealed storage space without occupying extra surface area. The Artiss LED Gas lift bed frames make a stunning addition to your bedroom. It features customisable LED lighting with four flashing modes and other impressive features.     

Pros of a gas lift bed frame 

The advantages of a gas lift bed frame include:

• Hidden storage solutions

• Practical design

• Neat and organised

• Easy to use

• Ample space to store items underneath

• More concealed look

Cons of a gas lift bed frame 

The disadvantages of a gas lift bed frame include:

• Bulky and heavy weight

• May encounter hardware problems

• Difficult to find in sizes smaller than queen

• Expensive

Pick a bedhead 

A headboard is a focal piece of any bedroom, which is more likely to be eye-catching and attractive. It can either enhance or spoil the look of your bedroom, so you need to choose a bed headboard carefully. Headboards come in different types, but the most common ones are wooden, fabric upholstered, and leather. They're more popular among double, queen or king size. The following are some of our expert tips to help you pick a statement bedhead.        

Artiss top tips for selecting a statement bedhead

• Choose a statement bedhead in neutral tones to create an illusion of space. This works particularly well in a smaller room with a king or queen.

• Purchase small size beds and headboards for smaller rooms with single or double beds. 

• Ensure your headboard is made of premium materials that stand the test of time, particularly if you're upgrading to a queen or king.

• Check your headboard material is easy to clean and maintain, particularly if it's soft and plush. You don’t want to have a headboard with stains and scuffs.

• Select a floating headboard to avoid the hassle of attaching it to your bed frame. 

• Consider a headboard with storage if you’re short on space. 

• Whether you're watching TV, reading in bed or scrolling on your phone, choose a headboard that can support your posture.

A final checklist to choose stylish bed frames

How do you know whether your bed frame is the right purchase for you? We've discussed some essential factors for you to consider before saying ‘YES’ to your bed frame. 

Your comfort

When shopping for bedroom furniture, comfort should be your top priority. Choose a bed frame that will enable you to sleep comfortably and relax in comfort for years to come. A good night’s sleep is essential for good health. Pick the appropriate size frame from single size, king single size, double size, queen size, and king size depending on your needs. Comfort and support mean different things to everyone.

Quality construction

Don’t get a bed frame based on looks and price alone. Whether you're buying a single for a growing child, or purchasing a queen as a couple, look for a high-quality and expertly crafted bed frame that will last the long term. Compare with several bedroom furniture brand shop and check the materials used for making the frame. Do in-depth research to identify product quality. This will guide you to find the best quality products. Be willing to spend a little extra for a high-quality bed frame, especially if you're looking to purchase a queen or king. 

Bedroom aesthetics

Don’t forget bedroom aesthetics. A bed is the focal point of your bedroom, so it must look right in your room. If you're searching for inspiration in Australia, check out bedroom design ideas on independent blogs such as The Design Files that can help you in your search for finding something that fits your interior design. Knowing what you want before you start shopping can be helpful. Make sure you also consider who will use the room. If it’s your kids' room, pick a bed frame designed especially for kids' rooms, up to a double size. A footboard can also enhance the style of your room and keep your bedding in place.

Warranty and customer reviews

A final but important consideration is always to check the warranty and return policy and customer reviews, especially if you’re making an online purchase. Reliable online furniture retailers will be confident about their product offerings and provide product warranty and return policy that gives customers the confidence to shop online. 

Explore our extensive range of Artiss bed frames

We hope our buying guide has helped you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking to buy a bed frame for your kids’ room, guest room, or main bedroom, Artiss offers an extensive range of bed frames designed to complement the lifestyle of people living in Australia. Our sleek and stylish bed frames are perfect for a contemporary bedroom and come with convenient storage solutions. You can find them in standard Aussie bed frame sizes: single, king single, double, queen, and king. Get amazing deals along with Australia wide delivery when you shop our extensive range at Artiss. For more information, you can check our individual product pages.

Check out our bed frame collection and shop online at Artiss today.