Choosing a new bed frame isn’t just another purchase, it’s something you’ll live with every single day. It’s where your mornings begin, where you switch off at night, and often the focal point of the entire bedroom.

Over the past 17 years, we’ve helped thousands of customers find the right bed for their space. This guide brings together what we’ve learned, so you can make a choice that feels right from day one, and still does years later.

Before getting drawn into designs and finishes, it’s worth stepping back and thinking about your space. A bed should sit comfortably within the room, not dominate it.

1. Start with size: what will actually work in your room?

Before you fall in love with a design, it helps to think about size. A bed should fit your room, not fight it.

Most popular UK sizes:

• 2ft 6 Small Single - a compact option for guest spaces or tighter layouts

• 3ft Single - a practical everyday choice for solo sleepers

• 4ft Small Double - ideal if you want a little extra room without taking up too much space

• 4ft 6 Double - a versatile, everyday choice for couples

• 5ft King Size - more room to stretch out, perfect for main bedrooms

• 6ft Super King - generous, hotel-style comfort for larger spaces

As a guide, aim to leave around 50cm of clear space at the sides and foot of the bed. It makes a bigger difference than most people expect - especially when it comes to moving around the room day to day.

Bed sizes refer to the mattress size, not the overall frame. With solid wood bed frames, the overall footprint will be slightly larger due to the thickness and construction of the frame which is something we always recommend allowing for when planning your space.

The foot end of the bed frame can also make a noticeable difference. A lower foot end helps the room feel more open and less restricted, particularly in smaller spaces where every bit of visual breathing room counts.

If you’re unsure, a simple trick is to mark the bed size out on the floor with tape. It gives you a much more realistic feel for how the room will flow.

2. Choose your style: what suits your space and your taste?

Once you’ve settled on the right size, choosing a style becomes much easier. The bed frame sets the tone for the entire room, so it’s worth selecting something that feels natural in your space.

Traditional solid wood beds

Often characterised by thicker frames and more substantial proportions. These designs have a reassuring, weighty feel and add a sense of permanence to a room - something many customers are drawn to when they want a more timeless look.

Panel beds

Clean lines, understated, and easy to live with. They work just as well in modern settings as they do in more traditional homes.

Sleigh beds

Soft curves and a more classic silhouette. They bring warmth and presence - particularly in larger rooms where you want the bed to stand out a little more.

Ottoman and storage beds

A practical choice that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Hidden storage beneath the mattress is ideal for bedding, clothing, or anything you’d rather keep out of sight - especially useful in homes where space is limited.

Guest beds

Compact day-to-day, with an extra bed neatly tucked away underneath. A great solution for spare rooms or occasional visitors.

If you’re torn between two styles, think about how you use your bedroom. Is it mainly for sleep and quiet time, or does it double up as a workspace or storage room? Your everyday life is often the best guide.

3. Think about storage: how much do you really need?

Many of our customers tell us that clever storage changed the way their bedroom feels - especially in UK homes where space can be tight.

Ask yourself:

• Do you struggle with clutter – spare bedding, suitcases, children’s things?

• Do you need storage you can access every day, or just now and then?

• Are there radiators or doors close to the bed that might block drawers?

Good fits

• Ottoman beds if you want maximum hidden storage and don’t mind lifting the mattress.

• Drawer storage if you prefer quick access and have clear space at the sides of the bed.

• No storage if you love an airy, minimal look and have plenty of cupboard space elsewhere.

There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s about how your bedroom works on busy, everyday mornings.

4. Materials that last: why solid wood makes a difference

The material of your bed frame has a bigger impact than most people realise - not just on how it looks, but how it feels and performs over time.

We focus on solid hardwoods - including oak, poplar and other durable timbers - because they offer:

• Strength and long-term stability

• Natural character that improves with age

• A reassuring, substantial feel you simply don’t get with lighter materials

It’s the difference between something that lasts a few years, and something that stays with you through different homes and stages of life.

If you’re trying to match existing furniture, our free wood samples are a simple way to see tones and finishes in your own space - in natural light, not just on a screen, something we always recommend before making a final decision.

5. Slats and support: what’s underneath matters

It’s easy to focus on how a bed frame looks and forget what’s underneath. Slats play a quiet but important role in how your mattress performs.

Sprung slats

• Gently curved and slightly flexible.

• Offer a little “give” for added comfort and pressure relief.

• Often a good match for many modern mattresses.

Solid (flat) slats

• Straight, rigid slats for firmer support.

• Can work well with heavier or very supportive mattresses.

• A good choice if you prefer a firmer feel.

If you’d like to dig into the details, we’ve put together a full guide on sprung vs flat slats and how to choose the right option for your bed and mattress.

6. Matching with what you already have

Most bedrooms aren’t starting from scratch — so it’s worth thinking about how your new bed will sit alongside what’s already there.

A few small details make a big difference:

• Colour tone - warm (golden/oak) vs cooler (grey/painted finishes)

• Style - clean and simple vs more traditional detailing

• Headboard height - especially around windows, artwork or lighting

Again, samples help here. Seeing materials in your own home, at different times of day, gives you far more confidence in your choice.

7. Practical details worth thinking about early

A smooth delivery and setup often comes down to a bit of planning beforehand.

• Access - measure staircases, landings and tighter turns

• Assembly - decide whether you’ll build it yourself or have it installed

• Moving home - solid wood frames are designed to be dismantled and reassembled properly

It’s not the exciting part - but it’s what makes everything straightforward on the day and avoids unnecessary stress.

8. Choosing a bed that feels right

Ultimately, the “right” bed isn’t just about specs - it’s about how it feels in your space.

A simple way to sense-check your choice:

• Does the size work comfortably in the room?

• Does the design suit the overall feel you want?

• Will the storage (or lack of it) make life easier?

• Do the materials feel like something you’ll still appreciate in a few years?

If the answer is yes across the board, you’re on the right track.

And if you’re still unsure, we’re always happy to talk things through - no pressure, just honest advice based on what we know works.

Bed Frame Buying FAQs

Do I need a new bed frame with a new mattress?
Not always - but if your current frame feels unstable or lacks proper support, it can affect how your mattress performs. A solid, well-built frame gives it the foundation it needs.

What works best in smaller bedrooms?
Simple panel designs with built-in storage tend to work well. They keep the room feeling open while making better use of the space available.

Are wooden bed frames noisy?
A properly built and assembled solid wood frame should feel sturdy and quiet. If anything ever isn’t quite right, it’s usually easy to adjust - and we’re always here to help.

 

If you’d like a hand choosing the right bed for your home, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to help you find something that fits — properly.

 

Other guides: 

Bed frame size & layout guide: making the most of your bedroom

Bed frame care & cleaning guide: keeping your wood looking beautiful

Quiz: Find your perfect bed frame