Bed Frames

A bed frame sets the proportions, the height, and the character of the entire room around it. More than any other piece of bedroom furniture, it dictates how the space feels when you walk in, whether that's grounded and low-slung, traditional and high-set, or grand with posts and a tester above. Choosing well is partly about size and partly about silhouette, and the right frame can change a bedroom more than any other single purchase.

Standard UK sizes run from single (90 x 190cm) through small double (120 x 190cm), double (135 x 190cm), king (150 x 200cm) and super-king (180 x 200cm). Singles suit children's rooms, guest bedrooms and box rooms, whereas doubles work for couples in mid-sized rooms or solo sleepers who like space. King and super-king sizes need a wider footprint but reward it with noticeably more room. Allow at least 60cm of clearance on each accessible side, and check ceiling height before committing to a four-poster.

Wood and oak frames bring warmth and substance, with solid pine at the more affordable end and walnut, ash and oak in the mid-to-upper tier. Metal frames in iron, steel or brass suit period interiors and industrial styles. Rattan frames add a more relaxed, natural texture that suits coastal and Japandi-influenced bedrooms. Upholstered frames in fabric, velvet, leather, suede and boucle bring softness and texture, and many upholstered frames include a winged or buttoned headboard built into the design.

There are many different bed frame designs, from platform beds - which keep things close to the floor for a contemporary, uncluttered look - through to four-poster and canopy beds, which define the room with vertical scale. More common are sleigh beds, panel beds and footboard frames, which offer a more traditional silhouette. Slatted bases are near-universal because they let air circulate under the mattress and extend its life considerably over solid bases. Adjustable and electric frames allow head and leg elevation for reading or medical needs.

For integrated storage, refer to our page on storage or ottoman beds. For a sprung base with the mattress already paired, see divan beds. A frame works hardest when paired with the right mattress and a headboard; check whether a headboard is included before ordering.

Flitch pulls bed frames from more than 100 UK retailers into a single catalogue, so you can compare the same size, material and price band without jumping between sites. Explore the price history of thousands of items to understand when a deal is a good one, and sign up for price drop alerts to be notified as soon as the price of your saved items comes down. If you'd prefer a helping hand, turn to our AI-driven recommendations with a bed style quiz that turns the choice into a short visual exercise, or have one of our expert stylists help you match a frame to the rest of the room.

What size bed frame do I need?

Single frames suit one child or a single adult; doubles work for couples in average-sized rooms; king or super-king gives two adults noticeably more personal space. Measure the room first and leave 60cm of walkable clearance on each accessible side.

How long should a bed frame last?

A solid wood or well-built metal frame should last 15 to 20 years with normal use. Cheaper flat-pack frames typically last five to ten years before joints loosen, and slats are usually the first part to need replacing.

Do I need a headboard with my bed frame?

No, although many upholstered and wooden frames include one as standard. If the frame does not have one, a separate wall-mounted or floor-standing headboard adds back support for sitting up in bed and protects the wall behind.

Can I put a memory foam mattress on a slatted frame?

Yes, as long as the slats sit no more than 7cm apart. Wider gaps can cause foam to sag through and shorten the mattress's lifespan.

Are four-poster beds suitable for low ceilings?

Most four-poster frames need at least 2.4m of ceiling height to look balanced and clear the top rail. Shorter four-posters and half-tester designs are available for standard UK ceiling heights.