Wooden Beds

The Ultimate Wooden Beds Buying Guide

Wooden beds are a timeless and versatile choice, with designs ranging from simple contemporary frames to traditional spindle, slatted and panelled styles. Available in natural wood tones, painted finishes and a wide range of sizes, wooden beds can work equally well in children's bedrooms, guest rooms and main bedrooms.

There's more variety between wooden beds than simply their appearance. Different materials, finishes, slat systems, headboard styles and storage options can all influence which bed works best in a particular bedroom. Understanding these differences can help when comparing the wooden bed frames in our collection.

What Sizes Are Wooden Beds Available In?

Wooden beds are available across the main UK bed sizes, including 3ft single, 4ft small double, 4ft6 double, 5ft king size and 6ft super king, although the sizes available vary between individual designs.

The stated bed size normally refers to the mattress the frame is designed to accommodate. For example, a 5ft king size wooden bed is designed around a mattress measuring approximately 5ft x 6ft6 (153cm x 200cm), but the complete bed frame will normally be larger.

What Are Wooden Beds Made From?

The term wooden bed can cover a variety of different constructions. Depending on the individual design, a bed may be manufactured from solid timber, engineered wood, veneers, wood-effect materials or a combination of different materials.

Solid pine, oak and other timbers can provide the natural character associated with wooden furniture, while engineered and veneered constructions can offer different finishes and designs. Always check the individual product specification if the particular construction or material is important to you.

Natural Wood and Painted Wooden Beds

One of the advantages of wooden beds is the variety of finishes available. Natural wood and oak-effect tones can introduce warmth and texture into a bedroom, while lighter finishes can help create a bright and relaxed appearance.

Painted wooden beds are another popular choice. White, grey and other painted finishes can provide a cleaner, more contemporary look and can be particularly easy to coordinate with existing bedroom furniture and décor.

Does Natural Wood Vary in Appearance?

Yes. Natural timber can vary in grain, knots, colour and tone. These variations form part of the character of real wood and mean that two pieces manufactured from the same type of timber may not look completely identical.

Wood-effect, veneered and painted finishes can provide a more uniform appearance, although there can still be slight variations between products and manufacturing batches.

What Is the Difference Between Solid and Sprung Slats?

Many wooden bed frames support the mattress using either solid slats or sprung slats. Solid slats provide a relatively firm and stable supporting surface beneath the mattress.

Sprung slats have a slightly curved and flexible construction. They flex under pressure and can add a little extra cushioning and responsiveness to the overall feel of the bed.

The type of base beneath a mattress can influence how it feels, so the same mattress may feel slightly different on solid slats compared with sprung slats.

Wooden Beds with Storage

Wooden beds are available with several different storage options. Depending on the design, this can include integrated drawers, lift-up ottoman storage or sufficient clearance beneath the bed for separate storage boxes.

Storage beds can be particularly useful in children's bedrooms, guest rooms and smaller bedrooms where making better use of the available floor space is important.

What Is a Wooden Ottoman Bed?

A wooden ottoman bed combines the appearance of a wooden bed frame with a large storage compartment beneath the mattress. Rather than using individual drawers, the mattress platform lifts with the assistance of an ottoman mechanism to provide access to the storage space underneath.

This can provide a generous area for bedding, blankets, clothing and other bedroom essentials while keeping everything hidden when the bed is closed.

Depending on the individual design, a wooden ottoman may open from the foot end or from one side of the bed. Always check how the particular model opens and make sure the bedroom layout provides suitable access.

Wooden Ottoman Beds or Storage Drawers?

Both provide useful storage but work in different ways. Drawers offer convenient access to individual compartments without having to lift the mattress, making them useful for items you want to reach regularly.

Ottoman storage generally provides access to a larger proportion of the space beneath the mattress. It can also be particularly useful where there isn't enough clearance alongside the bed for drawers to extend into the room.

The most practical option depends on the bedroom layout, the amount you need to store and how frequently you want to access it.

End-Lift and Side-Lift Wooden Ottoman Beds

An end-lift ottoman opens from the foot end of the bed, while a side-lift ottoman opens from one side. Both provide access to the storage compartment beneath the mattress, but the most convenient design depends on the position of the bed within the room.

An end-lift design can be particularly practical where access along the sides is restricted, while a side-lift design may be convenient where there is plenty of clear space alongside the bed.

Wooden Headboard Styles

The headboard can have a significant influence on the overall appearance of a wooden bed. Designs range from simple slatted and spindle headboards to solid, panelled and more decorative styles.

Open or slatted headboards can create a lighter appearance, while a substantial solid headboard can make the bed a stronger focal point within the bedroom. Headboard height should also be considered if the bed will sit beneath a window or sloping ceiling.

Wooden Beds with and without Footboards

Some wooden beds feature a substantial footboard, while others have a low or open foot end. A higher footboard can give a bed a more traditional and enclosed appearance, while a low foot end can make the frame feel less imposing in a smaller bedroom.

Taller sleepers may also prefer a lower or open foot end depending on their height, sleeping position and personal preference.

Are Wooden Beds Suitable for Children's Bedrooms?

Yes. Wooden beds are a popular choice for children's and teenagers' bedrooms because they're available in a wide variety of styles, sizes and finishes.

Wood is also commonly used for specialist children's beds, including bunk beds, cabin beds, mid sleepers and high sleepers. For raised sleeping designs, always check the manufacturer's age recommendations, mattress requirements and any maximum mattress depth specified for the upper sleeping area.

Are Wooden Beds Good for Guest Bedrooms?

Wooden beds can work particularly well in guest bedrooms because natural and painted finishes complement a wide variety of interior styles.

The available bedroom space will usually determine the most appropriate size. A 3ft single can work well in a compact guest room, while a 4ft small double provides additional sleeping width without occupying as much room as a standard double. Where space allows, a 4ft6 double provides a more generous sleeping area for two guests.

What Mattress Do I Need for a Wooden Bed?

Most wooden beds are designed to accommodate a standard UK mattress in the corresponding size. Always check the mattress dimensions specified on the individual product page before ordering.

If you already own the mattress you intend to use, it's also worth checking the mattress manufacturer's requirements regarding the supporting base. Some mattresses have recommendations regarding the type of support or maximum spacing between individual slats.

Does the Bed Base Affect How a Mattress Feels?

It can. The support underneath a mattress contributes to the overall feel of the bed. A mattress on firm solid slats may feel slightly different from the same mattress used on flexible sprung slats or a sprung divan base.

The mattress itself remains the main factor determining comfort and support, but the type of bed base underneath it can make a noticeable difference.

Does Mattress Weight Matter with a Wooden Ottoman Bed?

Yes. The lifting mechanism on an ottoman bed is designed to operate with an appropriate range of mattress weights. A mattress that is too heavy or otherwise unsuitable can affect how easily the platform opens and closes.

Always check the manufacturer's mattress recommendations for the individual wooden ottoman bed before choosing a mattress.

Understanding the External Dimensions of a Wooden Bed

The mattress size and the overall dimensions of a wooden bed aren't the same thing. Headboards, side rails and footboards extend beyond the mattress and can make the complete frame considerably wider or longer.

For example, a 4ft6 double describes the approximate mattress width rather than the complete width of the bed frame. Two different 4ft6 wooden beds can therefore have noticeably different external dimensions.

Always use the full external dimensions shown on the individual product page when checking the available space in your bedroom.

Allowing Space Around a Wooden Bed

As well as checking whether the bed itself fits, consider how the remaining bedroom space will work once it's assembled. Allow sufficient room for walking around the bed and opening wardrobes, bedroom doors and other furniture.

For a wooden bed with drawers, you'll also need enough clearance for the drawers to open fully. With an ottoman bed, consider where you'll stand when opening and accessing the storage compartment.

Will a Wooden Bed Fit Up My Stairs?

Most wooden bed frames are supplied in separate components for assembly, which can make them easier to manoeuvre through a property. However, individual headboards, footboards and long side rails can still be substantial.

Check doorways, hallways, staircases, landings and tight turns before ordering, particularly with larger double, king and super king designs. A large headboard can sometimes present an access problem even when the remainder of the bed is supplied in smaller sections.

How Do You Look After a Wooden Bed?

Care requirements vary according to the material and finish. Regular dusting with a soft cloth is generally appropriate, while spills should be dealt with promptly in accordance with the manufacturer's care instructions.

Avoid harsh cleaning products unless they're recommended for the particular finish. It's also sensible to check the bed frame fixings periodically and tighten them where necessary in accordance with the manufacturer's assembly instructions.