Will a Wood Bed Frame Match Your Space?

Your bedroom set impacts your sleep and nearly every aspect of your health and wellbeing. Without it, your body lacks the resources to function properly. While many factors affect it, your mattress and bed frame are two of the most important. You might want to consider a wooden bed frame as it could provide the relief you need to get a good night’s sleep.

The lifespan of a furniture piece depends on many things. For one, mattresses are soft and comfortable but will eventually fall apart. This is when a quality bed frame becomes relevant. A good one should last forever. Choosing the right bedroom furniture, the bed, in particular, will help you prevent the uncomfortable side effects of sleeping badly. There are many types out there but today we’ll talk about the modern bed frame made of wood and its benefits.

The wooden bed frame is a timeless popular classic known for its durability. It comes in many different styles, designs, and colors that you can easily mix and match with the rest of the furniture in your bedroom (nightstand, dresser, bedside table, etc). Stick around and look at all the things you should consider when choosing a wooden bed frame and even learn about its history.

Will a Wooden Bed Frame Match Your Space?

A solid wooden bed frame is usually made from solid wood such as oak, cherry, maple, rosewood, walnut, redwood, mahogany, cedar, or teak. Teak is one of the most popular because it maintains its wood tone and doesn’t rot or warp easily — not even in cold or humid weather. It’s also more affordable compared to other solid types of wood. Thus, it’s a great choice for those who don’t want a high-maintenance piece of furniture.

Many wooden bed frames are a combination of several kinds of wood, as this gives the bed frame a uniquely attractive look. There are many different styles for you to match your bedroom design. In addition to choosing the wood, you have even more options to play with and can choose a waxy finish as well as paint, lacquer, and oil.

Painted wood is usually reserved for those looking for a modern style, in fact, the grey tones are currently in. However, you might want to consider white as it can make your room feel more open and blends well with both modern and classic pieces of furniture.

Wooden bed frames range in sizes, you can get a twin bed, a king bed, a queen bed, and even an extra-large California king. However, the regular king size is the most commonly sold because people like to have a big bed to sleep in. Why is this? Your bed is where you escape from all the activities you’ve done throughout the day, so size and comfort are important. Having a large bed also improves comfort if you share your bed with your partner, pet, or kids.

Speaking of kids, wooden bed frames are the best choice when it comes to the little ones because of their durability. They’re also safer than metal bed frames! Wood is a great option if you’re thinking about getting bunk beds. As mentioned above, most of these are available in several sizes. Let’s take a look at the ones currently out there.

Wooden Bed Frames We Love

Types of Wooden Bed Frames

Wood is a versatile material that allows for endless creativity. Furthermore, carpentry is a timeless profession and you’ll find wooden bed frames of all styles and shapes. So, let’s take a look at some of these bed frames.

The four-poster bed is probably the most popular type of wooden bed frame. It consists of a rectangular wooden base with four posts on each corner. We’ll cover its history later on, but these were originally intended to be draped in cloth to give you some privacy or protect you from the elements. However, nowadays it’s common to leave them bare. This type of frame is bold and will surely impress anyone that comes into your bedroom.

Do you have a small bedroom and need to downsize your bed? The Murphy bed is a great option then. This is because these beds are usually built hidden into the wall or closet for you to pull them out. It’s actually a great way to showcase a wooden frame as it also functions as a large closet door. This is the perfect option if your living room and bedroom are in the same room. Additionally, try a bunk-desk combo wooden bed frame if you need space for a home office. Some wooden frames also function as a storage bed and have drawers below that pull out to reveal a second bed! This is a great option when you have guests over.

Another great bed is the wooden sleigh bed frame. Just as the name implies, it has a curved head and footboard. This kind of bed is usually made from maple, bamboo, and oak.

The platform bed is the simplest bed frame style. It’s literally just a flat piece of wood with legs. This type of frame is really popular right now with minimalists. But there are many different types of wooden bed frames out there to suit every taste, depending on how much you want to spend.

Things To Keep in Mind When Selecting a Wooden Bed Frame

Choosing a frame might seem like an afterthought, but it can be just as important as choosing a mattress when it comes to the quality of your sleep. People, on average, spend around 26 years of their lives sleeping. With that much time in bed, you want to make sure you have the best bed and mattress underneath you. Here are some tips for choosing it.

1. Consider the Size of Your Mattress

You love your mattress and just want to upgrade your metal bed frame for a wooden one. Begin by using the standard bed sizing guide to make sure it fits properly. You may not know it but the sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so you want to be sure you know exactly what you have. For example, the twin XL is 5 inches longer than a standard twin, an Olympic queen is 6 inches wider than a standard queen, and a California king is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a standard king.

2. The Size of Your Floor Space

If you’re buying a new mattress alongside the wooden bed frame, you can choose whatever size you want. However, considering your bedroom size in relation to your bed is important. Ideally, you’ll want at least 2 to 3 feet around your bed on the sides and end. This will give you enough space to move around freely. Measure the available space and keep in mind that the headboard will add some inches.

3. Choose the Support Type

Mattresses need some sort of support beneath them. Without it, they’ll sag or wear prematurely. Your two most common options are platform beds and box springs but most wooden bed frames come with a built-in platform for the mattress.

4. The Height

The height of your bed frame is another thing to consider. If you have mobility issues, a higher bed frame will be easier for you. Lower wooden bed frames are actually trendy right now and are also a great choice for children who tend to jump on the bed.

5. Don’t Forget About the Legs

This tip is actually more for the sake of your floors than it is for you. What type do you have in your bedroom? Look under the legs of the bed frame and be sure it has adequate protection. Otherwise, the legs might snag and rip your carpet or scratch your hardwood floors. Some frames have wheels on the legs to allow you to easily move them around. Make sure they’re lockable so your bed won’t wander around the bedroom.

6. Compare Materials

Wood and metal are the two main options for bed frame materials because both are sturdy. Thus, appearance is the main difference. Consider the option that works best for your room as well as the quality of the construction. Solid hardwood is quite sturdy but will fall apart if poorly built. Not only that, but a badly joined frame is also noisy.

Check the hardware and joints of your wooden bed frame to make sure it’ll hold you, the mattress, and anyone else jumping on it.

7. Inspect the Support System

Continuing with the last tip, you want a wooden bed frame with strong slats that won’t bend and eventually break. Hardwoods like beech or poplar are preferable to softwood like pine. The number of slats is also important. In general, the more slats the sturdier it is. Some wooden bed frames have a central support leg for extra support. This is especially helpful for larger beds and mattresses.

9. Consider the Style

A wooden bed frame will be the centerpiece of your bedroom, so the style is important. If you have a modern bedroom, choose a simple sleek wooden bed frame. In turn, you might want a more ornate and carved frame if you have a traditional-style bedroom. There are many options out there but if you have something specific in mind, then consider hiring a carpenter who can build it for you. Furthermore, visit your local antique shops, thrift stores, and flea markets if you prefer quality vintage wooden frame beds.

10. Ensure Overall Quality

Remember all those years you’ll spend in bed? Yeah, you don’t want to be cheap when it comes to it. Your body and mind will thank you for a good night’s sleep. It may seem counterintuitive but your body actually works really hard while you’re asleep. This is because there are various processes at work that keep you functioning at your best. So, inspect the overall quality and craftsmanship of a wooden bed frame before you buy it.

A Little History of the Bed

The bed has been around as long as humans. The one you sleep in every night probably consists of a metal or wooden frame that holds some kind of mattress. Thousands of years ago, before humans began to live in cities, they lived in caves. The earliest beds were usually a pile of leaves with animal skins on top. As civilization continued to advance, humans started to raise them above ground. They probably did it to keep away insects and small animals from getting into bed with them. Caves also flood and so a raised bed is a good way to stay dry. The bed, as the piece of furniture we know today, came around about five thousand years ago.

The ancient Egyptians had raised beds that included five or six steps to help them get in and out. These beds also had a semi-circular piece of stone, wood, or metal as a headrest. Ancient Greeks had beds with a wooden frame and board at the head. The frame had bands of animal hide laced across to form the base. As for the Ancient Romans, their beds were also raised with attached steps. They stuffed their mattresses with hay, reed, wool, or small feathers. Furthermore, they placed small cushions at the head of the bed and the sheets and blankets used by the upper class were usually purple, crafted with expensive materials and beautiful designs embroidered in golden thread. The Romans also had a special funeral bed where the deceased person would lay for seven days, in their best clothes, surrounded by flowers. This bed had short ivory legs and the covers were purple.

The tester, or canopy bed, became popular in Europe around the year 1300. It’s a tall bed with four posts at each corner of the frame. They had a cloth cover that spread over the tops of the posts and held up in the center by a rope attached to the ceiling. Sometimes they’d have curtains on all sides around the bed. This piece of furniture started getting bigger after the year 1400 and often measured around 7 or 8 feet long by 6 or 7 feet wide. Some were so large that they’d almost take up an entire room!

Down comforters, or duvets, started to be used after the year 1700 in Germany. Iron framed beds appeared around this time and became popular because they were easy to keep free of bedbugs. After 1850 mattresses were usually supported by a metal mesh bedspring.

Wooden Bed Frames We Love

The Quality of Your Sleep Is Directly Related to the Quality of Your Bed

As you can imagine, getting enough sleep can improve your health and even boost your longevity. In turn, inadequate sleep, including too much sleep, will have the opposite effect. Try to find that perfect spot where you’re getting the right amount of sleep for long healthy life. Buying a new wooden bed frame seems simple until you start shopping and discover the number of options available. Knowing what you need will help you narrow your options.

However, keep in mind that a high-quality frame is useless without a good mattress. The warning signs of a bad one aren’t always obvious but any of the following signs might mean it’s time to change it.

Waking up with aches and pains could mean that your mattress is breaking down and, thus, causing pressure points. Tossing and turning at night means you’re not actually sleeping and won’t wake up feeling refreshed. Over time, your body will start to form depressions in your mattress. These are bad for spinal support and can give you back problems. Most mattresses are designed to regulate temperature. but the materials wear out and the mattress gets hotter more easily. Excessive heat leads to bad airflow and your quality of sleep suffers.

Finally, a common problem you can have with your mattress, and the most detrimental to your health pertains to allergens and infestations. Protect your mattress with a cover you can easily and frequently wash.

Can a Bad Bed Frame Lead to Health Problems?

A poor-quality bed frame can cause the kind of discomfort that makes it more difficult to fall asleep and potentially leads to insomnia. In turn, poor sleep has a negative impact on your physical and mental health. The restorative benefits of quality sleep are unparalleled. While you’re sleeping, your body is hard at work repairing tissue damage, removing toxins, and building new mental pathways. Restorative sleep promotes healthy emotional regulation and helps your brain efficiently process information. Going short on sleep not only leads to next-day fatigue and grumpiness but may eventually contribute to a wide range of health problems.

In fact, studies have connected poor sleep to memory and concentration problems, weakened immune system, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

As you can see, a bed frame that fails to provide adequate support or pressure relief may also contribute to aches and pains the next day. This may be especially important for those with chronic pain. Thus, investing in a quality wooden bed frame and mattress is the most straightforward way for you to sleep well. Don’t let the bedbugs bite!