Which Is Best: Wooden Or Upholstered Bed Frames?

If you're looking to buy a new bed frame, you may be surprised at how many varieties there are available. From metal frames to upholstered ottomans, your personal style and home's aesthetic are just part of the process in deciding which bed frame is right for you - storage and ease of assembly should be a priority, too.

Metal bed frames can be chic and stylish, but some people find they're more prone to squeaking than other types. Wooden and upholstered beds also add a warmth to your bedroom that brings cosiness and tranquilty, but how do you know which is best for you? We've taken a deep dive into the benefits of wooden and upholstered beds, respectively, to help you make the right decision.

Why choose a wooden bed?

Wooden bed frames are a favourite - the most traditional style of bed frame, wooden beds have been around for hundreds of years. If looked after properly, they can last for decades.

1. They suit any décor

Whether you’ve got a country cottage or an ultra-chic apartment, wooden bed frames suit almost any décor. You can go as ornate or as simple as you want. A stunning wooden bed frame can form the focal point of your bedroom interior design. It allows you to build your signature look around the largest piece of furniture in the room.

They're often finished with a visible wood grain, which adds a cosy vibe to your bedroom.

2. They are easy to keep clean

Every bedroom gets a little dusty. But these types of frames are super-easy to keep things clean. All you have to do is wipe the frame down with a damp cloth to pick up the dust. Then bring back the shine with furniture polish. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it keeps your bed frame looking as good as new.

Keeping your bed frame clean is essential for keeping dust mites and bed bugs at bay, so an easy-to-clean frame will help you enjoy a more hygienic night's sleep.

3. They are eco-friendly

Wood is a renewable resource and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life. Look for frames made from FSC® Certified timber that has been sourced from sustainable forests.

4. They last for years

A good quality bed frame will last for decades if it’s looked after properly. Not only do they tend to not squeak as much as metal frames, but they can easily be restored if needed.

Wooden bed frames can also hold a considerable amount of weight, so they are one of the best beds for heavy people.

Disadvantages of wooden bed frames

Some wooden bed frames can be heavy, or be a hassle to take apart and put back together, so keep that in mind if you move house a lot.

You should also check if the wooden bed frame you have your eye on is made from solid wood or an MDF construction, as this may affect your decision. While reconstructed wood bed frames can be cheaper, arrive flat-packed, and are easy to assemble, you might prefer the rigid, sturdy structure of a classic solid wood bed.

Why choose an upholstered bed?

Now you can consider what an upholstered bed has to offer. While they often feature a wooden construction underneath, this type of bed is covered with a fabric layer to add an array of benefits. So yes, if you're not worried about a visible wood grain, you could consider them to be a wood and upholstered bed!

1. They are colourful

While wooden frames have the advantage of the natural beauty of timber, upholstered bed frames can be any colour you want. They can also be upholstered in a range of different materials, depending on your preference. Go for soft pink to ultra-chic charcoal grey, cool blue, or forest green – the choice is yours.

2. They are cosy

As with all soft furnishings, upholstered beds are soft, comfortable, and very snuggly. Top things off with an upholstered headboard and you have a cosy bedroom where you can curl up together, watch TV in comfort, or have a lazy Sunday morning reading the papers in bed. They're also excellent at adding personality and character to your guest room, and you can even choose a velvet bed for an extra touch of style.

3. They are lighter than wooden bed frames

Upholstered beds tend to be physically lighter than wooden ones, as the timber frame inside isn't as rigid. If you need to move them for any reason, it’s easier to do so. They are also easier to dismantle if you’re moving house.

Disadvantages of upholstered bed frames

The one drawback to upholstered beds is that they are not as easy to keep clean as a wooden bed. They’ll need hoovering regularly to keep the dust down.

If you’re asthmatic or suffer from allergies, it may be better to opt for metal or wood instead. You’ll also need to be careful not to spill that morning coffee on the upholstery, as it could be very difficult to get stains and spills out.

A leather upholstered bed might be your answer, however, as they are easily wiped down and offer the same stylish look as any other fabric bed.

Wooden and upholstered storage beds

Both wooden and upholstered beds are available with flexible storage options to suit your busy lifestyle. One of the most popular upholstered storage bed is the classic divan bed, which can feature two or four under-bed drawer configurations, or even an ottoman lift style to optimise storage space.

Trendy wooden storage beds can be perfect for children, with shelves lifting up the mattress and a little ladder helping your little one excitedly climb into bed. A gorgeous thick oak bed with drawers may be the perfect way to add a rustic yet convenient touch to your master bedroom - the options are endless!

What are the best bed frames?

With so many great styles on offer, it can be hard to narrow down which exactly is the best bed frame. Here our favourite wood and upholstered beds:

Premium Divan Bed

You might be wondering why this classic divan bed is our favourite upholstered option, but you might be surprised to know that we pair this divan with a huge range of our mattresses to offer divan and mattress sets. You can also customise its upholstery, choosing from a range of colours and fabrics, and select your preferred under-bed storage option!

Zoë Wooden Ottoman Storage Bed

A haven for storage, this wooden bed frame not only features an ottoman lift design that can be fitted on either side, but a tall headboard showcasing multiple shelves for you to store ornaments, books, trinkets and more! The fresh white painted wood construction means you get the benefits of a wooden bed frame without the visible wood grain should you prefer a simpler finish.

Birlea Halfden Fabric Boucle Bed

If you simply can't decide between the classic look of a wooden bed and the cosiness of a fabric one, consider this 'half and half' bed frame! With a wooden base and visible wood grain for a chic rustic feel, and a boucle fabric headboard for extra snuggliness, this bed offers something different and stylish.

Choosing a new bed with MattressNextDay

While we stock a huge range of mattresses, we also offer a just as exansive collection of stylish bed frames. So, if you've decided you're in the market for a sturdy, rustic wooden bed, or want to search for the best upholstered bed frame, our range is the place to look.

If you're still not sure what you'd like to upgrade your bedroom with, read our helpful guides, such as the best bed bases for memory foam mattresses, or the best beds for tall people.