Ad. There really is no wrong choice when it comes to wooden vs. metal vs fabric bed frames, although each has its pros and cons.
Some adore the warmth of a fabric bed frame, while others prefer the ornate detailing of metal or the natural appearance of wood. This article explores the pros and cons of each to bring balance to your decision.
Let’s jump in!
Wooden bed frames
Wood bed frames are the safest option because they last decades and suit every interior design style. There are also thousands of styles, from low futon beds to modern classics like the Urban Beds Olivia (pictured above). You can’t go wrong!
Look and feel
Wooden bed frames have a timeless style and are warm to the touch after a few seconds, making them perfect for comfort seekers. Many people also prefer wooden beds because they feed solid with no creaks.
Longevity
A wooden bed frame will last decades, providing that it is kept in a dry environment (prolonged exposure to moisture can rot the wood). Additionally, you must be careful not to damage the wooden pegs and bolt holes when moving the bed around.
Eco-friendliness
Wood is an organic, replenishable, and fully recyclable resource, with pine and oak (the most familiar varieties) produced with responsible forestry. MDF is a cheaper option, which is made from recycled wood.
Get a wooden bed frame if you want a bed that will last a decade and one you can pass down without any concerns.
Metal bed frames
Metal bed frames are slimmer and lighter than wooden beds, making them an excellent option in smaller bedrooms. They also have a railed headboard/footboard, giving you lots of exciting beds like the Harmony Florence.
Pictured: Harmony Beds Florence 4FT 6 Double Metal Bed Frame
Look and feel
Metal bed frames allow for intricate headboard and footboard detailing and can be significantly slimmer than wooden bed frames. Although cold to the touch, they provide a sense of security missing from wooden frames.
Longevity
The only risk to metal bed frames is the bolt/hole threading and the aluminium corroding. While the aluminium oxide coating is robust, deep scratches can leave the metal vulnerable to oxidation.
Eco-friendliness
Metal bed frames are the eco-friendliest you can buy because aluminium is a naturally renewable and 100% recyclable resource. Incredibly, nearly 75% of all aluminium produced is still in use today due to its recyclability.
Get a metal bed if you want an ornate headboard or footboard, a slim and light bed frame, or love industrial design.
Fabric bed frames
Fabric beds are most popular as divans with drawers and ottoman beds, but you can also get regular fabric frames like the Birlea Berlin. Fabric beds are most popular in contemporary homes and bedrooms designed for snuggling.
Pictured: Birlea Berlin Fabric Bed Frame – Crushed Black Velvet
Look and feel
Fabric bed frames are warm to the touch, comfortable to sit up against, and available in significantly more finishes than metal or wood. From faux leather to crushed velvet, you can specify a bed that’s as unique as you are.
Longevity
The most significant risk is the fabric tearing, ripping, and snagging – this can ruin the look of the bed frame if it’s in a visible area. Cats and dogs can damage the fabric, so if you sleep with a pet, consider keeping them away.
Eco-friendliness
Fabric bed frames are harder to recycle because the fabric needs to be separated from the hardwood/MDF at the recycling facility. Once separated, polyester is recyclable, and so are hardwood and MDF.
Get a fabric bed frame if you want a soft surface to sit up against, or your bedroom design calls for a delicate feature.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with a wooden, metal, or fabric bed frame. Which side you are on is a matter of personal taste.