Whatever kind of day it’s been, falling into bed is a pleasure we’ll never take for granted.
Fresh sheets, a supportive mattress and pillows so comfortable you fall asleep within minutes of climbing in. The older you get, the more it seems that this is what dreams are really made of.
A good space to rest and relax is crucial to your overall health and well-being. Somewhere to close off the world and cocoon yourself as you prepare to wind down from another day - whether you’ve been at work or play. If you’re going to shell out on a great mattress, it seems remiss not to place it on something that’ll do it justice.
A bed frame is one of the biggest and most significant purchases in the bedroom. The piece dominates the space and while other pieces of bedroom furniture may come and go, a bed frame is regarded as an investment piece - so it’s vital to pick the right one.
The first thing to consider is the myriad of styles available. Ottoman designs which lift up to reveal extra storage space are perfect for small bedrooms or homes prone to clutter. They hide things like seasonal clothes, shoes, luggage and bedding out of sight.
Divans are also an excellent option if storage is high on your shopping list. The base usually comes with pull-out drawers giving you access to things you don’t need often. With no slats to worry about, they’re a better pick for heavy sleepers.
TV beds allow you to catch up on your programmes without permanently fixing a set to the wall, while teens adore gaming beds that immerse them in new worlds the moment they wake up. Four poster beds are dreamy settings provided you have high ceilings to accommodate them.
And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many more bed frame styles out there to choose from. While the options are huge, it can be challenging to narrow them down.
So we’ve drawn up a little black book of bed frame retailers to help you find the bed of your dreams. Prices and build times vary but all offer home delivery, so you’ll have your new bed in situ before you know it.
Shop now
Amazon
The biggest draw of buying a bed on Amazon, aside from the price, is that it will be delivered to your door - so no dragging huge boxes through the street back home. The majority will require self-assembly though, so make sure you clear the space and have your toolbox at the ready.
The choice is sizeable, from foldable platform beds, ottomans, simple wood frames, vintage-looking metal hospital-style beds and lavish upholstered pieces that wouldn't look out of place in a country B&B.
If you’re considering buying a frame from Amazon, wait for a big sale - they’re usually part of the discounts.
Buy now, Amazon
Argos
The high street favourite sells a range of bed frames falling into two brands: Argos Home and Habitat.
You'd think that Habitat would be the more stylish of the two, but Argos Home holds its own with a variety of decent designs, including storage-saving ottoman bases, TV beds and upholstered headboards.
Frames are available in all standard UK sizes and you can get 0 per cent financing via PayPal if you want to split the cost, making the price of a new bed more affordable.
Buy now, Argos
Darlings of Chelsea
Best known for its collection of huge, squashy sofas, Darlings of Chelsea offers other furniture, including beds. They're all upholstered with dramatic headboards (which you can also buy separately) that mean most designs will dominate the bedroom. Styles include storage beds, divans with pull-out drawers and beds of varying heights.
If you're able and want to cut costs, visit the showroom to see the frames in person, then wait for a seasonal sale before you make your move.
Buy now, Darlings of Chelsea
Dreams
Got your heart set on a complete bedroom update? Dreams has your back with a vast selection of mattresses and bedframes - there are even sofa beds for those looking for options to sleep guests. You will find great options here, no matter what style you're after in sizes including standard UK bed sizes and small singles and small doubles.
The usual space-saving heroes are here, plus TV and gaming beds, adjustable frames, guest beds, bunk beds and whimsical beds for kids.
Buy now, Dreams
DUSK
With options for every room of the house, DUSK arguably does bedroom pieces best.
You'll find no bare wooden frames here: each piece is beautifully done and wrapped in sumptuous upholstery that makes going to sleep feel like a treat rather than a human need. The colour wheel of muted shades and jewel tones adds to the upmarket feel. Day beds and sofa beds are available alongside traditional bed frames.
Thanks to frequent sales, DUSK's beds aren't as expensive as they seem.
Buy now, DUSK
Dunelm
If you want a chic bed without spending a bomb, make Dunelm your go-to.
The homewares shop takes its cues from reigning interiors trends with a wide raft of options whether you're hunting for something for a guest room or want to shake things up in the bedroom. There are simple storage designs, rattan options, ottomans, metal spindle beds, four-posters, trundle beds - the list goes on.
Right now, there are 420 bed frame options to choose from online, so if you're still at the window shopping stage, it's a great place to start.
Buy now, Dunelm
Get Laid Beds
A punny name only gets you so far, but Get Laid Beds proves it has the goods to back it up too. This retailer specialises in wooden bed frames available in a range of finishes and sizes. What's more, if you have specific requirements, they are customisable too.
Standouts include a low Japanese-style bed, ottomans to maximise storage and romantic four posters.
Buy now, Get Laid Beds
Graham & Green
Luxury is the name of the game over at Graham & Green where everything from regal to rustic beds are all for the taking. Pieces are inspired by French antique furniture with mango wood frames finished with decadent upholstery in chic tones.
Style-wise, it's a pretty standard bunch of frames - no ottomans or divans here - but if romantic country aesthetics are high on your shopping list, you won't feel shortchanged here.
Buy now, Graham & Green
Habitat
A name that needs no introduction to interiors buffs, Habitat has been in the homewares and furniture game since 1964.
The brand specialises in contemporary design at affordable prices with bed frames rigidly sticking to the script. Sold at Argos, you'll find it all here, from kids' beds to dreamy options for grown-ups spanning fabric beds, storage designs and guest beds.
Buy now, Argos
John Lewis
Head to John Lewis to find a range of leading bed brands under one roof, but don't miss the department store's in-house pieces, listed under the ANYDAY banner.
Bed frame designs may veer towards the basic end of the scale, but they are solidly built, designed to last and backed with a one-year guarantee. Prices start at £169 for a single upholstered frame, climbing to £449 for a double ottoman design with an upholstered headboard.
Buy now, John Lewis
La Redoute
Fan of French style? Then you'll already know of La Redoute and its collection of homewares and furniture imbued with Gallic flair.
As well as wooden beds, upholstered designs, storage beds and kids' beds, the range includes mattresses and bed linen, allowing you to shop for everything you need in one order. Wooden frames are pricey but made from solid oak and pine timber, upping its quality.
Costs can be split into interest-free payments with Klarna too.
Buy now, La Redoute
Loaf
For beds that look like they could cuddle you to sleep, Loaf's designs are hard to beat. Though the brand offers standard UK sizes, the design team has managed to make each one look plump and inviting - even without the mattress on top. There are storage beds and daybeds to choose from alongside traditional bed frames.
The upholstery swatches and colour range means you can play with combinations until you find the perfect fit for you.
Buy now, Loaf
Swyft
Swyft entered the UK's furniture market in 2019 with its line of sofas-in-a-box available for quick delivery. The no-tools designs are ideal for city dwellers, delivered in manoeuvrable boxes and taking nothing more than an extra pair of hands to build.
The brand has continued this in its bed frame range with simple but comfortable options offered in the same shade ranges as its sofas for a sense of unity. Whether you sleep on a single, double, king or super king, you'll find a size to suit here. Oh, and you can add a mattress to your order too, all on next-day delivery.
Buy now, Swyft
Silentnight
With high-quality beds, mattresses and bedding, Silentnight is packed with ideas to help you get your most restorative sleep yet. If you've already got a headboard you love, you can get bases only, or shop for divans or more orthodox frames. Once you've found the bones of the bed, customise it by having fabric swatches delivered to your door to help you decide on the right one for your new purchase.
Silentnight is so sure you'll be satisfied with your new bed, that it offers an exchange within 60 days.
Buy now, Silentnight
Simba Orion Bed Base
Bed frame seen better days? No need to sweat over the thought of putting together a new one if you order one of Simba’s designs.
The sleep expert offers a chic trio of bed frames alongside its award-winning mattresses, equalling to one dreamy set-up. Everything is delivered to the room of your choice in cardboard boxes, and once freed from the packaging, set up is - drumroll please - as quickly as 10 minutes.
The designers have used Easy-Fit technology to help customers put the beds together: simply tighten a few locks and screws, and press the pre-slatted base into place. You will need one other person to help, but nothing more in the way of tools but a pair of scissors. I set mine up with a friend on the day I moved into my flat and it took longer to take all the packaging out to the bin store.
All pieces are handmade in the UK using recycled materials and sustainably produced birch wood. It’s on the pricier end of the scale, but there is financing available if you need it.
Price given is for a king-size frame.
Buy now £594.30, Simba
Time4Sleep
A bed specialist with more bed frame styles than you can shake a feather pillow at, settle in for hours of scrolling at Time4Sleep. The range spans everything from antique-style beds, storage options, bunk beds, divans, winged beds and even fairytale-like sleigh beds. Narrow down the huge selection by opting for finish type or size.
Buy now, Time4Sleep
