Things to Consider Before Buying a Bed or Bed Frame

How to choose a bed frame for maximum comfort 

For most, a bedroom is a sanctuary, and the bed is the most important piece of furniture in the room. When designing a bedroom, the emphasis should be placed on comfort since so much time in the room is spent sleeping. Beyond comfort, the right bed also shapes how your bedroom functions every day. Knowing how to choose a bed frame — and whether storage or a standard frame suits your space best — will help ensure your investment lasts for many years.

At a glance

✓ Storage Frame — for smaller rooms and apartments that need built-in storage.

✓ Upholstered Frame — for a soft, contemporary look with fabric and colour options.

✓ Classic Framed Bed — for a traditional silhouette with headboard and footboard.

✓ Platform Frame — for clean lines and a low, minimalist profile.

✓ Feature Frame — for a bold design that anchors the room.

Understanding bed frames and their role

A bed frame is the part of a bed that holds the mattress. It may also include side rails, a headboard and a footboard, or they may be purchased separately.

The bed frame plays a crucial role in comfort, support and overall durability. It also defines the visual style of the bedroom. Different kinds of bed frames suit different interiors, room sizes and practical requirements.

Fabric and upholstered frames are particularly popular for modern bedrooms due to their comfort, soft textures and design versatility. They offer visual warmth that timber or metal frames often cannot, while still providing strong structural support when built with quality materials.

Types of bed frames 

Bed frames come in various sizes based on the size of the mattress planned for the bed. Sizes range from single, double, king and super king-size mattresses. There are many types of bed frames available today, each offering distinct benefits depending on how you use your bedroom.

Upholstered fabric frames

Upholstered frames offer comfort, texture and a contemporary feel, with the headboard and sometimes the base wrapped in fabric rather than left as bare timber or metal. A wide range of fabrics makes it easy to tailor the frame to your colour palette.

Classic framed beds

Classic framed beds bring a defined headboard and footboard for a traditional look. They suit timeless or heritage-leaning bedrooms and pair well with darker timbers and richer, more formal palettes.

Platform beds

Platform frames have clean lines and a lower profile suited to modern interiors. Without a bulky base, they read as minimalist and can help a smaller room feel less crowded, while still supporting the mattress well.

Storage beds

Storage beds are designed to maximise space in smaller bedrooms, using the area beneath the mattress for suitcases, spare bedding and seasonal items. Many now come with a gas-lift mechanism for easy everyday access.

Feature beds

Feature beds have bold silhouettes that act as a focal point in the room. They're best suited to an otherwise pared-back bedroom, where the bed itself is meant to draw the eye.

Understanding the different types of bed frames helps narrow your options early, making the selection process far easier. 

How to pick a bed frame based on size availability

Before falling in love with a style, try to work out what will actually fit. Bed frame dimensions vary slightly between manufacturers, but here's a general guide to standard Australian mattress sizes and the frame footprint each one needs:

Allow 75–90 cm of clearance on each side and at the foot of the bed for easy movement and drawer access. In smaller bedrooms, 60 cm can still work, while larger rooms and king or super king frames suit more generous spacing.

Final considerations before buying

There are many different factors to take into account when shopping around for modern types of bed frames, and making the right choices from the list above will help you purchase the right type of bed that will last you for many years.

By considering size, style, materials, functionality and long-term use, you can confidently navigate the many kinds of bed frames available. Knowing the different types of bed frames and how they suit your lifestyle makes the buying process far more rewarding.

Shop for quality beds at Gainsville

When searching for bed shops in Melbourne, turn to the furniture and bedding experts at Gainsville. Explore our curated range of stylish and functional bed frames designed to suit modern living. Browse our collection online today or get in touch to find the perfect bed to complete your bedroom aesthetic.