Wooden, metal, or upholstered bed when redecorating?

Your bed frame choice will probably come down to which you prefer between fabric, wooden, and metal frames. 

Wooden bed frames are organic, timeless, and warm, while metal bed frames are cold and industrial. Both work equally well in traditional spaces with old-time detailing. 

Upholstered beds have the advantage of a cushioned headboard to sit up against, although they are less durable than metal and wooden frames. 

Some people prefer upholstered beds because they are available with velvet and leather finishes to suit different interior styles. Metal beds are usually the cheapest options, but a solid pine bed is economical, too. 

Join us below for more insight into choosing a wooden, metal, or upholstered bed when redecorating your bedroom.


Pictured: Scandinavian Bed Frame, Available from Bedstar £599 (RRP £1199, 50% Off)

The appeal of metal beds

Metal bed frames are the unsung heroes of bedroom furniture. They bring Victorian charm and fairy tale vibes without costing the earth, and they’re perfect for draping fairy lights or netting through those ornate metalwork swirls.

The fantastic thing about metal beds is their versatility — they work brilliantly in minimalist spaces with clean lines, or you can go full romance with scrollwork and finials. They’re also incredibly durable, and most come flat-packed for easy assembly.

The only downside? That cold, intricate headboard isn’t cozy to lean against during your late-night Netflix sessions.

The appeal of wooden beds

Pine, oak, and walnut are typical choices, with pine being the most affordable and oak bringing the most character. The best bit? Wooden beds age beautifully — those little scratches and marks just add to their charm.

And here’s a bonus — wooden beds are available with built-in storage. You can get ottoman bases that lift on gas pistons or traditional drawers that slide out smoothly on metal runners.

The appeal of fabric beds

Upholstered beds are the comfort king of the bedroom. The padded headboard and fabric choices make them a game-changer for sitting up in bed.

These beds bring a luxe hotel vibe to your bedroom, and they’re perfect if you want to make a statement. Plus, many fabric beds come with ottoman storage bases — lift the mattress, and you have enough space for all your seasonal clothing and bedding.

The only catch is that fabric needs more TLC than wood or metal. To keep it looking fresh, you’ll need to vacuum regularly and tackle stains quickly.


Pictured: Lena King Size Ottoman Bed, Available from Bedstar £359 (RRP £719, 50% Off)

Storage solutions worth noting

Here’s something interesting: Wooden and fabric beds often come with clever storage solutions. Ottoman bases are the most popular, using the entire space under your mattress for storage. Depending on your bed size, you can also choose drawers — two or four.

Metal beds? They don’t have built-in storage, although you can get beds with a mattress base high enough to slide boxes underneath. 

Different materials for different styles

Metal bed frames are the most versatile, available in industrial, modern, and traditional styles. For instance, you can get Victorian and Edwardian-style metal bed frames and brushed bronze ones to suit your industrial bedroom. 

Wooden beds are more traditional, even if they are low and modern. The look of the wood is organic, making it best for a bedroom that needs a natural focal point. Pine, untreated oak, and even painted finishes are popular. 

Upholstered beds sit somewhere in the middle. They aren’t traditional like wooden beds, nor are they particularly modern. But they serve a purpose – they are more comfortable to sit up against and are warm to the touch. 

Fabric beds also have replaceable headboards, so you can add a new headboard in the future and change the style of your bed. 

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