Question 1

What size bed frame do I need for a standard UK double mattress?

Accepted Answer

A standard UK double mattress measures 135×190cm, so you need a frame with internal dimensions of at least 135×190cm. Be cautious with frames listed as "140cm double" — this is a European sizing convention and your mattress may not fit snugly. Always check the internal frame dimensions in the product specification, not just the size label on the listing.

Question 2

How many slats should a bed frame have?

Accepted Answer

As a rule of thumb, a bed frame should have enough slats so that no gap between them exceeds 6–7cm. For a standard double frame (135cm wide), that typically means a minimum of 16–18 slats. Fewer than that and softer mattresses — particularly memory foam — will sag between the gaps over time, voiding some mattress warranties. Always count the slats in the product photos before buying.

Question 3

Are cheap bed frames worth buying, or should I avoid them?

Accepted Answer

Cheap bed frames are worth buying for specific use cases — guest rooms, children's rooms, or temporary accommodation — but we'd caution against using a sub-59 £ frame as your primary bed long-term. The main risks are structural noise (creaking), poor slat systems that accelerate mattress wear, and fixings that strip after one or two reassemblies. If you're moving house regularly, a budget frame makes sense; if you're settling in for years, spend a little more.

Question 4

Do I need a box spring or divan base with a slatted bed frame?

Accepted Answer

No — a slatted bed frame is designed to support a mattress directly without a box spring or divan base. In fact, placing a divan base inside a slatted frame is unnecessary and can cause sizing issues. The slats themselves provide the support and ventilation your mattress needs. The exception is if your mattress manufacturer specifically recommends a solid or sprung base, in which case check the frame's base type before purchasing.

Question 5

What's the difference between an ottoman bed frame and one with drawers?

Accepted Answer

An ottoman frame lifts the entire mattress platform on gas pistons, giving you access to a large, unobstructed storage space beneath — ideal for bulky items like duvets, suitcases, or seasonal bedding. Drawer frames have two or four fixed drawers on the sides, which are more convenient for everyday access but offer less total storage volume. Ottoman frames cost more and are heavier to assemble; drawer frames are simpler and more affordable. For most UK bedrooms, drawers are the more practical choice unless you have a lot to store.

Question 6

How do I stop a bed frame from creaking?

Accepted Answer

Creaking almost always comes from one of three sources: loose bolts at the frame joints, slats rubbing against the frame, or the frame feet moving on a hard floor. Tighten all bolts fully after assembly (and again after the first few weeks of use, as wood and composite materials settle). Placing felt pads or a thin strip of fabric between the slats and the frame rail eliminates most slat noise. Rubber feet or a rug under the frame stops floor movement. If a frame creaks from day one despite all of this, it's usually a sign of poor manufacturing tolerances.

Question 7

In 2026, which bed frame brands offer the best value in the UK?

Accepted Answer

VidaXL currently dominates the budget-to-mid-range segment in the UK, offering a vast range of sizes and styles at competitive prices — though quality varies considerably across their range, so reading assembly reviews is essential. For mid-range and above, brands stocked by John Lewis, Argos, and Dunelm tend to offer better after-sales support and more consistent build quality. If a Which? Best Buy badge is important to you, it's worth cross-referencing any shortlist against their latest bed frame tests before committing.

Bed Frames Price Comparison

VidaXL 852406 bed frame

VidaXL 322159 bed frame

VidaXL 809998 bed frame

Bed Frames Price Comparison