Advice
September 15, 2026
By: Zara Sahota
The best bed frame should fit your mattress, suit the proportions of your bedroom and provide the right combination of support, storage and style. Start by choosing the correct bed size, then consider the frame material, bedhead, base and any storage you need.
Before buying a bed frame, consider:
Your mattress size
The complete dimensions of the bed frame
Space around the bed
Timber, upholstered or metal construction
Standard or gas-lift storage
Bedhead height
Your bedroom style and existing furniture
Our bed frame buying guide takes you through each decision so you can create a bedroom that feels comfortable, considered and made for the way you live.
Explore our range of bed frames to find your style.
Australian bed sizes refer primarily to mattress dimensions, while the complete bed frame will usually be slightly larger depending on its bedhead, side rails and design.
Use the mattress measurements below as a starting point:
|
Mattress Size |
Dimensions |
Best For |
|
Single Mattress |
92cm x 188cm |
Children, teenagers and compact bedrooms |
|
King Single Mattress |
107cm x 203cm |
Taller sleepers, teenagers and guest rooms |
|
Double Mattress |
138cm x 188cm |
Solo sleepers wanting extra space |
|
Queen Mattress |
153cm x 203cm |
Couples and the most popular mattress size in Australia |
|
King Mattress |
183cm x 203cm |
Couples wanting maximum sleeping space |
Australian retailers commonly use these approximate mattress dimensions, although individual products can vary slightly.
When measuring your room, always use the overall dimensions of the bed frame rather than the mattress size alone. An upholstered bedhead, wide timber rails or statement frame can add considerably to the footprint.
Also leave enough space for doors, wardrobes and bedside tables to function comfortably.
The best bed frame material depends on whether you prioritise warmth, softness, durability or a more minimal look.
|
Material |
Best for |
Consider |
|
Timber |
Natural warmth and timeless interiors |
Finish, timber character and frame weight |
|
Upholstered |
Softness, comfort and a layered bedroom |
Fabric care and regular maintenance |
|
Metal |
Streamlined or minimal spaces |
Can create a lighter visual presence |
Timber bed frames
A timber bed frame introduces natural warmth and texture to the bedroom. Different timbers and finishes can suit everything from relaxed coastal and farmhouse interiors to mid-century and contemporary spaces.
Timber is also easy to coordinate with complementary bedsides and storage furniture for a cohesive bedroom setting.
Upholstered bed frames
Upholstered frames create a softer, more inviting look and can be especially comfortable if you regularly sit up in bed to read or unwind.
Fabric, boucle and leather-look finishes can introduce colour and texture without needing a separate bedhead.
Metal bed frames
Metal frames often have slimmer profiles and can feel visually lighter within smaller bedrooms. Their simple form works particularly well in minimal, industrial or contemporary interiors.
A storage bed is a smart choice when you want to make better use of the space beneath your mattress.
Gas-lift beds use a lifting mechanism to raise the mattress platform, revealing a large concealed storage area underneath. They are particularly useful for storing bulky or less frequently used items such as spare bedding, seasonal quilts, pillows, blankets, clothing or luggage.
Choose a gas-lift frame if floor space is limited and additional storage is a priority.
Before buying, check that you have enough room to comfortably access the lifting mechanism and consider how frequently you plan to use the storage.
The bedhead is often the visual focal point of the bedroom, so its height should suit both the scale of your room and the look you want to create.
A low-profile bedhead creates a streamlined, understated feel and can help smaller bedrooms appear more open.
A tall bedhead creates more presence and can anchor the bed within a larger room, particularly when styled against a generous blank wall or higher ceiling.
Consider:
Ceiling height
Windows behind the bed
Artwork or wall features
Mattress height
Bedside table proportions
Whether you sit up in bed regularly
Upholstered bedheads bring softness and comfort, while timber designs can introduce natural character, fluting, grain or handcrafted detail.
For a balanced look, your bedside tables should feel proportional to both the bed and bedhead rather than appearing too small beside a larger frame.
As a general guide, your bedside table should sit no more than 5cm below or 5cm above the top of your mattress.
Before purchasing:
Confirm your mattress size
Check the internal dimensions of the bed frame
Review the mattress manufacturer's base requirements
Check the slat or support system of the frame
Consider the finished mattress height once positioned on the bed
Different mattress constructions may have specific support requirements, so always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
If you are replacing both pieces, browse mattresses alongside your bed frame to create a compatible combination.
Start with the bed as the anchor of your bedroom, then build the surrounding furniture, colour and texture around it.
Consider proportion
The bed should feel comfortably scaled to the room. A large statement frame can work beautifully in a generous master bedroom, while a more streamlined profile may suit compact spaces.
Allow enough room to comfortably walk around the bed and access wardrobes and storage.
Coordinate rather than perfectly match
Your bed frame and bedside tables do not need to be identical.
Try repeating one common element, such as timber tone, shape, colour or material to create connection while keeping the room layered and interesting.
Layer your bedding
Use your bed frame as the foundation for a mix of sheets, quilts and cushions. Layering different textures creates softness and makes the bedroom feel more inviting.
Read our ultimate guide to layering your bed for more styling ideas.
Leave room to breathe
Avoid choosing furniture based only on what can technically fit. Enough negative space around the bed helps the bedroom feel calmer and makes everyday movement easier.
From the natural character of Australian Messmate, Tasmanian Blackwood and Western Australian Marri to softly upholstered and leather designs, OZ Design’s bed frame collection brings together considered materials, lasting style and everyday functionality.
Choose from streamlined timber frames, statement bedheads and clever gas-lift storage beds, with designs spanning contemporary, coastal, farmhouse and mid-century styles. Many collections can also be paired with coordinating bedside tables, tallboys and dressers to create a complete bedroom setting.
Comfort depends on both the bed frame and the mattress placed on it.
An upholstered bedhead can be comfortable if you regularly sit upright in bed, while the base should provide the support recommended for your mattress.
The most comfortable combination is one that supports your mattress correctly, suits your preferred bed height and fits your bedroom without restricting movement.
Current bedroom styles favour natural timber, softly upholstered finishes, curved silhouettes, fluted detailing and low-profile designs.
Warm timber tones work particularly well in coastal, contemporary and mid-century interiors, while upholstered beds add softness and texture.
Rather than choosing solely around a trend, look for a frame whose materials and proportions complement the wider style of your home.
The best bed frame in Australia is one that fits an Australian-size mattress, provides the support your mattress requires and suits your bedroom dimensions.
For smaller rooms, consider a streamlined or storage design. For a master bedroom, you may prefer a larger timber or upholstered statement frame.
Always compare the complete frame measurements rather than relying on mattress size alone.
Start with how you use your bedroom.
Choose timber if you want natural character and a timeless finish.
Choose upholstered if you prefer softness and like sitting against your bedhead.
Choose gas-lift storage if additional bedroom storage is important.
Choose a low-profile design for a streamlined contemporary look.
Choose a taller statement bedhead if you want the bed to become the focal point of the room.
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