Guides to choosing a bed
Clear answers to the questions people ask before buying: wood, sizes, prices, mattresses and care.
How much does a solid wood bed cost in 2026?What sets the price of a solid wood bed: species, size, options, build. Worked examples, why it costs more than chipboard and how to judge a quote.Ash, oak or mahogany: which wood should you choose for a bed?Ash, oak or mahogany for a bed? All three are equally strong in a bed frame; they differ in look, how they age and price. A side-by-side comparison.Floating beds: pros, cons and what to check before you buyA floating bed sits on a recessed base, so it seems to hover. It looks light and is easy to clean around, but needs a rigid frame and limits storage.Double bed sizes: 140, 160, 180 or 200 cm wide?For two people, 160×200 cm is the balanced choice; 140 suits small rooms, 180 and 200 give real space. Plus how much room you need around the bed.How to tell solid wood from chipboard, MDF and veneerSolid wood grain runs over the edges; chipboard and MDF hide theirs under edge tape or paint, and veneer is wood only on the surface. What to check.How strong is a solid wood bed? Our 1,400 kg testA bed's strength comes from its joints, slats and section sizes. Why beds creak, what to ask a maker, and how one frame held 1,400 kg.How to choose a mattress for your new bedYour mattress is the same size as your bed. Pick firmness by sleeping position and weight: softer if you sleep on your side, firmer if on your back.How high should a bed be (and how much space underneath)?Bed height is frame plus mattress. Aim for feet flat on the floor and knees roughly level with your hips. Plus robot vacuum clearance and headboards.Beds with storage drawers: what to know firstMassif drawers are 120 cm long and 15 cm deep, on silicone wheels. What fits, how much space to leave by the bed, and when an ottoman bed is better.How to care for a solid wood bed (and stop it creaking)Dust with a soft, barely damp cloth, keep the bed away from heat and damp, and fix creaks by checking the floor, the joints and the slats, in that order.