Simple bed frame or alternative to frame altogether?

September 7, 2009 5:17 PM

I'm looking for a minimalist/possibly nontraditional bed frame that won't throw off the zen of my bedroom. What options do I have?

So I just redesigned my room, and the bed frame is the final battle to be fought.

I'm looking for something simple that draws as little attention as possible while raising the mattress off of the ground.

I can buy materials, or even a manufactured bed frame (If so, budget is preferably <$100).

More details: The bed is twin sized and the mattress is of questionable quality (read: the 'frame' doesn't need to promote long term mattress health). Paint is light blue and I am male.

Thanks!

posted by bradly to home & garden (10 comments total)

Is the metal frame that you usually get free with the mattress not minimalist enough? If you don't have one, you can buy it pretty cheaply.
posted by amro at 5:24 PM on September 7

Do you have just a mattress or do you have a boxspring too? Reason I ask is because there are some nice pretty basic platform beds that will be cheaper/simpler if you have a boxspring. This sort of thing, from Overstock.com is sort of what I'm thinking of. That said, you could make a pretty simple platform bed yourself out of wood. Here are some instructables instructions for one that seems very well received and not too tough.
posted by jessamyn at 5:33 PM on September 7

IKEA seems to have a couple of cheap options if the metal frame isn't quite what you want.

(Me, though, if you do have a boxspring, I'd just stack the mattress on top of that right on the floor. I did that for a while, mostly because I liked the look. My bed now, while in a proper frame, is still pretty low.)
posted by darksong at 5:39 PM on September 7

Ikea has some good options. I have a Dalselv and I love it-- it's simple and adaptable. The new Engan frame is even simpler, but it looks like the smallest frame is a full. And the Malm is pretty famous for its simplicity.
posted by oinopaponton at 5:41 PM on September 7

I have a Heimdal and it is good. It does make squeaky noises, but if you get the slats from IKEA too it is very supportive.
posted by winna at 5:57 PM on September 7

I just bought this, and I really like it. It's pretty simple - just wood, not even varnished. It is a little tall, though, so it probably wouldn't work if you have a boxspring and a mattress. I just have a mattress on it, and it's fine.
posted by pemberkins at 6:07 PM on September 7

Love the Malm. It's low and classy-looking.
posted by you're a kitty! at 6:30 PM on September 7

I have and recommend this. It's easier to put together than IKEA stuff as long as you have two people. And it holds up pretty well. No box spring needed, etc.
posted by brina at 6:35 PM on September 7

On, non-preview, seconding pemberkins' comment.
posted by brina at 6:36 PM on September 7

Thank you all for the great answers! For those curious, I am going to build the frame Jessamyn linked to from instructables.
posted by bradly at 11:55 AM on September 13