Bedroom buying guide
How to Choose a Double Bed Frame for Australian Bedrooms
Last updated: March 2026
A double bed frame looks simple to buy, until it arrives and the room suddenly feels smaller, the mattress does not sit right, or the frame starts moving after a few months.
This guide keeps it practical. We cover the 5 things that actually matter before you buy: room fit, material, base construction, height, and quality signals.
By the end, you will know whether a double is the right size for your room, and what separates a solid long term frame from a short term one.
What should I look for in a double bed frame?
Choose solid timber or quality metal, a slatted base with a centre support bar, strong bolt through or mortise and tenon joinery, and a stated weight rating of at least 200kg. In Australia, also confirm the frame suits a standard double mattress size of 138 x 188cm.
1. Start with room fit, not style
A standard Australian double mattress is 138 x 188cm. This is sometimes called a full size overseas, but in Australia it is simply a double.
The mattress is only part of the footprint. Once you add the bed frame, side rails, headboard and a little clearance, the full bed can sit closer to 150 x 200cm.
That matters in apartment bedrooms, guest rooms and secondary rooms where every centimetre counts.
| Bed size | Mattress size | Minimum room size |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 x 188cm | 2.5 x 3m |
| Double | 138 x 188cm | 3 x 3.4m |
| Queen | 153 x 203cm | 3.6 x 3.6m |
| King | 183 x 203cm | 4 x 4m |
A double is ideal for a single sleeper who wants more room than a single bed, or for a couple in a compact bedroom where a queen would dominate the space.
My honest view: if two adults will use the bed every night and the room can fit a queen comfortably, go queen. The extra width and length make a real difference.
But for guest rooms, studios, rentals and smaller bedrooms, a double is often the smarter choice.
Want to compare styles while you read?
Browse Cedora's double bed frames and use the dimensions on each product page to check fit before ordering.
2. Choose the right material for how long you want it to last
There are three common options: timber, metal and upholstered fabric.
Solid timber is the strongest long term choice. It ages well, can be repaired more easily, and usually feels more premium in the room.
Metal can be light and affordable, but cheaper versions often loosen or creak over time.
Upholstered frames look soft and modern, but fabric can mark, fade or collect dust more easily than timber.
For long term value, solid timber is the safest pick. A well built timber frame can last 15 to 20 years, while lower cost MDF or engineered wood frames often feel tired much sooner.
Timber types worth knowing
Oak is hard, dense and durable. It suits buyers who want a premium frame that can handle years of daily use. Cedora's Bristol and Newcastle collections use solid oak.
Pine is lighter and more affordable. It works well for rustic, natural or slightly industrial styling. Cedora's Liverpool Collection uses solid pine in natural and black finishes.
White painted timber gives a cleaner, lighter look. It works especially well in coastal, Scandi and smaller bedrooms because the frame visually recedes.
When timber may not be the right choice
Timber is excellent, but not perfect for every situation. Avoid solid timber if the room is very damp, poorly ventilated, or if you need an ultra low frame under 20cm from floor to rail.
Also be realistic about budget. Under roughly AUD 500, most frames advertised as timber are often engineered wood, MDF, or a mixed construction.
3. Check the base construction before you check the headboard
The base does most of the real work. It supports the mattress, affects airflow, and determines whether the bed feels stable over time.
Slatted base
This is the best all round option for most people. Slats allow airflow under the mattress, which helps reduce moisture build up.
Look for slat spacing under 6cm, especially if you use a foam, latex or hybrid mattress. A centre support bar is essential on a double frame and larger.
Platform or solid base
A platform base gives a firmer feel. It can be good for heavy sleepers or anyone who prefers less movement under the mattress.
The trade off is airflow. For foam mattresses, poor ventilation can become a problem over time.
Storage bases
Gas lift and drawer bases are useful in small homes, but check clearance carefully.
Drawers usually need 60 to 75cm beside the bed to open properly. Gas lift frames need space under the bed and a mechanism strong enough to lift your mattress safely.
4. Get the height right before delivery day
The best total height from floor to mattress top is usually 50 to 65cm for most adults.
Lower than 45cm can look modern, but it is harder to get in and out of. Higher than 70cm can feel awkward in standard Australian bedrooms with 2.4 to 2.7m ceilings.
Before buying, add the bed frame height to your mattress thickness. That final number is the height you will actually sit on every day.
5. Use these quality signals before you buy
Good bed frames are not hard to spot once you know what to check.
- Strong joinery: look for bolt through or mortise and tenon construction, not only glue.
- Centre support: a double bed frame should have a centre rail or centre support leg.
- Solid slats: timber slats should be thick enough to resist flexing and splitting.
- Weight rating: at least 200kg is a sensible minimum for a double frame.
- Warranty: at least 1 year is the minimum. Longer coverage is a better signal.
Red flags include vague material descriptions, no weight rating, no underside photos, no warranty detail, and phrases like timber look when the product is actually MDF.
Simple buying rule:
If the product page does not clearly explain material, mattress size, support structure, weight rating and warranty, treat that as a risk signal.
Cedora double bed frame range
Cedora's range focuses on solid timber bed frames for Australian bedrooms, with styles across Scandinavian, coastal, rustic and modern looks.
Bristol Double Bed Frame
Best for buyers who want warm solid oak and a clean Scandinavian feel. The honey tone works well with neutral linen, oak bedside tables and calm bedroom styling.
Newcastle Double Bed Frame
Best for coastal, Hamptons and airy Australian bedrooms. The painted frame finish pairs well with white linen, soft textures and lighter floors.
Liverpool Double Bed Frame
Best for rustic, natural or slightly industrial spaces. Solid pine keeps the frame practical, lighter to move, and visually warm.
London Double Bed Frame
Best for smaller rooms, clean interiors and Scandi inspired spaces. The white painted finish keeps the room feeling bright and uncluttered.
Manchester Double Bed Frame
Best for a softer contemporary bedroom. It gives a modern white timber look without feeling too sharp or minimal.
Ready to choose?
Explore Cedora's double bed frames, then pair your frame with bedroom furniture including bedside tables, tallboys and chests.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a double and queen bed frame?
A double bed frame fits a 138 x 188cm mattress. A queen bed frame fits a 153 x 203cm mattress. For two adults sharing every night, a queen is usually more comfortable if the room allows it.
What size room do I need for a double bed frame?
The minimum practical room size is around 3 x 3.4m. For comfortable clearance on both sides and room for extra furniture, 3.5 x 4m is better.
Is a solid base or slats better for a double bed?
Slats are better for most mattress types because they allow airflow under the mattress. Just make sure the spacing is under 6cm and the frame includes a centre support bar.
How do I know if a double bed frame is good quality?
Check for strong joinery, a centre support leg, solid slats, a stated weight rating of at least 200kg, and a clear warranty. If those details are missing, ask before buying.
Can a double bed frame fit a queen mattress?
No. A queen mattress is wider and longer than a double mattress. It will overhang the frame and can make the bed unstable.
The practical takeaway
A double bed frame is a smart choice for guest rooms, studios, rentals and compact bedrooms. For long term value, choose solid timber, check the support structure, and confirm the mattress size before ordering.
Most mistakes happen because people buy based on the headboard style alone. Start with the room, then material, then base construction, then height. Style comes after those basics.
This guide was prepared by the Cedora team, with experience in solid timber furniture for Australian bedrooms. Product details reflect Cedora's current range at the time of writing.
