Choosing an IKEA bed in the UK means navigating a wide range of frame styles, sizes, and storage options. With single beds starting under £100 and double bed frames reaching £600 or more, the choice depends on room size, budget, and whether you need built-in storage. IKEA UK sells beds in standard UK sizes, but also offers special dimensions for day beds, sofa beds, and children’s frames. Knowing which measurements to check before buying can save time, money, and the hassle of a return.
The Swedish retailer dominates the UK market for flat-pack beds, with popular series such as MALM, BRIMNES, HEMNES, NORDLI, and IDÅSEN covering everything from minimalist single frames to modular storage systems. Most frames come with a slatted base and a 10-year limited warranty. Assembly is required, but IKEA offers a paid service for those who prefer not to build it themselves.
What are the best IKEA single and double beds?
Price range: £65 – £300
Key feature: Space-saving, many styles
Best for: Kids, teens, small rooms
Price range: £120 – £600
Key feature: Versatile, upholstered or wooden
Best for: Adults, guest rooms
Price range: £200 – £800
Key feature: Drawers or lift-up storage
Best for: Maximising small bedrooms
Price range: £100 – £500
Key feature: Slatted base, easy assembly
Best for: Customising with own mattress
IKEA single beds are the most affordable entry point, with several models available for under £100. Double beds offer more variety in materials, from solid wood to upholstered finishes. Storage beds typically cost 20–50% more than standard frames but can remove the need for a separate chest of drawers. Double bed frames sold without a mattress give buyers the flexibility to choose their own sleeping surface, though compatibility should be verified first.
- IKEA single beds start under £100, making them the most budget-friendly option.
- Storage beds add 20–50% to the cost but can eliminate the need for a separate dresser.
- Double bed frames from IKEA often come with adjustable slatted bases for comfort.
- Buying a bed and mattress together can save up to 15% compared to separate purchases.
- UK customers can get next-day delivery on select beds, but assembly costs extra.
| Bed sizes available | Details |
|---|---|
| Bed sizes available | Single, Double, King, Super King (EU/UK sizes) |
| Popular series | MALM, BRIMNES, HEMNES, NORDLI, IDÅSEN |
| Warranty | 10 years on bed frames (limited) |
| Assembly | Flat-pack, tool-free with included instructions |
| Mattress compatibility | Works with IKEA mattresses; non-IKEA may need additional slats |
| Delivery in UK | From £5 (small items) to £39 (large beds) |
Which IKEA beds offer storage solutions?
Many IKEA double bed frames include built-in storage, either as drawers or lift-up storage space beneath the mattress. The UK double-bed category page specifically notes that many frames have built-in storage or are high enough to slide storage boxes underneath. IKEA US similarly promotes storage beds as a way to maximise bedroom space, highlighting that elevated frames can also create under-bed clearance for containers.
How much storage space do IKEA storage beds provide?
Storage capacity varies by model. Drawer-based designs typically offer two to four large drawers, while lift-up mechanisms use the entire under-bed area. IKEA does not publish standardised storage volume figures for every frame, so checking the product dimensions and customer images is advisable before purchasing.
Measure the clearance underneath the frame. Some storage beds with lift-up mechanisms require the mattress to be lifted along with the base, which can be difficult for heavier mattresses. Drawer-based models need enough floor space in front of the bed to pull the drawers out fully.
Do IKEA storage beds require a special mattress?
No special mattress is required for IKEA storage beds. However, mattress thickness can affect fit and comfort, particularly where side rails or guard rails are involved. IKEA does not provide official guidance on maximum mattress height for storage frames, so checking the product manual is recommended.
What is the best IKEA bed with drawers?
The BRIMNES series includes a popular double bed frame with four storage drawers built into the base. MALM also offers a storage version with two large drawers. Which model works best depends on the room layout and whether the bed is placed against a wall or freestanding.
How to choose IKEA bed frames for double beds?
What materials are IKEA double bed frames made of?
Most IKEA double bed frames use particleboard, fibreboard, or solid wood depending on the series. MALM is made from particleboard with a foil finish, while HEMNES uses solid pine. Upholstered options such as NORDLI use fabric or leather-look covers over a wooden frame. Material choice affects durability, weight, and price.
How much does an IKEA bed frame double cost?
Double bed frames range from approximately £120 to £500. Basic slatted frames sit at the lower end, while storage versions and solid wood models cost more. Prices change periodically, and IKEA runs sales in January and July that can reduce costs by 15–20%.
Are IKEA bed frames easy to assemble?
Assembly typically takes 1–2 hours for a single or double bed, and longer for storage beds. IKEA provides tool-free instructions with all hardware included. Some larger or more complex models require two people. IKEA offers an assembly service in the UK for a fee.
While most IKEA bed frames are designed for straightforward flat-pack assembly, models with integrated storage drawers or lift-up mechanisms add complexity. Checking customer reviews on the IKEA UK product page can give a realistic sense of build time and difficulty for each specific frame.
Should you buy IKEA beds and mattresses together?
Buying a bed and mattress together from IKEA can save up to 15% compared to separate purchases. IKEA UK lists matching mattress sizes by bed type on its mattress size guide page. The retailer also offers a 365-day return policy on unused mattresses still in original packaging, which reduces the risk of a wrong choice.
Are IKEA mattresses compatible with other bed frames?
IKEA mattresses are designed to work with IKEA slatted bases. When used with non-IKEA frames, the fit depends on the frame’s slat spacing and support system. IKEA does not guarantee compatibility with third-party bed frames, and additional slats may be needed to prevent sagging.
What is the warranty on IKEA bed and mattress bundles?
Bed frames carry a 10-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Mattresses have a separate warranty period, typically 10 years for foam and 5 years for spring models. The warranty covers material and workmanship issues but does not cover normal wear, stains, or damage from improper use.
How have IKEA bed designs evolved over time?
- – IKEA founded; first bed designs appear in the 1950s.
- – Introduction of flat-pack beds, including the GALANT series.
- – MALM series launched, becoming IKEA’s best-selling bed frame globally.
- – Expansion of storage beds with integrated USB ports and modular features.
- – IKEA introduces the NORDLI modular bed system for greater customisation.
- – Ongoing updates to meet EU circular economy standards and sustainability targets.
What is confirmed and what varies with IKEA beds?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| IKEA publishes official dimensions for all bed frames. | Exact availability of specific models varies by UK store. |
| All IKEA beds include a slatted base (except some daybeds). | Assembly difficulty depends on model; some require two people. |
| IKEA offers a 365-day return policy on beds (unused, in original packaging). | Third-party mattress fit is not guaranteed; check slat spacing. |
Why are IKEA beds so popular in the UK?
IKEA beds combine affordable pricing with Scandinavian minimalist design that fits a wide range of interiors. The use of particleboard and recycled materials keeps costs low, while some models carry FSC certification for sustainably sourced wood. UK-market beds comply with British safety standards, including BS EN 747 for bunk beds and the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. However, durability may be lower than solid wood alternatives, and some users report that certain frames show wear faster in high-use scenarios.
The flat-pack model keeps retail prices down but shifts the assembly burden to the buyer. For those who prefer not to build their own furniture, IKEA’s paid assembly service provides an alternative. The combination of style, price, and availability across the UK makes IKEA beds a default choice for many first-time buyers, students, and landlords furnishing rental properties.
What do independent sources say about IKEA beds?
All bed frames are tested for stability and meet strict safety standards.
Beds sold in the UK must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.
— UK Trading Standards
IKEA beds often score high for value but may lack durability in higher-use scenarios.
— Which? independent consumer reviews
Independent reviews from Which? consistently rate IKEA beds well for value and design, though durability concerns are noted for frames used daily in adult bedrooms. UK Trading Standards provides general bed safety advice, and the UK Government’s Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations set the legal requirements for mattresses and upholstered bed frames sold in Britain.
What should you remember when buying an IKEA bed?
The most important step is to measure the bed frame opening or check the product page dimensions rather than relying on size labels alone. IKEA UK frames use both standard UK sizes and special European-style dimensions, especially for day beds, sofa beds, bunk beds, and children’s frames. Verifying whether the frame requires a 190 cm or 200 cm mattress, and whether it is a storage model that may affect mattress depth, will help avoid compatibility issues. For more UK-focused home buying guides, see Plantation Shutters – Complete UK Cost and Buyer Guide 2025 and Ninja Coffee Machine UK – Best Prices & Where to Buy 2025.
Frequently asked questions about IKEA beds
How long does it take to assemble an IKEA bed?
Assembly typically takes 1–2 hours for a single or double bed, longer for storage beds. IKEA offers assembly service for a fee.
Can I return an IKEA bed after assembly?
IKEA accepts returns within 365 days if the bed is unused and in original packaging. Assembled items are not eligible for return unless defective.
Do IKEA beds fit standard UK mattresses?
Yes, IKEA bed frames are designed to fit standard UK mattress sizes (90×190 cm for single, 135×190 cm for double, etc.).
Are IKEA beds suitable for heavy people?
Most IKEA bed frames have a weight limit around 100–150 kg; check product specifications for exact limits.
Does IKEA sell bed frames without slats?
IKEA bed frames always include slatted bases; some models allow an optional solid base for memory foam mattresses.
What is IKEA’s returns policy for beds in the UK?
IKEA UK offers a 365-day return policy on unused beds in original packaging. Assembled or used beds are not accepted unless faulty.
Can I get next-day delivery on an IKEA bed in the UK?
Yes, select beds are eligible for next-day delivery. Charges range from £5 for small items to £39 for large beds.
Are IKEA storage beds worth the extra cost?
Storage beds cost 20–50% more than standard frames but can replace a dresser, making them valuable for small bedrooms.
Do I need a special mattress for an IKEA storage bed?
No, but mattress thickness can affect fit where side rails or lift mechanisms are involved. Check the product manual for guidance.
Which IKEA bed series is the most popular in the UK?
MALM is IKEA’s best-selling bed frame series globally, followed by BRIMNES for storage beds and HEMNES for solid wood options.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.