Your bed is the centrepiece of your bedroom. While your mattress is responsible for much of your sleeping comfort, your bed frame plays an equally important role in how your bedroom looks and feels.
Two popular options are upholstered bed frames and oak bed frames. Both bring something different to a space, whether you're looking for a softer, contemporary aesthetic or the natural warmth of wood.
If you're planning a bedroom refresh, here's how to choose the right bed frame for your home.
What is an upholstered bed frame?
An upholstered bed frame features fabric-covered elements that introduce softness, texture and warmth into a bedroom.
Unlike exposed wooden frames, upholstered designs have a softer appearance, making them particularly well suited to contemporary and minimalist interiors.
Benefits of an upholstered bed frame
1. A soft, inviting aesthetic
Upholstered beds create a welcoming atmosphere, helping your bedroom feel comfortable and considered.
2. Versatile styling
Neutral upholstery works beautifully with different interior styles, from contemporary bedrooms to classic, understated spaces.
3. A comfortable headboard
A padded upholstered headboard provides a comfortable surface for sitting up in bed, whether you're reading or enjoying a slow Sunday morning.
4. Easy to coordinate
Upholstered bed frames pair effortlessly with crisp linen, textured throws and layered cushions.
The Sloom Upholstered Bed Frame
The Sloom Upholstered Bed Frame offers an elegant, luxurious design with a padded headboard and a choice of neutral fabric finishes. It's a beautiful option for anyone looking to create a calm, inviting bedroom that feels both modern and timeless.
What is an oak bed frame?
An oak bed frame brings natural wood elements into the bedroom, adding warmth, texture and character.
Oak has long been a popular choice in furniture design thanks to its timeless aesthetic and ability to complement a wide range of interior styles.
Benefits of an oak bed frame
1. Natural warmth
Oak introduces an organic element that can soften contemporary interiors and make a bedroom feel more inviting.
2. Timeless design
Natural wood can work across changing design trends, making it a versatile choice for the long term.
3. Beautiful texture
The natural grain and colour variations in oak create visual interest and individuality.
4. Versatile styling
Oak pairs beautifully with neutral linen, woven textures and earthy colour palettes.
The Sloom Oak Edge Bed Frame
Sloom's Oak Edge Bed Frame brings together the warmth of natural oak detailing and the softness of upholstery.
Its considered design creates a balance between organic materials and contemporary styling, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms that favour a natural, understated aesthetic.
Colour Swatches
Both bed frames come in the neutral fabric options below:
Upholstered vs Oak Bed Frames: How Do They Compare?
| Feature | Upholstered bed frame | Oak Edge bed frame |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Soft and contemporary | Natural and refined |
| Main feature | Fabric upholstery | Oak detailing |
| Bedroom feel | Cosy and inviting | Warm and organic |
| Styling | Neutral tones and soft textures | Natural materials and earthy tones |
| Ideal for | Modern, relaxed interiors | Timeless, design-led bedrooms |
Neither is necessarily better. The right option depends on your bedroom, personal style and the atmosphere you want to create.
How to Choose the Right Bed Frame for Your Bedroom
Consider your existing furniture
Take a look at your bedside tables, flooring, wardrobes and lighting. If your bedroom already contains a lot of exposed wood, an upholstered bed frame can introduce a softer contrast. If your room is predominantly white or neutral, oak detailing can bring natural warmth and visual interest.
Think about your bedroom's colour palette
Both upholstered and oak bed frames work beautifully with neutral bedding. For an upholstered frame, consider layering whites, creams and warm beige tones. For oak, natural linen, earthy colours and woven textures help complement the wood's natural character.
Don't Forget the Mattress
A beautiful bed frame deserves an equally considered mattress. When choosing your complete bed setup, comfort should remain a priority.
The Sloom Original Mattress features interchangeable comfort layers, allowing you to adjust the firmness between soft, medium and firm. For couples, Sloom's split-comfort design allows each partner to customise their side of the mattress independently, available in Queen, King and Cape Town King sizes.
The result? A bed that's designed around both your comfort preferences and your personal style.
Thinking About Upgrading Your Bed This Black Friday?
If a new bed has been on your wishlist, Black Friday is a good opportunity to start exploring your options. And this year, Sloom is thinking beyond the mattress. We're keeping the details under wraps for now, but our Black Friday 2026 event is one you'll want to hear about.
Subscribers will get exclusive early access, a full day before everyone else.
Whether you're drawn to the softness of upholstery or the natural warmth of oak, your next bedroom upgrade might be closer than you think.
Your Better Bedroom Starts Here
Join Sloom's Black Friday early-access list and be first to discover what's coming.