Choosing the right bed frame or bed head is more than just a furniture decision, it sets the tone for your entire bedroom. As the largest piece in the room, it anchors the space, guides your colour and styling choices, and ultimately defines the mood of the room.
I’m often asked about my beautiful Sarah Ellison bed frame, which we features in our 'Bed of the Week' series on the Sage x Clare Instagram, and we recently received a DM from a customer looking for tips on picking the perfect frame. So I thought, why not share a little wisdom I’ve gathered over the years?
Shop our bedding here, cushions here and bedcovers here.
Style & Aesthetic: Set the Mood
Are you going for sleek and industrial, rustic and warm, or more of a luxurious hotel vibe? Keep this front of mind - your bedhead will play a major role in setting the tone of the entire room.
Size Matters (in Bed… Design)
Height and width are key. If you have a grand-scale room, you can go for a taller, more dramatic bedhead. But if your room has standard ceiling heights, it’s best to keep things lower - it’ll make the space feel larger, and it gives a modern, sophisticated edge.
If space allows, go wider than the mattress. A generously sized bedhead adds a sense of understated luxury and helps frame the bed beautifully.
Think About Functionality
I’m guilty of prioritising looks over function - but it can cost you later! Ask yourself:
-Do you need extra storage?
-Is your bed also your lounge zone - so comfort is key?
-Do you dread making the bed because your mattress is heavy and the setup isn’t practical?
Ideally, your bedhead (and whole bed setup) should not only look good but work for your lifestyle too.
Longevity: Will You Still Love It Later?
It’s tempting to go bold but think about how it’ll feel in a few years’ time. I love to have fun with bed linen, so I tend to choose a bedhead that’s sculptural in shape, tactile in texture, and neutral in colour. And neutral doesn’t have to mean beige - think rich golden browns or dark mahogany tones.
This way, I can refresh my cushions, blankets, and bedding as often as I like, without needing to overhaul the entire bed every time.
Don’t Forget the Installation Details
It’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics, but make sure your dream bedhead can actually work in your space.
Some bedheads attach directly to your bed frame, while others need to be mounted to the wall, which may not suit everyone, especially if you're renting or not keen on pulling out the power drill.
Also consider how easily it can be moved or cleaned around. A beautiful bedhead that’s a nightmare to shift or dust behind quickly loses its charm.
Heading: Six bedheads I’m loving right now and why…
Sarah Ellison Lull Bed Frame - in Sandon Burnt Butter
This is the Sarah Ellison bed you often spy in our bedroom content (in our master bedroom at my home). It’s got a really nice lustre to it, really cool 70s vibes and I love the low line style… I just LOVE it!
Rachel Donath - Remy Bedhead Saddle
I adore the curved shape and wooden texture of this Rachel Donath bedhead. It’s a sophisticated style and a really beautiful sculptural element for a bedroom. Also, very versatile for all kinds of colour palettes.
Jardan - Sunny Bed
If you’re looking for luxe hotel vibes? Look no further than this timeless Sunny bed. I love the range of upholstery options and it’s such a nice sizeable bed. I can confirm I’ve seen it in their showroom and it’s incredibly comfortable.
IKEA TOLKNING Headboard
For a more earthy look, this rattan headboard from IKEA is perfect. What I love? You can place two side-by-side to create a Queen sized bed, which can create a really nice textural element to a bedroom... Also an affordable option!
Al + Imo - Bookshelf Ledge Bed
If you’ve been following Sage x Clare on Instagram for a while, no doubt you would’ve seen this lovingly made bed that’s in our barn, from husband and wife duo Al + Imo. It’s so beautifully constructed, using sustainable timber and it has ledges for all your books and trinkets. It’s so solid and a piece I will truly cherish forever.
Fearon - Float Bed Frame
My last pick is just plain… FUN, there’s no other way to put it. This design from Fearon comes in a range of different colours (my fave is chrome!). I really, really love this low line chubby style.
Shop our bedding here, cushions here and bedcovers here.
With a whole lotta love xx