Covers Designed for Metal Bed Frames
A metal bed frame serves an important function--providing sturdy support for your mattress. But with its utilitarian bars and brackets on display, a metal frame can seem cold and industrial alongside cozy bedding.
Luckily, it's easy to soften the look of a metal bed with some simple covers. Not only do covers add warmth and texture, but they can also hide under-bed storage and protect floors from scratches.
Reasons for Covering Metal Bed Frames
Beyond aesthetics, there are some practical reasons for adding covers:
- Protect floors - Metal bed frames can damage hardwoods, tile, and other flooring each time you move the bed.
- Reduce noise - Covers dampen squeaks and creaks from a metal frame.
- Hide clutter - Skirted covers neatly conceal items stored under the bed.
- Protect toes - Soft covers can cushion if you kick the sharp metal frame at night.
Covers range widely in price, style, and materials to work with any bedroom's size and decor.
Best Materials for Bed Frame Covers
1. Microfiber
Known for its softness against skin, microfiber is an ideal cover material if direct leg contact concerns you. It effortlessly conforms to the bed's shape with its stretchy construction. Microfiber covers are also quite durable and fade-resistant to maintain their appearance after repeated washes.
2. Cotton
Prized for breathability and comfort, cotton offers covers with exceptional air circulation so heat doesn't accumulate around mattress edges. As a natural fabric, cotton provides unbeatable softness as well. Its absorption properties also help cotton covers stay put on bed frame legs without sliding downward over time.
3. Polyester
For shoppers on a budget, polyester covers offer adequate softness and stretch at very affordable prices. The fabric is quite wrinkle-resistant too, so covers maintain a tidy look day after day. Bold colored polyester covers are less likely to show stains as well, even after machine washing cycles. Compared to cotton and microfiber, polyester does sleep somewhat warmer however.
Finding the Right Size
An ill-fitting cover negates any style or comfort advantage it offers. Before shopping covers, carefully measure your bed frame's length, width, and height.
1. Measure Bed Length and Width
Use a tape measure to find the distance from headboard to footboard for the length. For width, measure side to side at the widest point of your bed frame. Record the exact numbers.
2. Measure Leg Height
The height of your bed frame's legs determines what length of cover you need. For just slipcovers around the legs themselves, measure from floor to bed frame. If using a bed skirt for full coverage, calculate floor to box spring height instead.
3. Match Sizes
Armed with measurements, you can then browse covers labelled with dimensions that match yours. Size charts typically list mattress/bed sizes (twin, full, queen, etc.) alongside corresponding cover dimensions suitable for use. For non-standard bed frames, custom covers tailor fit to your exact specifications.
Top Styles of Covers for Metal Bed Frames
With measurements matched, now choose a style you love. Here are some top options:
1. Fitted Leg Covers
Fitted leg covers wrap each individual bed frame leg with fabric. Often elasticized, the fitted construction prevents covers from slipping or shifting out of place. This style works well for fully exposed bed frames. Choose padded quilted covers for maximum softness and insulation against cold metal.
2. Bed Skirts
Bed skirts, also called dust ruffles, encircle the entire bed to cover the space between floor and box spring. A skirt neatly conceals anything stored underneath, while only showing decorative fabric around bed edges. For easy cleaning, look for bed skirts designed as separate pieces to fit mattress sides individually instead of an encircling single piece.
3. Strapped Covers
Some covers include built-in fabric straps to securely attach around bed legs. This prevents covers from slipping downward over time. Straps allow for a snug hold without requiring elastic or fitted construction. Strapped styles with corner ties to anchor covers work especially well on adjustable beds that move frequently.
From colors to complement your bedspread to moisture protection for wood floors, the variety of covers offers something for everyone. Before finalizing choices, weigh priorities like durability, softness, breathability and ease of care based on your needs and lifestyle.
How to Make Metal Bed Frames Look Better With Covers
Once you select the right covers, use these tips for successfully installing them:
- Wash covers first - Machine wash gentle cycle with cold water to preshrink covers.
- Make bed frames accessible - Move bed away from walls to easily access all sides during covering.
- Anchor covers in place - Use fabric ties or velcro strips to prevent shifting.
- Allow mattresses to air - After positioning covers, let mattresses air out 30 minutes before remaking bed to release trapped humidity.
- Embellish headboards - Frame mounted artwork, tapestries or garlands draw attention upwards over metal bed frame.
FAQs About Metal Bed Frame Covers
1. How to hide bed base?
To obscure an box spring base, use a bed skirt sized to your mattress length and width. Bed skirts neatly hide anything stored under bed too. Choose longer lengths to hide bed legs as well. Soft ruffles or pleats add style.
2. What can you use instead of a bedskirt?
For quick coverage without a fitted bed skirt, simply tuck a flat sheet snugly around the mattress. Securing each corner with safety pins helps prevent it slipping upward. Or arrange a large area rug just underneath to disguise bed frame and flooring.
3. How do you cover metal bed frame legs?
Individual fitted leg covers neatly hug each metal leg to cushion and conceal. Look for stretchy soft covers with elastic or ties to keep securely in place. Quilted and faux fur fabrics provide extra plushness and insulation.
4. How can I hide my bed base?
Bed skirts or dust ruffles designed to hide box springs work perfectly for obscuring bed bases. Buy bed skirts matching the size of your mattress for full coverage around all sides. Choose longer lengths if you wish to partially or fully hide metal leg frames as well.
It's easy to find covers to complement your bedroom style. Take exact frame measurements first to ensure proper fit. Then browse choices prioritizing the features most important to you--whether durability, softness, noise reduction or aesthetics. With some simple covers added, even a basic metal foundation can look beautiful and blend seamlessly into your overall bedroom scheme.