8 Scandinavian Bed Frames
When you’re searching for the perfect bed frame, Scandinavian designs offer an irresistible blend of form and function that’ll transform your bedroom. You’ll discover how these eight distinctive frames showcase the region’s signature elements: clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship. From classic platform styles to innovative storage solutions, each frame brings its own unique take on Nordic minimalism. Let’s explore these carefully curated options that’ll help you create your ideal sleep sanctuary.
The Classic Platform Bed Frame
The platform bed frame stands as a cornerstone of Scandinavian design, characterized by its low profile, clean lines, and emphasis on natural materials. This minimalist approach creates an immediate sense of calm and spaciousness in any bedroom, with the bed appearing to float just above the floor while maintaining a strong architectural presence.
The simple geometry and uncluttered aesthetic make it an ideal foundation for both modern and traditional Nordic-inspired spaces. This styling technique works particularly well in contemporary homes and urban apartments where maximizing visual space is crucial.
The platform design proves most effective during spring and summer months when lighter, airier aesthetics are desired, though it can be easily adapted for winter comfort with layered textiles. The versatility of this frame style allows it to complement various interior design approaches, from strict minimalism to hygge-inspired cozy spaces.
Essential Components:
- Solid wood platform bed frame
- Quality slatted base
- Firm mattress
- White or light gray fitted sheet
- Linen duvet cover
- 2-4 pillows in natural fabrics
- Cotton or wool throw blanket
- Natural fiber area rug
- Minimal bedside tables
- Simple ceramic vase
- LED reading lights
- Storage boxes (if under-bed storage exists)
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by positioning the platform bed frame centrally against the main wall, ensuring equal space on both sides for balance and accessibility. The frame should sit approximately 12-18 inches from the floor, creating that signature floating effect while remaining practical for daily use.
Install any integrated lighting or headboard features before adding the mattress and bedding. Layer the bed with high-quality basics, starting with a crisp fitted sheet in white or light natural tones. Add a linen duvet cover in complementary neutral shades like oatmeal, pale gray, or soft white.
The key is to maintain a monochromatic palette while introducing subtle texture variations through different fabric weaves and materials. Fold the duvet back slightly at the top to create an inviting look without appearing overly styled.
Complete the bed arrangement with carefully chosen pillows, avoiding excess decorative cushions that could compromise the clean aesthetic. Two standard sleeping pillows in natural linen cases, paired with one or two smaller lumbar pillows, create the perfect balance.
Colors that work particularly well include soft whites, grays, and muted earth tones, with occasional touches of pale blue or sage green for subtle contrast.
Pro Styling Tips:
For maximum impact, maintain a three-inch gap between the floor and the bottom of the frame to enhance the floating effect – this can be adjusted optically by placing a light-colored rug beneath the bed.
Adapt the look seasonally by switching between linen bedding in summer and adding layers of wool throws and chunky knit blankets in winter. For daily maintenance, invest in high-quality bedding that looks better slightly rumpled, as perfectly pressed linens can appear too formal for the relaxed Scandinavian aesthetic.
Consider using bed legs with adjustable heights to fine-tune the floating effect based on your room’s proportions.
Low-Profile Nordic Design
The minimalist appeal of low-profile Scandinavian bed frames creates an airy, spacious feel that revolutionizes bedroom aesthetics. This design approach features clean lines, natural materials, and a bed frame that sits close to the ground, typically ranging from 8 to 12 inches in height. The visual effect draws the eye horizontally across the room, making spaces appear larger while maintaining a sense of grounded stability that characterizes Nordic design principles.
This styling technique works particularly well in contemporary urban spaces and rooms with limited square footage, as it reduces visual clutter and maximizes the perception of space. The style is ideal for year-round use but especially shines during warmer months when its lightweight appearance adds to the fresh, breezy atmosphere. The low-profile design pairs exceptionally well with large windows and natural light, embodying the Scandinavian philosophy of bringing the outdoors in.
Essential Components:
- Platform bed frame in light wood or white finish
- Firm, low-profile mattress
- White or light gray fitted sheet
- Linen duvet cover in neutral tones
- Minimal throw pillows (2-3 maximum)
- Natural fiber throw blanket
- Simple wooden side tables
- Woven area rug
- Level tool
- Measuring tape
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by positioning the low-profile bed frame centrally against the wall, ensuring it’s perfectly level to maintain clean lines. The frame should feature either natural blonde wood or a crisp white finish, with minimal ornamentation and no headboard, or a very simple one that doesn’t exceed 30 inches in height.
Layer the bed with intentional simplicity, starting with a fitted sheet in pure white or light gray. Add a linen duvet in neutral tones like oatmeal, pale gray, or soft white. The duvet should be slightly oversized to create a relaxed, lived-in look while maintaining clean lines. The key is to avoid excessive bulk or overstuffed appearances.
Color combinations should stay within a tight palette of whites, grays, and natural wood tones. Accent colors, if used, should be subtle and nature-inspired, such as soft sage green or pale blue. When photographing the style, capture the bed from angles that emphasize its horizontal lines and the interplay of natural light with textures.
Pro Styling Tips:
For maximum impact, maintain a three-inch gap between the floor and bed frame to create the illusion of floating furniture. Adapt the look for smaller rooms by using lighter color palettes and reducing the number of accessories to bare essentials.
In larger spaces, add depth with textural elements like a chunky knit throw or a subtle pattern in the bedding. To keep the style fresh daily, smooth the duvet each morning with a gentle pull from the bottom corners, and rotate pillows regularly to maintain their shape. This simple maintenance routine preserves the intentional, uncluttered aesthetic that defines low-profile Nordic design.
Natural Wood Floating Frame
The natural wood floating frame design creates an ethereal, weightless aesthetic that has become synonymous with modern Scandinavian bedroom design. The bed appears to hover above the floor, creating visual intrigue while maintaining clean lines and organic warmth through exposed wood grain and natural finishes. This minimalist approach opens up the visual space beneath the bed frame, making even modest-sized bedrooms feel more spacious and airy.
This styling technique works particularly well in contemporary and minimalist interiors, especially during spring and summer months when light, breezy aesthetics are most appealing. The floating frame design pairs beautifully with both neutral and earth-toned color schemes, making it adaptable to various design preferences while maintaining its signature Scandinavian simplicity. The style is especially effective in rooms with natural light, where sunbeams can cast interesting shadows beneath the floating frame.
Essential Components:
- Platform bed frame with hidden support system
- Natural wood headboard (optional)
- White or light gray bedding set
- Linen duvet cover
- Matching pillowcases
- Euro shams
- Wool or cotton throw blanket
- Natural fiber area rug
- LED strip lighting (for enhanced floating effect)
- Minimal bedside tables
- Simple ceramic vases
- Organic cotton sheets
How to Achieve This Look:
Begin by positioning the floating frame bed centered on the main wall, ensuring equal spacing on both sides for balance. The frame should be at least 8 inches off the ground to achieve the proper floating effect. Install LED strip lighting beneath the frame if desired, creating a subtle glow that enhances the floating illusion during evening hours.
Layer the bed with crisp, white sheets as your foundation, followed by a light-colored linen duvet cover that adds texture while maintaining the airy aesthetic. Choose pillowcases in similar tones, arranging them in descending size order from the headboard forward. Euro shams should be positioned against the headboard, followed by standard pillows and one or two decorative cushions in natural fabrics.
Select accessories that complement the natural wood tones while maintaining minimalism. Opt for color combinations in whites, grays, and warm beiges, with occasional touches of sage green or pale blue for subtle contrast. When photographing the style, capture the bed from angles that emphasize the floating effect and highlight the interplay of light and shadow beneath the frame.
Pro Styling Tips:
Maximize the floating effect by keeping the area beneath the bed completely clear and using light-colored flooring or a pale area rug to reflect light. For smaller rooms, choose a frame with built-in storage drawers that maintain the floating appearance while providing functionality. During colder months, layer additional textiles in chunky knits or soft wools while maintaining a monochromatic palette to preserve the aesthetic.
To prevent the look from becoming too stark, incorporate small touches of organic elements like dried grasses or a single branch in a minimal vase, and regularly adjust bedding to maintain the clean, crisp lines essential to this style.
Minimalist White Oak Platform
The clean lines and natural warmth of white oak combined with crisp, minimalist bedding create a striking Scandinavian aesthetic that embodies both simplicity and sophistication. This platform styling technique emphasizes the organic beauty of the wood grain while maintaining an uncluttered, serene atmosphere that’s characteristic of Nordic design principles.
This styling approach works particularly well year-round but especially shines during spring and summer months when natural light can highlight the subtle variations in the wood tones. The technique is ideal for modern, contemporary, or Scandinavian-inspired bedrooms where a calm, organized environment is desired. It’s particularly effective in smaller spaces where visual simplicity helps create an illusion of more room.
Essential Components:
- White linen duvet cover
- White fitted sheet
- Two standard pillows with white pillowcases
- One lumbar pillow in natural linen
- Light wool throw blanket
- Small ceramic vase
- Fresh eucalyptus or dried botanicals
- Natural fiber area rug
- Linen spray
- Steamer for bedding
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by ensuring the platform base is clean and the natural wood grain is visible. Layer the bed with a high-quality fitted sheet, pulling it taut to eliminate any wrinkles. The sheet should be pure white to maintain the minimalist aesthetic and contrast beautifully with the oak frame.
Next, add the white duvet, focusing on creating clean, straight lines along the sides of the platform. Fold the top portion of the duvet down approximately 15 inches to create a hotel-style turndown effect. This reveals the sheet underneath and adds subtle depth to the monochromatic scheme.
Position the standard pillows against the headboard, keeping them simple with white pillowcases. Add the lumbar pillow centered in front of the standard pillows. Layer the wool throw blanket across the bottom third of the bed, allowing it to drape naturally over one corner. For color harmony, stick to whites, creams, and pale grays that complement the white oak’s natural tones.
Pro Styling Tips
To maintain the bed’s clean lines throughout the day, incorporate hospital corners when making the bed – a designer secret that keeps sheets firmly in place. For smaller rooms, position the bed to allow walking space on both sides, and consider mounting bedside lighting to free up surface space.
Minimize décor items to one or two carefully chosen pieces, and refresh linens weekly to maintain the crisp, cloud-like appearance that makes this style so inviting.
Modern Upholstered Scandinavian Frame
The clean lines and soft textural elements of modern upholstered Scandinavian bed frames create an inviting focal point that epitomizes contemporary Nordic design. The minimalist aesthetic combines functionality with comfort, featuring neutral-toned upholstery, typically in light grays, oatmeal, or muted blues, stretched across sleek geometric frames that hover slightly above the floor.
These frames often incorporate gentle curves and padding that strike the perfect balance between architectural precision and welcoming comfort. This styling technique works particularly well year-round but shines brightest in contemporary urban spaces and minimalist bedrooms where clean lines and uncluttered surfaces are paramount.
The versatility of upholstered Scandinavian frames allows them to adapt seamlessly to seasonal changes through textile layering, making them ideal for both warm summer nights with lightweight linens and cozy winter evenings wrapped in chunky knit throws.
Essential Components:
- Upholstered platform bed frame in neutral tone
- Pure white fitted sheet
- White or light gray duvet cover
- Linen pillowcases (2-4)
- Euro shams (2-3)
- Light wool throw blanket
- Decorative cushions in natural fibers
- Small geometric accent pillows
- Natural fiber area rug
- Simple ceramic bedside vessels
- LED reading lights
- Cotton mattress protector
How to Achieve This Look
Begin with the foundation by positioning the upholstered frame against a neutral wall, ensuring equal spacing on both sides for balance. Install minimal bedside lighting that complements the frame’s clean lines while providing functional illumination.
The frame should sit perfectly centered, with the headboard parallel to the wall to maintain the characteristic Scandinavian symmetry. Layer the bedding starting with crisp, high-quality white sheets, followed by a light-colored duvet in natural materials like cotton or linen.
Fold the duvet back precisely at the top third of the bed to create a hotel-style welcome. Position Euro shams against the headboard in a symmetrical arrangement, using odd numbers for visual interest. Standard pillows should lay flat in front of the Euros, their cases matching the duvet cover for cohesion.
Color combinations that work best include white with light gray, oatmeal with ivory, or pale blue with white. Introduce subtle texture through knitted throws and cushions in similar tones, avoiding sharp contrasts that could disrupt the serene aesthetic.
When photographing the style, capture the bed from a slight angle to highlight the frame’s architectural elements while ensuring natural light emphasizes the textural details of the upholstery and bedding.
Pro Styling Tips:
For maximum impact with minimal effort, focus on precise angles and clean folds rather than numerous decorative elements. Scale your styling to your room size by adjusting the number of pillows – fewer for smaller spaces, more for larger rooms.
Keep the look fresh by rotating textural elements seasonally: lightweight linen in summer, soft wool in winter. Maintain the bed’s crisp appearance by choosing wrinkle-resistant fabrics for daily use and storing extra decorative elements in underbed storage when not needed for styling.
Danish-Inspired Storage Bed
The Danish-inspired storage bed embodies the perfect marriage of form and function, featuring clean lines, natural materials, and ingenious built-in storage solutions that define Scandinavian design principles. The minimalist frame, typically crafted from light-toned wood like oak or birch, creates an airy, floating appearance while concealing spacious drawers beneath, making it an ideal centerpiece for modern urban dwellings where space efficiency is paramount.
This styling technique particularly shines in contemporary homes and apartments where maintaining visual serenity while maximizing storage is essential. The design works year-round but especially complements spring and summer aesthetics when paired with crisp linens and natural textures. The versatile nature of Danish design allows this bed style to integrate seamlessly with various interior themes, from pure minimalist to modern bohemian.
Essential Components:
- Platform bed frame with integrated drawers
- Natural wood headboard
- White or oatmeal linen duvet cover
- Cotton percale sheets
- Wool or cotton throw blanket
- Linen pillowcases
- Decorative cushions in neutral tones
- Natural fiber area rug
- Bedside pendant lights
- Woven storage baskets
- Simple wooden side tables
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by positioning the bed frame against the cleanest wall space, ensuring equal access to the storage drawers on both sides. Install the headboard at a height that allows for comfortable seating while maintaining visual balance with the room’s proportions. The key is to create a foundation that appears weightless despite its robust storage capacity.
Layer the bedding starting with crisp white sheets, followed by a linen duvet in natural tones like oatmeal, grey, or soft white. Avoid overly decorative patterns, instead focusing on texture variations through different fabric weaves. Add dimension with two to three euro pillows against the headboard, followed by sleeping pillows in coordinating linen cases.
Select accessories that enhance functionality while maintaining aesthetic simplicity. Install pendant lights at appropriate heights for reading, and position wooden side tables that complement the bed frame’s finish. The color palette should stick to warm neutrals, with occasional touches of sage green, pale blue, or soft terracotta to add subtle visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Pro Styling Tips
To maximize the Danish storage bed’s impact, maintain a clutter-free surface by utilizing the drawer space strategically – designate specific drawers for seasonal items and daily essentials. For smaller rooms, choose lighter wood tones and raise the bed slightly higher on legs to create the illusion of more floor space.
Keep the look fresh by rotating textural elements seasonally: chunky knit throws for winter, lightweight linen for summer, while maintaining the core neutral palette. The key to preserving the aesthetic long-term is implementing a daily making-the-bed routine that includes smoothing the duvet and arranging pillows in a clean, intentional manner.
Pine Wood Platform With Headboard
A pine wood platform bed with headboard epitomizes Scandinavian simplicity while adding natural warmth to any bedroom space. The clean lines of the platform design, combined with the organic texture of pine wood, create a perfect foundation for minimalist Nordic styling. The natural grain patterns and light honey tones of pine wood contribute to the airy, open feeling characteristic of Scandinavian design.
This bed styling technique works particularly well year-round but shines brightest during the longer winter months when creating a cozy yet bright atmosphere becomes essential. The style perfectly complements both modern and traditional bedroom designs, especially in spaces that embrace natural light and neutral color palettes. The versatile nature of pine allows it to pair seamlessly with various textile textures and seasonal accent colors.
Essential Components:
- White linen duvet cover
- Natural linen fitted sheet
- White or oatmeal pillowcases
- Wool throw blanket
- Linen lumbar pillow
- Cotton euro shams
- Natural fiber area rug
- Wall-mounted reading lights
- Woven storage baskets
- Plant stand
- Cotton mattress protector
How to Achieve This Look
Begin by dressing the bed with crisp, white linens, ensuring the fitted sheet is pulled taut to maintain the clean lines essential to Scandinavian design. Layer the duvet with precise hospital corners, allowing the natural drape of the fabric to create subtle texture while maintaining structure.
Add visual interest through thoughtfully selected pillows, starting with two standard pillows in white linen cases, followed by two euro shams in a complementary neutral tone. Position a single lumbar pillow in natural linen or soft gray as the finishing touch, creating depth without cluttering the space.
For color combinations, stick to a palette of whites, warm grays, and natural wood tones. Incorporate subtle texture through a chunky knit throw placed at the foot of the bed, preferably in ivory or light gray. Position wall-mounted reading lights on either side of the headboard to maintain the clean aesthetic while adding functionality.
Pro Styling Tips
To elevate this look while maintaining its signature simplicity, layer textures rather than patterns – think ribbed pillowcases against smooth linen sheets, or a heavily textured throw against crisp bedding.
For smaller rooms, keep the styling minimal and raise the bed slightly higher off the ground to create the illusion of more space. During warmer months, swap heavy wool throws for lightweight cotton alternatives in similar neutral tones, and introduce seasonal elements through small potted plants or dried botanicals.
To maintain the crisp appearance daily, invest in high-quality linens that become softer with wear while retaining their shape, and keep a steamer handy for quick touch-ups before styling photos or guests.
Industrial-Nordic Hybrid Frame
The Industrial-Nordic hybrid frame style merges the raw, utilitarian appeal of industrial design with the clean, minimalist aesthetics of Scandinavian decor. This fusion creates a striking balance between stark metal elements and soft, natural textures, featuring gunmetal or black steel frames paired with light wooden accents and crisp, neutral bedding. The combination delivers a sophisticated yet approachable bedroom focal point that speaks to both urban modernism and Nordic simplicity.
This styling technique particularly shines in contemporary urban spaces and converted lofts, though it adapts beautifully to any bedroom seeking a refined edge. The style works year-round but can be especially impactful during winter months when layered with chunky knits and faux fur elements. The versatility of this hybrid approach allows for seasonal adaptations while maintaining its architectural impact and functional appeal.
Essential Components:
- Metal bed frame (preferably in matte black or gunmetal)
- Wooden headboard or wooden slats
- White or light gray fitted sheet
- Neutral duvet cover
- Linen pillowcases
- Chunky knit throw blanket
- Industrial-style bedside lamps
- Natural fiber area rug
- Metal and wood accent pieces
- Minimalist artwork
- Concrete or metallic decorative elements
How to Achieve This Look
Begin with the bed frame as your foundation, ensuring it features clean lines and visible metal construction. Position the frame to maximize its architectural presence in the room, allowing space around all sides to highlight its industrial elements. Layer the bed with crisp, high-quality linens in whites, grays, or natural tones, focusing on texture rather than pattern.
Introduce wooden elements through side tables, wall art, or decorative pieces to soften the metal’s industrial edge. The key is creating contrast between the hard and soft elements – pair rough metal surfaces with smooth wooden finishes and plush textiles.
Color schemes should stay within a controlled palette of grays, whites, and natural wood tones, with occasional black accents for definition. The styling should emphasize geometric shapes and clean lines while incorporating organic textures. Add depth through layering different materials – smooth cotton sheets, nubby linen pillowcases, and chunky knit throws.
For optimal visual impact, ensure lighting fixtures complement the industrial elements while providing warm, diffused illumination that highlights the textural contrasts.
Pro Styling Tips
To maintain the perfect balance between industrial and Nordic elements, follow the 60/40 rule: 60% soft, light elements (textiles, wood) and 40% industrial components (metal, concrete). For smaller rooms, choose a frame with a slimmer profile and lighter finishes to prevent the style from overwhelming the space.
During warmer months, swap heavy textiles for lighter versions in the same neutral palette, and incorporate plants to soften the industrial edge. Keep the bed made with hospital corners and minimal wrinkles to maintain the clean, architectural appeal that defines this hybrid style.