Live Edge Oak Bed Frames

What Is a Live Edge Bed?

A live edge bed uses the natural outline of the timber as part of the finished design. Instead of machining every visible edge into a perfectly straight line, the natural contours of the oak are retained within the headboard.

This doesn't mean the timber is simply left rough or unfinished. The natural shape becomes a considered feature of the finished bed, combining the irregular character of real wood with a carefully made solid oak frame.

For anyone who loves the look of wooden furniture but wants something less uniform, a live edge bed frame puts much more of the original character of the timber on show.

No Two Live Edge Oak Beds Are the Same

Natural variation is one of the main reasons to choose a live edge bed.

The shape of the edge will change from one piece of oak to another, as will the grain patterns, knots and colouring running through the headboard. Even two beds made to the same design and finish won't be completely identical.

This also means the bed you receive won't be an exact reproduction of the timber shown in a product photograph. The images demonstrate the style and construction, while the individual characteristics of your own piece of European oak determine the finer details. That's part of the appeal. You're choosing the natural character of solid timber rather than a headboard designed to look exactly the same every time.

Choose Your Live Edge Bed Style

Our collection includes two approaches to the live edge oak headboard.

Split Live Edge Headboard

This design uses two sections of characterful oak with a natural opening between them. The irregular contours are visible through the centre of the headboard, making the live edge an especially prominent part of the design.

Full Live Edge Headboard

For a more continuous appearance, this style uses a solid headboard with the natural edge forming its upper outline. You still get the grain, knots and individual contours of live edge oak, but within a simpler overall shape.

Both styles allow the timber to determine part of the finished appearance, so the precise contours will naturally vary from bed to bed.

Live Edge Beds in Modern and Traditional Bedrooms

Live edge furniture is often associated with rustic interiors, but the natural oak doesn't restrict you to one particular bedroom style.

Paired with other natural materials and traditional furniture, a live edge oak bed can emphasise the warmth and character of the timber. In a more contemporary bedroom, the irregular headboard can provide contrast against cleaner lines, simple furniture and more understated décor. If you're considering how different bed designs will work with the rest of your room, our How to Choose a Wooden Bed for Your Bedroom guide has more practical ideas.

Live Edge Bed Sizes

Our live edge bed frames are available across six standard UK mattress sizes:

• Single – 90 x 190cm (3’0” x 6’3”)
• Small double – 120 x 190cm (4’0” x 6’3”)
• Double – 135 x 190cm (4’6” x 6’3”)
• King – 150 x 200cm (5’0” x 6’6”)
• Super King – 180 x 200cm (6’0” x 6’6”)
• Emperor – 215 x 215cm (7’0” x 7’0”)

These measurements refer to the mattress rather than the complete bed frame, so check the external dimensions of your chosen design when measuring your bedroom.

Choosing a Finish for Your Live Edge Oak Bed

The finish you choose can make quite a difference to how the grain, knots and natural contours of your live edge headboard appear.

Our standard options include unfinished, white, light, medium, walnut and black. Lighter and more natural options keep the original appearance of the oak prominent, while deeper tones can create a stronger contrast within the bedroom.

Premium Rubio Monocoat finishes are also available for oak at an additional cost, and £1 colour samples allow you to compare your options at home before ordering.

Made to Order from Characterful European Oak

Every live edge bed is made to order from solid European oak, carefully selected to make its natural grain, variation and individual features part of the finished design.

Our oak is sourced through reputable sawmills using timber from sustainably managed forests, before being machined and finished in-house. Each bed is supplied with solid timber slats and comes with our 12-year guarantee.

If you love the natural qualities of European oak but prefer a more uniform frame or headboard, explore our wider solid oak bed collection. For non-standard dimensions or other changes to your bed, you can also find out more about our bespoke wooden bed service.