While the double bed size is a popular standard, not all brands build them the same. A double bed from IKEA is quite different from one from a brand like Standard Furniture, primarily in materials, price, and durability. IKEA offers a budget-friendly, minimalist, ready-to-assemble product made from engineered woods, while Standard Furniture produces higher-quality, more durable beds from solid wood and premium materials at a correspondingly higher price point.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you determine which brand's double bed is the right fit for your bedroom, budget, and style.
IKEA Double Bed
IKEA double beds are known for their modern, Scandinavian-inspired designs and accessible prices. A go-to solution for millions, these beds are sold flat-packed for self-assembly, making them ideal for renters, students, and first-time homeowners. Their simple, clean lines allow them to blend easily into a wide variety of contemporary decor styles.
- What it is: A budget-friendly, self-assembly full/double bed designed with minimalist aesthetics and functionality in mind.
- Key features: Flat-pack design for easy transport, clean Scandinavian lines, and availability in various simple finishes and models, some with built-in storage.
- Price: $150 to $400, depending on the frame and any included features like drawers.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian. Characterized by functionalism and a lack of ornate decoration.
- Materials/Construction: Generally made from engineered wood, particleboard, or MDF with a laminate or veneer finish. Many models incorporate metal elements for structural support.
- Pros: Highly affordable price point. The style is versatile and fits well into modern homes. Flat-pack design is convenient for moving and navigating tight spaces. Widely available online and in-store.
- Cons: Lower long-term durability compared to solid wood options. Materials can be prone to chipping or damage. Requires DIY assembly, which can be time-consuming.
This is the perfect choice for anyone on a tight budget, living in a temporary space, or who prefers a simple, contemporary look without a long-term investment.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/full-double-beds-16284/
Standard Furniture Double Bed
Standard Furniture occupies a more traditional space in the market, focusing on creating durable, mid-range to premium furniture with a timeless appeal. Their double beds are built to last, using higher-quality materials like solid wood and premium fabrics. Standard offers a wider range of styles, from classic to contemporary, often with more detailed craftsmanship and customization options available through its retail partners.
- What it is: A mid-range, durable double bed made from higher-quality materials, offered in a variety of classic and modern styles.
- Key features: Solid wood or high-quality plywood construction, reinforced joints for long-term stability, and more options for upholstered headboards or specific wood finishes.
- Price: $500 to $1,200+.
- Style: A broader aesthetic range, including traditional, transitional, and contemporary designs. Beds often feature more detail and substantial construction.
- Materials/Construction: Built with solid wood, quality plywood, and sometimes premium upholstery. Hardware and joinery are higher-grade for enhanced longevity.
- Pros: Excellent durability and built to last. High-quality materials give it a more refined look and feel. Broader range of styles to suit different tastes. A better long-term investment.
- Cons: A significantly higher price point. Less accessible, as purchases are typically made through retail showrooms rather than directly online. The heavier construction makes it more difficult to move.
This brand is ideal for homeowners looking to invest in a "forever" piece of furniture who prioritize durability and traditional craftsmanship over budget pricing.
Shop this product: standardfurniture.com/furniture-catalog
IKEA Double Bed vs. Standard Furniture Double Bed Comparison
Materials & Construction
The most significant difference lies in the materials. IKEA relies on cost-effective particleboard, MDF, and veneers. While engineered for everyday use, these materials lack the inherent strength and longevity of solid wood and are more susceptible to wear and water damage. This construction keeps prices low and furniture lightweight.
Standard Furniture, in contrast, uses solid wood and high-grade plywood. Its construction methods, such as reinforced joints and durable hardware, result in a sturdier, heavier bed frame that can withstand decades of use without creaking or wobbling. This quality makes it a more lasting investment piece.
Style & Versatility
IKEA’s style is famously consistent: modern, minimal, and rooted in Scandinavian design. This allows their beds to fit seamlessly into contemporary interiors, but offers limited variety if you're looking for something more traditional or ornate. What you see is generally what you get, with few to no customization options.
Standard Furniture offers a much wider stylistic spectrum. You can find everything from classic sleigh beds to upholstered modern frames. With more options for fabric, wood finishes, and headboard styles available through their retail network, you have a better chance of finding a bed that precisely matches your unique aesthetic.
Price & Value
There's a clear divide in cost. An IKEA double bed maxes out around $400, while a bed from Standard starts at $500 and goes up. IKEA provides excellent initial value - a functional, stylish bed for a very low price. However, its long-term value may be lower due to its limited lifespan.
Standard Furniture offers superior long-term value. While the upfront cost is much higher, the bed's longevity means you won't need to replace it for many years, if ever. It's a classic investment purchase vs. a budget-friendly, short-term solution.
Dimensions & Fit
In terms of size, an "IKEA Double" is the same as a standard US "Full" size, measuring approximately 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. So from a mattress-fit perspective, there is no difference. Both brands adhere to industry standards.
The key variation in "fit" comes from the frame's overall footprint and visual weight. IKEA beds often have sleek, low-profile designs that work well in smaller rooms, making a space feel larger. Standard's beds can be more substantial, with larger headboards and footboards, better suited for primary bedrooms with more floor space.
Who Each One Works Best For
An IKEA double bed is the logical choice for students, renters, and anyone furnishing a guest room or first apartment. Its low cost, light weight, and dispensable nature make it perfect for transitional periods in life. If your priorities are budget and modern aesthetics for a few years, IKEA is unbeatable.
A Standard Furniture double bed is designed for homeowners and those looking to furnish a "forever" home. It's for the buyer who is willing to invest in quality craftsmanship, values durability, and wants a piece of furniture that serves as a central design element in their bedroom for the long haul.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer excellent double bed options, but they are engineered for completely different priorities, budgets, and lifestyles.
Choose an IKEA double bed if:
- You are on a strict budget and need something for under $400.
- You are furnishing a temporary space like a dorm, first apartment, or guest room.
- You appreciate a clean, minimalist, and modern Scandinavian style.
- You don't mind assembling furniture yourself and have the tools to do so.
Choose a Standard Furniture double bed if:
- You are making a long-term investment in a primary bedroom.
- Durability and quality craftsmanship using solid wood are your top priorities.
- You have a budget of $500 or more and value longevity over initial savings.
- You want more style options beyond minimalism, including traditional or transitional designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between an IKEA double bed and a Standard one?
The primary difference is material quality and price. IKEA uses engineered wood like particleboard for affordability, creating lightweight, ready-to-assemble beds. Standard Furniture uses solid wood and premium materials for longevity, resulting in a more durable and expensive product.
Is a 'double bed' from IKEA the same size as a standard double bed?
Yes. An IKEA double bed fits a standard American "Full" size mattress, which is typically 54 x 75 inches. The term "double" and "full" are used interchangeably for this mattress size in the US market.
Which brand is more durable?
Standard Furniture is significantly more durable. Their use of solid wood, sturdier hardware, and reinforced construction techniques means their beds are built to last for decades, while IKEA beds are generally designed for shorter-term use.
Do I have to assemble a Standard Furniture bed myself?
Typically, no. Since Standard's products are sold through furniture retailers, delivery and professional assembly services are usually offered or included with your purchase, unlike IKEA’s self-service model which requires you to build it yourself.
Is IKEA or Standard better for a small apartment?
Both brands offer space-efficient double beds. However, IKEA often has an edge due to its minimalist, low-profile designs that have less visual weight. Many IKEA models also include under-the-bed storage, which is a major benefit in smaller living spaces.
How much style customization can I get with each brand?
IKEA offers very little customization - you're usually choosing between a few pre-set colors or finishes for a specific model. Standard Furniture, through its retail partners, often provides far more options for upholstery fabrics, wood stains, and headboard styles, allowing for a more personalized look.
Which bed is easier to move?
An IKEA bed is much easier to move. It's designed to be assembled and disassembled, and its lightweight particleboard construction makes the individual components manageable. A solid wood bed from Standard is heavy and cumbersome, making it difficult to move once assembled.
Where can I buy beds from each brand?
You can purchase IKEA beds directly from their physical warehouse stores or on their website for home delivery. Standard Furniture is a wholesale brand, so their beds are sold through a network of local and national furniture retailers and showrooms.
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