While their mattress dimensions are the same, an IKEA King and a Standard King bed differ significantly in price, material quality, and style. IKEA king-size bed frames and mattresses are known for their extreme affordability and Scandinavian design, often made from engineered wood, whereas brands like Standard occupy a mid-range price point with a focus on higher-quality materials, modern aesthetics, and advanced sleep technology.
Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose the right king-size bed for your bedroom and budget.
IKEA King Bed Collection
IKEA has become a global standard for affordable, functional, and stylish home furnishings. Their king bed collection embodies this philosophy, offering a wide range of simple, Scandinavian-inspired frames and basic mattresses designed for budget-conscious buyers and first-time homeowners.
- What it is: A collection of king-size bed frames and mattresses known for their low prices, minimalist designs, and self-assembly model.
- Key features: Many frames include integrated storage drawers or minimalist headboards. Mattresses are available in basic foam or innerspring models.
- Price: Bed frames typically range from $150 to $400. Mattresses like the Haugesund model range from $200 to $600.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian, with a neutral color palette featuring white, black, and natural wood-effect finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Bed frames are primarily built from particleboard, engineered wood, or fiberboard with laminate or veneer finishes.
- Pros: Extremely budget-friendly, versatile enough for most decor styles, many models offer practical storage solutions, products are widely available online and in physical stores.
- Cons: Materials are not designed for long-term durability and can be prone to wear. Assembly is required for all products. Mattress quality is basic compared to specialized sleep brands.
The IKEA king bed is an excellent choice for those furnishing a starter home or guest room, anyone on a tight budget, or those who value simple functionality and a clean, modern look.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/plp/king-beds
Standard Brand King Bed Frames & Mattresses
Modern direct-to-consumer brands like Standard focus on delivering a high-quality sleep experience without the showroom markups. Their offerings emphasize superior materials, contemporary aesthetics, and mattresses engineered for comfort and support, positioning themselves as a step up from budget options.
- What it is: A line of contemporary king-size bed frames and mattresses that balance style with high-quality, durable materials and a focus on sleep technology.
- Key features: Bed frames often feature sleek, streamlined platform designs. Mattresses incorporate more advanced technology like memory foam, hybrid coils, and cooling gels.
- Price: Bed frames generally cost between $300 and $800. Mattresses range from $600 to $1,200.
- Style: Sleek, contemporary, and understated, with an emphasis on minimalist forms and clean lines common in urban furnishing.
- Materials/Construction: Frames are often built with solid wood or durable metal. Mattresses are made with certified materials like GREENGUARD Gold memory foam and are designed for longevity.
- Pros: Higher quality construction offers better durability and longevity. Mattresses provide superior comfort and support. Seamless online shopping experience usually includes sleep trials and simple returns.
- Cons: A higher initial investment is required. Most brands are online-only, limiting your ability to test products in person. Style options are often focused on one specific modern aesthetic.
A king bed from a brand like Standard is built for individuals who prioritize sleep quality and see their bed as a long-term investment, appreciating both durable construction and a modern look.
Shop this product: standard.com
Ikea vs. Standard: King Bed Comparison
Dimensions & Sizing
This is a common point of confusion, but the mattress size is the same. In the United States, an IKEA King mattress and a standard King (also known as an Eastern King) are both 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. Any king-size mattress you buy in the US will fit an IKEA king bed frame, and vice versa.
Where they can differ is in the dimensions of the bed frame itself. Due to design choices, some frames might have a larger overall footprint from thick headboards or wide side rails, so always check the external frame measurements to ensure it fits your room.
Materials & Construction
The core difference between the brands lies here. IKEA uses cost-effective materials like particleboard with a veneer finish to keep prices low. While functional, these materials are more susceptible to scratches, dings, and damage from moving. In contrast, mid-range brands like Standard often use solid wood, solid metal, or high-quality upholstered constructions for their frames, providing significantly more durability and stability.
This quality gap extends to an even greater degree with mattresses. IKEA's mattresses are a basic mix of foam or springs, while brands like Standard build their reputation on comfort science, using multi-layer memory foams, targeted support zones, and hybrid coil systems.
Price & Value
IKEA is the clear winner on upfront cost. You can often purchase an entire king bed setup (frame and mattress) from IKEA for less than the price of just the mattress from a brand like Standard. For shoppers on a strict budget, renters, or those setting up a temporary space, IKEA's value is unmatched.
However, Standard offers better long-term value. A bed frame made of solid wood will last through multiple moves and years of use without showing much wear. A higher-quality mattress will provide better sleep and maintain its form for far longer, making it a better investment in your well-being over time.
Style & Aesthetic
Both brands lean into modern and minimalist design, but with slight differences. IKEA is heavily influenced by Scandinavian aesthetics - think light wood tones, clean white finishes, simplicity, and multi-functional features like built-in storage. Standard's aesthetic tends to be purely contemporary, focusing on sleek lines, streamlined platform designs, and an understated appearance that feels at home in a sophisticated, urban setting.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both offer great king-size bed options, but they cater to very different needs and priorities.
Choose an IKEA King if:
- You are furnishing a space on a tight budget.
- You need a bed for a guest room or a first apartment.
- You appreciate the light, airy look of Scandinavian design.
- You need practical features like under-bed storage drawers.
- You enjoy the process of assembling your own furniture.
Choose a Standard King if:
- You're making a long-term investment in your sleep quality and comfort.
- You prioritize durable materials like solid wood or high-grade metal.
- Your budget is in the mid-range and you can invest in longevity.
- You prefer a convenient online shopping experience with perks like a mattress sleep trial.
- You prefer a clean, contemporary aesthetic with minimal ornamentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference in size between an Ikea King and a Standard King?
There is no difference in the mattress size. Both use the standard U.S. King dimension of 76 inches by 80 inches. Any slight size differences would be in the bed frame's external dimensions based on its specific design.
Are Ikea mattresses the same size as regular mattresses?
Yes, for the North American market, IKEA mattresses follow standard U.S. sizing (Twin, Full, Queen, King). An IKEA King mattress will fit a non-IKEA King frame, and a standard King mattress from another brand will fit an IKEA King frame.
Are Ikea bed frames good quality?
IKEA bed frames offer a good value for the price. They are sturdy enough for daily use but are generally made of particleboard or fiberboard, which is less durable than solid wood. They are an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers but may not hold up as well over many years or multiple moves.
Are beds from online brands like Standard better than Ikea?
In terms of material quality and mattress technology, beds from specialized online brands are generally superior to IKEA. They use more durable materials for frames and more advanced technology for mattresses, but this comes at a significantly higher price point.
Is an IKEA King the same as a California King?
No. A standard (or IKEA) King is 76" wide by 80" long. A California King is narrower and longer, measuring 72" wide by 84" long. Make sure to check mattress dimensions before buying a frame.
Do I need a box spring with these bed frames?
Most IKEA and modern-style frames use a slatted base and are designed to be used without a box spring. A box spring could make the bed too high for these platform-style frames. Always check the product description for support requirements.
Which option is easier to assemble?
While IKEA is famous for its visual, diagram-based instructions, its assembly can sometimes be complex and time-consuming. Many modern online brands focus on extremely simple, tool-free or minimal-tool assembly as a selling point. Ease of assembly varies by model, but direct-to-consumer brands often market themselves on simplicity.
What about return policies and warranties?
IKEA has a generous 365-day return policy for unopened items and a more limited window for opened items. Mattresses have a "Love it or Exchange it" 90-day policy. Online mattress companies often offer risk-free sleep trials of 100 days or more, allowing you to return the mattress for a full refund if you aren't satisfied.
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