Why Are Beds So Expensive? (Find Out Now!)
Your bed is your comfort zone. It is a place to go at the end of the day. A place to relax and rest. Unfortunately, a bed isn’t just going to appear in your home; you have to actually buy it. And if you have even started the process of purchasing one, you’ve probably noticed that they are quite expensive.
There are many types of beds you can purchase for your home, and even the most cost-effective options aren’t cheap. There are different reasons behind this high price tag, including markup prices, the purchasing period between buying a new bed, the choice of materials and brands, the overall quality of the bed, and so much more.
To better understand the overall cost of your bed, we’re going to break down the costs of the main two pieces of it: the mattress and the frame.
Mattress Cost Factors
A good mattress is an essential purchase for any household. It’s also going to be the most expensive part of buying your bed. Even a lesser-quality mattress is going to cost you, but there are specific reasons as to why they are so costly.
Costs can range anywhere from $250 to over $5,000. There is an endless list of factors that will impact the final cost. We’re going to take a closer look at some of the most important.
Markup Prices
First things first, mattresses have a huge markup. This refers to the amount added to the actual cost of the mattress. This covers overhead and ensures a profit for the mattress store. It is true that the cost to make a mattress has stayed pretty consistent over the years, but the cost to buy them has become much more expensive.
To offset the cost to buy mattresses, store owners will add a markup, so they can afford to stock the entire store and still make a profit.
Purchasing Periods
Yes, mattresses are expensive upfront, but think about how long you’ll have it before needing a new one. As long as you take care of it, you shouldn’t need to buy another mattress for seven to 10 years on average. That means you won’t have to deal with making a big purchase like this on a regular basis.
Mattress Material
When buying a mattress, it’s important to get one made from high-quality materials. Not only will cheaper options not feel as comfortable, but they will also wear down faster, and you’ll find yourself buying a new bed sooner rather than later. The most common materials you’ll find in a mattress include:
- Polyester Fiber
- Cotton Fiber
- Felt
- Fiber Pads
…and more.
Producing any of these materials is costly, which means you can bet it will factor into the overall cost of your mattress.
Additional Features
Mattresses have come a long way over the years, and any special features included will increase the cost. That’s why it’s important to think about all the factors going into your mattress. Some of the most popular features for mattresses these days include:
- Size of the bed
- Adjustable foundation
- Temperature neutrality
- Split mattresses for different softness levels
Mattress Brands
There are countless mattress brands out there that make high-quality products, but you’ve probably only heard of a select few. Brands with that recognition are going to charge a higher price for their products. Other factors will include their warranty protection programs.
Shipping & Delivery Costs
First, you should know the cost of shipping from a mattress manufacturer to the store you buy it from will be factored into the overall cost of bed itself. This is to offset the money the store has to pay to get the mattress there.
From there, you’re also going to account for the delivery of the mattress to your home. Even a twin mattress is large, which means you’ll have to consider how you’re going to get it to your home—unless you own a large truck, of course. Delivery costs aren’t too expensive, but it is a factor to consider.
Bed Frame Cost Factors
On top of getting the mattress, you’re going to need a good bed frame, too. These also range in price vastly due to many different factors. A bed frame generally costs between $90 and $350, though some luxury brands range from $800 to $1,500. Here are some of the main reasons that impact the overall cost.
Bed Frame Material
The most important thing to think about when it comes to pricing out your bed frame is the material. Metal frames are always going to be much cheaper than wood frames, and wood frames will vary depending on the type of wood used. This is mostly because wooden frames are stronger and won’t squeak as much. The most common types of wooden frames include:
- Maple
- Oak
- Walnut
Bed Frame Size
Like mattress sizes, the size of the frame itself will affect the overall cost you pay for it. Surprisingly, however, it doesn’t change the price as much as you’d think. Often, full and queen beds are priced similarly. And king beds are usually only about 30% more. The overall price will change depending on where you buy your frame.
Bed Frame Brand
Different brands offer many options that will be priced differently, too. Whether you want to opt for a very expensive frame or more cost-effective option is entirely up to you, but really cheap frames won’t hold up over time. Some of the most popular bed frame brands include Zinus, Casper, Ikea, and West Elm.
Common Mattress Types
- Innerspring mattresses offer support through steel coils. These will either be continuous coils or pocket coils. The former are made up of an interlocking coil system that makes the entire surface of the bed bouncy and consistent. The latter have individually wrapped coils that provide more targeted support for your body.
- Foam mattresses mold to fit you and allow you to move around without disturbing your partner. They are built with stacked layers of foam that provides you complete support across your entire body.
- Hybrid mattresses have both a coil base and a top foam layer, so you can enjoy the support that an innerspring mattress offers and the comfort that a foam mattress offers.
- Water mattresses make you feel like you’re floating. They’re adjustable depending on how you want the water to react to your body.
- Pillowtop mattresses have a layer of padding on top for additional support, comfort, durability, and cooling abilities.
- Air beds are different than common air mattresses. They are often made with foam layers and won’t sag over time. They’re also easier to maneuver since they’re less bulky.Â
Common Bed Frame Types
- Platform bed frames have four legs that elevate it off the ground. It does not require a box spring, and it can be used with any mattress.
- Divan bed frames are equipped with one or more drawers, so you have extra storage space. This also makes them very sturdy, too.
- Trundle bed frames have a second bed beneath the top one, which you can pull out when you need it and stay hidden when you don’t.
- Sleigh bed frames have high headboards and footboards. They offer a unique design and are convenient for keeping your pillows in place.
- Loft bed frames are lifted into the air, giving you more floor space beneath it. They usually also have a side frame to ensure you don’t roll off.
- Wrought iron bed frames are sleek and can match any room’s aesthetic. Plus, they’re incredibly durable.
- Ottoman bed frames are similar to divan frames in that they offer storage space. However, you access that space by pulling the mattress up instead of using drawers.
- Canopy bed frames have four posts that make it seem more luxurious. They can also offer a feeling of security due to the enclosed space.
- Mid-century modern bed frames are simple yet classy. They are usually made from polished wood that will brighten up your space.
- Futon bed frames allow you to use your bed as a place to sleep and a couch to sit on. It is very minimalistic, easy to move around, and saves space, too.
Related Questions
How do you know when to buy a new bed?
There are many signs indicating when it’s time to get a new bed. You may start sleeping restlessly or wake up with aches and pains. You may also notice visible signs of wear and tear to your mattress and notice notices and creaks.
What is an adjustable bed frame?
As the name suggests, an adjustable bed frame can be adjusted. They have electronic controls, so you can choose the angle of the bed.
Final Thoughts
To get a bed that is worth sleeping in, you’re going to spend a decent amount of money. Plus, you have to buy the bedding, too. While this is a fact, it is still helpful to know why exactly you will be paying so much. Though it may not be the best feeling to spend all that money, it’s going to be worth it in the end.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
More by Kerry Souder
