How To Cover Metal Bed Frame? Best and Complete Guide

When you buy a box spring and mattress at the furniture store or even your local mattress store, you will normally be given a metal bed frame to help give it strong support. Unfortunately, while these metal frames are quite effective, they practically have no style.

More so, while the best deals they offer are elevation and support to one’s mattress, the con to it is that they are crafted for their function and barely their aesthetic appeal. 

Nevertheless, most people have been wondering how to cover metal bed frames. We will suggest some tips in this article. First, understand that hiding the bed frame can boost your bedroom’s appearance. 

It must be properly noted that some of the methods we will be listing also protect these hard metals. However, before we delve into how to cover metal bed frames, we will be providing details on their safety.

Safety Of metal beds

On a general note, metal bed frames are just as safe and dangerous as all other bed frame types you can find. The fact is, if they are constructed poorly, they can collapse and injure the person making use of it. 

Nevertheless, this is the same with other bed frames. Thus, this issue is not limited to metal frames.

Surprisingly there have been claims in the past and present that electromagnetic fields of the metal bed frames can cause problems. The electromagnetic radiations due to the fields are, in fact, the cause.

However, these claims are falsified or unfounded. If you didn’t know, electromagnetic radiation covers radio waves, microwaves, WiFi signals, and even visible light.

Even though some radiation is from the EM fields, the amount is equivalent to turning on a light bulb. As such, it is practically negligible.

The ones spreading these lies are usually trying to sell bamboo or wooden bed frame. These people might also be scamming people with alternative radiation curing drugs or practicing diverse types of pseudoscience.

While there have been some studies done on the effect metal bed frames have with electricity none so far have resulted in health issues.

If the metal bed isn’t welded properly, it can break down. Additionally, if the joints become too rusted, they might break. A clear sign of rusted joints is too much squeaking.

So if this happens, you need to check the joints and do some repair. Also, regular cleaning of the metal frame can be a surefire to extend its lifespan.

Parents like you and me sometimes worry about the frame being able to handle our kids’ weight. But we need not to since the quality of the metal used even though its light is more than capable of holding two or three kids.

Why should I cover metal bed frame?

Just knowing how to cover metal bed frame shouldn’t be enough; you should also learn why you need to and when you should. The best thing about metal bed frames is that they are very durable as well as easy to assemble. However, the metal part of metal bed frames can do a lot of damage to your floor, so that’s an issue. Therefore, you need to cover metal bed frames in your house to protect your floor from scratches.

Also, metal bed frames are very sturdy, meaning you can easily stub your toes or trip on them quite badly. Moreover, metal bed frames aren’t known for having the best design and look. So by covering metal bed frames, you can avoid this issue.

Tips to cover the frame

To cover metal bed frame firstly you need to hide the metal bed frame using clothes or ribbons. After that, you need the beds’ footer and header. Once that is done you can make use of a bed skirt if it’s necessary. Finally, to camouflage the metal bed frame you can throw a blanket over the entire frame.

There are different ways available when you seek to cover metal bed frame. One of such methods you can use is to follow these steps. It includes:

Step One

Completely remove the mattress that is on the top of the box spring before you cover metal bed frame. Then, spread a bed skirt crafted to hide your frame across the box spring. Ensure that you make use of the correct size for your bed. 

The next thing to do is position the mattress on top and make any necessary adjustments to the bed skirt for a good appearance.

Step Two

You can cover the frame using fabric or ribbons, old neckties, or even fake ivy vines. Whenever you have a specific material to use, cut strips of it and begin at one end of the metal. 

Then, bind it very tightly around until you get to the other end. Continue doing this until the whole frame is concealed with the wrap.

Step Three

More so, you can cover the frame by covering the whole bed with either a blanket, quilt, or a comforter that is bigger than your actual bed size. You are to drape the additional fabric downward to hide the frame. 

Step Four

You can choose to soften and even protect the frame’s metal by covering it with foam pool noodles. Then, you just need to choose a color that blends well with the decor in your room.

The next thing you are to do is position the pool noodle in front of you and cut a horizontal slit. This horizontal slit should extend the length of the noodle and must be deep enough to reach its center hole. 

The next step to cover metal bed frame is to stick this pool noodle along the top part of the bed frame. Keep doing this with as many noodles as needed to give complete coverage.

How to cover metal bed frame using a bed skirt

Anyone looking for a modern upholstered bed frame looks there are ways to achieve it, no worries. One of the best ways to work is using a bed skirt that hides the metal frame.

If you didn’t know what a bed skirt like me was in the past, this is a decorative fabric. These fabrics use ruffles and frills to cover the entire metal bed frame. Remember that the bed skirt only covers the frame and not the box spring.

Due to the partial covering, many think that it leaves the bedroom looking slightly unfinished. Moreover, a bed skirt is an old-fashioned item covering the metal bed frame, so you might look for some alternatives.

The alternatives people use for bed skirts include:

Even if it might look rather, old-fashioned bed skirts come in multiple fabrics, colors, and lengths. In terms of fabrics, you have the option of choosing soft flowing fabrics such as:

1. Linen
2. Poly cotton
3. Viscose

Or sturdier fabrics such as:

1. Duck cloth
2. Wool tweed, and even;
3. Poplin

As you fit a bed skirt to cover metal frame, remember to keep it roughly ¼ inches above the ground.

Aside from a bed skirt, you can also choose a bad wrap, but it has issues.

Since a bed wrap is used for box spring, it doesn’t work for well-covering metal beds. It is beneficial as it fits the box spring and does not extend below your box spring. But it is hard to install and doesn’t cover everything.

How to make a bed skirt by ourselves

The things that you will need to purchase are:

• Three yards of fabric 
• Tape measure
• Iron-on hemming tape
• Six and ½ yards of trim
• Scissors
• Iron
• Hot glue gun and sticks
• Staples or straight pins

Firstly you need to calculate the length and width of your metal bed frame. You need to add an extra 12 inches to the two sides and front. It needs to be wide enough for three huge strips.

Next, fold the fabric in half and cut 18 strips with the extra length for all sides. Afterward, attach the pieces with iron-on fusing tape while keeping them aligned to the front.

Use hot glue on the bottom edge’s frame and do it wearing finger protectors. Note that the fringe top trim must be attached evenly at the fabric’s bottom.

You should use more tape or glue to secure the cut ends of your fringe. Wrapping your box spring with fabric and length adjusting is the next step. I prefer fringe pooling, but you can choose to skim or float it.

Now you will fold the corner piece to keep them flat. Before placing them, ensure that the hot glue is in place with one side on top of the next.

Next, place the remaining overlapping fabric on top with staples or straight pins. Also, you can use velcro strips under the fabric sides.

Since the top mattress can hold dust ruffle, you can attach three to four strips of fabric or just one solid piece on top of your box spring.

When placing the bed skirt on your mattress, ensure you have the right measurement according to your mattress. Once the top mattress is removed, the bed skirt should be spread out, and the corners made to line up. 

You are to walk around the bed to make sure the skirt is made to be even on all its sides. Then, with care, place the mattress back at the top without moving the bed skirt. This will give it an elegant look like a new frame.

To properly cover a metal bed frame using a skirt or a wooden box is the best idea. With a skirt, the entire frame will be covered and with a box, the style of the bed will be changed. You could use a bed wrap but it wouldn’t be a good choice. By cutting then gluing and taping fabric you should cover the entire bed frame. Make sure to use colorful fabric to make the entire thing amazing.

How to cover metal bed frame using a wooden box

Aside from using a bed skirt, you can also build a wooden box around the metal bed frame. It will help to give your bed a modern platform bed look. Also, it is rather easy to make and costs quite cheap.

The materials you will need to do this are:

• The metal frame
• Boxspring 
• 56x14x2 wooden boards (two)
• 77x14x2 wood boards (two)
• A circular saw
• A nail gun
• A medium-grit sandpaper
• Paint and brush
• Mattress
• Stain, and;
• Four-inch nails

Before starting, take accurate measurements using a longer-length measuring tape. Also, you can use wood putty to fill up the nail holes. Additionally, take the height of the frame.

The dimensions need to be done efficiently since they will matter to you later in the steps. So firstly, take the dimensions of the wood that you placed flat on the ground. Then place the box spring on top of the metal frame and measure its height from the ground to the top of your box spring, as mentioned earlier.

My standard full bed was a seven-inch metal bed. So, if you use the same bed, the height will be sixteen inches, fifty-four inches width, and seventy-five inches length. 

If required, you can use a pencil to mark it or a pen to make it visible. As you draw on the wood, leaving spaces between the platforms is advisable so no problem will arise as you cut it.

Build a wooden box to cover metal bed frame

Furthermore, you are to cut two boards that measure 56x14x2 inches along with two boards that measure 77x14x2 inches. Then, cut them using the circular saw. If you do not want to go through this stress, you can cut the boards at a hardware store when buying them. 

For those who will be doing the cutting themselves, you can do it on a leveled area or place them between two stall chairs to be able to sew through it. But, again, ensure that you cut in the ideal area around it and equal. 

When you have the cut edges, sand them with medium-grit sandpaper. Once the cutting is done, you can begin assembling the parts of the bed box that you cut out. Make use of a drill in installing it to the bed frame, plus a hole to insert the screw in a bid to secure it. 

As you assemble, try to do it according to how it should look, then you can proceed to the next step. In the next step, you are to embark on painting. Finally, when you are done drilling and trying to see if it fits perfectly, you will embark on the finishing touches. 

As you pick the color you desire, you can spray or paint it. However, have it in mind that the color should match the bedroom interior. In addition, it will have to make the bedroom look good. 

When you are done painting, allow it to dry and ensure it does not get messy when placing them back in the frame. You can even make it to match with the curtains n your bedroom. 

Ensure that you leave it to dry overnight. And, when it does, the final part commences. This part entails arranging everything. First, you are to position the four boards in a rectangular shape. 

Do this with an additional person helping you to attain this shape. First, you are to stand the boards on the two-inch sides. Then, position the 56-inch boards opposite each other while the 77-inch boards are placed opposite each other. 

The next step is to rest the 56-inch boards on the flat side of the 77-inch boards. Next, you are to secure these boards together with the aid of the nail gun and the four-inch nails. Finally, position the two nails through the side of the two 77 inches board and into the flat ends of the 56-inch boards. 

Then, you are to position the wooden box over the bed frame and the box spring. This means you will be resting the box on your bedroom floor. More so, position the mattress at the top of the box spring, then subtly make your bed as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Conclusion

On a general note, we have provided all you need when planning on how to cover metal bed frame of yours. You can decide to use bed skirts, craft a wooden box, or use the steps we outlined within the article.