What are cheap double beds?
Cheap double beds are budget-friendly bed frames or complete bed setups designed around the standard Australian double mattress size. They provide more sleeping space than a single or king single while taking up less room than a queen bed, making them a practical choice for smaller bedrooms, guest rooms, teenagers and budget-conscious households.
A cheap double bed does not have to look inexpensive. Affordable options are available in timber, metal, upholstered, platform and storage designs, allowing you to balance price, durability and bedroom style.
Quick Facts
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Best for: Guest rooms, teenagers, apartments and compact bedrooms
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Standard Australian double mattress: Approximately 138 × 188 cm
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Popular styles: Timber, metal, upholstered, platform and storage beds
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Budget-friendly option: Simple metal or platform frames
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Space-saving option: Storage or gas-lift double beds
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Luxury look: Upholstered or boucle finishes
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Before buying: Check mattress compatibility, dimensions, weight capacity and assembly requirements
Why are cheap double beds popular?
The main reason Australians choose cheap double beds is the combination of space efficiency and affordability.
A double bed offers noticeably more sleeping space than a single while requiring less floor area than a queen. This makes it especially useful for rooms where every centimetre matters.
Affordable double beds are particularly useful for:
- Guest bedrooms
- Teenagers' bedrooms
- Student accommodation
- Rental properties
- Apartments
- Holiday homes
- Compact master bedrooms
- First-home furniture setups
A budget double bed can also leave more of your furniture budget available for a quality mattress, bedside tables, lighting and bedroom accessories.
What types of cheap double beds are available?
1. Metal Double Beds
Metal frames are often among the simplest affordable options. They can be lightweight, practical and easy to coordinate with contemporary or minimalist bedrooms.
2. Timber Double Beds
Timber frames bring warmth and natural character to a bedroom. Depending on the construction and finish, they can suit coastal, Scandinavian, rustic, modern or traditional interiors.
3. Platform Double Beds
Platform beds offer a straightforward structure with a supportive base for the mattress.
Their simple design makes them a popular budget choice and can create a clean, uncluttered bedroom aesthetic.
4. Upholstered Double Beds
Upholstered beds use fabric across the frame or headboard to create a softer, more luxurious appearance.
Neutral upholstery can make a budget bedroom feel considerably more sophisticated.
5. Storage Double Beds
Storage beds combine the sleeping area with additional space underneath. Options include drawers and lift-up compartments, helping keep bedding, clothing and other belongings organised.
6. Gas-Lift Double Beds
Gas-lift designs use a hydraulic mechanism to raise the mattress platform and reveal storage underneath.
They are particularly useful when bedroom floor space is limited because the storage is integrated into the bed rather than requiring another piece of furniture.
7. Boucle Double Beds
Boucle upholstery adds texture and a contemporary designer-inspired appearance.
It is a useful choice when you want an affordable double bed to become a visual feature of the bedroom.
How do you choose cheap double beds?
1. Measure your bedroom
Start by measuring the available floor space.
Remember to leave enough room for:
- Bedside tables
- Wardrobe doors
- Drawers
- Bedroom doors
- Walking space
The mattress may measure approximately 138 × 188 cm, but the overall bed frame will usually be larger.
2. Check mattress compatibility
Make sure the frame is designed for a standard Australian double mattress. House of Isabella's double-bed information identifies 138 × 188 cm as the standard double mattress size.
3. Decide whether you need storage
If your bedroom has limited wardrobe space, a storage bed can be excellent value.
Choose:
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Drawers for frequently accessed items
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Gas lift for larger or seasonal belongings
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Open storage for baskets and decorative pieces
4. Consider the material
Metal: Lightweight and minimalist.
Timber: Warm and timeless.
Upholstery: Soft and sophisticated.
Engineered timber: Can provide a practical finish at a more accessible price point.
5. Check construction
A low price should not mean ignoring build quality.
Look at the frame materials, slats, joints, centre support and stated weight capacity.
6. Consider assembly
Some affordable beds arrive flat-packed and require assembly. Check the product specifications and delivery requirements before purchasing.
7. Think beyond the initial price
A slightly more expensive bed with stronger construction, better storage mechanisms or a durable finish can provide better long-term value than the cheapest frame available.
Benefits of Cheap Double Beds
A well-chosen affordable double bed can provide:
- Lower upfront cost
- Efficient use of bedroom space
- More sleeping room than a single
- Wide range of styles
- Storage possibilities
- Easy coordination with existing furniture
- Suitability for different life stages
- Practicality for guest and rental bedrooms
In simple terms, cheap double beds make it possible to create a comfortable, stylish bedroom without needing the footprint or budget of a larger bed.
House of Isabella Recommendations
House of Isabella Australia offers double-bed options across metal, timber, upholstered and storage designs, with styles suited to different bedroom layouts and interiors.
For a budget-conscious bedroom, consider:
- A metal frame for a simple contemporary look
- A timber frame for warmth and natural character
- An upholstered bed for a softer designer feel
- A storage bed when space is limited
- A gas-lift design for maximum hidden storage
- A textured or boucle frame when the bed is intended to be a statement piece
House of Isabella also offers Afterpay and Zip, fast Australia-wide delivery, East and West Coast warehouses, a large in-stock catalogue, exclusive and unique designs, and Australian-based customer care.
Trends for 2025 (Australia)
Minimalist Bed Frames
Clean lines and uncomplicated silhouettes continue to suit contemporary Australian bedrooms.
Integrated Storage
Storage beds are increasingly popular because they combine two essential bedroom functions without requiring additional floor space.
Natural Timber
Warm oak-inspired and natural timber finishes help bedrooms feel relaxed and welcoming.
Soft Upholstery
Fabric, linen-look and boucle finishes add warmth and texture to modern bedroom interiors.
Neutral Colours
Cream, beige, taupe, soft grey and natural tones remain versatile choices for creating calm bedrooms.
Multifunctional Bedrooms
As rooms increasingly serve multiple purposes, compact double beds can provide a practical balance between sleeping space and available floor area.
Styling Advice for Cheap Double Beds
Layer the bedding. Use a fitted sheet, quilt, textured throw and cushions to make the bed feel more luxurious.
Add a statement headboard. An upholstered headboard can instantly elevate a simple frame.
Use a rug. Positioning a rug beneath or partially beneath the bed helps anchor the furniture.
Choose coordinated bedside tables. Matching timber or complementary finishes can make a budget bed look more considered.
Add warm lighting. Bedside lamps or wall lighting create a softer evening atmosphere.
Keep the palette simple. Neutral bedding works particularly well with affordable timber, metal and upholstered frames.
Inspiration from Designer Brands
Designer collections can provide useful styling inspiration even when shopping for affordable furniture.
Florabelle Collection, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living and OneWorld Collection can inspire ideas around natural materials, sculptural silhouettes, soft upholstery, textured finishes and warm neutral palettes.
The aim is not to recreate an expensive designer bedroom. Instead, borrow individual ideas—such as a natural timber finish, curved headboard, neutral fabric or statement bedside lighting—and combine them with an affordable double bed.
Common Questions
Are cheap double beds good quality?
They can be. Quality varies between products, so check the frame construction, materials, slats, weight rating and warranty rather than judging by price alone.
What size mattress fits a double bed?
A standard Australian double mattress is approximately 138 × 188 cm. Always confirm the exact frame and mattress measurements before purchasing.
Are double beds suitable for adults?
Yes. A double bed can be comfortable for a solo adult and can accommodate two people when space is limited.
Are storage double beds worth it?
They can be particularly valuable in smaller bedrooms. Drawers work well for regularly accessed items, while gas-lift storage provides a larger concealed compartment.
Is a double bed cheaper than a queen bed?
Generally, a smaller double bed can be a more budget-friendly choice, although the actual price depends on the frame, materials, design and features.
Related Glossary Terms
- Double bed frame
- Cheap double mattress
- Double bed with storage
- Double bed size Australia
- Affordable bedroom furniture
- Gas-lift double bed
Finishing Touch
Cheap double beds can be an excellent choice when you want to balance budget, comfort and available space. The double size sits neatly between a single and queen, making it versatile enough for guest rooms, teenagers, apartments and compact bedrooms.
Look beyond the price tag and consider construction, mattress compatibility, storage, materials and overall design. With thoughtful bedding, lighting and accessories, an affordable double bed can become a stylish centrepiece for an inviting Australian bedroom.
Disclaimer
Mentions of brands such as Florabelle, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.