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Anybody have any problems with the "less sturdy" IKEA platform beds such as the Malm? Is it the whole construction or just the slats that seem not as solid as more expensive beds.

Have the Mandal bedframe.

The frame is very sturdy, but assembly takes a while. Drawers aren't amazingly sturdy, but they're fine for light clothes. Wouldn't want to store books, etc in there.

Very good for $300.

Where can I find a big bolster - not too expensive - like in the Min Bed photo?

Perspective Bed from Room and Board is great too! I got it last fall and absolutely love it. $500 for full size, $600 for Queen.

Malm is really sturdy. I've had mine for almost 3 years now i think and I've jumped on it and abused it in many ways. it's still perfect.

Any possibility you can source the bed in the post's picture? I don't see it among the choices...and would love to know where it is!

It's sourced, just hard to catch. Right above the second pick--Campos bed from Room and Board.

we just bought the Bisect platform bed from CB2, it was featured in the AT post (scroll to the very end): http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/beds-mattresses/cb2-bed-roundup-006397

It was very heavy and sturdy, but on the downside it took us 2 hours to put it together. Can't complain though, I love the look and the quality so far.

Chairgal - I'll sell you a big bolster that I bought at WestElm a couple years ago. It's currently in dark brown microfiber, but you can cover it with whatever else you want...

i love my Malm! i noticed it got a little rickety, so i used L brackets on all the corners and its been fine ever since.

I have had my Malm for over 2 years. It was bought from a couple grad students. It's great and strudy...and beleive me....it get's put to some good work. I'd replace it for a sleeker bed, but haven't had a need to.

@BtotheB: Thanks!

Whee, this is just what I needed. I posted about our clanky West Elm bed at Shelterrific, and we are more than ready to stop sleeping on the floor (West Elm modern canopy bed for sale...!)

http://www.shelterrific.com/2008/01/22/the-saga-of-the-clanky-bed/

-DWF AKA Mary T.

Any suggestions on how I can make my inexpensive platform bed sturdier? It's creeky and sags in the middle (even with the slats in place).

I just wanted to add in two more options since I've tried them..

Brocade home - Hand carved bedframe in white http://tinyurl.com/2lh3cc I have this in a guest room. Its fairly sturdy & easy to assemble.

Crate & Barrel - Zen Bed http://tinyurl.com/2zrg5n Incredibly sturdy & WELL worth the price. There's something like 12 slats, two center legs, all steel construction.. I have this in my master bedroom and love it. Its a fantastic buy. http://tinyurl.com/2y9gxv

We have the IKEA Vinstra (minus the crazy, tall headboard) and it's pretty awesome: modern with a low profile like the Min from DWR, but a lot less expensive.

We have an earlier model similar to Ikea Malm. We used it for 10 years in Belgium, and it survived two moves there. Then we shipped it to the US in 2000 and used it as our bed until 2004. We moved again and now use it as a spare bed. 18 years so far. I think Ikea beds are plenty sturdy!

Shortly after I bought my Malm in 2004, some of the slats broke. I finally got out to Schaumburg to replace them early last year, and discovered that they've changed the design to thicker slats.

On overstock.com, the Bello bed in white shown above is now available in cherry. It's beautiful, and I've purchased it. I bought the bed in Queen, and one of the matching side tables. They should be delivered shortly, and I'll take some photos and give a review. We've been looking for an attractive, wooden bed frame for ages, and this is the first one that we could afford, DELIVERED. I have found many beds I love and that are in our price range, but the delivery fees can be absurd. Not to mention the fact that when, on a whim, I asked the overstock rep if I could have an additional 10% discount, they agreed! The bed, side table, delivered: $524.00. Not bad.

Looking forward to seeing the pics and review from RedEngine88 on the Cherry Bello Bed.. is the wood natural cherry? or a wood stained cherry???? I have been searching hi and low for a beautiful bed that can function w/traditional OR contemporary furniture..setting...

There are some beautiful beds at British Beds. The beds listed in this page are equally wonderful. Watch out the leather beds in this store. They are decently priced and elegant in their designs.