Q: I just recently purchased a king size west elm 2x2 bed frame. When I finally put it together, I could see that the pine slats and the outside frame were different heights (the pine slats sit about 1" lower). When I placed my mattress down, I noticed that there is a gap lengthwise where the mattress is shorter than the bed and you can see the pine slats (see photo below).
Widthwise, my mattress does not fit only on the lowered slatted base area, but lays on top of the outside frame causing it to slightly bow up.
At first I thought something might be wrong with my mattress, but I measured and it is a standard size of 76"x80" (same as the mattresses sold from west elm). I measured the bed frame itself, which is 78"x85" (not the 78"x82" listed online). The inside slat area is only 72"x81".
After calling both the store and customer service, I received conflicting statements on how the mattress is supposed to fit. The online pictures are also not clear whether this is normal. I was wondering if anyone else has had this issue with this bed, and whether this fit could cause any damage to the mattress?
I would think this would be a bad design to have the slat area smaller than the mattress, unless maybe the slats are supposed to be higher up?
I would appreciate any feedback!
Sent by Kara
Editor: Can anyone help Kara out with info on the 2x2 Bed? Let us know in the comments - thanks!
• Got a question? Email yours with pic attachments here (those with pics get answered first)
The Ultimate Used Furniture Cleaning Kit
Ana Creates a Community at Home
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
Soda Recipe: Homemade Ginger Ale
Recipe: Spring Fruit and Nut Tabouli
I would escalate your call to a supervisor and send them this photo. You mattress should not bow.
I have an ikea malm bed, probably cost tons less that your west elm bed and the slats dont show...mine has 2 different places to place slats..high and low...possible yours has this same feature?
Not normal. I have a West Elm full size bed and my mattress fits inside the frame, resting on the pine slats. Your mattress should not bow, and if you sleep on it in that position you might do damage to the mattress.
I have West Elm's Storage Bed Frame in queen and have the opposite problem. With the mattress perfectly centered, the slats are significantly exposed on both sides. This more or less hidden by the comforter when the bed is made, but I've wondered the same thing about my situation. I haven't measured or done any other investigation though.
Why are you asking us?
You're obviously not happy with it - if it's within 30 days of your purchase - Just return it.
If you're outside the 30 day timeframe - Sell it on CL and get something else.
there is no way it's supposed to do that. i agree that a escalating to a supervisor or if that doesn't work doing an eecb (ala consumerist.com) should get this resolved.
It looks like there's a problem with the frame. Your mattress should fit within the frame resting on the slats. Definitely ask to speak to a manager or customer service supervisor and send them photos and the measurements of the bed. You may have one that shouldn't have passed quality control if it doesn't match West Elm's stated dimensions.
send it back.... you got a lemon
We have 2 twin beds from West Elm. The mattress fits down in the frame and I can fit 2 fingers between the mattress and frame. We had to nail down each of the pine slats because they were cut too short when someone sat on the bed (even just the weight of my 8 year old would cause the slats to fall through). They changed suppliers when we ordered ours. It took 9 months from the day we ordered them until we received them due to a change in SKU numbers we would receive monthly updates saying they were still on backorder (when really the SKU no longer existed). I'd send yours back.
Are you sure you installed the slat part correctly?
I had a similar problem with a bed frame from West Elm. I removed the plastic protective caps from the corners of the mattress and with a little finesse and putting the mattress straight in instead of one end at a time I was able to make it work.
I had the same problem as lyssrawr as well as using the comforter to cover the exposed slats. I ended up staining the exposed edges with a similar color (I had leftover stain on hand), which somewhat camouflaged the problem. I just couldn't be bothered with escalating the issue since dismantling and driving back the darn thing would've been more trouble than it was worth.
Looks like they mixed up the pieces for a california king and a traditional king. Hopefully they will deliver a replacement and you'll only have to re-assemble...
Thanks everyone for the feedback! I was able to return the bed to the store with no problem except for the inconvenience of disassembling the bed and repacking it into the box. The store's employees were actually very nice about it. They said they've never had any complaints before, and said that it possibly could have been defective.
However, I don't think that was the case, because the width, which was the main problem, did match the stated dimensions for the King (a Cal King is even narrower, so the problem would have been even worse). Also, if you look at the instructions, it is pretty clear that the parts only fit one way and there is really no way to install the slats improperly. I have run the gamut on the possible causes for the misfit, but I really suspect that the frame is designed like this!
I ended up just exchanging the 2x2 for the tall wood frame and my mattress now fits perfectly. I was able to keep the same slats which also fit this frame.
@nicolson: do you have the 2x2 or a different west elm frame?
If you prefer that your mattress is a little higher than the platform, you can purchase a bunky board for under your mattress. Bunky boards are about 2" thick. I would not recommend plywood because it does not have the give, or bounce, that you want from a bed base.
we just had a similar problem with twin size beds and new mattresses. the first mattresses we bought had a 3 in gap, took it back and they measured 1" shorter than the label indicated. Measured several different twins on showroom floor and they varied in width by about 3" overall. The shpiel from the salesman is that the size indicated is a "guide" and can vary 2-3 inches. Hmmm. Seems ridiculous. Didn't have this problem with the ikea mattress we bought and bedframe not from ikea.
I recently purchased the Full Size 2x2 frame and am having exactly the same problem. A standard full size mattress measures about 54" wide, yet the full size 2x2 that I purchased measures 50" wide inside the slatted area! I called the store and they were very nice. The associate said that to her knowing this had never happened before, and that I can return the bed for a full refund or come and pick out a new frame.. Hopefully a different frame will solve the problem as I love their bed frames!
I just received my Queen sized 2x2 bed frame with the low wood cutout headboard in white. I'm having a similar issue. My frame is a good 4 inches longer than my mattress and you can see the wooden slats showing through! I'm really disappointed however I think i'll paint the slats white and call it good, seeming how my sheets and blankets are white also.
My nearest west elm store is approx 180 miles away so returning the set isn't really a good option. Any other ideas?
I purchase this same bed frame recently and I am having the exact same issue. Has anyone in this forum purchased a 2x2 frame that does fit a mattress properly? I don't think it was a one off defect, I think the frame is poorly designed. My mattress does not fit the frame width-wise. Customer service wasn't very helpful, they just told me that the slates show for decorative purposes, but did not explain why the mattress does not fit. They told me to call the store and return it, but that means I have to borrow a truck again, take the bed apart and take back to the store. What a pain.
An update on the 2x2 bed frame. I ended up taking the bed frame back to the store and exchanging it for the chunky frame. The store manager said that they have had lots of issues with the 2x2 frame and it is being discontinued, which explains why it was on sale for such a good price. If you do purchase one and it doesn't fit, take it back for a different frame.
I just had the same thing happen to me. They told me that there are different sizes of king mattresses. The bed manufacturer must make the frame big enough for other kings. eg 78" x 80". 'm working with the company right now to take it back. Can't see how they can fix it. "Enlarge my mattress"!!! Should have told me about this before I bought!