Brattby Bed Frame by Ikea: For Kids and Adult Cheapskates like Me

Some of us like sleeping closer to the ground and thus prefer low beds to high beds. If you're someone who wants a low bed with a low price, the simply deisgned Brattby bed frame by Ikea may be right for you, even though it's placed alongside the children's furniture in the actual Ikea store. Inexpensive but sturdy, the Brattby bed frame is a low-maintenance solution for a guest bedroom, though it's also ideal for daily use by us cheapskate minimalists. Simply constructed of light wood and easy to paint or stain if desired, I considered it the ideal option for my taste and budget - and yes, it's adequately long (I'm 6 feet tall). Although I had an unfortunate issue with the box missing an important screw, I was able to adapt and am pleased with the Brattby bed frame otherwise.

Note: "Brattby" refers to a whole line of Ikea merchandise, a deviation from the usual different-name-for-each-product system. So don't get confused!

In order for the Brattby bed frame to be functional, a slatted bed base (Sultan) must be included, raising the cost slightly. My twin Brattby bed frame was only $39, and the string of slats ran an addition $20. But for just under $60, where else can you get a well-designed bed frame that will lift your mattress off the floor a few inches while keeping the look simple and unobtrusive? The headboard is ever so slight, and there's enough clearance for some shallow under-bed storage.

The Brattby bed frame was surprisingly easy to transport home. It fit entirely inside a 1988 Honda sedan without any seat folding, window stickouts, or other accommodations - another bonus for those who don't have access to a large vehicle.

I did mention above that I encountered a problem with a missing screw - the first such episode in my years of Ikea experience. Usually, they err on the side of including an extra screw, but this time, they neglected one of the critical thick screws that holds the long side of the Brattby bed frame to the footboard/leg. Luckily, I was able to walk over to a nearby Home Depot and find a standard screw close enough to the metric screw from Ikea, so I was able to adapt and secure the pieces. I was definitely frustrated, but I decided that the risk of DIY furniture included the possibility of such snafus. Had it not been for the screw mishap, assembly would only have taken 20 minutes - pretty speedy.

Overall, I'm quite pleased with the Brattby bed frame and have found that it helps make even a slimmer foam mattress more comfortable. Here's to clean lines and cheap furniture!