I currently live in a one-bedroom apartment in New York City, but I'm moving into a three-bedroom duplex later this year. While I'm excited about the extra space, I can't help but also stress about filling the home with furniture and decor. Not only will the expenses add up, but now I also need to plan out how to style each room, including our guest bedroom! Even though it won't be used often, I still want to put the time and care into furnishing it. This all starts with a quality mattress and bed—I want my in-laws and friends to feel like they're staying at a luxe bed and breakfast—which is why I jumped at the chance to test Thuma's bed frame for House Beautiful.
I've had my eyes on its signature piece ever since I got bombarded with Instagram ads about it years ago. My favorite part about the Thuma bed frame is that it uses a Japanese joinery technique to make all the wood fit together to form the bed frame. As someone who hates dealing with multiple pieces of metal hardware and loose screws, the interlocking wood method, which relies on tension and friction to hold the pieces together, sounds easy to put together. (It's like fitting large puzzle pieces together!). Spoiler alert: So far, I love the bed, and the quality is superb. Ahead, I'll share what the delivery and assembly process was like for the Thuma bed frame, plus more insightful pros and cons of the bed after having slept on it for a few nights already.
The Delivery Process
I chose a queen-size bed with a headboard and cushion combination because it added a softer and cozier-looking texture to all the wood. When I was ordering this bed in walnut, this specific color was on backorder, so it took about a month to arrive. However, right now, the same options are in stock and ready to ship in three to five business days. (I will say, my wait was worth it.) Since I took advantage of Thuma's Premium Delivery Service (it costs $175), I was able to decide the day I wanted to receive my bed.
Additionally, the service includes assembly and trash removal, which is very helpful if you don't want to deal with breaking down and taking out cardboard boxes. Prior to my delivery date, a logistics company reached out to me to confirm delivery details, and the day of, I received a call 30 minutes before to alert me the delivery was coming. I also received an email, where I could monitor the delivery status. The men came at exactly 2:30 p.m., as specified, and a total of four skinny boxes were wheeled into my apartment. I couldn't believe how little packaging there was. I literally asked them: "Is this all the packages? My bed is in there?"
Ease of Assembly
I know I said the bed seemed easy to put together, but since I scheduled this delivery for when I would WFH and used the premium delivery service, I let the delivery people assemble the bed for me. I did stand by the doorway to watch and ask questions though, so that when the time comes to break this thing down and rebuild it at my new spot, I would know how. The bed frame is made of multiple pieces that simply slide into place once you lay the rails together.
I counted a total of four screws used in putting the bed and attaching the cushion to the headboard together, which just required twisting into place. I was amazed because my current CB2 platform bed utilizes over 15 screws, which require a drill to install. Thuma really makes putting the bed together foolproof because you can also find step-by-step instructions online that'll guide you through the process. It took the two men about 15 minutes to put all the pieces together, and then they carted away all the trash, and I was left with a brand-new walnut bed frame.
Thuma Bed Quality and Features
I have heard from friends and colleagues that Thuma's pieces are worth the price, thanks to their high quality. (Our Assistant Market Editor Catherine DiPersico has the dresser, to which she declared: "It was love at first sight: I liked its sleek minimalist design, no-tool assembly, and modular capabilities.") The Thuma bed is made from upcycled rubberwood, which feels smooth to the touch and sturdy—I jumped up and down on my mattress, and the bed did not move or squeak. I did give the headboard a good shake back and forth and noticed minor movement, but not enough that it felt like the whole thing was going to fall apart.
The slats, which the mattress rests on, were also strong and durable. The sides are lined with gray felt made from recycled plastics so that once the slats are laid down, the felt keeps them in place. I love this because my CB2 bed slats require you to drill screws into every section to attach them to the bed frame, which you can imagine is very tedious. There is also nine inches of clearance underneath the bed for storage, which is nice if you live in a small space that lacks closets. Thuma actually sells matching under-the-bed drawers, which I regret not getting. Additionally, the height allows you to easily clean under the bed with a Dyson or robot vacuum, which I annoyingly can't do with my low-platform bed.
As for the cushion, which you can get in a linen weave or bouclé, my favorite part about this is that the interchangeable covers can be unzipped so you can wash them. My current CB2 pillowboard isn't washable and let me tell you: the fabric does get quite dusty if you don't wipe it down monthly. Since I have sensitive skin and I'm allergic to dust and dander, I love that I can toss my charcoal linen weave cover into the wash when needed. Last but not least, I can sleep easily, knowing that the bed isn't made from toxic chemicals and materials. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified, a certificate that shows the materials have gone through testing to prove they are eco-friendly for the planet and your health.
Thuma Bed Pros and Cons
I've been sleeping on the Thuma bed for a few nights so far and have zero complaints about it. To summarize my pros and cons, though:
Pros
- It's very easy to assemble since there are hardly any screws and very few pieces
- The wood feels smooth and nice, you won't get any splinters
- There is ample space underneath the bed for storage
- The cushion covers are interchangeable and washable
Cons
- If you don't like minimalism, the bed's design may feel a bit bland to you
- Under-the-bed drawers must be purchased separately
Is the Thuma Bed Worth Buying?
Yes, I would 100 percent recommend all my friends and family to get a Thuma bed if their budget allows. This is the type of bed frame that will last you for years, and because it's so easy to put together, even without the premium delivery service, it's worth the price. The bed is sturdy, the wood colors come in rich tones, and there's space underneath the bed for storage—what more could you ask for? I'm now debating if I should keep the Thuma for myself and move my old bed into the guest bedroom instead. (Sorry, mother-in-law!)
More Thuma Bed FAQs
If you're looking for more specific information on the Thuma bed, I've summarized several important points below.
What Sizes Does the Thuma Bed Come In?
It comes in twin, full, queen, king, and Cali king.
Does the Thuma Bed Require a Box Spring?
According to the Thuma website, while you can use a box spring with the bed, they recommend against doing so. The slats, which I can attest to myself as being super sturdy, are more than durable to support your mattress.
Does the Thuma Bed Support All Mattress Types?
Good news: the bed works with all types of mattresses, including foam, bed-in-a-box options, hybrids, and more. Additionally, all mattress thicknesses will work with the bed, but note that larger mattresses will cover up more of the pillowboard. Thuma uses a standard mattress height of 10-11 inches for all its product imagery, so if you're unsure of what mattress height to get, take a look there!
What Is Thuma's Return Policy and Warranty?
You can read the full return policy here, but for a general overview of the most important information, know that the bed, headboard, nightstand, dresser, and pillowboard covers, for example, all come with a 100-day trial for your first purchase. You can return whatever you're unhappy with within those 100 days—just contact Thuma to initiate a return. Products must be sent back in their original packaging, and you'll get a refund when your item reaches the warehouse. If you use the premium delivery service though, that fee won't be refunded.
For warranty, items like the bed, nightstand, dresser, and under-the-bed storage drawers have lifetime warranties. The hybrid mattress has a 15-year warranty, while the sheets and rugs have one-year warranties. You can see all the eligible items available for warranties here.
