Care & Maintenance: The 2026 Guide to Reviving Old Beds Without Replacing Them

If your bed’s looking more tired than a Yorkshire lad after a full day’s graft, don’t worry. You don’t always need to splurge on a brand-new masterpiece from Funkybedz (though we wouldn’t blame you if you did). Sometimes, all an old bed needs is a bit of TLC, elbow grease, and a dollop of Yorkshire common sense.

This guide walks you through exactly how to bring an ageing bedframe, mattress, or headboard back to life ,saving you pennies while giving your bedroom a glow-up. Whether it’s wobblier than a three-legged stool or duller than a rainy Monday, we’ve got the tricks to turn things around.

Why Bother Reviving an Old Bed?

Let’s be honest: beds aren’t cheap, and the good ones are built to last yonks. If your bedframe is still structurally sound, it’s worth giving it a makeover rather than binning it. Plus, with a little magic, you can often make an older bed look just as lush as a brand-new one from our Ottoman bed collection.

Restoring your bed is:

• Budget-friendly – keep your coins for a chippy tea.
• Eco-conscious – Mother Earth sends her thanks.
• Satisfying – like finally finding that missing sock.

Part 1: Fixing a Squeaky or Wobbly Bedframe

If your bed squeaks every time you roll over, making the whole house think you’re wrestling a goose in there, it’s time for a quick tune-up.

Tighten Every Last Bolt

Beds loosen over the years ,much like your willpower around biscuits. Grab a screwdriver or Allen key and tighten every bolt, screw and joint you can find.

Focus especially on:

• Side rail connections
• Headboard bolts
• Centre support legs
• Slat holders

Add Felt Pads or Washers

Metal-on-metal friction is often the culprit of squeaks. Add felt furniture pads or rubber washers between components. It works wonders.

Lubricate Wooden Joints

If you’ve got a wooden bed, a rub of candle wax or a silicone-based spray helps the parts glide smoothly without making noise.

Part 2: Restoring a Sagging Mattress

A sagging mattress is like a bad relationship you don’t realise how unsupported you are until your back kicks off. Before treating yourself to a new mattress from our mattress collection, try reviving the old one first.

Rotate & Flip (If Allowed)

Rotating your mattress every 3–6 months helps even out normal wear. Some mattresses can be flipped too check the label so you don’t flip a pillow-top by mistake and end up sleeping on the wrong side.

Use a Mattress Topper

A thick, high-quality topper adds plushness and gives your spine a night off from its current suffering. It’s a budget-friendly upgrade with a noticeable difference.

Fixing Dips With Towels or Foam Inserts

If there’s a noticeable dip, try placing a folded towel or piece of dense foam under the mattress on the sagging side. It's not glamorous, but it works.

Part 3: Bringing Fabric Headboards Back to Life

If your headboard’s looking grubby or flattened, don’t despair. A reconditioned headboard can completely refresh your room’s vibe.

Vacuum & Steam Clean

Dust, makeup, and the odd greasy head mark (no judgement,we’ve all had duvet days) can cling to fabric. A thorough vacuum followed by gentle steaming brightens it right up.

Reviving the Padding

If the padding feels flat, unzip the cover (if possible) and insert extra foam. For fixed designs, you can add batting behind the headboard by unscrewing it from the frame.

Reupholster (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

A staple gun, new fabric, and a free afternoon might be all you need to give your headboard a totally fresh look. Linen, velvet, and boucle are all on trend—and look lush with frames from our upholstered bed range.

Part 4: Making Wooden Beds Look New Again

Wood beds develop scratches, dryness, and dullness,just like your legs in winter when you forget to moisturise.

Clean With a Gentle Wood Cleaner

Soap and water can damage wood. Use a dedicated wood cleaner or a dilute vinegar solution (50/50). Avoid soaking.

Polish or Oil

Wood oils like Danish oil or beeswax polish restore shine and depth. Always test on a hidden patch first.

Cover Scratches With a Wax Stick

Wax repair sticks fill scratches and blend beautifully. Nobody will ever know your bed’s been through a rough patch.

Part 5: Metal Bed Restoration

Metal beds rarely die ,they just need a bit of love.

Cleaning

A simple wipe with warm soapy water usually works. For rust, fine-grade steel wool + metal polish = magic.

Repainting

A fresh coat of spray paint transforms the whole frame. Matte black, cream, and brushed gold are trending for 2026.

Part 6: Upgrading Support Systems

Sometimes slats give up before the bed does.

Replace Broken Slats

Cracked slats cause mattress dips and noisy rolling. Luckily, replacement slats are cheap and easy to fit.

Add a Centre Support Beam

Especially for larger beds kings and super kings need solid support. If there’s no centre beam, adding one strengthens the whole structure dramatically.

Part 7: Styling Your Rejuvenated Bed

Once your bed’s revived, give it a proper glow-up. Fresh bedding, cushions, throws—it all helps. Browse our bedding collection for inspo (and temptation).

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