Is a Simba bed worth the price? Our head of shopping gives her verdict on quality and delivery

These days, buying a bed isn’t as simple as wandering into a showroom and pointing at the one that looks comfiest. With endless options online, styles that range from ultra-minimalist to extravagant, and delivery logistics that make you question your life choices, the process can feel more stressful than it's worth. These are also the exact reasons why I've kept hold of my old double bed for far longer than I should– especially now that I share it with a 6ft5 tall boyfriend who, most definitely, doesn't fit in it.

But one name that kept popping up in my search was Simba. Best known for their high-tech hybrid mattresses, they’ve built a solid reputation for designing premium-looking sleep solutions ranging from mattresses to pillows and bed frames. And it was these bed frames that really caught my interest.

By way of a quick overview before I share my order experience, their beds are made in the UK using FSC-certified wood, available in dozens of customizable and very on-trend finishes, and come with perks like whopping 10-year guarantees, free delivery and a 200-night trial. I’d already been sleeping on a Simba mattress (and loving it), so when I saw they also made proper upholstered bed frames – with clean and modern styling, and a delivery promise that didn’t involve a headache – I decided to upgrade my old bed before I ended up having to downgrade to a smaller boyfriend.

The model I went for? The Hoxton Bed– a beautifully designed frame with a padded headboard to rival a trending 'cloud' frame, lots of customisable options and the promise of easy, fuss-free setup.

Here’s how it all went...

Customising the bed

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The Hoxtonisn’t a one-size-fits-all bed frame. There are six different base designs to choose from (including smart under-bed storage drawers, which come fully pre-assembled), and you can opt for a sleek, modern silhouette with or without a headboard.

I chose the version with headboard for a more finished, hotel-style look – and it didn’t disappoint. The tall, padded headboard has a minimalist design that still feels soft and welcoming, perfect for propping up a pillow and reading before bed.

Then there’s the colour and fabric selection – and this is where Simba really sets themselves apart. The bed is available in a huge range of 34 different colours and textures, from subtle neutrals to bold statement shades. I picked Oyster White in a matte weave fabric to match my other furnishings, but there are fabrics ranging from plush velvet to crisp linen and snug chenille. Basically, the selection process feels a bit like you're designing a room on The Sims – it was a lot of fun.

Prices do range depending on the fabric you pick, but my king side bed frame was from £799 for the velvet and matte weave textures.

The delivery process

One of my biggest worries with buying a new bed was the delivery. Would it fit up the stairs? Would it come in 100 pieces and require a full toolkit? Happily, Simba has already thought all that through. The Hoxton arrives mostly pre-assembled, including the drawers if you’ve opted for a storage version. It’s delivered in just two or three boxes, depending on the size you’ve ordered. The largest single piece – the base – maxes out at around 33cm high, 90cm wide and 200cm long, so it’s long but slim enough to navigate through doorways and hallways.

Everything was clearly labelled and well-packaged. The fixings are simple connector fittings – no complex construction or power tools required. I would love to say I put it together myself, but in honesty, I watched my boyfriend do it. But I wouldn't say he has too much in the way of DIY skill (though he'd argue that, of course), and he found it simple enough. The only slight issue we had was locating the pre-made holes for the headboard to connect to. For this reason, I'd suggest attaching the headboard before you push it all the way back to the wall.

Even better, if you’d rather put your feet up, Simba also offers a specialist delivery and installation service for a small additional fee. They’ll assemble the whole thing and even remove your old bed. I didn’t go for that this time, as I'm selling my old bed, but it’s a great option if you’re short on time or patience.

What it’s like to sleep on

Once built, the Hoxton Bed instantly elevated the whole room. It feels solid and sturdy – no creaking, no shifting – and the soft, upholstered finish gives it that premium boutique-hotel feel. I paired it with my existing Simba Hybrid mattress, and the combination has made bedtime feel like an actual treat. It’s also worth noting the little thoughtful design touches – like the clean lines, quality finishes, and soft-close drawers (if you opt for storage). Everything just works, and looks good doing it. For these reasons, I think it completely justifies the price, considering there are much pricier frames out there that don't offer seamless delivery, assembly and storage solutions.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. In fact, my best friend is already scrolling through the fabric options for her own bedroom redesign.

I would say it's worth paying decent money for a good quality bed, just because of how often it's used and how long for, but if your budget doesn't stretch to Simba, I have found some alternatives that give trendy designs for a smaller price. I also looked at Dusk's Madison Ottoman Storage Bed, from £359, which also looks very aesthetic. And Wayfair's Hucksley Upholstered Bed Frame, from £265.99, looks like a plushy dream.