Bergen Bed Base: The Complete Guide to Our Floating Tasmanian Oak Bed Frame

A bed frame is the one piece of furniture you see first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It should look good, feel solid and last for decades. That is the thinking behind the Bergen Bed Base, our handcrafted hardwood bed frame with softly rounded legs, a low-slung profile and the natural warmth of Tasmanian Oak.

At Back to Bed, we’ve spent more than 30 years building beds and mattresses in Melbourne. The Bergen is one of the designs we’re proudest of. It keeps things simple: clean lines, honest materials and careful joinery. In this guide we cover what it’s made from, how it’s built, what it costs, which options to choose and whether it’s right for your bedroom.

What Is the Bergen Bed Base?

The Bergen Bed Base, also called “The Floating Bed”, is a solid hardwood bed frame handcrafted in Melbourne from premium Tasmanian Oak. It combines a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired silhouette with rounded timber legs that add a mid-century touch.

In short: the Bergen is an Australian-made, made-to-order Tasmanian Oak platform-style bed base with a slatted timber top, a hardwood centre beam, optional headboards and a choice of six natural finishes.

Design Story: Scandinavian Minimalism Meets Mid-Century Legs

The Bergen’s defining feature is its rounded legs. Where many hardwood frames use square, heavy posts, the Bergen’s curved legs soften the whole shape. The result suits contemporary apartments, Japandi-style interiors and warm, mid-century-inspired rooms equally well.

Why It’s Called “The Floating Bed”

The frame sits at a standard height of 35 cm to the top of the foot end, with the legs set so the base appears to hover above the floor. That gives you a 200 mm under-bed clearance and a lighter visual feel, which helps smaller bedrooms feel more open.

What Is the Bergen Bed Base Made From?

Tasmanian Oak: Strength and Grain

The frame, slats and centre beam are all Tasmanian Oak hardwood. It’s a premium Australian timber valued for its durability, its pale warm tone and its fine, consistent grain. Because it’s solid timber, no two frames look exactly alike. The grain pattern in yours is unique.

FSC and PEFC Certified Timber

Our Tasmanian Oak is FSC-certified and PEFC-certified, which means it comes from responsibly managed forests. If sustainability matters to you, look for these certifications on any timber furniture you buy. You can read more about what they mean at the Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC.

Livos Eco-Friendly Finishes

Every Bergen is finished with Livos plant-based, non-toxic stains and oils. They protect the timber while letting it breathe, and they avoid the harsh chemical smell associated with some conventional lacquers. That matters in a bedroom, where you spend around a third of your life.

What Are the Bergen Bed Base’s Specifications?

Here is the full specification at a glance:

Dimensions by size

What Sizes, Headboards and Finishes Can You Choose?

Sizes

The Bergen is available in Single, King Single, Double, Queen and King. We can also customise to Long Single, Long Double or Super King, and adjust the bed height or clearance. Visit our customisation page for details.

Headboards

• No headboard: a clean, minimal platform look.
• Medium square headboard: structured and understated.
• Large curve headboard: a sculptural statement piece that echoes the rounded legs.

Six Finish Options

1. Tas Oak Raw: pure, unfinished timber tone
2. Natural Finish with Beeswax: a soft, hand-rubbed sheen
3. Walnut Eco Stain: warm, mid-brown
4. Tobacco Eco Stain: rich amber-brown
5. Dark Walnut Eco Stain: deep, dramatic
6. Clear Eco Stain: protective with minimal colour change

Is the Bergen Bed Base Strong Enough?

Yes. The Bergen is rated for 500 kg, which comfortably covers couples, children jumping on the bed and heavier mattresses.

Slats, Centre Beam and Stability

• Tasmanian Oak slats (50 × 20 mm) with a 45–50 mm gap give firm, even support and good airflow.
• A strong hardwood centre beam prevents sagging in wider sizes.
• Secure fittings keep the frame stable and quiet over time.

Good airflow under a mattress matters. A slatted base lets moisture escape, which helps keep your mattress fresher. The Sleep Health Foundation offers helpful guidance on creating a healthy sleep environment.

Which Mattresses Work With the Bergen Bed Base?

The Bergen suits all standard mattresses, including Back to Bed, Sleeping Duck and Ecosa. You can choose a flush mattress position (default) or a recessed one, depending on the look you prefer.

If you’re pairing it with a natural mattress, explore our latex futon mattresses and Spine Align futon mattresses.

How Do You Care for a Tasmanian Oak Bed Frame?

The Livos finish is easy to maintain:

1. Dust weekly with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth, wiping along the grain.
2. Avoid harsh cleaners, sprays and silicone-based polishes.
3. For marks, use a few drops of mild natural soap in warm water, then wipe dry straight away.
4. Wipe spills promptly and keep the frame out of prolonged direct sunlight, heat and moisture.

How Long Does Delivery Take?

Every Bergen is made to order in Melbourne. Delivery is Australia-wide, with pickup also available. Once your frame is made, metro delivery takes about 1–2 business days to Melbourne and Sydney and 5–10 business days to Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Regional timing varies by location. Check the shipping policy for current lead times.

Is the Bergen the Right Bed Base for You?

It’s a great fit if you:

• Love modern, minimalist or mid-century-inspired design
• Want a solid hardwood frame that’s Australian made
• Care about sustainable timber and non-toxic finishes
• Want a frame that’s easy to assemble in under an hour

You may want a different style if you:

• Need built-in drawers or under-bed storage (the Bergen has none)
• Prefer an upholstered headboard
• Want a very low, floor-level look (see our low profile platform beds)

Browse more options in our solid hardwood bed frames collection.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bergen Bed Base

What is the Bergen Bed Base made of?

It’s made entirely from solid Tasmanian Oak hardwood, including the frame, slats and centre beam, finished with non-toxic Livos oils or stains.

Is the Bergen Bed Base Australian made?

Yes. It’s handcrafted to order in Melbourne by local artisans from Australian timber.

How high is the Bergen Bed Base?

The standard height is 35 cm to the top of the foot end, with 200 mm of under-bed clearance. Height can be customised.

How much weight can it hold?

The Bergen is rated for 500 kg.

Does it come with a headboard?

Headboards are optional. You can choose a medium square or large curve headboard, at 280 mm or 420 mm in height.

Is it hard to assemble?

No. It arrives partially assembled and typically takes 30–60 minutes to set up.

What warranty does it have?

Please check the current warranty terms on the Bergen product page or contact our team for confirmation.

Does it have storage?

No. The Bergen focuses on a clean, floating look. The open space beneath is suitable for low storage boxes.

Conclusion: A Bed Base Built to Be Lived With

The Bergen Bed Base brings together what matters most in a bed frame: solid Tasmanian Oak, honest craftsmanship, a gentle design that suits many interiors and a finish that’s kind to your home. It’s made to order in Melbourne, so you get a frame built for you rather than pulled off a warehouse shelf.

Ready to Bring Home the Bergen?

Shop the Bergen Bed Base →

Not sure which size, headboard or finish suits your room? Call us on (03) 9720 0555, email backtobed@live.com.au, or visit our showroom at Unit 6, 29 Jersey Road, Bayswater, Melbourne VIC 3153 (Tue–Fri 10:30–4:30, Sat 11:00–4:00) to see the timber finishes in person.