Traditionally, a Japanese bed frame will be very simple and low to the ground. The mattress used on such a bed is likely to be fairly thin and made from natural materials rather than synthetic ones. The Japanese bed frame itself will usually be made from wood, though modern versions can also be made from metal. When choosing the frame that's right for you, the first step you will need to take is measuring the space in which you intend to place the bed. Remember that such beds can be multi-purpose units, and it is possible to use the bed as a sitting surface in a room.
Think carefully about the type of frame material you want for your Japanese bed frame, as this will have an impact on the unit's durability, cost, and aesthetic appeal. Oak and walnut are common woods used to make a Japanese bed frame because these hardwoods tend to be exceptionally durable and attractive. These woods will be expensive, however, as hardwoods tend to be more expensive than softwoods and other materials such as steel. The finish of the wood will depend on the type of wood being used as well as your own preferences.
Decide what type of mattress you want to use in conjunction with the Japanese bed frame. This will have an impact on the size of the frame, but it will also have an impact on the comfort level of the unit. Traditional Japanese beds use tatami mats instead of mattresses. These mats are quite thin but usually fairly comfortable, though they will take some getting used to if you are more accustomed to sleeping on a thick spring mattress. Otherwise, you can stick with a spring mattress or similar design, but it will be important to find out if the frame you are considering will accommodate such a mattress. Box springs generally are not used on Japanese beds.
Many tatami beds do not feature headboards or footboards, though other types of Japanese bed frame models do. Think carefully about whether you want a headboard and a footboard, both for aesthetics and for function. Some headboards, for example, can provide a comfortable surface if you intend to sit up in bed for reading; other headboards may feature drawers or shelves that you can use for storage of items commonly used before or after sleep. Remember that headboards and footboards will take up more space, however, so you will need to account for this in the room in which the bed will be placed.