How to Cover a Box Spring and Metal Frame in 6 Easy Steps

Table of Contents#

1. Tools & Materials You’ll Need
2. Step 1: Prep Your Box Spring and Metal Frame
3. Step 2: Take Accurate Measurements
4. Step 3: Secure a Base Layer for the Metal Frame
5. Step 4: Fit the Box Spring Cover
6. Step 5: Seal Gaps and Secure Loose Edges
7. Step 6: Add Finishing Decor Touches
8. Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Results
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. References

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Tools & Materials You’ll Need#

All supplies are readily available at home goods stores, dollar stores, or online, with a total project cost ranging from $10 to$50 depending on the materials you choose:

• Soft measuring tape
• Microfiber cloth or lint roller
• Heavy-duty double-sided carpet tape (or adhesive hook-and-loop fasteners for removable coverage)
• Fabric scissors
• Metal frame covering (choose one): Stretchy pre-made metal frame wrap, standard bed skirt, or cut-to-size upholstery fabric
• Box spring covering (choose one): Zippered box spring encasement, stretch jersey box spring cover, deep-pocket fitted bed sheet, or cut-to-size upholstery fabric
• Optional: Foam edge guards (for sharp metal frame corners), non-slip rug pads, decorative tassel trim, under-bed storage bins

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Step 1: Prep Your Box Spring and Metal Frame#

Start by removing your mattress and setting it aside on a clean carpet or drop cloth to avoid getting it dirty.

1. Wipe down the entire metal frame with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, dirt, and light rust spots. Dry completely to prevent mold growth under your cover.
2. Use a lint roller to remove loose threads, pet hair, and dust from all sides of the box spring.
3. If your metal frame has sharp, exposed corners, stick foam edge guards to them first to prevent tears in your fabric covering later.
4. Adjust the frame legs to make sure the entire structure is level, to avoid lopsided coverage once your covers are installed.

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Step 2: Take Accurate Measurements#

Ill-fitting covers are the most common cause of sagging, shifting, or visible gaps, so don’t skip this step:

1. For the metal frame: Measure width (left to right at the headboard end), depth (front to back from headboard to foot of the frame), and drop height (from the floor to the top of the frame/box spring, depending on your covering choice).
2. For the box spring: Measure length, width, and thickness (depth of the box spring itself).
3. If you are using custom cut upholstery fabric, add 1-2 inches to all measurements to account for stretching and tucking edges. Pro tip: Pre-made covers often vary in sizing across brands, so match your measurements to product specs instead of relying only on generic "queen" or "king" size labels.

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Step 3: Secure a Base Layer for the Metal Frame#

Cover the metal frame first to hide exposed parts and create a clean base for your box spring cover:

• If using a pre-made stretch frame wrap: Pull the wrap over the entire frame starting at the foot end, working your way up to the headboard. Tuck the bottom edges under the frame legs to hold it securely in place.
• If using a standard bed skirt: Align the skirt’s waistband with the top edge of the metal frame, making sure the drop length matches your measured height. Stick the waistband to the top of the frame with double-sided tape every 6 inches to prevent shifting when you move the mattress.
• If using custom upholstery fabric: Cut the fabric to your measured size, wrap it tightly around the frame, and secure corners with hook-and-loop fasteners for easy removal when you need to wash the fabric or access under-bed storage. Make sure there are no gaps along the floor line to block dust from collecting under your bed.

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Step 4: Fit the Box Spring Cover#

Once the frame is covered, move on to the box spring:

• If using a zippered encasement: Turn the encasement inside out, align its corners with the corners of the box spring, and pull it down over all four sides before zipping it fully closed. This option is ideal for allergy sufferers, as most encasements are dust-mite and bed-bug proof.
• If using a stretch jersey box spring cover: Pull the cover over the top of the box spring first, then stretch the elasticated edges down over the sides and bottom. Pull tightly to eliminate wrinkles and sagging spots.
• If using a budget fitted sheet or custom fabric: Lay the fabric over the top of the box spring, tuck edges tightly under the bottom of the box spring, and secure with double-sided tape every 8 inches. Trim any excess fabric so it doesn’t get caught between the box spring and frame. Note: If you have a split box spring, cover each half separately before placing them on the frame.

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Step 5: Seal Gaps and Secure Loose Edges#

Do a full walkaround of the bed to check for visible gaps or loose fabric:

1. If you can see metal frame or raw box spring edges between the frame cover and box spring cover, stick the two layers together with small pieces of double-sided tape along the seam.
2. Tuck any loose corner fabric under the frame or bottom of the box spring, and secure with a small piece of hook-and-loop fastener to prevent it from coming loose.
3. If your bed has a headboard or footboard, tuck fabric behind the posts to hide edges and create a seamless look.
4. Give all edges a gentle tug to confirm nothing shifts before you replace the mattress.

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Step 6: Add Finishing Decor Touches#

Once everything is secured, replace your mattress on top of the box spring, then add optional upgrades to match your bedroom style:

• Add tassel or pom-pom trim to the bottom edge of your frame cover/bed skirt with fabric glue for a custom, high-end look.
• Tuck string lights behind the frame cover for a soft, cozy glow at night.
• If you use under-bed storage bins, adjust your cover length to fully hide the bins for a clutter-free look.
• Add a thin bed scarf along the foot of the bed to tie the new finish in with your bedding color scheme.

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Pro Tips for Long-Lasting Results#

1. Choose washable, stretch fabrics for all covers if you have kids or pets, so you can remove and launder them every 3-6 months to reduce dust buildup.
2. Add a non-slip rug pad between the box spring and frame, and between the box spring and mattress, to prevent all layers from shifting when you move in bed or change sheets.
3. For low platform beds, skip the full bed skirt and use a thin, low-profile box spring cover for a sleek, modern look that doesn’t drag on the floor.
4. If you need frequent access to under-bed storage, use a split-frame cover or bed skirt with a removable panel, so you don’t have to take the entire cover off to reach your bins.

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Frequently Asked Questions#

Q: Can I cover my box spring and frame without removing the mattress?#

A: It is technically possible, but you will struggle to get a tight, wrinkle-free fit. Removing the mattress only takes 1-2 minutes and will result in a far more polished finish.

Q: How much does this project cost?#

A: If you use thrifted fabric or an old deep-pocket fitted sheet, you can complete the project for under $10. Pre-made covers for a queen size bed typically cost$20-$50.

Q: How do I stop my bed skirt from shifting when I change sheets?#

A: In addition to double-sided tape, you can use bed skirt pins that clip to the box spring to hold the skirt in place permanently, without damaging fabric.

Q: Can I use a regular bed sheet as a box spring cover?#

A: Yes! A deep-pocket fitted sheet that matches or complements your bedding works perfectly as a budget, easy-to-wash box spring cover.

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References#

1. Sleep Foundation. (2024). How to Protect Your Box Spring and Extend Its Lifespan. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/box-springs/protect
2. DIY Network. (2023). 10 Beginner-Friendly Bedroom Upgrade Projects Under $50. Retrieved from https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/bedrooms/cheap-bedroom-upgrades
3. Good Housekeeping Institute. (2024). The Best Bed Skirts and Box Spring Covers of 2024, Tested by Experts. Retrieved from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/a39247084/best-bed-skirts/