I Assembled This Viral Thuma Bed Without Tools in 12 Minutes

In my last apartment, I assembled a few large pieces of furniture because I enjoy building things — even if I'm not the fastest at it and I don't always understand what screw goes with what tool. My bookshelf, which had an estimated assembly time of 30 minutes, took me an hour, and I recruited my neighbor to help with my bar rack (after I somehow built it upside-down) that was said to be an "easy, one-man assemble," according to reviewers.

So, after some adventures in furniture assembly, I felt like I hit the jackpot when I discovered Thuma. The brand launched in 2018 and I first tried its viral bed frame, simply called The Bed, in 2022. Back then, I was stunned at the beautiful Japanese design and the fact that assembling the bed frame was an easy, tool-free endeavor.

Thuma has since released the Classic Bed + Headboard ($1,895), an upgrade to The Bed, and I've had the pleasure of testing it for three weeks. Just like my previous bed frame, it is wildly impressive. Ahead, read about my experience with the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard.

About the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard

What I Like About the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard

In addition to the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard, I also opted for the Classic Headboard Cushion ($195) and the hybrid mattress ($1,795). The headboard perfectly attaches to the bed with four medium-size Thuma screws and the cushion attaches to the headboard — assuring that I not only get the durability of the headboard, but also the comfort of the cushion whenever I sit up in bed.

My favorite part about the assembly was that the pieces interlocked via joinery rather than with bolts and tools. It's a completely silent process and eliminates the trial and error of complicated assembly checklists.

The bed also has nine inches of underbed space that is perfect for stashing storage containers (like Thuma's underbed drawer) and excess stuff in my NYC apartment.

How to Set Up the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard

Thuma recommends laying out each piece before starting, and then the actual assembly is pretty straightforward. In fact, it took me and my brother longer to unpack and arrange the pieces (17 minutes) than it did to make the bed frame (12 minutes). Be sure to follow the directions and visual references in the paper booklet or QR code, as these will give you a lay of the land.

After everything is laid out, it's time to put the pieces into place. Rather than requiring a screwdriver or hammer, Thuma beds rely on Japanese joinery, in which the pieces smoothly slide into each other. Although the entire process will take you less than 20 minutes, if you don't care for building, you could opt for Thuma's premium delivery service. They offer delivery and assembly of your new bed, plus disposal of your current mattress for an additional $175.

What to Consider Before Trying the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard

If you live someplace with a lot of stairs, I highly recommend asking a friend to help you get the bed parts up those flights. My bed and headboard arrived in three boxes, the mattress came in another box, and the headboard cushion was in another, for a total of five boxes. I love that the boxes are strategically made to be maneuvered in tight spaces, but because they are thin and long, you'll be grateful for an extra pair of hands.

Additionally, make sure you follow the directions for your specific model. If you chose the Classic Bed, follow the directions for the Classic Bed. If you opted for the headboard as well, review the Classic Bed + Headboard tutorial. I was hasty when selecting what to follow, choosing the Classic Bed only, and ended up missing a step for the headboard — resulting in having to take apart the base at the very end and adding a few extra minutes of assembly.

Where Is the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard Available?

You can get the Thuma Classic Bed + Headboard on the brand's website.

Rating:

★★★★★

Natasha Marsh (she/her) is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Prior to freelancing, she held styling staff positions at The Wall Street Journal, Burberry, Cosmopolitan, British GQ, and Harper's Bazaar.