Bed bugs are a nightmare. Once they show up, they spread fast, and getting rid of them is a huge hassle. The best way to deal with them? Make sure they never get comfortable in the first place.
Furniture plays a big role in this. Some materials and designs make it easy for bed bugs to hide and lay eggs, while others don’t give them a chance. If you manage apartments or rent a place yourself, choosing bed bug-resistant furniture can save a ton of stress (and money).
Go for Metal Bed Frames
Wooden bed frames look nice, but they have cracks, joints, and tiny spaces where bed bugs love to hide. Metal frames, on the other hand, don’t have those same cozy spots for pests. Bed bugs struggle to climb smooth metal, and they don’t burrow into it.
Another bonus? Metal frames are easy to clean. If you ever suspect a problem, a quick wipe-down with alcohol or steam can take care of it before it gets out of control.
Get a Solid Mattress Encasement
Mattresses are prime real estate for bed bugs. They squeeze into seams, hide inside the padding, and come out at night. A mattress encasement seals them out completely.
Look for one that’s specifically labeled for bed bugs—regular mattress protectors won’t do the trick. A good encasement zips up tightly and has reinforced seams so bugs can’t sneak through. If any are already inside the mattress, the encasement traps them until they die.
For extra protection, get one for the box spring too. A lot of people forget about that, but bed bugs love box springs just as much as mattresses.
Pick Leather or Faux Leather Over Fabric
Couches and chairs with fabric upholstery are risky. Bed bugs can crawl deep into the cushions and hide in the stitching. Once they settle in, it’s almost impossible to get them out without professional treatment.
Leather and faux leather are much safer choices. The smooth surface makes it harder for bed bugs to get inside, and they can’t burrow into the material like they can with fabric. If they do end up on the surface, they’re easy to spot and wipe away.
Avoid Tufted Furniture
Those deep button tufts on couches and headboards may look fancy, but they’re basically tiny bed bug hideouts. Bugs crawl into the folds and stay hidden during the day.
Instead, go for furniture with a smooth, flat surface. Minimal seams and stitching make it harder for bed bugs to find a place to live.
Choose Plastic or Metal Storage Over Wood
Bed bugs don’t just stick to beds and couches. They hide in dressers, nightstands, and storage units too. Wood furniture, especially if it’s unfinished or has cracks, gives them plenty of places to nest.
Plastic and metal storage pieces are much safer. They have fewer gaps and don’t absorb smells the way wood does, which makes them less attractive to pests. Plus, plastic bins with snap-on lids are a great way to keep clothes and bedding safe.
Keep Furniture Off the Floor
The less contact furniture has with the floor, the harder it is for bed bugs to climb up. This is especially true for things like couches, chairs, and nightstands.
Furniture with legs (especially metal ones) gives fewer access points for bugs. If the legs are smooth, even better—bed bugs have a tough time climbing slippery surfaces.
Use Bed Bug Interceptors Under Furniture Legs
These little traps are simple but effective. They go under the legs of your bed, couch, or other furniture, creating a barrier that bed bugs can’t easily cross.
The idea is simple: bed bugs climb in but can’t climb out. If there’s an infestation nearby, interceptors will catch bugs before they reach you. They also help with early detection—if you ever see something in the trap, you know it’s time to act fast.
Stick to Minimalist Designs
The more crevices, seams, and cushions a piece of furniture has, the more places bed bugs can hide. Furniture with a simple, modern design tends to be safer. Flat surfaces, clean lines, and fewer decorative details mean fewer hiding spots.
For beds, platform styles with a solid base work well. For couches, something sleek without too many cushions or folds makes a big difference.
Be Careful with Second Hand Furniture
A free couch on the side of the road might be tempting, but it could come with unwanted guests. Bed bugs are experts at hitchhiking, and used furniture is one of their favorite ways to spread.
If you do get secondhand furniture, inspect it thoroughly. Look in seams, under cushions, and inside any cracks or joints. Even better, treat it with heat or steam before bringing it inside.
Use Heat to Your Advantage
Bed bugs can’t survive extreme heat. If you’re worried about an infestation in furniture, steam cleaning is one of the best ways to kill them. A high-temperature steamer (at least 120°F) can penetrate fabric and small cracks, wiping out bugs and eggs in one go.
Some landlords and property managers even use whole-room heat treatments. These raise the temperature of an entire space to a level that kills bed bugs at all life stages. If you ever face a serious infestation, heat is one of the most effective solutions.
Invest in Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to go for cheap furniture, especially in rentals, but lower-quality pieces often have more gaps, cracks, and weak points where bed bugs can hide. Spending a little more on well-built, solid furniture can pay off in the long run.
Sealed edges, smooth surfaces, and durable materials make a huge difference. A solid platform bed with a metal frame and a mattress encasement is much safer than a wooden frame with lots of joints and fabric padding.
Regular Inspections Matter
Even with the best furniture choices, it’s smart to stay on top of things. A quick check every now and then can catch any early signs of bed bugs before they turn into a full-blown infestation.
Look for small black spots (droppings), tiny eggs, or shed skins in seams and corners. If you ever notice red, itchy bites after sleeping, that’s another sign something might be wrong. Catching bed bugs early makes them way easier to deal with.
Choosing the right furniture won’t guarantee you’ll never deal with bed bugs, but it does make a big difference. Metal frames, smooth surfaces, and well-sealed designs make it much harder for these pests to take over.
If you manage apartments, these choices can save you from costly treatments and complaints from residents. If you rent, they can help keep your space bug-free. Either way, thinking ahead with furniture choices is a simple but powerful way to stay ahead of bed bugs.
