Is Cardboard Furniture Durable? What the 2024 Olympic Beds Taught Us About the Future of Design
Cardboard furniture made global headlines in 2024, but its real staying power goes far beyond the Olympic hype.
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Is Cardboard Furniture Durable? All About the Beds at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics may be behind us, but one unlikely star from the Games is still sparking curiosity: cardboard beds.
These surprisingly sturdy frames housed thousands of elite athletes during the event - and showed the world that cardboard isn’t just for boxes anymore. While the Olympic buzz has faded, the deeper question remains just as relevant: Is cardboard furniture actually durable enough for everyday use?
Let’s take a closer look at what we learned from the cardboard bed phenomenon - and what it means for your bedroom.
Why Cardboard Beds?
When the Olympic Village unveiled its cardboard beds, social media exploded. Many assumed it was a gimmick or, worse, a ploy to prevent intimacy among athletes, a rumor that has followed these beds since Tokyo 2020.
In reality, the choice was all about sustainability.
The Paris Olympic Committee aimed to host the greenest Games in history. These cardboard bed frames, made entirely in France, were built to be recyclable, lightweight, and easy to transport, then fully recycled after the event.
It was a practical decision with global implications: If cardboard beds can work for Olympic athletes, why not the rest of us?
Are They Durable?
Surprisingly, yes.
Despite being made of paper-based material, cardboard furniture especially beds, can be incredibly strong. Brands like Yona use a corrugated honeycomb structure that distributes weight evenly and resists collapse.
Yona’s queen-size bed frame can support over 6,000 pounds. That’s stronger than most wooden or metal bed frames on the market.
During the Olympics, several athletes posted videos bouncing, flipping, and even jumping on their cardboard beds. The frames held up. As sports medicine expert Dr. Jason Womack noted in an interview, the real factor in sleep comfort is the mattress, not the material holding it up.
Are They Sustainable?
Cardboard beds are one of the most eco-conscious options available in modern furniture.
✅ The Pros:
- Made from recycled materials
- Fully recyclable after use
- Minimalist flat-pack design = lower carbon footprint
- No metal, screws, or plastic packaging
⚠️ The Nuances:
- Paper manufacturing can still be resource-intensive
- Most designs require some virgin fibers for strength
- Cardboard is not waterproof, so care is key
Still, compared to bulky furniture that ends up in landfills, cardboard furniture, when responsibly sourced and recycled, is a massive leap forward for sustainability.
How to Get a Cardboard Bed - Yona Bed
Olympians don’t have a monopoly on cardboard beds. Today, anyone can order one online, and Yona is leading the way.
Their cardboard bed frames ship flat, assemble in under 5 minutes without tools, and hold serious weight. They come in multiple sizes and colors, offering a minimalist aesthetic that works beautifully in small spaces.
And unlike the Olympic versions, you can add your own mattress topper for a plush, custom feel.
What Are the Benefits of Cardboard Beds?
- Super strong: Built with engineered cardboard that rivals traditional materials
- Tool-free setup: Assemble in minutes with no hex key required
- Lightweight & portable: Move with ease, no help needed
- Eco-friendly: Made with recycled cardboard and recyclable after use
- Space-saving: Compact design, ideal for studios or micro-apartments
- Affordable: Costs less than most wood or metal frames
Perfect for students, renters, minimalists, or anyone who hates furniture that weighs more than their car.
Cons of Cardboard Bed Frames
Let’s be honest: cardboard isn’t perfect.
- Vulnerable to moisture: So keep it dry and you’re golden
- Perception gap: Some still associate cardboard with “temporary”
- Needs a good mattress: The frame is solid, but your comfort depends on the top layers
- Limited customization: You're not going to carve it like mahogany
Still, most users report being surprised (and impressed) by how sturdy and functional it really is.
How Long Can You Sleep on a Cardboard Bed?
With regular indoor use and proper care, cardboard beds can last up to 10 years.
These aren’t one-week solutions. They’re designed for everyday use, especially for people who move often or want sustainable, no-fuss furniture that works. They're not heirlooms, but they outlast most people's IKEA setups.
Dr. Womack noted there’s no long-term study yet, but for short- to medium-term living, they hold up well. And if you spill water on it? Just don’t.
Is Cardboard Furniture Cheaper?
Yes, and it’s not even close.
Most cardboard beds cost between $150–$200, with zero added costs for tools, shipping weight, or complex assembly. Compared to solid wood or metal frames (often $400+), cardboard beds are a steal.
You’re not sacrificing quality, you’re just paying for what matters: smart design and responsible materials.
Final Thoughts: What Cardboard Beds Really Represent
The 2024 Olympics may be over, but the lesson they left behind is lasting: innovation doesn’t have to be complicated.
Cardboard beds prove that sustainability, affordability, and strength can coexist in one clean, smart package. For modern, eco-conscious living, especially in compact urban spaces, they’re more than a novelty. They’re a solution.
Want to try one yourself? Explore Yona’s cardboard bed collection and discover just how strong simplicity can be.