Buying guide for best bed frames
A bed frame isn’t something you think about much … until you need to buy a new one, that is. But a bed frame is a vital part of your bed; it holds up your mattress and provides support to help you achieve a good night's sleep.
With that in mind, picking out the best bed frame for you is highly important. You should carefully consider your options and think about what you need from a bed frame.
Types of bed frames
Box spring frames
A traditional box spring bed frame requires a box spring (also known as a bed foundation) to sit between the frame and the mattress. These kinds of bed frames usually have three horizontal supports (one at the top, one at the bottom, and one in the middle) because the box spring provides all the necessary support for the mattress. If you already own a quality box spring, this type of bed frame is an economical choice. Otherwise, it's easier and cheaper to opt for a bed frame that doesn't require a box spring.
Platform bed frames
A platform bed frame has a built-in platform to support the mattress, so there's no need for a box spring. The vast majority of platform bed frames use slats for mattress support, but some feature a solid platform or a mesh design. Platform bed frames are increasingly popular and make up the bulk of bed frames on the market today.
Adjustable bed frames
An adjustable bed frame allows you to raise and lower the head and foot of your bed, much like a hospital bed. The majority of people who buy adjustable beds do so because of a health condition, but that doesn't mean you can't use one if you're perfectly healthy. If you like to sit and read or watch TV in bed, it's far easier to move into a comfortable position with an adjustable bed frame.
Considerations for selecting a bed frame
Size
It might seem obvious, but be sure to buy a bed frame that's the correct size for your mattress. Bed frames are made in standard sizes to match mattress sizes, from compact twin beds right up to enormous California king beds. If you're buying a new mattress at the same time as your bed frame, you could choose to size up or size down.
Material
The majority of bed frames are either metal, wood, or upholstered, but which is right for you? All bed frame materials have their pros and cons, so there's no single best material.
Wood: Wooden bed frames have a warm, natural appearance that's hard to replicate with any other type of material. They're strong and durable — a quality wooden bed frame could last for generations — but solid wood options can be expensive.
Metal: Metal bed frames are strong yet lightweight. They tend to be more affordable than wooden options. They can have a classic appearance or a modern design. However, they aren't as durable as solid wood bed frames.
Upholstered: Upholstered bed frames are usually made from a wood composite or frame and upholstered with padding and fabric. They often have a built-in headboard, which makes sitting in them to read much more comfortable. The downside is that the upholstery will wear over time, so they don't have the potential to last as long as other options.
Style
Do you want a traditional bed that wouldn't appear out of place in a 19th century farmhouse, or would you prefer an ultra-modern bed that could have belonged to the Jetsons? The style of bed you choose depends on your personal preference and the style of the existing decor in your bedroom. Unless you're sure you won't be redecorating in the foreseeable future, it's often wise to choose a fairly neutral bed frame that would work with a range of decorative styles. Simple metal bed frames and timeless wooden options are decent neutral choices.
Height
Would you prefer a standard-height bed or a low-profile bed? Standard beds are generally around 25 inches off the ground, including the height of the mattress, so they're easy to climb in and out of. However, there's a recent trend toward low-profile bed frames, which can be only a few inches off the floor (plus the height of the mattress). Low-profile beds have a contemporary appearance that some people find appealing. Box spring bed frames can seem as though they're low-profile, but you must remember to factor in the height of the box spring (usually around nine inches) and the mattress.
Bed frame prices
The size, material, and quality of construction affect the price of a bed frame.
Inexpensive bed frames cost between $30 and $100. These are usually simple metal box spring or platform frames.
Mid-range bed frames cost between $100 and $500. You can find a wide range of wood, metal, and upholstered bed frames in this price range, as well as some basic adjustable bed frames.
The majority of expensive bed frames range in price between $500 and $1,500, although you can find some ornate solid wood frames that cost as much as $5,000.
Tips
Consider whether or not you need a headboard. Some bed frames come with a headboard or the fixtures to fit a headboard. Other modern options are designed to have no headboard at all.
Check whether your chosen bed frame requires assembly. The majority of bed frames arrive flat-packed and unassembled. DIY assembly is more complex for some models than others. Depending on what you buy, you may want to recruit some professional assistance.
Think about the rest of your bedroom furniture before buying your bed frame. You might have fallen in love with that deep mahogany frame, but it would look strange in a bedroom full of pale pine furniture.
- Double check your bedroom dimensions before buying. It's fine to buy the largest bed frame available, but if it won't fit in your room, you'll need to think smaller.
Other products we considered
You'll be sleeping on your bed frame every night for years to come, so you want to buy one you truly love. We came across some other models during our research that we highly recommend. One of our favorite budget picks is the AmazonBasics Platform Bed Frame. It's an affordable option that requires no tools for assembly and has 13 inches of clearance underneath, giving you room for some serious storage solutions.
If you're looking for something minimalist and modern, consider the Zinus Joseph Modern Studio Platform Bed Frame. You can use it as is or with a box spring; the choice is yours. Finally, you might want to select the Modus Furniture Riva Platform Storage Bed as a solid, practical choice. It isn't cheap, but it is sturdy enough to last a lifetime (or two) and features handy built-in drawers for storage.
FAQ
Q. Are there any bed frames with built-in storage underneath?
A. Yes, some bed frames have drawers built into the base, giving you extra storage space. This is ideal for tucking away linens, spare pillows, blankets, and so on.
Q. Should I buy a new mattress at the same time as my bed frame?
A. There's no requirement to buy a new mattress when you replace your bed frame, as long as you buy a frame that fits your current mattress. That said, mattresses do need replacing every five to 10 years, so it might be worth buying a new one if yours is looking and feeling worse for wear.
Q. Where can I find furniture to match my bed frame?
A. Some manufacturers sell wardrobes, dressers, chests of drawers, and other bedroom furniture to match their bed frames. This is particularly true for wooden bed frames. If you can't find matching furniture from the same manufacturer, you can often find options in a similar finish and style, even if they don't match exactly.
