The Best Bed Frames for Every Preference
- 1) Repose Bed Frame
- 2) Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame
- 3) Taylor Platform Bed Frame
- 4) The Bed Frame
- 5) Mia Metal Platform Bed Frame
- 6) The Bed
- 7) BRIMNES Bed Frame With Storage and Headboard
- 8) Mid-Century Bed
- 9) 360 c2 Smart Bed With FlexFit 3 Smart Base
- 10) Keane Wood Bed
- 11) Natural Wood Bed Frame
- 12) Ava Bed
- 13) Hampton Daybed and Trundle
- 14) Cato Loft Bed With Bookcase
- 15) Tessu Bed
- 13) Should I get clumping or non-clumping?
- 14) How to shop for the best lunch box
- 15) Why trust Good Housekeeping?
We updated this article in October 2022 to ensure all bed frames, vetted by our Textiles Lab experts, are in stock and reflect accurate pricing. We also added new picks from brands like Thuma, Article, Mack & Milo, Crate & Barrel and Zinus.
While a comfy mattress is the most important purchase for your bed, your bed frame majorly impacts the overall aesthetic and design of your home and can even help maintain the livelihood of your mattress. There are tons of bed frame varieties to choose from, each made with different materials, like metal and wood, and design elements, such as upholstered headboards and built-in drawers, that can completely change the look of your space.
Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluate bedroom essentials based on feedback from our survey panelists. In our most recent survey, we collected more than 100,000 data points to analyze, and we used this data to find top-performing bedroom furniture brands with excellent customer service and quality. In addition to researching brands, materials and design features, we also had testers try out some of the frames in their own homes to get real user feedback. Shop our picks for the best bed frames for your dream bedroom:
Keep reading to learn all about how we choose the best bed frames — and get some helpful shopping tips — but first, here are our favorite bed frames on the market now. Interested in switching up more than just your bed frame? Check out our favorite simple bedroom design upgrades.
1) Repose Bed Frame
$895.00
Casper’s stylish bed frames are perfect to pair with the brand’s popular mattresses. The Repose Bed Frame is made from quality oak wood and has rounded edges for a sleek look. Plus, the smooth corners can prevent you from hurting yourself while you’re stumbling around your bedroom in the dark. Depending on your personal style and budget, you can choose a simple bed base with no headboard, a matching wooden headboard, or this version with a soft, upholstered pillow headboard that comes in blush pink, gray and navy tweed. One tester who tried the upholstered headboard loved it, sharing that it’s “sleek and attractive.” She also added that the fabric stayed in great shape even when her cats scratched it!
2) Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame
$106.05
This easily transportable bed frame from Amazon Basics folds up and lies flat when not in use. It’s extremely popular and well loved, with more than 75,000 five-star reviews from users who appreciate the quick and simple assembly (no tools needed) and the open space underneath for storage. One analyst who has used this bed frame says it’s the perfect pick for apartment living because it doesn’t require a box spring, is effortless to pack up and is lightweight for moving. And it’s a total steal for less than $125. You can choose between a 14- or 18-inch rise for extra space too. The frame isn’t designed with raised edges to keep your mattress secure, so your mattress may slide and require you to shift it back into place. If you want a cleaner look, reviewers recommend pairing it with a bed skirt to conceal the metal legs.
3) Taylor Platform Bed Frame
$542.66
Both our editors and testers love Zinus’ line of bed frames, including the Taylor frame, with its soft and stylish velvet headboard and silver metal legs. A 2022 Good Housekeeping Best Bedding Awards winner, this bed frame offers a sophisticated and stylish look at an affordable price. Our testers loved that everything they needed for setup came in a compact box, and they found it easy to assemble with the tools and instructions Zinus provided. They also appreciated the Velcro-like material that keeps the bed’s wooden support slats securely in place. One tester noted that the bed frame is a little bulky and may not be a good fit for smaller spaces because of the added length from the headboard, but he loved that the headboard was “seamlessly” built into the frame and that a box spring wasn’t necessary.
4) The Bed Frame
$1075.00
This modular bed frame from Floyd changes with you, easily adapting from a Twin to Full/Queen to King-size bed with a movable panel. You don’t need any tools to put this frame together yourself: You just connect the pieces and secure them with the provided support strap. Reviewers love that this style still has a little space to fit a bit of storage underneath, although it is super close to the ground, which can make getting in and out of bed difficult. If you want to increase the size of your bed, you’ll need to purchase the brand’s bed frame expansion kit, which comes with an extra panel and the necessary hardware. You can pick from three types of wood and two colors of hardware to match your space. There are also tons of add-ons that attach directly to the frame (but these cost extra), such as under-bed storage drawers, nightstands and a headboard.
5) Mia Metal Platform Bed Frame
$239.00
Scouring for extra storage room in your small space? Look no further than Zinus’ Mia platform bed frame, which was described by users as “super roomy.” It’s designed with a 14-inch rise, lending plenty of space underneath for you to store your belongings. The classic metal headboard has more than 23,000 five-star Amazon reviews from users who report that assembly is simple and intuitive. They also say it looks amazing for the affordable price. Some reviewers did note that the metal frame is squeaky and slides around on wood floors, so it’s a good idea to use nonslip furniture pads or place the bed on a rug for added security. If you prefer to go without a headboard, you can choose either the Standard or Classic option and select a black or white metal base to match your style.
6) The Bed
$1095.00
Spending hours piecing together a complicated bed frame isn’t ideal, and it can be especially difficult if you don’t have the right tools to speed up the process. But thanks to Thuma’s thoughtful bed frame design, you don’t have to worry about tricky assembly: The bed frame can be put together without any tools and requires just two bolts to be twisted into place. According to one Lab analyst who loves her Thuma bed, the easy-to-assemble frame “fits together like a puzzle” and is “so stable” once it’s in place. The PillowBoard option comes with a cushioned pillow surrounded by a machine washable cover for the headboard, while the Headboard option has a wooden back. Our analyst did share that the pieces are heavy to carry, so you may want some help with moving, and if you plan to return the bed frame, you’ll need the original boxes for shipment.
7) BRIMNES Bed Frame With Storage and Headboard
$479.00
This bed frame from Ikea offers tons of secret storage — there are big drawers underneath the mattress and shelves in the headboard, so you don’t even need a nightstand. Like all IKEA products (notorious for being difficult to put together), it’s designed for self-assembly, and reviewers note that this bed frame has a lot of parts and pieces to keep track of. Although it may be difficult to assemble, reviewers do agree that there is ample storage space, or “storage galore,” and that the drawers can hold lots of clothing and linens, with some users even using the bed as a replacement for a dresser. You can pick gray, white or black particleboard to match your room. Know, though, that the shelf headboard and bed base aren’t connected, and it’s recommended by the brand to screw the headboard into the wall for added stability.
8) Mid-Century Bed
$1399.00
Featuring mid-century modern elements, this wooden bed frame from West Elm combines vintage style with modern design for a streamlined look. We love that the bed frame uses sustainably harvested wood and is produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility. You can choose a traditional wood, white or gray finish, and the bed has eight inches of clearance underneath, leaving plenty of room for storage. The brand also offers tons of matching furniture, including nightstands and dressers; one of our Lab experts owns several pieces from this line and swears they look luxurious and have held up well. There is, however, a $159 white-glove delivery fee.
9) 360 c2 Smart Bed With FlexFit 3 Smart Base
$3098.00
With intuitive adjustable options, this smart bed frame from Sleep Number has tons of customizable settings for your ultimate sleep. You can easily sit up in bed, lift just your partner’s side to alleviate loud snoring and adjust the mattress firmness level, thanks to the dual-chamber design. Our testers enjoyed being able to track their sleep habits when they connected the bed to an app that provided them with details about how often they moved at night and how much restful sleep they actually achieved. Although expensive, this pick includes both the adjustable base and a mattress, along with assembly, but you’ll need to purchase the outer upholstered bed separately. Reviewers agree that the price is worth the amazing sleep they have on their new mattress and bed frame.
10) Keane Wood Bed
$1599.00
A solid wood bed frame is a classic furniture piece that works well with any room aesthetic. This bed frame from Crate & Barrel is loved by Textiles Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs, who raved about how much under-bed clearance (a whopping 13 inches) the bed frame offers, adding it “allows for me to put stuff underneath, with so many frames on the market being low to the ground.” To coordinate with your space, choose among three colors of wood stain that reviewers said are “beautiful.” Reviewers also spoke highly of the quality of the bed’s mahogany, sharing that it’s well made and sturdy. Because the popular frame is in such high demand, it may take several weeks and up to a couple of months to ship, depending on your location.
11) Natural Wood Bed Frame
$3199.00
Shop more sustainably with this bed frame by Avocado, made from reclaimed Douglas fir wood harvested from old buildings in California. Our Lab experts are impressed by the brand, which uses an organic, zero-VOC finish to reduce any use of toxins and also steers clear of using certain formaldehydes in its furniture. Because this bed frame is made with reclaimed wood, there will be slight blemishes and inconsistencies between pieces, creating a more rustic look. No tools are needed to assemble or disassemble the bed frame, and shipping and setup are included in the price. If you’re looking for a more sustainable, organic mattress alternative to go with your new bed frame, according to our testing, the brand’s Green Mattress is our favorite organic mattress.
12) Ava Bed
$1399.00
For a luxurious look, velvet bed frames are majorly on trend. Crate & Barrel’s upholstered bed frame is available in emerald, light blue, gray and pink. According to one reviewer, the plush, cushioned headboard is “super soft and comfy to lie back on” while lounging in bed. We love that the velvet is made with synthetic polyester fibers, because synthetic fibers are durable and typically easy to care for or spot clean. With brass-finished stainless steel legs and detailing, this Art Deco–style bed frame is sure to make any space more stylish. Reviewers rave that the bed is elegant and even more beautiful in person than it appears online. Note this style is only available in Queen and King sizing, and it may take several weeks to several months for your bed frame to arrive because it is made to order.
13) Hampton Daybed and Trundle
$2195.00
A trundle bed is the perfect way to keep a guest bed without occupying extra floor space when it’s not in use. Ideal for sleepovers and slumber parties, this PBTeen trundle easily pulls out from under a Full-size bed, providing you with an extra mattress. Our survey panelists who have purchased furniture from the brand are impressed by the quality craftsmanship of the furniture and love how well it holds up to repeated use, though it is expensive. It’s important to note that the shipping costs themselves can be several hundred dollars. In the Hampton Collection, there are matching nightstands, dressers, desks and storage available too, so all of your bedroom furniture can coordinate.
14) Cato Loft Bed With Bookcase
$539.99
A lofted bed frame is the perfect addition to a kids’ bedroom or a small space, leaving lots of room below for activities. This lofted bed comes complete with a built-in desk, shelves and a bulletin board. And there are two attached ladders, making it simple to climb up and down from the loft. Reviewers say that the bed has quite a few parts and pieces, and it takes a while to assemble, but once it’s up, it’s sturdy without swaying or loud squeaking. Our survey panelists who have bought furniture from Wayfair are always impressed by the retailer’s top-notch customer service and helpful solutions. Some users experienced dented pieces and parts for their bed frames but were able to work with Wayfair to replace them.
15) Tessu Bed
$799.00
Article’s Tessu bed features upholstery all the way around for a cozy look. Our Lab experts note that the material is mostly polyester for durability but has some linen in the blend for a crisper look and feel. One Textiles Lab expert loves her furniture from Article, raving about the brand’s “simple, clean design” and describing her furniture as “very well made.” The brand offers a 30-day trial period, but there are some strings attached. You need original packaging to make returns and exchanges, or you’ll be charged a fee of $50. Depending on your location, there may be a fee associated with returns too.
13) Should I get clumping or non-clumping?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we evaluate bedroom essentials of all kinds, from mattresses to pillows to sheets to bed frames. Our Lab experts researched best-selling bed frames from popular brands, considering features like material, style, sizing, assembly and additional accessories. We’ve also surveyed our group of panelists on furniture they own, including mattresses and sofas. Textiles Lab pros used this feedback on furniture brands and their customer service, then combined the data with their research and input from editors and other analysts when choosing the best bed frames to recommend.
14) How to shop for the best lunch box
When buying a new bed frame, here are a few things to keep in mind:
✔️ Sizing: Before splurging on a bed frame, be sure to take the measurements of your room to ensure that the frame will fit with adequate space. Bed frames can be a bit bulky, especially those with head and footboards, and may take up more room than expected. Also consider the measurements of your actual mattress. While the majority of mattresses follow standard sizing, there are sometimes slight variations between brands. It’s best to look at the measurements of your mattress to ensure that it will fit in or on your new frame.
✔️ Style: There are many styles and types of bed frames on the market, but the quickest way to narrow your search is to decide if you want a platform, adjustable or box spring bed:
- Platform: These frames don’t require a box spring and instead have slats or a lattice to support your mattress. Typically, they’re lower to the ground, which can make them more difficult to get in and out of. Platform bed frames are usually the most affordable, as they cut the cost of an additional box spring, plus they’re easier to set up.
- Box spring: A frame that requires a box spring often has a more open structure that cannot support a mattress on its own. The box spring sits on top, offering a firmer base for more support. The additional height of the box spring also lifts your bed higher, best suited for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed. Box springs can also extend the life of your mattress by preventing sagging.
- Adjustable: Adjustable bed frames allow you to modify the bed’s position with the touch of a button, raising and lowering the head or feet. Because of the adjustable nature of the bed frame, you’ll usually need to purchase a compatible mattress from the same brand as the maker of your bed frame. These customizable bases typically require professional installation and are pricier than a traditional bed frame.
✔️ Details: Not every bed frame is created equal. At its most basic, a bed frame is just a base with legs to keep your mattress elevated and provide support. However, there are additional features like headboards, canopies and storage that you can consider opting for:
- Headboards: Many bed frames come with headboards, which are located at the top of the bed (where you lay your head). They can be made from wood or metal and are sometimes cushioned and covered in fabric, too. An upholstered headboard is a popular pick for those who love reading or lounging in bed because it creates a comfortable, stable backing.
- Canopies: A canopy bed features four posts that extend far upward. You can hang material across the four posts to create a true draped canopy that covers the bed, or you can leave the tall posts as is.
- Lofts: These bed frames are ideal for children’s bedrooms or small spaces because they leave more open floor space for a desk, additional storage or activities.
- Storage: If you’re low on space, you can choose a bed frame with built-in storage. Some beds sit atop large pull-out drawers, while others feature shelves at the headboard or nightstands that can be attached to the the frame.
15) Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour has been a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for more than three years, overseeing dozens of Lab and consumer tests for home goods products, including bedding and furniture. For this article, she analyzed thousands of data points from GHI survey panelists, who shared information about their own mattresses and bed frames.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. She has researched and tested home goods such as blackout curtains, mattresses and recliners, and used her categorical expertise while updating this article. She also received input and product feedback from other editors and product analysts within Good Housekeeping.