The Best Bed Frames of 2020 – Your Mattress Savior

When researching beds, all you tend to hear about is mattresses. Mattresses this, mattresses that; we often forget that these mattresses have to sit on something for us to actually be comfortable through the night. Not only do bed frames provide the foundation for our mattresses, they add to the decor of the room and the home in general. Therefore, we decided to do something about this distinct lack of information and create a guide on the best bed frames in the market. 

Generally, the vast majority of frames will comprise of metal and wood; many will also use fabrics and foams. While material is easy, style is a different matter altogether. Will you choose a panel bed (or box spring bed), canopy bed, sleigh bed, or platform bed? Elsewhere, you might have been blindsided by features such as remote angle adjustment. Don’t worry, you’ll learn everything you need to know in this guide.

Bed Frames Comparison Table

Bed Frames Reviews

Home Life: Best Headboard Platform Bed

To start our list of favorite products, Home Life has a fantastic linen headboard platform bed. When people first see the measurements, they’re put off by the 51 inches…but this is the headboard alone. Once assembled, there’s a three-inch gap between the bottom rail and floor which may allow for some storage, but not too much. 

In better news, it has a sleek, classic design and one that we think will fit with all decors. If you’re nervous about the distance between slats, why not add your own Bunkie board or plywood? For even more height, use a box spring. Otherwise, the classic look will appeal to many and the high-quality linen construction should keep you happy for some time to come. 

Zinus Joseph: The Best Metal Frame

So far, this product has caused quite the fanfare online in terms of customer reviews. Why? The design is incredibly simple (which keeps assembly relatively easy too), it’s affordable, and it has plenty of room underneath for storage. Working with all decors, the 14-inch gap should be enough for anyone. Although not necessary, some customers choose to buy the Zinus box spring since this adds even more support. Otherwise, it works well with most mattress types. To prevent noise and movement, non-slip tape sits on the wooden slats while foam padded tape goes onto the steel frame. 

Coming in at around 500 pounds, the sturdiness is a huge advantage for those who need it. This being said, the bed isn’t entirely without problems. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has been known to send bent frames (or they bend after very little time). If you experience either problem, get in touch with Zinus immediately and make use of the five-year warranty. Also, some have complained about the large gap between slats. 

Despite the negatives, it’s a great bed frame with height for storage and sturdiness for a long life (as long as you don’t get one of the seemingly many defective products). 

Zinus Keenan: The Best Box Spring

We’ve touched on the problem already, but it’s a well-known issue that steel frames tend to have large gaps between the slats. While Zinus doesn’t exactly address this problem with this model, there is naturally more support thanks to the fabric sleeve that covers the frame. Gaps may cause issues for some, but we don’t see why you can’t use a foam mattress on this frame. 

Unfortunately, there is a slight problem with the storage space. Zinus advertise the frame as 14 inches high, but we found it’s actually around six inches. We couldn’t ignore the traditional box spring appearance and the lack of noise with this product, though. Assembly is simple, the bed frame is affordable, and we think it would look amazing with a bedskirt. If you want stability and the traditional box spring appearance, this is the ideal product. 

KD Frames: The Best Wooden Option

Made from wood taken from poplar trees, this next frame offers a rustic wooden look for those who don’t want a metal frame. Since the standard product has wide spaces between slats, we recommend choosing the ‘Plus’ model which reduces this space to just 2.8 inches. Called the Nomad Plus, you don’t need a box spring because it’s designed as a platform bed. 

If you want your storage to come in the shape of some drawers, KD Frames has you covered. With rolling drawers, the frame is available for king, queen, full, twin XL, and twin sizes. Compared to other all-wood frames, this one is actually respectable for pricing. Considering it’s delivered via UPS and has free shipping too, we think it’s well worth a go. If you prefer to order through Amazon, this will also have free shipping. Though there’s no returns on open bed frames, you will have a five-year warranty to protect you against defects. 

Olee Sleep: The Best Heavy-Duty Option

For those who are more interested in the heavy-duty nature of a bed frame, Olee Sleep has designed this product to pass all durability and strength tests. The manufacturer doesn’t actually list a maximum capacity on their website or with the product listing, but testing shows that a couple with a combined weight of 600 pounds will be more than comfortable. If you and/or your partner are larger than the average, this is a good option. 

While you would expect a heavy-duty frame to have a huge fee attached, it’s surprisingly affordable. Furthermore, assembly is easy, and the design works in most bedrooms. In terms of storage space, you have a 13.5-inch gap between floor and bed which should be more than enough. To spruce the bed up and add some character, Olee Sleep has optional footboards and headboards. 

So far, we’re yet to find a customer complaint about noise (we put this down to the heavy-duty construction!). When moving around trying to get comfortable, the last thing you want is an annoying squeaking, so this is good news. As mentioned in the features above, the packaging contains all the tools you need for assembly. 

No bed is perfect, and the biggest problem with this one seems to be the huge gaps between slats. Due to the 7-inch gap, you’ll need plywood or a Bunkie board to use a foam mattress. If you try without, the mattress is likely to fall between the gaps and you’re no longer getting the benefits for which you bought the mattress in the first place. 

Additionally, we did see a number of complaints regarding breaks in the middle support leg. If you do have this problem, there’s a five-year warranty. For the most part, the sturdy frame holds weight well and it seems to go above and beyond others in this list. 

DHP: The Best for Canopy Design

We know that some people like a good canopy bed because it allows for decoration around the sleeping area, and we’ve chosen DHP as our favorite within this sub-category. With a sleek, minimalistic design, it works with most decors and you actually get to choose the finish color. Do you want white gray, pink, or gold? The choice is yours. 

One of the reasons we like this frame is because of the additional side rails and head frame bars. Also, there’s airflow and stability from the 22 metal slats. Not only will you feel cooler in bed, you can also extend the life of your mattress. In total, the bed weighs just over 90 pounds when assembled - a process that’s relatively simple. If you need to move the bed after constructing, this weight shouldn’t be a problem for one or two people. Depending on what you need, DHP offer king, queen, full, and twin sizes - you don’t even need a box spring or bed base. 

Classic Brands: The Best Adjustable Bed Base 

You may have seen that adjustable beds come with a price, but we’ve managed to find an affordable product that offers reliability and performance. As long as the foam mattress says it will work on an adjustable bed, you can even move this comfort across to the new frame. You can move the head and foot simultaneously or independently as you learn what’s comfortable and what isn’t. If you’re worried about waking others, this isn’t a problem because the motor is actually incredibly quiet. Meanwhile, those who want the extra mile with their bed will love the vibrating massage feature (integrated into the head and foot). In fact, they go even further with USB ports to charge devices (now we can find out what type of vegetable we are on social media, watch videos, and talk to loved ones at all times!). 

As we’ve said before, not every bed can escape the odd bad review. With this one, the majority seem to be focused on the positioning of the ports. When used in a platform frame, the ports are blocked, and you can’t actually use them. Elsewhere, other complaints include the poorly designed remote control. The text is hard to read, it’s tricky to use, and the buttons aren’t lit. 

Can we overlook these negatives? Yes, the adjustable height feature makes it all worthwhile. While some will use the 4-inch legs, others will utilize the 6.5-inch legs, and a smaller group will fix the two together and have legs reaching 10.5 inches. The manufacturer also provides a good three-year warranty, it’s an affordable option within a very expensive market, and the small extras make the investment worthwhile. 

Zinus Michelle: The Best Budget Option

As you can probably see from the list of features, Zinus had one thing in mind while designing this bed - stability. With a center support bar and nine legs, this is a unique formula for this model, and it comes in every size from California king right down to twin. You can use a mattress and box spring combo, there’s side support rails (and head and foot rails), and the whole thing is durable. 

Thanks to the quick-lock assembly system, you don’t even need any tools to get the frame into position. With each leg recessed, you won’t get the excruciating pain that comes with stubbing a toe on a leg (we’ve all been there!). All in all, the frame weighs just over 20 pounds.

There are many things to like about the design, but one of the best is the fact that Zinus has clearly considered the user. We’ve discovered the recessed legs, but this extends to the locking system and the lightweight nature of the frame. Just when you thought this was enough, it has a five-year warranty and enters our list as the best option for those on a budget. In our opinion, it’s the best in its price range, and something very special will need to come along to knock it of its perch. 

Zinus Shalini: The Best Stitched Platform Option

Combining metal and wood, we return to Zinus for the final product in our list and it’s for the stitched platform. While the interior parts use metal, the slats, headboard, and sideboards are all wooden. Additionally, the sides, headboard, and footboard are all upholstered and there’s a diamond stitch pattern on the headboard. 

In terms of the practicalities, there’s no need for a box spring on this platform bed. Though slats are 3.25 inches apart towards the ends, the gap does increase to nearly five inches in the middle. Considering this is an upholstered frame, we think the price is reasonable. It’s also available in all sizes from king to twin; please note that those who choose the sage grey option won’t be able to order in a twin size. 

If you decide to buy through Amazon, it comes with free shipping and the packaging contains everything you’ll need to get started. Regardless of where you order, Zinus offer a 30-day return policy just in case you don’t like the frame once it arrives. Also, they provide peace of mind with a five-year warranty. 

Is a Bed Frame Necessary?

Now that we’ve seen a handful of products available on the market, it’s time to delve into the buying considerations and other details you need to know before spending money. With so many different designs, materials, and features, it can be hard to know where to spend your money (and how much to spend). With the second half of this guide, we hope to provide some insights. 

These days, the majority come in metal, wood, or through a combination of both. As we saw in the final product, some will be upholstered with fabrics or foams. Before we go into whether a bed frame is actually necessary, we wanted to point out that standard bed frames are not adjustable. If you want this feature, make sure you get an adjustable bed base. Furthermore, a bunk bed is made for more than one sleeper and we’ve actually written a full guide on bunk beds just in case you need help choosing one in the near future. 

With this said, do you need a bed frame? To answer this, we should go back to a time where memory foam wasn’t the most popular material and manufacturers hadn’t spent millions developing products with this material. Before memory foam, we had innerspring mattresses, and this meant we needed to spend out on a box spring. In case you haven’t seen these, it acts as the foundation layer for a mattress to provide extra support. Although it was an optional purchase, most manufacturers actually put it as a requirement in their warranty. 

When placing a box spring directly on the floor, two problems arise:

• The mattress slides all over the place
• The box spring damages wooden flooring and carpet 

For this reason, we added a bed frame to the picture. With this simple addition, we no longer had to place box springs on the floor and many manufacturers actually added a frame into packages with the mattress. Often, the confusion as to whether or not a bed frame is required comes from the manufacturers of the new beds-in-a-box products. Normally, they tell people that all you need is a flat surface with a hybrid, latex, or foam mattress. This is true, but it’s important to understand the benefits that a bed frame brings. Later in the guide, we’re going to explore the different types of bed frame and the benefits of choosing such a frame. By doing this, you should see that, although not always necessary, most people benefit from choosing a good frame. 

Sizes of Bed Frames 

The good thing about bed frames is that they come in all shapes and sizes; whether you’re in a small apartment or a large house, you’ll find something that accommodates you perfectly. This includes: 

• California King and King - Compared to a queen, a king bed has an extra 16 inches in the width, so it’s ideal for couples. For some, they even allow the pets and children in since there’s so much room. If you go for a California king, the distinction comes with the extra length. For those who are taller or who just like to stretch out, the height measures 84 inches. 
• Queen - As we step down, a queen bed has five extra inches in length and six extra inches in width compared to a full bed. Some individuals will buy a queen for a luxurious sleep, but it’s still most commonly utilized by couples. 
• Full - Couples can still find comfort in a full bed, and it comes in at 54 inches x 74 inches. Sometimes, floor space is limited, and this is where a full bed comes in handy; it’s not quite as wide as the queen and king beds. 
• Twin XL - Moving down again, we find a twin XL and a bed based on the twin but with five more inches in the length. With this in mind, it actually compares with what you’ll find in a king or queen. Generally speaking, it’s good for tall adults with little space as well as teens. 
• Twin - As the smallest on offer, a twin bed is designed for a child or some adults. We don’t recommend this size for two people because there just isn’t enough room to move around and feel secure. If the bunk bed, guest bedroom, or daybed are small, go for a twin.

Types of Bed Frames

As long as the product supports a base and mattress, it can be considered a ‘bed frame’. With this definition, it means there’s lots of different types (something that leads to confusion!). With each type, the features will vary including the upholstery, the height, and whether or not a box spring is required. For some people, a box spring is a necessity, and this is where you need to be careful when shopping for the right frame. 

When searching through the market, you’ll find the following:

Panel - Firstly, these are sometimes called box spring beds and it’s because a base is supported via side rails. The footboard and headboard are made of flat wooden panels and they’re generally taller than all other types of frame. 

Canopy - With a canopy frame, a canopy or overhead frame will connect four posts in each of the corners. As well as providing privacy, it allows for decoration with curtains or drapes. In years gone by, these beds would have plenty of character and extensive crafting. Today, the minimalist design is more popular, and this makes for a thinner design. 

Storage Platform - Why have all sorts of additional drawers and cabinets when you can have it attached to the bed itself? With a good storage platform bed, it will be equipped with drawers for bedding, clothing, or whatever else you need to store away. Traditionally, these designs were called ‘captain’s beds’. 

Four-Poster - The name helps us with this one because the frame will have four posts, but this doesn’t mean they’re connected like canopy beds. You’ll actually find three main types with this frame: 

• Four-poster bed - Four tall posts 
• Low-poster bed - Four short posts 
• Half-poster bed - Two tall posts at the head and two short posts at the foot

If you see the term ‘pencil posts’, this means the tops of the posts are in a pencil shape rather than being rounded. 

Adjustable - Controlled by a central motor, an adjustable bed is one that will move into an inclined position at both the top and the bottom. Much like a hospital bed, we can adjust the incline at the foot and head of the bed depending on what we need to get comfortable. Due to the design of the bed, not all mattresses will work; we recommend looking into the many mattresses-in-a-box. Whatever the mattress, the metal frame will remain still while the head and/or foot adjusts. 

Platform - As a versatile product, platform beds have become one of the most popular in recent years. Made for most mattresses, they come with wooden or metal slats; while some are flexible, others are fixed. Since they don’t use a box spring, you’ll be lower to the ground. Thankfully, the slats encourage airflow and they also provide support for sleepers. For your mattress, this is actually great news because you shouldn’t have to worry about mold or other moisture-related problems. 

Sleigh – Similar to the mode of transport chosen by Santa while delivering his presents every year, the final frame we want to discuss is the sleigh. With a curved footboard and headboard, the many different designs mean you’ll find some with slats while others need a box spring. 

Other Bed Styles - With some trundle beds, they also come with a hideaway bed, and this is useful for those who entertain frequently (when not everybody makes it home!). Also, overnight guests will find comfort in a sofa bed with a built-in frame. 

Wood Platform Bed Frame 

In the next handful of sections, we’re going to break down the different types of bed frame in more detail. If you’re happy with the summaries above, feel free to skip ahead to the buying considerations. Otherwise, we’ll explain the frames, what sleepers they suit, average prices, and the benefits and drawbacks of choosing them. Without further ado, let’s start with the wood platform frame. 

With wood, you have a solid companion through life. For some, it’s a simple case of preferring wood to metal for aesthetics. Offering the classy, traditional appearance, wooden beds are stylish and durable. 

The Basics

There are lots of different styles of wooden frames, and some will come with side, foot, and head rails for support. Accompanied by wooden slats, the whole frame is durable, and we can have confidence in the sturdiness. 

Which mattress is best? In truth, lots of mattresses will work with a wooden frame. However, we have picked out four: 

• Memory foam 
• One-sided innerspring 
• Latex 
• Memory foam hybrid (or innerspring/poly foam) 

As long as the slats have less than three inches of space between them, the mattress will provide the sleeper with plenty of support. Additionally, you shouldn’t experience falling or sagging. With this support, you don’t have to worry about a box spring. 

The Sleeper 

Too often, we think too much about the bed and mattress that we forget about ourselves. With plenty of options for mattresses, a wooden frame will actually suit the majority of sleepers. A wooden frame will hold mattresses made for stomach, side, back, and even combination sleepers. 

The Durability 

With the sturdy construction, this provides durability as well as the aforementioned support. Most manufacturers will push for a strong frame and sturdy slats, and this lends itself to a long life for your bed and your mattress (since there’s no sagging). Wood isn’t perfect, though, and the main risks include rotting, warping, and splintering over time. 

The Price 

Ultimately, it would be difficult to provide one price because it all depends on the design and quality of the frame itself. While the cheapest frames are just over $100, the more extravagant designs can reach $2,500. Although more expensive than metal frames, the latter requires additional investment with a box spring. 

The Aesthetics 

If you want a bed to complement the decor of your bedroom, wood is most likely to answer your requests. Whether you have a modern vision or a more classic decor, wood often brings warmth and character. 

The Benefits 

• Stylish in design 
• Great support for sleeper and mattress 
• Very little noise 
• Budget and luxury options available 
• Box spring not required 
• ​Low profile options 
• Some designs come with under-bed storage or side storage 

The Drawbacks 

• Heavy and difficult to move 
• Some assembly 
• Low profile can lead to storage restrictions 
• Doesn’t suit heavy individuals  

Standard Metal Bed Frame 

When looking at standard metal bed frames, you’ll notice that they come with side, head, and foot rails. With some designs, they go even further and provide slats and other support rails. Thanks to the steel, the frames are durable and very rarely experience problems relating to age (such as rotting, bending, sagging, or warping).

Unfortunately, the spending doesn’t stop with the frame itself because you’ll need a box spring. Since it doesn’t have many slats, the mattress needs to get support from a box spring instead. This might be a little frustrating, but at least the bed frame supports both the box spring and the mattress (while raising its profile). 

You could go ahead and place the mattress directly onto the standard metal frame, but you wouldn’t get the support you need through the night. What’s more, the mattress can fall between the slats and sag. 

The Basics 

For those who have never used a box spring before, it sits on top of the metal bed and underneath the mattress. Though standard metal frames are good for some things, they’re terrible for others and support falls into the latter category. Therefore, we need to add our own support, and this comes from a box spring. 

With regards to mattresses, we recommend using an innerspring mattress with a standard metal bed frame. Once installed, they will complement the box spring coils and provide a good level of support; this combination will also absorb body weight effectively. 

The Sleeper

For us, this bed frame is ideal for stomach sleepers, side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers. It provides the foundation for mattresses that work well with a box spring; as we saw in the last section, this includes innerspring, but it also includes innerspring hybrid mattresses. 

The Durability 

As you can imagine, the fact that steel is used in construction means that you’ll have durability with this product. Strong enough to cope with heavy sleepers, it shouldn’t degrade quite as quickly as wood, and this means your investment goes further. Even if you take the bed down and put it back up several times, you should still be in good hands with metal. 

The Price 

For the bed frame, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150. Of course, you need to factor the box spring into the equation too. We’ve seen too many people get excited over the affordability of standard metal bed frames before then realizing that this is just one half of what they need. 

The Aesthetics 

We’ve discussed lots of positives about standard metal frames, so it’s time to look at the other side; sadly, the appearance of metal is something that detracts from the experience for many. Compared to wood, metal can’t really compete for style and warmth. 

The Benefits 

• Raised mattress adds to the profile 
• Heavy duty 
• Affordable 
• No maintenance 
• Simple assembly 
• Easy movement through locking wheels 
• Ideal for heavier sleepers 
• Adjustable for various mattress sizes 
• Allows for transportation, storage, and even disassembly (whenever required!)
• Good storage space under the bed 

The Drawbacks 

• Simple/dull aesthetic 
• Can be heavy 
• Extra cost with box spring requirement 
• ​Some assembly (though simple) 
• Wheels needs to be locked to prevent movement 

Adjustable Platform Bed Frame

We saw an example of this bed type in our favorite products, and the term essentially describes any bed where the bottom and/or top is maneuverable. Whether you’re watching the TV, playing video games, reading, or sleeping, there’s a position for every occasion. Despite the constant moving, these beds are now durable while working with many different mattress types. 

The Basics

With most adjustable platform bed frames, they work with several mattresses and this includes innerspring, memory foam, latex, and even air bed mattresses. For adjustable beds designed for contouring and ultimate support, we recommend pairing it with a latex or memory foam mattress. 

The Sleeper 

If you sleep on your back, side, or stomach, this is a good choice for you. We know what you’re thinking - ‘surely that’s everybody, right?’. Well, this bed type doesn’t suit every sleeper because some people combine positions and constantly shift through the night. This bed frame is difficult for moving, so we recommend combination sleepers look elsewhere. 

The Durability 

Durability is certainly an advantage of choosing an adjustable bed, but only when cared for correctly. While standard metal frames don’t require too much attention, adjustable beds do. Over time, you might experience issues with the remotes, components, and motors. While the foundation will remain sturdy, it’s worth checking on the health of these features every so often. 

The Price 

How much you pay will all depend on three things; functionality, brand, and quality. It’s true that some will cost as little as $300, but the higher end of the scale has adjustable beds priced at $4,000. 

The Aesthetics 

There seems to be a misconception that adjustable bed frames completely change the look of a room, but we don’t think this is the case at all. Compared to others, the design is certainly bulkier, and you may need to buy special sheets. However, you will also find modern designs these days that work with the decor of your bedroom. 

The Benefits 

• Encourages blood circulation while relaxing in bed 
• Works with numerous mattresses
• Simple to use 
• Helps those who need to sleep on an incline due to breathing conditions and other health problems 
• Flexible for every sleeper 
• Various sizes available 

The Drawbacks 

• High initial cost 
• Maintenance costs 
• Moving is difficult for those who regularly change position through the night 
• Noisier than most 
• Cleaning can be tricky with much of the structure underneath inaccessible 

Metal Platform Bed Frame 

We’ve seen one style of metal bed, and this time we’re looking at metal platform beds. With several steel slats for support, you have a well-constructed frame that surrounds the mattress. 

The Basics 

Above all else, metal platform frames provide versatility, and this extends to the use of mattresses. We’ve seen this bed frame operate well with latex, memory foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses; no matter what you have right now, it should integrate just fine. All around the sides, foot, and head, the frame has support through bars running either vertically or horizontally, as well as the metal slats. 

The Sleeper 

Once again, we return to all sleepers because this type of metal frame will suit combination, stomach, back, and side sleepers. Even if you weigh more than the average man or woman, you’ll have the support and sturdiness you need. With some designs, the frame will support up to 4,000 pounds. Be careful, however, because others will drop to around 450 pounds. 

The Durability 

With most metal models, there’s no concern over warping, bending, or wearing. Even as time passes, the metal should last the test of time. Especially with steel, you won’t find too many better materials for a bed frame. 

The Price 

Depending on quality, material, and manufacturer reputation, you can expect to pay anywhere between $65 and $500. 

The Aesthetics 

Compared to standard metal bed frames, metal platform beds have a bit more character and this is why they’re often chosen instead. With a sleek design and attractive support legs, it’s possible to match the style to the decor of the room. 

The Benefits

• Little maintenance 
• Simple assembly and disassembly 
• Offers durability 
• Ideal for heavier individuals 
• Raised mattress adds to profile 
• Box spring not required 
• Affordable 
• Plenty of room underneath for storage 

The Drawbacks 

• Still not as stylish or elegant as wooden platform beds 
• Some assembly required 
• Mattress will slide on some constructions 
• Possible damage to floor with metal legs 

The Best Bed Frames Buying Considerations 

When first starting the search for a new bed frame, it can be overwhelming seeing all the different designs and materials. We’re going to make things easier for you - in this section, we’ll assess the main buying considerations to keep in mind. By considering your own needs in each area, you should come out the other side with a better idea of what makes the perfect bed frame for YOU. 

Frame Type 

Firstly, look through the different styles we’ve reviewed in this guide so far and see if there’s one that sits above all others in your mind. While some like the privacy and decoration opportunities of a canopy bed, others only know that a headboard is required, and they work from here. 

Slats 

Do you want slats with the frame? When a mattress sits on slats, the mattress doesn’t sag, and the sleeper has support. With some flexibility, the slats also make a mattress feel softer. Over the years, horizontal slats have become common across the width of the bed, but some will have thinner vertical slats too. For those with a memory foam mattress, we recommend these vertical slats because it improves support even more. The more slats, the less chance of the mattress slipping through and removing the even surface. 

Height 

Too often, we see people thinking about the bed frame exclusively…but you’re the one sleeping on the frame. Therefore, we advise having a buffer of at least three inches between your height and the size of the frame. With width, we have a little less control but it’s something to consider for the mattress. If you have a mattress already, it’s obviously easy to just match the mattress to the bed frame. 

Headboard/Footboard

We all need a bed, this much is abundantly clear (nobody wants to sleep on the floor!). However, this doesn’t mean the necessity needs to look dull and boring in the room. Instead, why not add a headboard, footboard, or both? Requiring just a handful of extra screws, we can immediately transform a boring metal frame into something with character. Suddenly, the bed frame adds to the room rather than just being something we can’t avoid. 

Weight Limit 

To look after a potential bed frame and prevent bending or cracking in the material, paying attention to the weight limit is essential. With some frames, they aren’t designed to carry two large individuals. When buying for a couple, consider your combined weight and factor this into your calculations. Remember, you also need to consider any mattress you add to the frame as well as children or pets who might join you in the bed. 

Material 

As we’ve seen in this guide, there are three main bed frame materials in wood, upholstered, and metal. Allow us to break these down a little to help your decision: 

• Metal - Cheaper than wood, metal bed frames have lots of benefits including their lightweight nature, strength, and modern design. On the other hand, those looking for durability will be better off with wood.
• Upholstered - With upholstered frames, they have a foundation material and a fabric/padding outer layer. More often than not, they’re designed for the user to sit up and read, watch TV, and generally relax. For this reason, they have a comfortable headboard. Sadly, they don’t have the same durability as wood and metal because the upholstery can wear and tear. 
• Wood - In terms of appearance alone, most people will agree that nothing can compete with wood. However, it’s not all about the appearance because wood also offers durability and strength. With the solid wood frames, be ready to take a larger hit to your bank account. 

Bedroom and Frame Size

There’s no point getting excited about a bed frame when it won’t fit in the bedroom, right? For those with very little space, it’s best to stay away from sleigh and canopy beds; these also cause problems for low ceilings. 

At the same time, think about the height of the frame because it will soon get annoying when you’re forced into jumping up onto the mattress or crawling down onto it. For the elderly, the knees and hips won’t enjoy bending down to get onto a mattress. Don’t think that a high bed will be better because this could cause just as many problems. 

Assembly 

Are you good with a set of tools? Or do you rely on the motto ‘lefty loosey, righty tighty’? Thankfully, manufacturers now cater to the latter with assembly systems that don’t require any tools. Instead, they have a locking system that requires very little effort. If you aren’t even confident enough to do this, buy your bed frame in a physical store and take advantage of the installation services on offer. 

For those happy enough to assemble a bed frame, you can still make your job easier by choosing a model that comes with all the required tools. Whatever frame you choose, it should come with simple assembly instructions with steps laying out each stage. 

Durability 

For many, they don’t want to be looking for another frame a little way down the road, they would rather invest more and have a durable product that lasts. With all the products listed above, be confident that they’re designed and constructed well enough to have durability. With a poorly made frame, it will either get loose, crack, or even start creaking (something that might seem harmless but will soon have you pulling your hair out when it makes a noise with every small movement through the night!). 

Design 

Function is certainly most important when you need a good night’s sleep, but we can’t underestimate the value of appearance too. How do you want the frame to add to the room? In some rooms, the right choice would be a sleek, minimalistic metal design. In others, it requires a wooden structure with a headboard for extra character. 

Once again, we return to the theme of space and you should start to see how several of these buying considerations relate to one another. When little space is available, why not try a foldable design? When not in use, literally fold the bed away and open up the room completely. Not only is this useful in the bedroom, it opens opportunities for travelling too. 

When style is the requirement, choose one that allows for a headboard or one with an upholstered headboard. 

Noise 

If noise and creaking is an absolute no-no, we recommend opting for steel or wood. However, it’s not all about the material. When a manufacturer suggests a weight limit for a frame or mattress, be aware that they have chosen this limit after extensive testing. You can go over, but there’s a risk of damage and lots of noise. 

Although we’ve said it before, it’s very important to consider the weight of yourself and partner before investing. With some models, the manufacturer will actually tape the foundation with foam padding to prevent noise. For light sleepers, this could be a good way to get a better sleep at night. 

Portability 

Sometimes, we’re buying a bed while renting or living in temporary accommodation, and this means we’re likely to move the bed in the near future. In this case, make sure the frame disassembles easily or can be moved whenever required. One of the best ways to avoid weight with a frame is to skip the heavy footboard or headboard. Luckily, there are plenty of lightweight products available on the market right now for this very purpose. 

Features 

There are several features that will affect both the price and performance of a bed frame. For example, unique features might include: 

• Slats designed to be quieter than normal 
• Charging points in the headboard 
• Support in the center of the bed 
• Storage under the bed 
• Optional headboard mounting 

Do you want any (or maybe all!) of these features? 

Box Spring and Box Spring Mimicker 

It has been a general trend for manufacturers to build a frame that doesn’t need a box spring in recent times. This being said, we know that some readers will still want their trusty box spring, nonetheless. If you’re in this category of sleepers, make sure your new frame allows for this addition. 

In some models, they come with a box spring mimicker. Essentially, the frame is covered in fabric and this provides some extra protection for foam mattresses. There are no springs in the bed frame, but this mimicker aims to offer the same benefits as a traditional box spring. 

Mattress 

While going through the different bed frame types in detail earlier, we saw that they accommodate different mattresses, so this is our next buying consideration (especially if you already have a mattress). If you’re an avid memory foam fan, pay particular attention to this consideration because the list of bed frames that accommodate this frame is shorter than most. 

In better news, most will support a traditional box spring mattress. Whether you use gel, latex, memory foam, or another material altogether, read the description of potential frames to ensure it fits. If you’re thinking about risking a frame that doesn’t accommodate your mattress, we have one word for you; don’t. Performance will suffer, the mattress will get damaged, and it just ends in poor sleep. 

In fact, it gets even worse because using a mattress with a frame that doesn’t meet certain requirements will actually invalidate the warranty of the mattress. To protect your mattress warranty, choose a frame that meets these requirements (in other words, a frame designed to accommodate your mattress type).

Storage Options 

If you walk around the house shaking your head at all the clutter (parents - we know you’re nodding along!), why not consider storage space with your bed frame? While a low profile might look better, having storage space under the bed is often a lifesaver. With around ten inches (at least) between floor and bed, there’s lots of room for storage. Whether you use this space for toys, sleep accessories and pillows, or just items you can’t find a home for, this is entirely up to you. Remember, some frames have drawers as well as under-bed storage space. 

Price 

At the lower end of the pricing scale, we find frames between $30 and $100. As you can imagine, the designs are relatively simple and they’re metal platform or box spring frames. As we move into the mid-range market, we find all sorts of upholstered, wood, and metal frames available for between $100 and $500. From some manufacturers, you’ll also find the early adjustable frames. 

At the higher end, we can expect to spend anywhere up to $5,000 for an ornate solid wooden frame. Of course, the amount you spend will all depend on quality, material, manufacturer reputation, type, and size. 

Buying Questions 

We’ve seen some important considerations, and we now want to offer some questions you can ask to find the right frame. By answering these questions, it again pushes you closer to the right decision. 

What’s my budget? With a large budget, you have an opportunity to buy any frame you desire. On the other hand, those who are slightly restricted should look to a panel, platform, or storage platform frame. 

Do I need upholstery? Depending on your budget and your overall need, you also need to decide whether or not you want upholstery on your bed frame. Generally speaking, upholstered frames are more expensive. 

Do I need a long life from the frame? In our experience, wooden and metal bed frames actually have a very similar life. For something longer, look to solid bed frames rather than slats. 

Does it come with a warranty? As you start to narrow your search to a few products, it’s time to consider the warranty. Some brands will offer one solitary year, others will go up to five. Be careful, some won’t offer a warranty at all, which means you don’t even have protection against defects. 

How do I sleep? Some people sleep better on box springs, and some people sleep better without. On which side do you fall? If the former, stay away from storage platforms and platforms because they don’t accommodate box springs. 

Maintaining a Bed Frame 

When you think of a bed frame, maintenance is probably one of the last concerns that comes to mind. Yet, it does form an important consideration. If we start with metal, a wet cloth will remove dust and other dirt that builds over time. Before moving or storing away, we highly recommend giving it a wipe.

In some circumstances, the metal frame might start to show areas of rust. If this is the case, use steel wool to remove the rust and then coat with a sealant. 

What about storage? It’s important to wrap the frame in some way, and we’re big believers in using an old blanket or bed sheet. If wrapped tightly enough, it shouldn’t rust, and you also prevent scratching while moving it into the loft, storage unit, or garage. 

Sometimes, we like to remodel a room and the bed is often the most difficult aspect of this. No matter how heavy, use sliding discs under the legs and everything will be easier (while also preventing scratching and the tearing of carpet). 

Dispelling Myths 

When it comes to bed frames, we’ve seen an abundance of myths. Even while researching for this guide, there were lots of false statements around the internet. Below, we’ve addressed three of the most common. 

The foundation needs to match the mattress - Just because a mattress will attempt to sell a box spring foundation and mattress as a set, you don’t need the pair. Not only will the mattress come alone, the box spring foundation is also available as one piece. If you don’t need or want a box spring foundation, don’t buy it in a set - it’s as simple as that. Save some money and just buy the mattress. 

You need a box spring foundation - In a similar vein, we saw lots of people claim that a box spring foundation was critical. As long as the slats on the platform bed frame aren’t further than three inches apart, you’ll have enough support without a box spring. For mattresses to work, they need some form of foundation so they can provide support while absorbing movement - however, this doesn’t always mean a box spring. 

Mattresses work just as well on the floor - We completely disagree. With the right frame, it will offer support, comfort, and an ability to limit noise. When one sleeper moves, the reduced motion transfer should mean that the other partner doesn’t feel their movements. We also recommend considering the aesthetics of a frame and the fact that many actually offer storage solutions. 

Without a frame, the mattress feels completely different and it can actually void the manufacturer’s warranty. For many brands, they require their mattresses to be used on a standard bed frame and box spring OR a platform bed frame. 

Bed Frame Manufacturer Warranties 

With warranties, we recommend reading the fine print wherever possible. With most mattress brands, they will suggest that you use some form of foundation. The fine print might also make the following recommendations: 

• Any bed frame paired with the mattress should have slats of two inches with no more than two inches between each one (some warranties will extend the latter to three or four inches). 
• California king, king, and queen mattresses should have a five-legged or six-legged bed frame.
• Users should never place the mattress directly onto the floor; alternatively, the brand might advise against spring-based models, wired metal models, and other bases. 
• Four-legged frames are necessary for full, twin XL, and twin mattresses. 
• A center support beam may be required for a slatted frame when using a mattress larger than a queen. 

Is the warranty really important? Yes, and this is because there are some common problems with mattresses. For example, sagging may occur, and this is only covered if you follow the manufacturer’s requirements. If you didn’t follow the advice, the warranty is voided and you’re on your own. 

Earlier, we included the mattress warranty in our buying considerations for a bed frame and now you can see why. Simultaneously, look at the warranty of the bed frame. As mentioned earlier, some will cover one year, some will cover five, and some won’t cover a single day. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which frame should I choose for a memory foam mattress?

Since memory foam is now an incredibly popular material choice for mattresses, we wanted to address this question. We recommend either wooden or metal slats, but the gap between each should be less than six inches. If you want the best experience - support and molding with every movement - choose a platform bed frame. 

Do bed frames come with storage? 

As we saw in our list of products right at the very beginning, some frames will offer drawers and other forms of built-in storage. If you like the look of a frame but need storage, check the height because you might squeeze storage containers underneath. 

When will I need to buy a replacement frame?

Put it this way, you’ll need a new mattress before you replace the frame. If we were to put a number on the timeline, most people get over five years from their frame. This isn’t a universal rule, so look out for a few signs that something may be wrong. 

First and foremost, listen out for creaking. When you start to hear noises, this suggests a problem in either the material or the joining. After this, you might notice that the mattress has sunk slightly in the middle. You could sleep on after spotting this problem, but the fix will only get more expensive because soon you’ll need a new mattress too. 

To extend the life of both your mattress and bed frame, introduce a middle support. This is something that all bed frames should have yet few manufacturers have added to their designs thus far. In fact, this is one of the reasons why experts recommend getting a platform bed frame. With a middle support, bodyweight is dispersed more evenly, the frame wears slowly, and we get a better sleep. 

Do I need a new mattress when I get a bed frame?

Not necessarily, it all depends on the state of your current mattress. If it’s fairly new and in good condition, we recommend choosing a frame that suits your mattress. If slightly older and you’re ready to treat yourself, go ahead and get them at the same time (you’ll have more freedom with what you get!). In most cases, mattresses have a lifespan of between five and ten years. 

Summary 

Thank you for reading, we hope you’ve found value in this extensive review on the best bed frames. As well as looking at some brilliant and reliable example products, we reviewed the different types of bed frame, buying considerations, and plenty more. 

Before spending any money, go through our list of buying considerations. Grab a notepad and pen and start to form an idea of what you need and want. If you already have a mattress, you’ll be guided into certain areas of the market as a starting point. If not, this list is even more important so that you don’t get lost in a sea of bed frames. 

Do you want storage? Do you prefer the appearance of metal or wood? What size mattress do you have? These are all questions you’ll have to answer on your way to a fantastic new bed frame!