Mattresses and pillows may have the biggest impact on sleep quality, but a sturdy bed frame that provides solid support and sits at a comfortable height can also contribute to a good night's rest. The right bed frame can also tie your bedroom decor together.
We researched dozens of bed frames to find the best one for your own bedroom, evaluating each for materials, mattress support, durability, weight capacity, height, and other factors.
Most bed frames run between about 12 and 18 inches tall, but low profile frames and tall options like captain’s beds fall outside that range. According to Filip Berdek, interior stylist of Born Interiors, “Anything between 10 to 14 [inches] from the floor to the bottom of the mattress feels good. You should not need a step stool to get into your bed!” With the mattress in place, you should be able to sit comfortably on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the ground.
Since bed frames are so large, and they typically dominate the room they’re in, it’s also important to find a good match for your style and aesthetics. That’s why we’ve pulled together all the best panel and platform beds, in a variety designs and materials like metals, hardwoods, and veneers, to suit every purpose and home.
Best Overall
Thuma The Bed
Lifetime warranty
100-night trial
Japanese joinery
Pillow board does not attach
With its sleek look and thoughtful design, The Bed by Thuma is a versatile option that’s well-suited for all sorts of bedrooms. It’s hard to pick where to start with this bed frame, but the foundation seems fitting. It’s made of handcrafted and repurposed wood and Japanese joinery, which is a traditional woodworking technique that uses interlocking joints rather than nails, screws, or glue to assemble furniture. It’s equal parts beautiful and ideal for assembly or disassembly, making this a bed frame that you can easily move into another room or another zip code entirely, should your work-from-home life bring you somewhere else in the world.
Moving up the frame, you have the choice of a matching headboard or a pillow board. Just note that the pillow board sits between the wall and the frame, unattached from the main unit. We love this customizability because it either allows you to keep things uniform if you have a more wood-centric space, or you can add some comfort with the pillow board if you’re a fan of staying up late reading or watching TV. Either way, the three color choices of espresso, walnut, and natural wood provide even more opportunities for you to get exactly the look you’re going for.
Lastly we love the 9 inches of clearance under the bed. Even the most spacious of rooms can benefit from a little bit of hidden storage. While this bed frame is a bit pricier than other options on our list, we like that Thuma provides a lifetime warranty, fast free shipping, and a 100-night trial.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, queen, king, Cal. king | Material: Repurposed wood, CertiPUR-US certified foam, polyester, recycled plastics | Support: Repurposed plastic slats, no box spring necessary | Weight Capacity: 1,500 pounds
Best With Headboard
West Elm Mid-Century Bed
White glove assembly
Nontoxic water-based finish
Greenguard Gold Certified
No warranty listed on website
For those who love the crisp and clean lines associated with mid-century furniture, West Elm modernizes them in a sleek fashion with this stylish bed frame. This bed frame is made from sustainably sourced kiln-dried wood and is available in three different colors. You can keep things subtle with the acorn option, but we like the pebble and white options to add a bit more pop to your space.
The doweled headboard edges accentuate the tapered legs, creating a symmetrical and uniform look for the entire bed. Plus, if the West Elm name isn’t enough to assure you of the quality, just know that the frame is contract grade, ensuring durability. While it is a bit pricier, you can rest easy at night knowing that it’s Greenguard Gold certified (which screens for potentially toxic chemicals and VOCs) and Fair Trade certified (which covers sustainability and ethical manufacturing).
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: Kiln-dried solid and engineered wood | Support: Solid pine slats (box spring optional) | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best King Size
Novogratz Bushwick Metal Bed, Modern Design
Stylish detailing with finial design
Sleek color options
Sturdy metal frame
Metal can be cold and uncomfortable to lean against
Lower weight capacity
Novogratz aims to bring home the feel of “high-end boutique design” without breaking the bank, and the Bushwick Bed hits that nail on the head. Five different color options allow you to find the perfect piece for your space, while the symmetry of the round finials on both the headboard and footboard posts will undoubtedly draw some positive attention.
The beauty of this bed frame is outdone only by its functionality. It comes with metal slats, side rails, and center legs to help keep your king-sized mattress (and you) fully supported throughout the night. One drawback is that this bed is offered only in full, queen, and king sizes, but we do like that there are five distinct color options to choose from.
Sizes: Full, queen, king | Material: Metal | Support: Metal slats, side rails, center legs | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
Best Queen Size
Crown Mark Florence Gray Panel Bed
Tufted headboard
Easy assembly
Sophisticated look
Lower weight limit
Only available in one color option
For those with a queen-sized mattress, check out the elegant Crown Mark Florence Panel Bed. With a lower profile and an upholstered frame, this pick's tufting and buttons decorating the headboard do just that. This bed’s upholstery stands out for its elegant yet clean design that's versatile enough to fit into many different aesthetics.
The headboard measures only 50 inches in height, so while it will be a welcome addition to any bedroom, it won’t necessarily overwhelm and take up too much space. Some drawbacks, however, include that this bed frame does require a box spring and has a lower weight limit. It’s available in twin through king sizes, making it a good choice for any sleeper.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal. king | Material: Wood, gray fabric | Support: Box spring required | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Best Minimalist
Nectar The Foundation
Three-year warranty
Solid and supportive base
Single package delivery
Shorter trial period
Highly understated with a focus on simplicity and sleekness, Nectar’s Foundation bed frame is a good addition to any room, minimalist or not. Beneath the simple yet beautiful gray fabric lining the frame, it’s built with naturally sourced pine and spruce, meaning that it’s made to last and withstand the test of time.
The perks of this no-frills bed frame include a no-frills setup. The single package delivery includes all of the necessary tools and materials to have it up and ready for sleeping in just a few minutes. Once it’s set up, all you have to do is put your mattress on it (the slats mean there’s no need for a box spring). It does have a shorter at-home trial than other bed frames, but the three-year warranty is something we can get behind.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal. king | Material: Pine, spruce, fabric | Support: Wood slat foundation, central beam | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
Best Budget
Zinus Paul Metal & Wood Platform Bed Frame
Highly sturdy
Five-year warranty
Stylish wood headboard
Hard to assemble alone
Finding an affordable bed that looks stylish and is made to last may seem unrealistic, but Zinus’ Paul bed manages to capture all three of these with ease. The sleek black steel frame and the wood headboard combine to make this bed frame a viable option for the industrial and the shabby chic alike. Plus, the higher height leaves you with more space underneath, making this a great selection for the minimalist who wants to keep their out-of-season clothes out of the eye’s view.
While we appreciate that this bed frame comes with a five-year limited warranty, it’s important to note that it’s not all that easy to assemble alone. It requires multiple sets of hands, but it does include a video demonstration to keep the building process streamlined.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen | Material: Alloy steel, solid wood, plywood | Support: Wooden slats | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
Best Storage
Lark Manor Alamar Tufted Upholstered Storage Bed
1,500-pound weight limit
Storage included; choice between two and four drawers
Button tufting and nailhead trim
Only two color options
Quite heavy
If you're looking for built-in storage, the Darby Home Co. Difranco Upholstered Storage Bed is a great bet. The option of two or four drawers makes this frame ideal for anyone who is limited in space but still has stuff to store. Neutral ivory and gray color choices allow the tufted and nailhead trim headboard to do most of the talking. Underneath, the tubular steel core has welded joints, ensuring that it will last you for years to come.
One of the best parts about this bed is that the drawer units come assembled, which is one less headache to deal with when it arrives. Plus, there are center legs under the bed, so you won't need to add a bulky box spring. The headboard can be adjusted between 54 inches, 57 inches, and 60 inches tall, plus the frame can hold up to 1,500 pounds, making it one of the sturdiest options out there.
Sizes: Queen, king, Cal. king | Material: Steel, wood, linen | Support: Center legs, slats | Weight Capacity: 1,500 pounds
Best Platform
Floyd Platform Bed With Headboard
Modularity options
Carbon neutral
Easy assembly
Headboard costs extra
Floyd’s platform bed frame upgrades the simple geometric lines of a minimalist design through an all-natural birch, walnut, or oak veneer. Additional customizability comes in the form of the hardware, with options of either black or white. The uncomplicated look is everything a platform bed should be, offering minimalism while also providing a nice addition to the room.
What do we really love about this United States-manufactured platform? The modularity. It’s designed to be able to grow with you—you can purchase expansion kits (so you don’t have to buy a whole new frame if you need a larger size), stylish headboards, bedside tables, and even under-bed storage should you want to upgrade the bed. It’s a bit pricier, and all of the modular add-ons are also not inexpensive, but we do love that in 2022 the brand committed to complete carbon neutrality.
Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Material: Steel, plywood, nylon | Support: Wood, steel, no box spring necessary | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
Best Canopy
Joss & Main The Eloise Upholstered Bed
Includes upholstered headboard
Modern take on classic silhouette
Solid wood construction
Assembly required
“You can create a very clean, more hotel-like feel with a high upholstered headboard," says Berdek, and the Joss & Main Eloise Upholstered Bed does just that by combining a high upholstered headboard with a slimmer canopy frame. Simple, clean lines and acacia wood keep the focus on the height of the bed.
The contrast of the tufted headboard with the simplicity of the wood frame makes it a perfect option to be the center of attention in your bedroom, but it’s subtle enough that you can add splashes of color elsewhere. This frame is made from natural wood and is available in two versatile colors to match your decor. Plus, no box spring means you have one less thing to worry about (and purchase).
Sizes: Full, queen, king, Cal. king | Material: Acacia, acacia veneers, polyester | Support: Wood slats, no box spring necessary | Weight Capacity: Not listed
Best Upholstered
AllModern Lazlo Upholstered Bed
Unique patterned design
Cotton upholstery
Supportive wood base
Lower weight limit
Known for blending everything from minimalist to mid-century, AllModern can take the best of the past and combine it with the modern to provide unique “cutting-edge designs.” Berdek says that with an upholstered frame, “Don't be afraid of more texture or a bold pattern to really make it a priority,” which is why we love the geometric pattern on the Lazlo Upholstered Bed in mauve and ivory (talk about bold!).
This bed frame is made of both solid and manufactured wood to add extra sturdiness. And though wood is a great thing to make a bed from in terms of stability, we appreciate the foam upholstery filling in the headboard to provide you with comfortable padding to lean against. Plus, because this is a platform design, there's no need to add a box spring—saving you both money and space.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal. king | Material: Cotton, foam, solid/engineered wood, aluminum | Support: Slats, center support legs | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Best Metal
Zinus Metal Platform Bed Frame
Sleek design
Available in most standard bed sizes
Five-year limited warranty
Unclear assembly instructions
For anyone looking to keep things simple and clean in terms of design, an all-metal bed frame is your best bet. Plus, as Berdek points out, “Smaller spaces should avoid oversized footboards or sleigh-like styles.” If you're tight on space or just prefer a clean, minimal look, the Zinus Mia Metal Platform Bed Frame has you covered.
While the simplicity of this bed frame is what makes it so wonderful, it still has a unique industrial look that's sure to stand out. Plus, if you’re going with metal, why not go with durable steel? This bed frame does a great job of offering support, with wood slats that are close enough together to prevent slumping.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: Alloy steel, wood slats | Support: Wood slats | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
Best Adjustable
Ergomotion Quest 2.5 Adjustable Base
Silent drive motors
Dual USB ports
Voice commands or remote control
Not as aesthetically pleasing
When shopping for adjustable base bed frames, it can often feel like you’re living in the future. And if that adjustable base has voice activation? Well, then you may feel like you’ve entered the Matrix. Quest 2.5 users can enjoy voice commands or a wireless remote to adjust both head and foot positioning. Additional features like pressure-relieving Zero G settings, under-bed lighting, and massage all combine to make you really feel like you’re living in a spa.
Generally speaking, mattresses made from memory foam, latex, and other non-innerspring materials are fully compatible with adjustable bases, so you’re most likely in the clear with whatever mattress you already have matching up with this frame. While this bed has a higher price tag, it most certainly backs that up with loads of features to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If the look of an all-metal bed frame doesn’t do it for you, there’s also the ability to attach a headboard and interchangeable leg options, making this a surefire hit.
Sizes: Queen | Material: Steel, foam | Support: Steel supports, no box spring required | Weight Capacity: 850 pounds
Best Murphy Bed
Bestar Pur Murphy Bed
Hideaway design
Four color options
Higher weight limit
Very heavy
Whether you’re limited on space or you just want to be able to convert your office into a guest bedroom at a moment’s notice, a Murphy bed has you covered. That being said, if you’re going to have a cabinet holding a bed, you’ll want to make sure it’s appealing to your sense of style.
We love the Bestar Pur in particular because of its overlap between looks and functionality: A durable steel frame and laminated engineered wood cabinet combine for a 1,000-pound weight limit, while metal handles add some additional flair that we think is great. The frame comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind, but we should note that this isn’t the easiest bed to assemble. Bestar recommends that a professional install it due to the risk of injury.
Sizes: Full, queen | Material: Wood, steel | Support: Wood slats | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds
Final Verdict
The lifetime warranty, Japanese joinery, and overall sleek design of The Bed by Thuma all combined to make it our best overall pick. For a more affordable option that’s made from sturdy steel and offers a minimalist style, you can’t go wrong with the best budget Crown Mark Florence Gray Bed.
What to Look for in a Bed Frame
Frame Dimensions
When it comes to finding the proper bed frame for your space, make sure you're fully accommodating your room’s allowances. If you live in a smaller space and don’t have room for something with more ornamentation or height, then a bed frame like our best minimalist pick, the Zinus Mia Metal Platform Bed, is going to be your best bet. It’s only a half inch longer than your mattress, meaning it doesn’t take up any extra space, and it’s only 38 inches tall.
Another space-saving option is our best Murphy bed frame pick, the Bestar Pur Murphy Bed. It’s mounted to the wall and folds out within seconds whenever you need an extra bed.
It’s also important to consider the dimensions of the other furniture in your room. As Berdek points out, “Don't forget to account for your nightstand height when choosing a bed frame.” You don’t want a bed frame that’s much higher—or lower for that matter—than your nightstand. Proportionality goes beyond just pleasing the eye; it can also be integral for functionality (you don’t want to have to fall halfway out of your bed to pull a drawer out, do you?).
Frame Materials
The materials that your bed frame is made from will partially come down to preference; some people want a more rustic feel with wood, and others prefer the industrial vibes that steel bed frames offer.
Here are the most common materials you'll find:
- Metal: Bed frames can be constructed from a variety of metals, including aluminum, steel, and various alloys. Metal frames are typically strong, durable, and more affordable than wood, but it depends on the metal. Steel frames like the Zinus Paul Metal & Wood Platform Bed Frame (our best budget pick) are stronger and more durable than aluminum frames and frames that are made from unspecified alloys.
- Solid Hardwood: Furniture pieces made from solid hardwoods like oak and walnut are very strong and durable, and a well-made hardwood bed frame can last for generations. It's also very expensive, heavy, and requires regular dusting and polishing to maintain.
- Softwood: Frames made from softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir are less expensive than hardwood frames, and they're also lighter and easier to move around. This isn't as durable a material though, so it doesn't last as long. The Nectar Foundation (our best minimalist pick) is made from pine and spruce.
- Engineered Wood: This is the most affordable wood material, and it includes plywood and medium-density fiberboard, often with a wood veneer to look like a genuine softwood or hardwood. Bed frames made from engineered wood are usually more affordable than other wood frames, and they can also be very durable, but the veneers can chip or peel over time. The West Elm Mid-Century Bed (our best with headboard pick) uses both hardwood and engineered wood.
Mattress Support
There are a few different ways that a bed frame can offer support. Some include a center rail, others require a box spring, while many come equipped with wood slats, which make the box spring an unnecessary addition.
Slats are a good way to provide equal support along the entire length of the mattress, which can be helpful in the long run to avoid frustrating things like mattress slumping (which can also be costly). In particular, we love our best king-sized pick, the Novogratz Bushwick Bed. It has metal slats, side rails, and center legs to ensure every part of your mattress is supported.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a bed frame indicates the maximum amount of weight you can safely put on the bed. The type of bed frame, materials, and general quality of construction all impact the weight capacity of a bed. Bed frame weight capacity ranges from less than 200 pounds for a twin bed with pine slats to over 2,000 pounds for a steel frame.
Panel beds generally support less weight than platform beds, because they require a box spring that adds weight to the frame, and the box spring supports are usually less robust than the solid platform or slats used in platform beds. Bed frames also support more weight based on the size mattress they're designed to fit, with larger frames supporting more weight.
When selecting a bed frame, it’s important to consider how many people will be sleeping in the bed, and their weights. The frame must be able to support the combined weight, with some extra for safety.
Constantly loading a bed frame to the limit of its capacity can also cause it to wear out and break faster, which is why it's always better to choose a bed frame with a higher weight limit than you technically need. We recommend the Lark Manor Alamar Tufted Storage Platform Bed (our best storage pick) as a robust option, because it's build on a wood and steel frame that can hold up to 1,500 pounds.
Why Trust The Spruce?
A frequent writer about all products sleep-related, Jack Byram knows the value of finding the intersection between style, comfort, and price tag when it comes to sleep. For this update, he researched brands and products to cover a range of different styles while ensuring they were all well-made and durable.
Our Experts:
- Filip Berdek, interior stylist of Born Interiors
- Bianca Pineda, writer at The Spruce
- Jeremy Laukkonen, updates writer at The Spruce