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Whether you gravitate toward an earthy neutral style or a vibrant maximalist aesthetic, the best bed frame supports your mattress and elevates your bedroom decor. You can rest soundly at night knowing that you're sleeping in style, with options from classic wooden bed frames to elegant canopy beds.
Beyond aesthetics, the best bed frames use high-quality materials at an affordable price that are stable and durable to last for years to come. Features like fair return policies and customization opportunities are a bonus, too. I consulted with six interior designers to help find the best bed frames on the market that meet these criteria. I compiled options from designer-approved brands, like Article and Thuma that span several styles and budgets.
Article
Direct-to-consumer brand Article is known for its high-quality furniture at mid-range price points. It offers a variety of bed frames in unique designs to fit any decor style. Article is also one of our favorite places to buy the best sofas.
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A classic upholstered favoriteThe stout legs prop up this low-profile upholstered bed, which comes in caspian blue, clay taupe, and glaze gray.
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Shaker-inspired styleThe Lenia Bed has a smooth, rounded wooden design. Inspired by Shaker craftsmanship, its charm is in its simplicity. It's also available as a canopy and a storage bed.
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Built-in nightstandsWith its subtle chevron staining, this bed includes built-in nightstands with soft-close drawers and cord management, which bring a sense of cohesion to the bedroom.
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Cozy and regalThe soft, curved headboard cradles your bedding and pillows. It's available in a neutral off-white and an earthy chartreuse.
West Elm
West Elm is a go-to for its mix of mid-century furniture and high-profile collaborations with the likes of Pierce & Ward and Rhode at a mid-range price point with an emphasis on sustainable and commercial-grade (re: durable) furnishings. Most upholstered bed frames are available in numerous fabrics and wood finishes to customize to your liking. Lead times can vary, with some products available for quick shipping while others can take two months.
Dina Marciano, founder of Dina Marciano Design, recommended West Elm for eco-conscious shoppers. "West Elm impresses me with its commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship," she said. "Their bed frames are made from responsibly sourced wood and have a timeless, mid-century look that never goes out of style."
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The wingback bed, reimaginedWith a warm and inviting shape, you can choose from 53 different fabrics for a bed frame that seamlessly blends into your bedroom decor.
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A gorgeous sleigh bedThe unique curved lines envelope you in luxurious, stylish comfort. The raised footboard makes this bed frame a stand-out piece.
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Built-in storage drawersA traditional mid-century look with storage drawers, this bed combines style and convenience.
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A dreamy canopyWest Elm's Gansevoort Canopy bed has visually interesting rounded corners, bringing a touch of softness to the traditional canopy bed.
Thuma
Thuma became Instagram-famous with its line of easy-to-assemble, modern bed frames that easily assemble without tools using the Japanese joinery technique. We reviewed the brand's Classic Bed and Signature Bed and were impressed with the high-quality materials and quick assembly.
Lisa Sternfeld, WELL Certified interior designer & founder of WLLW, is also a Thuma fan and recommends their Signature Bed. "The low-profile, slatted design encourages airflow around your mattress to reduce moisture and allergens," Sternfeld said. Easy to assemble and built to last, it's a smart investment in better sleep and cleaner living."
Each bed is crafted from solid, repurposed wood. No MDF or veneers are used and all the pieces interlock, requiring just two hand-tightened screws.
Thuma’s newest bed frame, the Signature Bed, boasts a minimalistic design with a padded upholstered frame.
Serena & Lily
Interior designers recommended shopping at Serena and Lily for a one-of-a-kind bed frame. Isabel Ladd, owner of Isabel Ladd Interiors, loves the brand and also suggested it as one of her favorite places for bedding for her clients, too
"I want my clients to wake up feeling like the Queen or King they are," said Ladd. "Serena and Lily are always my go-to when ordering a bed frame. They offer beautifully made-to-order bed frames that feel custom to the project. Their style is timeless, and craftsmanship is impeccable."
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A hardwood bed that mimics the look of bambooThe Ravello bed melds an inviting upholstered headboard with a hardwood trim that resembles bamboo. It's available in two colors: white and honey-brown.
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Customizable wood and fabricThe Hyde is available in a whopping 172 fabrics and four wood legs to create a piece of furniture that is unique to you.
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Spindle chicThe Webster Bed is inspired by bobbin furniture, which was popular in the 17th century. Add it to your bedroom for a vintage feel.
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Sleep like nobilitySerena & Lily's Whitaker Four Poster Bed is a statement piece without overpowering. Its sharp lines and detailed headboard turn your room into an elevated escape.
Wayfair
Wayfair offers furniture at every budget with a range of affordable options to high-end designer finds, not to mention some great in-house brands like Andover Mills, Birch Lane, Joss & Main, and Zipcode Design.
With literally thousands of options, Wayfair makes it more pleasant to narrow down the choices by filtering through color, style, type, features, and price range, and even a tag called Wayfair Verified, which has been vetted directly by product specialists for value and quality.
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Metal-and-wood frameThe manufactured wood panels are framed with dark metal for an industrial, modern look. It comes in two wood stains: walnut and black.
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A highly-rated customizable classicThe Tilly Upholstered Bed is available in 53 shades of linen, from elephant gray to hot pink.
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Traditional and classicThe headboard and footboard are prominent, with detailed curved sides in a rich cherry finish.
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No-frills frameThis contemporary modern wooden bed is an upgrade from basic metal frames, and not much more expensive either. It has six inches of under-bed clearance for extra storage.
Ikea
Perfect for renters or frequent movers, Ikea sells home basics, like bed frames, on a budget. "Ikea stands out for its modern, minimalist designs and affordable prices, making it easy for anyone to create a stylish bedroom without breaking the bank," Marciano said. Their products, like the Malm bed frame, are functional and easy to assemble, which is perfect for renters or first-time furniture buyers."
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Classic, sturdy, and unassumingThe Ikea Malm Bed Frame is one of Dina Marciano's favorite products from Ikea. She loves its modern design and affordability.
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Under-bed drawers for extra storageThe built-in soft-closing storage drawers blend seamlessly into the bed frame, offering extra space without compromising style.
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Modern and thoughtful featuresThis mixed-material bed combines metal and upholstery for a unique and funky look. The soft headboard cover is removable, so it's easy to throw into the washer to keep it clean.
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All-in-one designThe Ikea Nordli is a modern bedroom set that combines a paneled bed frame with built-in nightstands and under-bed storage drawers.
Silk & Snow
Canada-based Silk & Snow may be most well-known in the mattress space, but its line of high-quality bed frames that are high on style at a great value is rapidly gaining traction. Like Thuma, most of its bed frames use Japanese joinery for tool-free assembly, but at a fraction of the cost. Read our Silk & Snow bed frame review for more details about our experience with the bed frame.
Silk & Snow offers 30-day returns for bed frames in their original packaging. Its bed frames are also covered by a five-year warranty.
The Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame is a reasonably priced, sustainable wood frame available with several headboard options. It also doesn’t require any tools or screws for assembly.
Silk & Snow's low-profile bed frame hides a storage drawer, which is perfect for stowing away your extra linens.
The rattan headboard combines blonde rubberwood and cane for a light finish.
Four Hands
Austin-based wholesaler Four Hands specializes in luxury furniture with interior designer-approved designs. Found online at Perigold or through independent retailers, Four Hands has some of the most distinctive bed frames on the market.
Colleen Bute Bennett, lead interior designer and founder of CBB Design Firm, recommends Four Hands, complementing its high-quality designs. "We love Four Hands for its price and its style," Bennett said. "It allows us to give some great design but at affordable prices."
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Sumptuous wood and leatherThe terra brown and dark brown wood frame complements the tufted leather headboard, sourced from a family-owned Italian tannery.
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Woven headboardOne of Four Hand's collaborative pieces with designer Amber Lewis, this bed has a unique woven headboard made of paper cord and spindle legs.
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An uncommon iron frameMade of brass, the Four Hands Westwood Bed is a sculptural inspired take on a vintage iron frame.
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Safari inspiredThe Four Hands Leigh Canopy Bed is a twist on the traditional canopy bed with a padded headboard with leather strap accents.
Bernhardt
Bennett also recommended Bernhardt, a luxury furniture brand with over a century of experience under its belt. Founded in North Carolina in the 1800s, Bernhardt uses mixed materials in their furniture to create functional pieces of art for your home. "
"We love Bernhardt as it blends modern with rustic," Bennett said. We have used their products in our homes we have done on Lake James and in Banner Elk (in North Carolina). It's a great price point, great quality. We think you can get a beautiful look at a good value, and definitely think that you should take a look at it."
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Round and cozyThe round wood edges lift the bed off the floor by about an inch. The upholstery is plush and brings an ultra-comforting feel to your bedroom.
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70s styleWith a diagonal striped wood design, the Bernhardt Fuller Standard Bed is a warm brown color.
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Simple upholsteryThe cool neutral gray shade looks relaxed yet polished. The upholstery has a plush feel.
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A stately canopyGrey-washed pine with metal accents brings a modern element to this canopy bed. The plush upholstered headboard softens the look.
Crate & Barrel
Combining modern design with vintage inspirations, Crate & Barrel bed frames use unique shapes to create beautiful furniture and have trend-forward collaborations with the likes of Leanne Ford, Jake Arnold, Brigette Romanek, and more.
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A best-selling solid wood frameThis weathered wood bed is available in three finishes: natural wood, driftwood, and black.
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Pure eleganceA standout from Leanne Ford's collaboration, the Canyon Arched Canopy Bed is tall and stately, perfect for those who want to wake up feeling like royalty.
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Vintage curvesJake Arnold trims the gently curved camel velvet headboard with light oak for a beautiful, yet subtle contrast. The bed also has storage built into the bottom, which is a handy perk.
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Classic woven detailsFrom the Leanne Ford collection, the bed is made of natural caning surrounded by white oak for timeless flair in your bedroom.
What to look for in a bed frame
Finding the best bed frame depends on your style and preferences. When looking for a bed frame, consider your space restrictions, preferred material, and durability needs. Isabel Ladd, owner of Isabel Ladd Interiors, shares her shopping advice for choosing a bed frame.
Type: When shopping for a bed frame, consider the kind of bed you're looking for. "The main types of bed frames are platform and a bed frame with a box spring," Ladd said. "A platform bed will typically have a solid surface with slats that will support the mattress. A traditional bed frame requires a box spring, which in turn also provides support."
There are also adjustable beds, which can stand-alone, though many are compatible to fit inside traditional bed frames. The head and feet portions of the bed can raise and lower so you sleep elevated, which can help with snoring or acid reflux, as well as be used to sit up while watching TV or reading in bed.
Style: The best bed frame for you depends on your style and personal preference. The following are popular styles you may come across:
- Panel: Wood paneling is classic and perfect for a rustic bedroom.
- Poster/ Four Poster: Regal and stately, a four-poster bed adds visual height to your bed with posts flanking each side of the headboard and even the baseboard.
- Upholstered: Upholstered beds soften your space and add a cushion that makes it comfortable to lean up against the headboard
- Sleigh: Sleigh beds sit low to the ground with a low headboard and high footboard
- Slat: Simple in design, slat bed frames hold your bed in place and keep your mattress supported.
- Low profile: Sitting low on the floor, a low-profile bed looks modern in your bedroom.
- Canopy: A statement making bed frame, four posts support a frame that you can drape curtains over or leave the beams exposed. It evolved from providing warmth or privacy to its current decorative function.
Material: Various materials, from solid wood to metal to woven cane, are used to create a bed frame. "Each bed frame feature is a different design aesthetic," Ladd said. Metal frames usually gravitate to a more modern style. Wood is more of a traditional and natural look, where upholstered is my favorite to design with a maximalist fabric."
Besides look, material is also important when considering your bed frame's durability. Ladd explained the differences in material durability. "Metal bed frames are known for their exceptional strength. Wood frames can also be very durable, especially when you are choosing a type like maple or oak. Upholstered bed frames offer a softer aesthetic and are comfortable to lean against prior to bed," Ladd said.
Support: Your bed frame should support your mattress. Look for features like sturdy slats, extra legs for the middle of the bed, and solid construction. It's important that your bed frame provides the needed support in order to lengthen the life of your mattress.
Height: Bed frames are available in two main heights: low profile and high clearance. Low-profile beds might rest directly on the floor or be slightly lifted an inch or two off the ground. High clearance bed frames are supported by legs, with plenty of space under the bed.
The best height depends on what you're looking for in a bed frame. "A high bed is more beneficial for a taller individual and also requires storage space," Ladd said. "It's a great way to hide clutter, whether it be kids' toys or seasonal clothes." On the other hand, low-profile beds bring a sleek look to the bedroom. "A low bed can be a game changer for smaller spaces, and if the client prefers a more modern design," Ladd said.
Headboard and footboard: Headboards and footboards aren't required for a bed frame, but they do bring a cohesive look to your bedroom. "The benefit of the headboard is that it provides support while sitting up in the bed if you prefer to read or watch TV," Ladd said. The footboard helps prevent the bedding from slipping off, which in turn helps you sleep more sound. It also enhances the design of the overall look of the bedroom, adding a finished and balanced look."
Price: Like all furniture prices, bed frame prices vary wildly. A budget bed frame could cost $100, while a custom-made luxury bed frame could cost tens of thousands. While you usually get what you pay for with furniture, remember that you can find quality pieces at a budget or mid-range price point.
Storage: If you need extra storage space in your bedroom, look for a bed frame with built-in storage. Some beds have built-in drawers or hydraulics that lift the mattress to reveal hidden storage compartments for your belongings, like linens, pillows, or offseason items. Beds with higher clearance of at least eight inches make it easier to store your boxes and suitcases under the bed, but the items are not necessarily hidden from view.
How we chose the best bed frames
We talked to four interior designers about the brands and retailers they love to consider for their design projects and took in to account our own experiences with popular brands as well. We also conducted in-depth research on each product, paying special attention to customer ratings, materials, and price. We interviewed Lisa Sternfeld, WELL Certified interior designer and founder of WLLW; Isabel Ladd, owner of Isabel Ladd Interiors; Colleen Bute Bennett, lead interior designer and founder of CBB Design Firm; and Dina Marciano, founder of Dina Marciano Design.
Bed frame FAQs
Do I need a bed frame?
While you don't technically need a bed frame for your mattress, we recommend using one for the longevity of your mattress. Mattress companies recommend using a bed frame or foundation. Plus, many mattress warranties are invalid if your mattress isn't properly supported. A bed frame also elevates your bedroom decor.
Do I need a box spring with a bed frame?
It depends on the bed frame, but most likely not. Platform-style beds, which use slats, do not require a box spring since the frame itself supports the mattress. Standard or traditional beds, also known as panel beds, will require a box spring or foundation.
What type of bed is the sturdiest?
Generally, pure wood or metal bed frames are the sturdiest. These strong materials have a higher weight capacity than manufactured wood.
How much does a bed frame cost?
Bed frames cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. We've included bed frames at a range of price points in our guide. While there's no exact price to buy a "good" bed frame, remember that you usually get what you pay for. Bed frames with a high price tag typically use high-quality materials like solid wood that will last much longer.
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