The 9 Best Bed Frames The Spruce Has Tested

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. 

We recently tested nine bed frames in our own homes and found certain shopping factors were ubiquitous; namely, all of our tested beds stood out for their durability. Additionally, all of these beds were easy to climb into after a long day. 

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. We included our full households in this testing process, so bed-jumping children, rambunctious pets, and exhausted adults all put these beds through their paces.

Four Bed Frames We Love

We think most households will love the Nest Bedding HomeBase Foundation. We appreciated its easy-to-assemble design and neutral upholstery; in fact, we found the upholstery surprisingly durable, with no wear after six months. 

This bed was delivered in two boxes—one for the headboard and the other for the foundation—and the hardest part of the assembly was carrying the boxes upstairs to the bedroom. The headboard box wasn’t too large, but the foundation box was slightly unwieldy to carry alone at 67 pounds. Most of this bed’s pieces clicked together, and the only screws required were for setting the headboard at the height we wanted. 

We chose the sand-color upholstery and found it was slightly darker in person compared to online. However, we are happy with the color and think it could easily hide stains, although we haven’t had to treat any since setting it up.

This bed frame also features slats that are entirely covered by one piece of fabric. It can easily roll up, which we thought was a convenient feature for moving and ensuring the slats stay evenly spaced to support a mattress. The bed foundation even has USB ports on both sides, but we fear this feature may become slightly obsolete over time.  

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed this bed frame and think it’s an attractive, neutral design for various interior decor styles. Our only gripe is it has very little clearance (4.5 inches, according to our measurements), so you’ll have to purchase vacuum storage bags if you typically store off-season clothing under your bed.    

_{Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Untreated pinewood, woven polyester-blend upholstery, slats covered in non-woven polyester | Support: Covered wooden slats, no box spring necessary | Weight Capacity: Not listed} 

Our team member who tested The Bed by Thuma already owned the frame in a California king size, and she loves it so much she volunteered to test the twin size in her son’s bedroom. This bed frame’s ease of assembly makes it worth the high price. 

We had it assembled in 20 minutes thanks to the puzzle-piece assembly, and it required just two screws for the slat support beam. The slats for this frame are also lined with felt, similar to the Nest Bedding HomeBase Foundation, and they lock in place. There’s no mattress shifting or creaking with this frame. 

Although we were satisfied with our team member’s personal experience after using her frame for two years, the twin frame also stood up to plenty of toddler jumping over six months. We love that there’s enough room under the frame from the brand’s storage drawers or other under-bed storage options. 

Best of all, this bed can easily be disassembled without worry of stripping screws or wearing down hardware with multiple moves. We opted for the PillowBoard on the twin frame, but we appreciate there’s also a classic wooden headboard or a cushioned design. 

_{Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Upcycled rubberwood, CertiPUR-US certified foam, 100 percent polyester cover | Support: Slats lined with eco-fi felt | Weight Capacity: Not listed} 

Compared to other fabric headboards, Casper’s Haven Bed Frame feels like it is of higher quality. We found the felted wool headboard to be particularly soft, and foam cushioning made it a comfortable choice for leaning against to watch TV. 

This bed frame was delivered and set up thanks to Casper’s white-glove delivery and set up, and everything was assembled within 30 minutes. It has no space between the floor and the bottom of the frame, which may be a deal breaker for someone looking for under-bed storage—but for our particular home it meant no cat hair could get under the bed, and no kids’ toys could get stuck. 

At the same time, we experienced an adjustment period since the bed sits lower to the ground. Fortunately, the lower profile and heavy slats made us feel like this bed was extra durable. It survived jumping from children to prove it.

We haven’t noticed any stains on the upholstery after over six months of use, and the frame is just as sturdy. We wish this frame were just 3 inches higher, but overall we’re thrilled with its stylish build. 

_{Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Material: Hardwood frame, foam, dacron, felted wool | Support: LVL (laminated veneer lumber) slats with polyester cover | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

Pottery Barn’s Sausalito Cane Bed is a perfect choice for households looking for the aesthetic of a traditional wooden frame bed. We love how this bed frame can be used in homes with varied aesthetics including coastal, farmhouse, and eclectic. 

We ordered the Sausalito Cane Bed with white-glove delivery, and it was put together in about 30 minutes. The framing felt sturdy and the headboard had a high-quality feel to it. We experienced no bowing once we had our box spring and mattress on the frame, and the slats offered exceptional support. 

The frame combined with a box spring (it requires a box spring or a foundation) means you’ll sit higher than other options on our list like the Casper Haven Bed Frame. While we enjoyed the added height, it’s worth noting it may be too tall for some people. 

Additionally, the cane headboard easily snags delicate fabrics like satin or silk pillowcases, and we found the same to be true for longer hair. So, this headboard isn’t the best for leaning against to watch TV. 

We still love this bed frame for the statement it makes in a bedroom, and it has held up well over six months. It’s a great choice for households wanting a fashion-forward and very durable bed frame. 

_{Sizes: Twin, queen, king, California king | Material: Meranti wood, MDF, engineered woods, and veneers | Support: Five slats | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds (twin), or 600 pounds (queen through California king)} 

More Beds We Tested and Loved

How to Choose the Best Bed Frame 

You should ideally only need to purchase a bed frame once in your adult life, unless you decide to redecorate your bedroom at some point. We’ve focused our list of bed frames on timeless designs (many of which are platform beds) that will work no matter your space. We recommend paying attention to a few design elements to ensure your purchase is a guaranteed success. 

Measure and Re-Measure Your Frame Dimensions

It’s one thing to know a bed fits in your space, but envisioning the full dimensions of a bed is a completely different game. This can be especially challenging if the frame is not available for viewing at a brick-and-mortar store.  

If you have the space to mock up the bed frame before you purchase it, we recommend using painter’s tape to outline the bed’s length and width. If it has a headboard, we also recommend placing painter’s tape on the wall to get a better sense of how tall it will appear in the room. 

Additionally, the height of your mattress will be a factor in choosing the best frame for your needs. 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, which makes platform bed design especially popular right now. If you have a taller mattress, you may want to consider a lower profile frame, like the Casper Haven Bed Frame. Conversely, if you’re looking to elevate a thinner mattress, consider a taller bed frame, like the Pottery Barn Sausalito Cane Bed.

It’s also important to consider the dimensions of the other furniture in your room. “Don’t forget to account for your nightstand height when choosing a bed frame,” Berdek says. 

You don’t want a bed frame much higher—or lower—than your nightstand. Proportionality goes beyond just pleasing the eye; it can also be integral for functionality. (You certainly don’t want to fall halfway out of your bed to pull a drawer out.)

Consider Your Preferred Mattress Support 

There are a few different ways a bed frame can offer support. While most modern bed frames have enough support built into them to forgo a box spring, you’ll still want to pay attention to your mattress compatibility and the bed’s weight capacity. 

Most of the beds in our list have support slats, which make a box spring an unnecessary addition. Slats provide equal support along the entire length of the mattress preventing mattress slumping and offering airflow. Some brands like Nest Bedding, Thuma, and Casper connect the slats with fabric, which makes them easy to roll up for moving and keeps them evenly spaced along the frame. 

However, some more traditionally shaped bed frames, like the Pottery Barn Sausalito Cane Bed, have support slats that still require a box spring. These slats are spaced farther apart (13 inches on the Sausalito Cane Bed) and do not have a center beam for support. 

The type of support a bed frame offers will often also determine its weight capacity. Larger frames support more weight than smaller twin and full sizes. Consider how many people will use the bed and their weights. The frame should support the combined weight, with some extra for safety.

Find a Design That Compliments Any Room 

It may be tempting to splurge on a statement-making bed frame, but we’d caution against a frame that may not evolve with your style.

Focusing your search on a durable bed frame with the right support and foundation ensures it will be a one-time purchase. You can always add throw pillows and stylish comforters to match the bed frame to your taste. The Bed by Thuma is a great choice that’s not only durable but also easy to assemble. You even have the flexibility of choosing from three different headboards or no headboard at all. 

Secondary Bed Frame Design Considerations

The Great Headboard Debate

Headboards used to be a standard feature of a bed frame, but now it’s much more mainstream to skip a headboard, especially in minimalist bedroom designs. We’ve included various bed frames that come with and without headboards, as well as designs that allow you to choose between a few headboard designs. 

We love the statement-making headboards on the Casper Haven Bed Frame and the Pottery Barn Sausalito Cane Bed. While they’ll take up more space in a bedroom, their designs are also still universal enough to pivot as your tastes evolve. 

A headboard can also have a purpose in addition to its aesthetics. “Tailor your choice to your lifestyle; if you’re an avid reader or prefer convenience, these [a comfortable headboard] can be valuable,” Elderot says. 

Storage, Charging Ports, and Modularity—Oh My! 

Some of the bed frames we tested have additional features built into them. The Nest Bedding HomeBase Foundation has USB charging ports on each side, so you can easily plug in your devices without worrying about wall plugs. 

Further on our list, we’ve included other bed frame designs that we also tested and enjoyed. One of which, the Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Platform Bed with Metal Legs, has built-in storage drawers unlike those that can be purchased separately to pair with The Bed by Thuma.

A storage bed is a great option for smaller bedrooms and living spaces. It maximizes your closet without taking up additional floor space like dressers do. We also tested Floyd’s Platform Bed Frame, which is fully customizable and has add-ons beyond a headboard like under-bed storage drawers and an attachable side table. 

All of these features are what we consider “nice-to-haves” rather than must-haves in a bed frame, although their presence certainly adds to the bed frame’s value and user experience. 

Five More Bed Frames to Consider

Pottery Barn’s Jake Upholstered Storage Platform Bed with Metal Legs drew us in with its upholstered headboard and style, but what made it a delightful experience for us in testing was the functionality of the extensive storage.

The white-glove delivery was efficient, taking just 45 minutes, with this platform bed and quite essential because it has a heavy and sturdy design. The upholstered material was exceptionally soft and comfortable to the touch.

The four drawers (two per side) were super smooth and particularly spacious; we even fit an entire heavyweight comforter into one. The interiors of the drawers also feature a high-quality smooth dark finish, while the fronts and sides of the drawers are upholstered, which makes the drawers blend into the lower frame. 

Before buying, however, we recommend thinking about your other bedroom furniture, specifically your nightstands. If you have large nightstands, you may have to move them every time you pull out the drawers. Additionally, be aware that made-to-order upholstery options take 12 or more weeks to be delivered. 

_{Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Material: Solid pine and engineered wood | Support: Slat-roll supports | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds (full), or 600 pounds (queen through California king)} 

We tried Saatva’s Santorini Bed Frame with a thicker mattress, and the low, platform nature was perfect to cancel out the height of the mattress. The headboard, side panels, and footboard fit well together and had a sturdy feel and we experienced no wobbling when getting in and out of the Santorini. 

Saatva’s customer service was top-tier, with the packages arriving within the specified delivery window. We assembled this bed quite easily, but the instructions were a bit unclear, making it a more tedious assembly than other options on our list; it took us 60 minutes. 

We’re also impressed with how the fabric upholstery has held up over six months. We lightly vacuum it occasionally to remove pet hair, and we haven’t noticed any deterioration in the velvet finish. 

The only other note we had about this bed is the legs only come in a brushed stainless steel look, which may clash with warmer tones in some bedrooms.

_{Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Material: Kiln-dried hardwood, velvet or linen upholstery | Support: Plywood slats | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

We liked Tuft & Needle’s Wood Frame because it is made from solid wood and has a classic silhouette that meshes with various decor schemes. Everything we needed to build this bed arrived in two boxes, which made it easier to carry into our bedroom. 

We didn’t have any issues assembling this frame, but it did take us about an hour to assemble it solo. You may benefit from having another person available to help speed up the process. 

The frame has 7 inches of space underneath, which was plenty of room for everything we had stored under our old frame. We also love the wider planks that are secured directly to the frame, which eliminates the need for our old box spring. 

All in all, we were thrilled with this bed frame and think it’s a timeless design. 

_{Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king | Material: Solid oak or solid walnut | Support: Wooden slats | Weight Capacity: 550 pounds}

Floyd’s The Bed Frame strikes the balance of fancy and understated in a modular design. It’s available in three kinds of wood (birch, walnut, and American oak) with options of white or black hardware. The best feature is it has add-ons like an upholstered headboard, a bedside table, and under-bed storage.

One of our team members purchased this bed frame for her tween son over two years ago and she’s still satisfied with its design and durability. We opted to have it assembled by someone through Taskrabbit, and the assembly only took an hour. 

Just be mindful that there is space between the headboard and the bed. It looks stylish, but pillows can fall into it. Your head is also at risk of hitting the brackets. 

This bed frame is very smooth, so we’ve noticed a mattress does shift around on it, especially if you throw yourself on the bed. However, we love that this bed can easily be changed into a larger size by adding more panels. We’ve found it is a great option to support a growing child through their teenage years. 

_{Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Material: Birch plywood and veneer, powder-coated steel, nylon ratchet straps | Support: Panels | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds}

Some bed frames that feature fabric can be difficult to clean, however, Silk & Snow’s Boucle Bed Frame combats this. The boucle fabric on the headboard can be unzipped to be put through the wash. Underneath, this frame is structurally well-built, with durable slats that work well to support the entire mattress. 

The solid wood construction made this frame cumbersome to move; it’s not a one-person job if you need to move it up a set of stairs. It also didn’t come with instructions, but we were able to put it together in 29 minutes. The Japanese joinery doesn’t require fasteners—similar to the design of The Bed by Thuma—everything just slots into place. 

Be mindful that this frame is also hard to move once it’s arranged in your space; so be sure that you like where it is when you initially position it. While we tested and enjoyed the boucle option, this frame can also be purchased with a solid wood or rattan headboard. 

_{Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: Acacia wood | Support: Wooden slats | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds (twin), 1,100 pounds (full through king)} 

How We Tested the Bed Frames

After researching popular bed frames online, we purchased the nine options we’ve listed above and tested them in our own homes. This allowed us to see how they looked in actual bedrooms and determine how they performed with pets, kids, and constant use. 

We used these bed frames for over six months (and even have insights of up to two years for two of the models on our list).

• Setup: We noted the entire process of receiving, unboxing, and assembling the bed frames. We used this as an opportunity to time the assembly, determine how helpful the instructions were, and how easy the steps were to complete. 
• Design: Throughout our testing, we examined the frames’ quality and materials. We noted if the frames met our functionality expectations, and whether they fit into our rooms well. We also paid attention to the sturdiness, and for options with storage, we examined the spaciousness and how easy the storage was to use.
• Durability: Examining the design also meant looking at whether the bed bowed under weight, how well it supported the mattress and people sitting on it, and if the slats succeeded at supporting an entire body. We also noted whether the bed experienced any damage during the testing period—which actually occurred on none of the frames we tested. All of our beds received acknowledgment for their durability. 
• Value: Since bed frames are categorically a more expensive product, we thoughtfully considered how each bed’s design matched up to its price. We enjoyed testing all of the beds on this list and think they’re all worth their listed prices. Although some are more expensive than others, their ease of assembly, durability, and attractiveness make them a worthy investment. 

Why Trust The Spruce?

Jack Byram has been writing for The Spruce since 2023, covering everything home and sleep-related. Byram is constantly sampling and trying out new sleep products to better make educated recommendations for readers. Additionally, he has previously worked in refinishing furniture, so he really understands what makes certain pieces an excellent choice.

Our Experts:

• Emma Phelps, associate editor at The Spruce
• Simone Elderot, interior designer and owner of Stockhomed
• Filip Berdek, interior stylist of Born Interiors