• Your bed is not only the highlight of your bedroom, it’s also the only furniture you spend 33% of your life on.
  • The Zinus Lottie Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed Frame is our top pick because it’s well-crafted with impressive strength and has an attractive design.
  • If you’re looking for a great mattress to put on top of your new bed frame, check out our guide to the best mattresses.

Your bed frame can make or break the overall look and feel of your bedroom. Certain bed frames make the room feel cozier, while others add a bold and modern style. Your mattress certainly matters in terms of comfort, but from a design aspect, your bed frame is the foundation of your bedroom.

Beyond design, bed frames can elevate your sleeping position, ideally making it easier to get in and out of bed. Sometimes they make room for additional storage below your sleeping area or in the headboard. Bed frames also extend the life of your mattress by providing support and preventing weak, sagging spots.

Buying a bed frame may seem simple – just match frame size with mattress size – but there are more buying options than you might realize, which can make the shopping process seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the best bed frames.

Here are the best bed frames:

Prices and links are current as of 8/25/20. Our best canopy bed frame pick is back in stock. We also made the Floyd Platform Bed our new best modular bed frame, following testing.

The best bed frame overall

The Zinus Lottie Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed Frame is completely squeakless and it has a classic, timeless look.

The Zinus Lottie Bed Frame is naturally simple with a classic design that we can’t see going out of style anytime soon. The plush square-stitched dark gray upholstery adds a soft-to-the-touch design aesthetic to the already handsome piece. It’s an all-around high quality, timelessly designed bed frame.

As a cost saver, the headboard, frame, and ten wood slats that support the mattress are included in the price. All purchased parts, including the frame, legs, and wooden slats conveniently fit into the headboard and are shipped that way as well.

It's available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. The king-size frame stands 14 inches off the ground, providing extra storage space. In other sizes, the frame is eight inches off the ground.

Overall, the Zinus is a bed frame that can blend quietly into the background of a loud bedroom or hold its own as the centerpiece of an otherwise neutral room. The sturdiness and easy setup are two major plusses, and the strong mattress support and soft upholstery complement each other, creating an overall high-quality bed frame we can't help but recommend.

Pros: Very sturdy, helps your mattress last longer, easy assembly, reasonable price, footboard option, adaptable style

Cons: Middle of the bed support may not be the best, shipping issues result in damaged parts a bit too often

The best bed frame on a budget

Foto: Source: Zinus

Space is valuable, especially in small apartments, and this Zinus Shawn 14-inch SmartBase Platform Bed Frame lets you make the most of it at an affordable price.

If you don't have bedroom space to waste, then a bed frame that provides plenty of under bed storage is the way to go. This Zinus Shawn Bed Frame does just that, as it is raised 14 inches off the ground with 13 inches of clearance, so you can easily store medium to large plastic bins filled with the items you don't need access to daily right under the bed.

It can be purchased as a standard bed frame, a bed frame with a skirt, or a deluxe edition, which has an upgraded design for reinforced stability with t-shape leg construction and a locking system.

The most popular choice is the standard bed frame, which is made from strong, durable steel, and has a unique folding design that makes it easy to move around as needed. Unlike some other models, it's easy to assemble in just two pieces.

The steel bed frame eliminates the need for a box spring and can support spring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. We like that it's a rather standard 14-inch height, but if you want even more under bed storage, Zinus also has this very similar 18-inch bed frame model.

There are no bells and whistles to this bed frame, so you can achieve a super minimalist style, or add a headboard of your choice to jazz it up a bit.

While other so-called storage bed frames often have drawers that can be pulled out from the sides or have a compartment under the bed that you can only access by lifting up your mattress, the Zinus 14-inch SmartBase Platform Bed Frame simply provides free space, so you are not as limited by the size of drawers or under bed compartments.

Senior reporter Connie Chen used this frame for 1.5 years and loved the easy assembly and spacious storage for her tiny NYC bedroom.

Pros: Tons of under bed storage, easy to assemble and disassemble, frame keeps things quiet, super affordable price point

Cons: Some mattresses may slip, no clear indication of how much weight it can hold

Read our full review of the Zinus Shawn Bed Frame here

The best adjustable bed frame

Foto: Source: Reverie

The Reverie adjustable base is a high-tech sleep machine that will not only meet your comfort needs, but also give you a massage, charge your devices, and more.

When is your bed more than a bed? When it's as capable of multitasking as you are. Once you've slept in a Reverie 9T Adjustable Foundation, it's likely that you'll never leave it again. That's because you can adjust the Reverie to just about any position you'd like.

While I wouldn't recommend turning your bedroom into your home office, the Reverie makes it easy to spend just about all day in one place, but in multiple positions. Trust me, I've (almost) done it.

Thanks to its remote-controlled adjustability, you can elevate your head, feet, or both to an optimal position for sleeping, watching tv, reading, or eliminating snoring. The remote control comes with presets for Flat, Anti-Snore, and Zero Gravity, which involves elevating your legs way up in a position that I find ideal for relaxation.

There two more programmable positions that you can set with whatever your unique preferences may be. The frame also features lumbar support, which can be adjusted by degrees to best suit your needs.

When it comes to appearances, the foundation boasts a sleek design, and the gray upholstery goes well with the slighter darker gray wood on the lower half. If you're into minimalist or contemporary decor, this is an aesthetically pleasing bed.

One of my favorite aspects of the Reverie is that it features quiet, 3D Wave massage therapy that comes in four waves and an impressive 10 intensities. Most other beds that offer built-in massage only offer two or three waves, and around five intensities. While it's not quite like having an in-house masseuse, it's pretty darn close.

As for the additional tech elements of the bed, the Reverie boasts a unique charging pad that can charge compatible smartphones wirelessly, all while simultaneously charging the accompanying remote via the built-in USB port. You can also program your bed via a companion smartphone app, and as an added bonus, there's an under the bed LED nightlight for your midnight bathroom breaks.

And should anything go wrong with your bed, it does come with a 20-year limited warranty. - Lulu Chang

Pros: Frame can be adjusted to just about any position, great massage capabilities, charge your devices wirelessly or with USB port

Cons: Expensive, some reports of hard-to-reach customer service

The best simple bed frame

Foto: Source: Amazon

The Casper frame and foundation aren't fancy, but they do the job and arrive at your doorstep hassle-free.

If you're just looking for a bed frame to get the job done, look no further than the Casper foundation and frame combination. In my search for a trusty, easy to receive, and most importantly, easy to set up bed frame, I found just about none better than Casper.

While known best for being the original bed-in-a-box brand, Casper offers much more than just mattresses. Its foundation and frame combination is compatible not only with Casper's own mattresses but just about anything else you throw on top of it, too.

Made with solid wood, Casper says that it "rigorously tested" its foundation for durability, and thus far, I can say that this is quite apparent. While other foundations I've slept on have seemed a bit saggy, the Casper foundation is solid. This is due partly to the fact that Casper carefully spaced out the slats. They're all four inches apart, which provides great support and prevents the aforementioned sagging issue. Best of all, the foundation can be assembled and disassembled in just minutes without the use of tools.

While you can use the foundation without the frame, you should probably invest in the affordable metal setup as well. The frame is constructed with 100% recycled steel, and again, provides an additional layer of support beneath your foundation. Like the foundation, it's extremely easy to set up and requires no extra tools. When I received the whole set, I was able to sleep on my newly assembled bed within 15 minutes. The most difficult part was probably dragging the long boxes up the stairs.

Aesthetically, this frame and foundation set are perfectly adequate. Easily dressed up with a nice headboard, the setup won't draw any attention to itself. At the end of the day, if you're looking for a simple bed frame that will come to your doorstep hassle-free, this is the way to go. - Lulu Chang

Pros: Very easy to set up, affordable, sturdy, made with durable materials

Cons: Some customers noted that the frame arrived damaged (though Casper's customer service team will take care of this for you)

The best canopy bed frame

Foto: Source: Amazon

The DHP Rosedale Metal Canopy Bed Frame adds a hint of romance and old-fashioned style to your bedroom.

The DHP Rosedale Metal Canopy Bed Frame, available in three colors, lets you add your own unique style to make your entire bed setup feel personalized and one of a kind. You can drape the canopy with your favorite curtains, upholstery, lights, and much more, change up the design with the seasons, or you could simply use it as-is for a more minimalist look.

This four-poster canopied bed frame with sleek, modern X-shaped square accents in the headboard and footboard is crafted out of sturdy metal and has multiple support bars underneath it to hold your mattress in place.

A box spring is probably a safe add-on to ensure you get the most life out of your mattress, though one user explained that a box spring made the bed squeak when used more "actively," so you may prefer to go without the box spring.

Pros: Sturdy and durable, easy to personalize, you can change up the style quickly and easily

Cons: Assembly can be a drag, you may want to purchase a box spring as well

The best modular bed frame

Foto: Source: Floyd/Instagram

Thanks to its customizable, modular design, you can take The Floyd Platform Bed to future homes and through mattress upgrades with little fuss.

The bed frame from buzzy direct-to-consumer home brand Floyd looks stylish and modern, and you can choose from four different wood and color combinations, and add a headboard or underbed storage. It's made in the US from FSC-certified wood and powder-coated steel. But we don't only love it for its style.

The frame is lightweight yet supportive and sturdy, plus the optional underbed storage is perfect for keeping bedding and clothing items. If you upgrade your mattress size down the line, all you have to do is add panels and supports, instead of buying a whole new frame.

Editor Caitlin Petreycik is testing the Floyd Platform Bed and loved the straightforward, tool-free assembly process. However, she notes that the boxes and panels are heavy, and it would help to have a second person for assembly. Make sure you assemble the frame in the general area where you'd ultimately like to place it - otherwise, you'll have to grab it where the wooden planks are joined in order to move it.

In case the frame isn't for you, there's a 30-day free return policy, as well as a 10-year warranty. -Connie Chen

Pros: Customizable and modular features, roomy underbed storage, high-quality and responsibly sourced materials

Cons: Expensive, low-to-the-ground design isn't for everyone

The best faux-leather bed frame

Foto: Source: Amazon

No matter what mattress you choose, with this DHP Dakota Faux Leather Tufted Upholstered Platform Bed it will feel like you're laying in luxury.

If your heart is set on a bed frame that has that standout, elegant leather look, but you simply can't justify spending thousands of dollars, this DHP Dakota Faux Leather Tufted Upholstered Platform Bed could be the solution. We love that there are so many purchase options available. You can buy it in twin, full, queen, and king sizes and in black, brown, or white faux leather.

The contemporary bed frame comes with a padded faux leather upholstered headboard and sturdy metal side rails, which add stability and durability. It's supported with 24 wooden bed slats to provide more than adequate comfort without the need for a box spring.

The manufacturer says the bed works well with memory foam mattresses and coil mattresses but doesn't explicitly state other mattresses won't do.

The faux leather is easy to clean and is detailed with button tufts and padding that give it a stylish, yet understated design so it can scale up even the plainest of bedrooms.

Pros: Price, design, comes with headboard, easy to clean

Cons: May not be as sturdy as one would like, assembly can be a hassle

Other bed frames we're testing and considering

Foto: Source: Thuma/Instagram

Thuma Bed Frame, $695-$995

This direct-to-consumer brand's bed frame is sturdy, simple to build, and beautifully made - though it's one of the more expensive frames we've tested. The style is on the modern and minimalist side, and it has a low profile platform that still has a nine-inch clearance for storage. Its headboard, while comfortable and supportive, is a bit short for our tastes.

Read our full review of the Thuma Bed Frame

How to pick the right bed frame

Foto: Source: IKEA

How to pick the right bed frame

  • Size matters: First get the sizing right. You want a bed frame that blends into the room naturally, not one that overwhelms the room by taking up too much space. Also, note that bed frame sizes are not completely standardized. They can differ depending on the country they are made in or by the manufacturer, either of which may have their own standards and use their own terminology for sizing.
  • Get a good mattress: Once you have an idea of how much space you have to work with, get the mattress size correct. Your mattress can be as large as your room allows, but the main goal is that it can hold your body comfortably, without any limbs hanging off the sides. You don't want one that makes you feel like Will Ferrell in the movie Elf. If you're buying a mattress for two people, you should both be able to lie down, side by side, and have your arms behind your head with your elbows out, without touching each other. From there, you can match the mattress size to the bed frame size. Check out the best mattresses you can buy here.
  • Check the pricing: Bed frame pricing is all over the place. Pricing is usually dependent upon the material of the frame, with leather-covered and wooden frames being the most expensive and metal frames the least.
  • Figure out what style you want: Because your bed setup is the highlight of the room, the design of your bed frame certainly plays a role in your choice. It's up to your personal preferences, other design elements in the room, and the available space you have to work with.

Bed frame types

There are various types of bed frames available, but one trick to narrow down your options is to decide if you want a platform or box spring bed. With many platform bed frames, you won't need a box spring. For more firmness, opt for a platform bed without a box spring, which will provide a harder and more supportive foundation. Here are the different types of bed frames:

  • Platform bed frames without a box spring are usually lower to the ground, which may make them harder to get in and out of, especially if you experience back pain or other complications. On the plus side, because platform bed frames are lower, they provide a cooler sleep environment. Also, cutting the box spring out of your total bed buying costs will make your bed much cheaper.
  • Box spring bed frames will lift your mattress higher off the ground, making your bed easier to get in and out of. Box springs usually do help extend the life of your mattress by preventing sagging. Box spring bed frames are the go-to pick for the traditionalist, but the box spring itself will not last forever. Over time, box springs lose support and do not provide as many mattress-saving benefits. To get the most out of a box spring, simply turn it frequently, so the heaviest weight is not constantly placed in the same area.
  • Headboards and footboards are sometimes included with the bed frame for added style. These can be made out of metal or wood, and they're sometimes covered in fabric or leather.
  • Specialty bed frames come in a few different forms, including sleigh beds, four-poster beds, canopy beds, daybeds, and so on. These bed frames add more style and drama to your bedroom.

Wood, upholstered, and metal bed frames

If durability is a top priority, then a metal frame is your best bet. With good care, metal bed frames look nearly new for years and aren't damaged as easily as wooden bed frames. However, wooden bed frames are still considered highly durable and are usually a good value for the cost. They're pretty low maintenance and may even be easier to care for than metal frames, which can fall victim to rust. You can also find bed frames that are covered in fabric, genuine leather, or faux leather for added style.

Check out our great bedding guides

Foto: Source: Brooklinen/Instagram

The best mattresses

A high-quality mattress will last for more than a decade, provide the right balance of comfort and support for your body type and sleeping style, and offer superb motion transfer isolation. Our guide features beds that performed best in our tests, have long trial periods, and are designed to suit a broad range of sleepers. These are the best mattresses.

The best sheets

Few would deny that at the end of a long, hard day, sliding into a comfortable bed outfitted with soft, smooth sheets that pamper your skin is one of life's greatest pleasures. After reviewing dozens of contenders, these are our top picks for the best bed sheets you can buy.

The best pillows

There's a nearly dizzying array of pillows on display in any bed-and-bath shop, or on the virtual shelves of your favorite online home store. While ultimately, there is no "best for everyone" pillow - personal preference plays a huge role - we tested several pillows to bring you our top picks.

The best weighted blankets

The constant pressure provided by a weighted blanket helps produce a hug-like sensation that stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, the naturally occurring chemicals our bodies use to feel calm, relaxed, and happy. These are the best weighted blankets to help reduce anxiety and give you a good night's sleep.

The best duvet covers

Cozy and comfortable, stylish and versatile, and available in a huge range of fashionable colors, designs, and fabrics, there's a duvet cover for every taste. Sometimes, however, too much choice makes it nearly impossible to make a decision. That's where we step in. Here are the best duvet covers you can buy.