I'm a sleep writer – these are the best bed frames
Whether you’re shopping for a sumptuous four-poster or a classic iron bedstead, I’ve found the frame for you
The right bed frame is the bedrock of a good night’s sleep. In its simplest form, a bed frame is designed to hold your mattress in place, supporting you while you sleep. Since they’re the focal point of any bedroom, the best bed frame will also help you sleep in style.
There are dozens of bed frame types to choose from. A soaring four-poster frame makes a fantastic feature in larger bedrooms. Adjustable bed frames mold to every curve and contour of your body to minimize aches and pains. For convenience, there’s nothing like a trundle bed to maximize space in kids’ bedrooms.
I’m a sleep writer. I know all the best places to buy bed frames. I’ve spent hours scouring the sites of the top home furniture retailers, as well as specialist sleep stores, to bring you the best bed frames.
Full disclosure: I haven’t tested them yet, but I’ve looked through thousands of frames and read countless customer reviews. I’ve narrowed it down to my top nine bed frames to suit every space and support every sleeper.
Best bed frames 2024
Best platform frame
Width: 66”
Length: 90”
Height: 42”
Clearance: 7"
+Compatible with adjustable bases
+No box-spring required
-May not suit every sleeper
This platform bed is a base and a frame in one, so there’s no need to purchase a box spring. Made from hardwood that has been kiln-dried for extra durability, this frame is founded upon multiple support feet and a vertical center support. It comes fully upholstered in vintage velvet or natural linen, with deep channel tufting to create linear interest. It’s also fully compatible with adjustable bases, also sold on Saatva, which allow you to set and save your favorite sleep position. Supportive and stylish, this frame is fairly close to the ground, so it may be less suitable for sleepers with mobility issues.
Best adjustable frame
Width: 60”
Length: 80”
Height: 15”
Clearance: Unlisted
+Ideal for sensitive sleepers
+Suitable for couples
-May not suit all sleeper
If you struggle with backache, sleep apnea, or any sort of health condition where it’s better to sleep in a more upright position, this is the bed frame for you. Nectar’s Adjustable Bed Frame can be fully controlled via their app or a wireless remote. You can choose from any of their preset positions or find your favorite by experimenting with their one-touch setting system. There’s even a massage mode with three levels of intensity to soothe your aches and pains. Each side of this frame can be individually controlled, so it’s perfect for couples who share a bed but have different sleep needs.
Best frame for storage
Width: 65”
Length: 87”
Height: 12.6”
Clearance: 1”
+Plenty of storage space
+No box-spring required
-Incompatible with adjustable bases
Supportive on top and spacious inside, the Halle Platform Bed is the best frame for storage. There is a handle at the foot of the bed for easy lifting and lowering, with fortified bolts and brackets to withstand nightly use. The lid lifts to reveal a spacious storage cavity, with plenty of room for spare bedding, clothes, books, and other essentials. This frame even comes with vertical dividers for easy organization. The only downside is that this frame is not compatible with adjustable bases.
Best mid-century modern frame
Width: 60”
Length: 81”
Height: 11.2”
Clearance: Unlisted
+Classic yet contemporary
+Made from natural materials
-Some assembly required
This frame comes in sizes Twin through to California King, with or without a headboard, so it’s easy to adapt to the size of your space. Handcrafted in California from durable maple or walnut wood, Avocado’s Mid-Century Modern Frame is built to last. The design is clean and classic, with tapered angular legs combining style and support. This frame should integrate effortlessly with most interior designs: it’s the perfect pick for mid-century modern homes. While this frame requires some assembly, you’ll only need an Allen wrench. Your package will be delivered with detailed instructions, and there’s even a video walkthrough on the website.
Best iron frame
Width: 63”
Length: 83”
Height: 59”
Clearance: 6.5”
+Classic design
+No box-spring necessary
-Some assembly required
This bed frame combines art deco style with contemporary materials. Handcrafted from iron and supported by a wooden slat system, the Deco Bed Frame doesn’t need a box spring to help you sleep easy. Investing in an iron bed frame like this one is a great way to make a small bedroom look bigger. The structure is open and airy, which often makes smaller rooms feel more spacious. Plus, the dark iron frame makes a striking contrast with white or light-colored bedding and walls. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to assemble it yourself.
Best four poster frame
Width: 69”
Length: 89”
Height: 87”
Clearance: Unlisted
+Handcrafted
+Custom-made to your specifications
-Unsuitable for rooms with low ceilings
This four-poster bed frame would make the perfect centerpiece for bigger bedrooms. Each frame is handcrafted in North Carolina and custom-made to your exact specifications. Serena & Lily provide a selection of 100 fabrics for upholstery, so you can pick the shade that best suits your space. This bed frame is beautiful, but it’s heavy and tricky to transport, and certainly not suitable for rooms with low ceilings. The Franklin Four Poster would look fantastic in your forever home. But if you might move house again, and especially if you’re downsizing, you’ll appreciate a more portable frame.
Best sleigh frame
Width: 63”
Length: 85”
Height: 47”
Clearance: 7.25”
+Great alternative to a four-poster
+Compatible with adjustable bases
-Some assembly required
With its high headboard and footbed, a sleigh bed makes a great alternative to a four-poster. The Alisdair Sleigh Frame makes a serious statement, and it works just as well in smaller rooms. While the curving lines and redwood finish to this frame ooze Old World elegance, it’s still fully compatible with modern adjustable bases. However, you’ll need to buy a box spring for this bed, if you don’t have one already. There is also some assembly required. The Ashley website estimates that this frame will only take five minutes to set up, though I’d take that with a grain of salt.
Best trundle frame
Width: 41.5"
Length: 78"
Height: 18"
Clearance: Unlisted
+Convenient
+Maximizes space
-Less suitable for adult sleepers
When you buy Avocado’s Kids Bed Frame, you get two beds in one. There’s the twin-sized bed on top, which has been handcrafted from beech wood to withstand the rough and tumble of kids’ bedrooms. Underneath is a compact frame known as a trundle bed, which can be pulled out and put away at a moment’s notice, so it’s perfect for sleepovers. You can also use your trundle as a storage space for spare bedding, clothes, or toys. Just bear in mind that the trundle lies pretty close to the ground, so it’s most suitable for children.
Best daybed frame
Width: 41.5"
Length: 79.5"
Height: 8.5"
Clearance: 7"
+Stylish
+Easy to clean
-Less suitable for nightly sleep
This handcrafted frame was designed for daydreams and lazy afternoons. Fashioned from skin-on rattan for a wicker look and feel, the Avalon Daybed is modeled on a French sleigh sofa from the 40s. This frame is easy to clean with mild soap and water and dries quickly when wiped with a soft cloth. While it may not be suitable for nightly sleep, it will add a touch of class to your spare room or living space.
Best bed frame FAQs
Is it bad to put your mattress on the floor?
In short, yes. While it might be easier to place your mattress straight on the floor, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Your mattress needs elevation because it needs air to wick away moisture and release body heat. To stay cool, dry, and clean, it’s best to invest in a bed frame.
Which bed frame should I buy?
According to customer reviews, each of the frames on this list is both supportive and stylish. Which bed frame is best is a matter of personal preference. It all depends on your individual sleep needs. An adjustable bed frame will help to relieve aches and pains, for example, while a trundle frame creates a convenient second bed for kids’ bedrooms.
Does a bed frame need a box spring?
Not all bed frames need a separate box spring, but some do. It’s always best to check with your retailer in store or online.
Final thoughts
Once you’ve bought one of the best bed frames, it might be time to invest in the best mattress for your sleep needs. If you tend to sleep hot, it’s worth covering your mattress with one of the best cooling mattress protectors.
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Emilia is our resident sleep writer. She spends her days tracking down the lowest prices on the best mattresses and bedding and spends her nights testing them out from the comfort of her own home. Emilia leads a team of testers across America to find the best mattress for every sleep style, body type, and budget.
Emilia's quest to learn how to sleep better takes her all around the world, from the 3Z mattress factory in Glendale, Arizona to the Hästens headquarters in Köping, Sweden. She's interviewed luxury bedding designers at Shleep and Pure Parima, as well as the Design Manager at IKEA. Before she joined Homes & Gardens, Emilia studied English at the University of Oxford.
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