Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer
Bed frames serve an important functional and aesthetic purpose in your bedroom, so it’s important to put some thought into picking the right one for you. With so many options out there, it can be hard to choose. So we’ve narrowed down this list to five of our favorite bed frames to help you find the perfect one for you. We included several different types and different price points, so hopefully something on our list will work for your needs.
And if you are still shopping around, we’ve got some buying tips included in our guide at the end of this page to help you out. Let’s dive into the best bed frames!
Our Top Pick
The Helix Wood Bed Frame is our top pick because it is easy to assemble, has a sleek look, comes in two colors, and is relatively inexpensive.
Best Bed Frames 2023
- Best Overall – Helix Wood Bed Frame
- Best Metal – Brooklyn Bedding The Frame
- Best Budget – Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard
- Best Luxury – Saatva Santorini Bed Frame
- Best Wooden – Thuma The Bed
Best Overall – Helix Wood Bed Frame
Helix Wood Bed Frame
The Helix Wood Bed Frame comes in two colors and is made with hardwood and pine slats. It assembles easily without tools, thanks to Japanese-style joinery.
Expert Opinion
The Helix Wood Bed Frame is made entirely of wood, with hardwood bed rails and pine slats for the support section. It uses Japanese joinery, making the bed frame easy to assemble and giving it an elegant, minimalist aesthetic. It comes in two color options: natural or white, which should fit well with a variety of bedroom styles. It’s a simple but quality product at an affordable price, making it our choice for the best overall bed frame.
What our tester says: “I think this frame is a great pick for people with a minimalistic aesthetic. The use of hardwoods and Japanese joinery gives this frame a more high-end look that is still simple and elegant.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Customers say this frame is easy to assemble and has a nice minimalist look.
Pros of the Helix Wood Bed Frame
- This frame is super easy to assemble — all you have to do is slot the wooden pieces together. No tools needed!
- A queen size Helix Wood Bed Frame can support up to 1,500 pounds, making it a good option for heavy folks, couples, or people with very heavy mattresses.
- The frame is made entirely of hardwood, with pine slats. Additionally, Helix says the finishes used on the wood are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Cons of the Helix Wood Bed Frame
- The slats don’t have Velcro or any other way of staying securely in place on the frame, so it is possible they might shift under the mattress.
- This frame only has about eight inches of underbed clearance, which may not be ideal for those looking to store things under their bed.
- The Helix Wood Bed Frame is not compatible with any headboards.
Our full Helix Wood Bed Frame review is coming soon, but you can click here to get our best deal.
Best Metal – Brooklyn Bedding The Frame
Brooklyn Bedding The Frame
Brooklyn Bedding's The Frame is an easy-assembly metal frame that is made from reclaimed railroad tracks and can support up to 2,500 pounds.
Read Full ReviewExpert Opinion
Brooklyn Bedding’s “The Frame” is a simple metal bed frame that clicks together in just a few minutes, making it one of the easiest bed frames to assemble that we’ve come across. The frame is made from recycled railroad tracks, with plastic legs. The frame does require an additional box spring or foundation, so you’ll want to purchase one if you don’t already have one (Brooklyn Bedding does sell a foundation, so you could order them together).
What our tester says: “I think the Brooklyn Bedding bed frame is a great option for anyone who needs an affordable, simple, easy-to-assemble bed frame.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Customer reviews also note how easy this frame is to set up, as well as saying it feels quite sturdy.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Bed Frame
- This metal frame is super sturdy — it is rated to support up to 2,500 pounds of weight.
- At under $200 for a queen size, this bed frame is a great budget option.
- In addition to being extremely easy to assemble, this frame is also easy to disassemble. That could make it a good pick for folks who want to move their frame easily from place to place.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Bed Frame
- Unless you already have one, you’ll have to purchase a box spring or foundation to be able to use this frame.
- This frame only has seven and a half inches of underbed clearance, so there isn’t a lot of room for storage.
- The plastic legs make this frame look a little cheaper than other models on the market.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding bed frame review to learn more. Or you can click here to get our best deal on this frame.
Best Budget – Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard
Nectar Bed Frame
The Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard featured a tufted headboard and comes in two color options. It's easy to assemble at home and comes at an affordable price.
Read Full ReviewExpert Opinion
This bed frame from Nectar is fully upholstered with a headboard and slats for support. This frame offers a refined look at an affordable price, making it our best budget pick. The button-tufted headboard offers a premium appearance, while also providing a place to rest against while reading or lounging in bed. While not the cheapest option on this list, we think the Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard offers the best bang for your buck because it is inexpensive, but has more to offer than a simple metal frame.
What our tester says: “I think the Nectar bed frame is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their bedroom on a budget. The tufted headboard and upholstery definitely give this bed frame an elevated look over a simple metal frame.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Customer reviews mention how sturdy the frame feels and being overall happy with the quality of the frame.
Pros of the Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard
- The Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard offers a stylish look, thanks to the tufted headboard. It also comes in two colors: linen (an off-white shade) and gray.
- This frame doesn’t require a box spring or foundation, since it has slats for support.
- The frame feels very sturdy, so it should be a good choice for couples or those who want a long-lasting frame.
Cons of the Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard
- Those who prefer a more minimal look may not love the tufted headboard.
- While this frame offers a nice look, it does utilize some cheaper materials like polyester and plastic (hence the cheaper price), so it may not be the best choice for those who want a luxury frame.
- The Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard does not come in a twin XL or split king size.
Read our full Nectar Bed Frame review to learn more, or click here to get our best deal on this frame.
Best Luxury – Saatva Santorini Bed Frame
Saatva Santorini Bed Frame
The Saatva Santorini bed frame uses durable materials like kiln-dried hardwood, and features a fully upholstered headboard. You can choose between three fabrics for the upholstery.
Read Full ReviewExpert Opinion
Saatva is a name we usually associate with luxury and their Santorini bed frame is no exception. This frame is made of kiln-dried hardwood, with plywood slats and metal support feet. It also has fortified bolts and brackets to keep the frame stable at attachment points. This frame is fully upholstered, with a headboard, and you have three fabric choices for the upholstery. Overall, the materials used in this frame look and feel super high-end.
What our tester says: “I think this frame is a great option for anyone who wants a quality frame with a sleek style. Plus, the free white glove delivery is a nice bonus.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Customers seem overall pleased with their purchase of the Saatva Santorini bed frame, noting the high quality and Saatva’s excellent customer service.
Pros of the Saatva Santorini Bed Frame
- With three choices of upholstery, you can customize this bed frame’s look to your bedroom. Color options include graphite vintage velvet, taupe vintage velvet, and natural linen.
- Because this frame uses slats, it does not require a box spring. You can also remove the slats to combine this frame with an adjustable base, like the Saatva Adjustable Base.
- Saatva provides free white glove delivery, meaning a delivery team will bring the frame to your home and set it up in your room of choice, free of any additional charge.
Cons of the Saatva Santorini Bed Frame
- The Santorini bed frame isn’t very tall, so there isn’t much room for underbed storage.
- This frame doesn’t come in any sizes smaller than queen.
- While the price makes sense for the high quality of this frame, it definitely isn’t a budget buy.
Want to learn more? Read our full Saatva Santorini bed frame review, or click here to get the best deal on this frame.
Best Wooden – Thuma The Bed
Thuma Bed Frame
The Bed by Thuma is the company's platform bed frame. It's gained popularity for its sleek, modern design and how easy it is to assemble. It comes in multiple colors in either a PillowBoard or Headboard model.
Sleepopolis Score
4.90 / 5
Expert Opinion
“The Bed” by Thuma is a wooden frame that assembles easily, thanks to the use of Japanese joinery. This frame offers a sleek, modern, and minimalist aesthetic that can work well in many bedrooms. The frame is made from repurposed rubberwood — so it’s solid hardwood, not plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). With sturdy wood used in the construction, this base should be quite durable. Additionally, you can choose between a PillowBoard model and a Headboard model.
What our tester says: “I personally really like a sleek, modern design — and this definitely fits that bill. You can tell the wood is durable and high quality based on how thick it is and how nice it feels.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers write about how gorgeous and elegant this frame is, as well as how easy it is to assemble.
Pros of the Thuma Bed Frame
- With four color options for the wood (walnut, natural, espresso, and gray), and the option to choose between a PillowBoard and Headboard, this frame is super customizable. The PillowBoard is a soft cushion (you can choose between linen-weave or boucle upholstery) that functions like a removable headboard, while the Headboard is a real wood headboard.
- The Thuma bed frame is extremely easy to assemble, thanks to the Japanese joinery.
- This frame offers a high-end, contemporary aesthetic while being super sturdy and durable.
Cons of the Thuma Bed Frame
- There isn’t much room for underbed storage with the Thuma.
- The Thuma’s high quality means it also has a high price tag. It may not be the best for budget shoppers.
- The Thuma bed frame has one visible screw with a black plastic cap on the foot of the bed, which sticks out a little from the rest of the frame’s sleek look.
Learn more in our full Thuma bed frame review or click here to get our best deal.
How We Picked
Okay sleepers, now that we’ve taken a look at our favorite bed frames, let’s talk about the methodology behind our choices. Of course, everyone’s needs and wants are different, but there are a few key factors to consider when you’re shopping for the perfect bed frame.
Construction
Your bed frame is the foundation for you and your mattress, so make sure it’s strong, sturdy, and manufactured from high quality materials. For the foundation and legs of the base, steel is a pretty safe bet. But sleepers looking to break up the steel construction with another material should go with wooden slats, as it provides support for your mattress, and adds a nice aesthetic flare as well.
We aim for frames that can accommodate up to 500 pounds or more. This way, you know that your base is not going to gradually sink under the weight of the mattress over time. Not to mention, it’s always a good idea to look for brands that offer a generous warranty of five years or more. This ensures that, if your base arrives with material defects or breaks, it’ll be repaired or replaced at no expense to you.
Assembly
When it comes to assembly, a lot comes down to personal preference. If you don’t feel particularly handy with a set of tools, aim for bed frames that can be assembled without them! Similarly, most bed frame brands offer “expert assembly” services wherein shoppers can pay an extra fee to have the bed frame set up for them. If you don’t mind setting the bed frame up yourself, we suggest searching for models that comes with everything you need for assembly. This way, you can get right to work as soon as your bed frame arrives. Regardless, every bed frame comes with step-by-step assembly instructions if you ever get confused.
Design
Take some time to determine what you want your bed frame to look like. Some sleepers might prefer a simple, sleek design with no headboard or upholstery, while others might prefer a stylish, more dynamic design. Of course, space is always something to consider, regardless of what you choose.
If you’re short on space or live in a smaller apartment, we suggest looking for bed frames that feature a foldable design. This means that you can literally fold the frame in half and stow it away if you’re not using it (this also makes it much easier to travel with!). Conversely, if you’re more concerned with style than space, go with a frame that comes with an upholstered headboard, or one that allows a headboard to be attached.
Underbed Storage
Underbed storage is something many prioritize when on the hunt for a bed frame. Of course, some folks may prefer a low profile frame for aesthetic purposes, but having at least 10 inches of storage space beneath your bed allows you to discreetly stow things away. Not to mention, it gives you easy access to sleep accessories that you don’t want to keep in bed with you. For example, body pillows are cuddly, but take up a lot of space when you’re not using them. With underbed storage, you can keep your body pillow, pajamas, or any other accessories within close reach.
Noise
Always pay attention to the materials used to build your bed frame, as well as the weight limit suggested by the brand. Sturdy materials like wood and steel can prevent your frame from creaking and squeaking as you toss and turn, but if you and your mattress exceed the weight limit, noise may be unavoidable. Take some time to figure out the combined weight of you, your mattress, and/or your sleeping partner in order to best determine the bed frame that’s best for you.
Additionally, some bed frames are built with foam-padded tape around the foundation in order to minimize those creaking sounds. If you’re a light sleeper who’s easily roused by nighttime noises, this might be a good feature to look out for.
Box Spring
Brands are increasingly building bed frames that do not need to be used with a box spring. However, some sleepers may prefer to use one. Take some time to consider whether or not you want your bed frame to compatible with a box spring, or if you prefer a frame that offers the option to use a box spring or not.
Price
As with most pieces of bedroom furniture, price ranges quite a bit depending on the design and materials used. However, there are many sleek, steel frames for under $100. If you’re not looking for anything too fancy, or you’re trying to stick to a strict budget, aim for brands that offer a wide variety of models. This way, you can narrow your search according to how much you’re looking to spend.
Regardless of price, we always suggest doing research into both the company and the product to make sure you’re getting exactly what you have in mind. Not to mention, a generous return policy and/or warranty inspires confidence in the shopper, and lets you know that the company cares about customer satisfaction.
Sleepopolis Tips
Before we wrap up my guide to the best bed frames, allow us to leave with you a few helpful tips to guide you in your search.
- While assembly is often pretty straightforward, some folks might find setup to be kind of intimidating (we can relate, trust us). Not to mention, bed frames are often made of steel and can be quite heavy. We suggest taking advantage of white glove delivery or assembly service when it’s offered. Sometimes it costs an additional fee, but occasionally it’s complementary.
- For those who are unsure as to whether or not they want a headboard, go with a frame that gives you the option. Scroll through the “product description” to find out whether or not the frame is “headboard compatible.” If it is, you can order the frame without a headboard, and simply attach one later.
- When it comes to bed frames, we want to stress the importance of warranties. Yes, policies differ from brand to brand, but they all cover material defects for which the company is responsible. This means that if your bed frame arrives damaged, you’ll be promptly refunded.
Final Thoughts
Well, we’ve reached the end of this guide, and (hopefully) you’ve gotten a good sense about which bed frame is best for you. Just remember that bed frames are the foundation for your mattress, and are a relatively big investment, so be sure to do plenty of research before you make your purchase, and take some time to consider all the little details. After all, a good bed frame will be supporting you and your mattress for years to come. Happy shopping!
