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Finding the right mattress can take time and thought. But anyone who has shopped for a bed frame to put said mattress (and sheets) on knows that process can take just as much effort. For such a large and visible piece of furniture, there are a few things to consider. Do you prefer a minimalist platform bed frame or an elegant tufted one? Something with a canopy or an austere iron design? Bed frames now even come with built-in storage, but would underbed drawers or nightstands better suit your space? To help you find your ideal bed frame, we asked 15 interior designers for their picks and combed through our archives for exceptional styles we’ve written about before. To keep things simple, we’ve listed starting prices for queen-size frames, though all come in other sizes.
Best wood bed frame
Nomad Plus Platform Bed
This platform bed is as simple as our overall budget pick but doesn’t fold. It comes recommended by Tze Chun, the founder of Uprise Art, who has one in her guest room at her house upstate. She likes how the poplar wood is solid but light, and that the frame has an unfinished look and rounded corners. “For a super-affordable bed frame, the slat spacing is pretty tight, so it’s plenty of support for foam or spring mattresses,” Chun adds. “It has a minimalist, Scandinavian look to it without being from Ikea.”
“The Bed” By Thuma
Material: Wood | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight Capacity: 1,500+ pounds
The Bed by Thuma is a splurge, to be sure, but thousands upon thousands of glowing reviews claim it’s a worthwhile expense. It’s also incredible easy to assemble: You’ll need to install just two screws by hand, no tools necessary. What’s more, it’s thoughtfully made: The double-strength slats are lined with eco-friendly felt for extra durability and sound reduction, and they lock into place to ensure your mattress won’t slip or move around once it’s placed on top. Rounded corners not only look nice; they also protect you from getting bumped while walking around the dark room at night. Finally, cork-padded leg bottoms offer extra scratch protection for your floors. With a weight limit of more than 1,500 pounds, this bed is great for light and heavy sleepers alike. Choose between the minimalist “PillowBoard” for a cushioned, low-profile look or the Headboard, which is made of solid, up-cycled wood. Either option is very attractive and quite comfortable.
An Affordable Option That Doesn’t Skimp On Quality
Zinus Suzanne Bamboo and Metal Platform Bed Frame
Material: Bamboo, steel, plywood | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t meant you want to compromise quality—and that’s something the makers of the Zinus Suzanne Platform Bed Frame understand. Made from durable steel and featuring closely spaced wooden slats, this frame is built to last—and it’s offered at a very affordable price, too. While the twin size can support up to 350 pounds, the other sizes can hold up to 700 pounds. The attached bamboo headboard is also nice to look at, and the mix of wood and metal gives the entire frame a bit of an industrial feel. Setup, too, is fairly simple.
A Minimalists Design That Is Built To Last
Tuft & Needle Wood Bed Frame
Material: Oak or walnut | Slats: Wood | Headboard: Yes | Weight Capacity: Up to 800 pounds
The Tuft & Needle Wood Frame is a favorite, and for good reason: It manages to look both timeless and modern all at once. Made of high-quality wood, this sturdy, durable option comes in either oak or walnut, so you can easily play up certain elements of your existing décor. It’s simple, too, with clean lines and a minimalist feel, and because it’s made of wood, it’s also easy to clean. The headboard slats are also precisely placed (in other words, you don’t need to worry about your pillows falling through—or worse, you).
Anti-slip Support Easy Assembly Mattress Foundation Bed Frame
Olee Sleep 14 inch Heavy Duty Steel Slat
- Unique Sturdy design – The frame encloses the mattress to prevent slipping and provides ample under-bed space
- Easy and seamless assembly – all the required hardware and tools are included/ headboard compatible
- Assembled dimensions: 81. 5 x 61. 5 x 14 inches
- Available Dimensions for mattress and box spring: 79.5 x 59.5 x 13 inch
- Contemporary bed with storage – the bed frame offers ample under-bed storage with 13.5 inches of clearance
A Classic Look With A Footboard
Mason Shadow Queen Bed
Material: Iron and steel tubing | Slats: Metal | Headboard: Yes | Weight Capacity: N/A
Metal bed frames aren’t always as aesthetically pleasing as wood or upholstered frames, but this Crate & Barrel option is an exception. The arch on the headboard and footboard gives this otherwise harsh iron bed a more delicate look, and it has a classic, almost old-fashioned feel to it. A charcoal powder-coat offers a sophisticated finish, and you can choose from grey or brass. For lovers of traditional style and industrial décor alike, it’s a winner.