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The Best Bed Frames

Candace Osmond

Everyone needs a good foundation for sleep, and your mattress is no exception. That’s why you’re probably here – to find the best bed frame for your mattress. Whether you’re using a foam, latex, classic innerspring or a hybrid mattress, you might wonder which bed frame is right for you. There may be one type of frame that’s right for any mattress, but each will have its own pros and cons, and the best frame for you might not be the best seller on a website or at a furniture store.

You’ll want a bed frame that’s supportive, strong, affordable and the right height. Other features are just bonuses, and we’ll get to those in our buyer’s guide below. But first, let’s take you through some of our top picks for the best frames that are currently on the market!

1. Zinus Joseph Platform 14-Inch Bed Frame – Editor's Choice

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  • Materials: Steel, wood
  • Height: 14″
  • Weight: 48.9 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs
  • Slat gap: 3.43″ (Queen size)
  • Warranty: 5 years

2. Runner Up – Olee Sleep 14 Inch T-2000 Dura Metal Steel Slate Bed Frame

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  • Materials: Steel
  • Height: 14″
  • Weight: 45.1 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: N/A

3. Best Box Spring – Zinus Keenan 14 Inch Free Standing Smart Box Spring

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  • Materials: Steel, fabric
  • Height: 14″
  • Weight: 46.9 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: 6.7″
  • Warranty: 5 years

4. Best with Headboard – Home Life Platform Bed 51 Inch Tall Headboard with Slats

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  • Materials: Steel, wood, linen
  • Height: ~3″
  • Weight: 60 lbs.
  • Weight capacity: N/A
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: 5 years

5. Best Adjustable – Classic Brands Adjustable Comfort Upholstered Adjustable Bed Base

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  • Materials: Steel, polyester, foam
  • Height: Adjustable (5″, 7″ or 12″)
  • Weight: 147 lbs.
  • Weight capacity: 800 lbs
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: 3 years

6. Customer’s Choice – Zinus Suzanne Metal and Wood Platform Frame

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  • Materials: Wood, black metal
  • Height: 37 inches (with headboard)
  • Weight: 85.3 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: 2.95 inches
  • Warranty: 5 year limited warranty

7. Best with Storage – Novogratz Kelly Bed Frame with Headboard & Storage

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  • Materials: Metal
  • Height: 39 inches (with headboard)
  • Weight: 114 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 500 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: N/A
zinus-alexia-wooden-platform-frame

8. Best Value – Zinus Alexia Wood Platform Bed Frame

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  • Materials: Solid Wood, Plywood Slats and Durable Steel
  • Height: 37 inches (with headboard)
  • Weight: 59.4 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: 5 years limited

 Best Bed Frames

1. Zinus Joseph Platform 14-Inch Bed Frame – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Materials: Steel, wood
  • Height: 14″
  • Weight: 48.9 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs
  • Slat gap: 3.43″ (Queen size)
  • Warranty: 5 years

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Minimalist design
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Big gap between slats
  • Frame may bend over time

It’s easy to see why the Zinus Joseph Platform 14-inch Bed Frame is so popular. First, it’s one of the most affordable bed frames you can find. It’s a simple design that works well with almost any décor. With 14 inches in height, it has ample room for extra storage. It’s the perfect bed frame for almost any mattress type, and while you don’t need a box spring, it pairs well with the Zinus box spring for extra support.

The weight capacity of this sturdy steel frame is 350 pounds for the Twin/Narrow Twin sizes, and 700 pounds for the Full/Queen/King. Assembling the frame is easy, but there are a few drawbacks. Many people have reported bent frames upon delivery or bending over time. Keep an eye out for these issues, especially in the first five years, because if you have a defective piece, you can claim it under warranty. If you’re using a memory foam mattress, use this frame at your own risk because the gap between the slats is a little large, which means your bed may sag between these gaps.

2. Runner Up – Olee Sleep 14 Inch T-2000 Dura Metal Steel Slate Bed Frame

Highlights

  • Materials: Steel
  • Height: 14″
  • Weight: 45.1 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: N/A

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Minimalist design
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy
  • No squeakiness

Cons

  • Big gap between slats
  • Middle support leg may break

One of the reasons you might lean towards the Olee Sleep 14-inch T-2000 Dura Metal Steel Slate Bed Frame is the heavy duty nature of the frame. Though there’s no listed weight capacity, this frame can easily hold a couple weighing around 600 pounds in total, which means it’s a sturdy frame for heavier people. Aside from it being a solidly built frame, it’s also affordable. The design is simple that it can work for almost any bedroom, and you can also add your choice of headboard or footboard to match.

The heavy-duty construction means that squeaks should be nonexistent, which is rare to find in any bed frame. However, the biggest issue with this bed frame is that it has large gaps between the slats. At over 7 inches between each slat, you won’t be able to use a memory foam mattress on this without a Bunkie board or plywood, or your mattress could slip between the gaps (which completely negates the benefits of memory foam). As sturdy as this frame is, there were also some reports of the middle support leg breaking, but the five-year warranty works well for these issues.

3. Best Box Spring – Zinus Keenan 14 Inch Free Standing Smart Box Spring

Highlights

  • Materials: Steel, fabric
  • Height: 14″
  • Weight: 46.9 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: 6.7″
  • Warranty: 5 years

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Classic look
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy
  • Can be used with foam bed
  • Bedskirt-friendly

Cons

  • Under bed storage space is limited
  • Directions may not be clear for everyone

Most bed frames these days are made of steel, which offers good support, but they tend to have large gaps between the slats. The Zinus Keenan 14-inch Free Standing Smart Box Spring is no exception. However, this frame is covered with a fabric sleeve which helps to add a little more support. You should be able use a memory foam mattress on this frame with no issues of sagging.

Though this frame is 14 inches high, the space underneath is closer to 6 inches, which means you won’t be able to fit tall storage units under your bed. While this frame has the classic box spring look, you won’t have to worry about loud squeaks or creaks. It’s easy to assemble with fairly clear instructions, and is an affordable option if you’re not looking to break the bank!

4. Best with Headboard – Home Life Platform Bed 51 Inch Tall Headboard with Slats

Highlights

  • Materials: Steel, wood, linen
  • Height: ~3″
  • Weight: 60 lbs.
  • Weight capacity: N/A
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: 5 years

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy
  • Classic design
  • Can be used with foam mattresses

Cons

  • Very little storage space
  • May need Bunkie board

Sometimes all you want is a nice-looking, basic frame to support your mattress, and that’s what you’ll get with the Home Life Platform Bed Headboard with Slats. Don’t be fooled by the 51-inch measurement, though, as that’s just the headboard. Once you assemble this platform frame, you’ll see that the space between your floor and the frame is only about 3 inches. You might be able to fit some flat, thin storage units under there, but there’s not a great deal of storage space otherwise.

With this frame, you’ll still be getting an attractive, classic design and a sturdy bed. The slats are widely spaced, so you may need to add your own plywood or a Bunkie board if you have a foam mattress. You could also fit a box spring between the frame and your mattress to add some height. While it’s not the most cost-effective option, there are very similar products out there with a heftier price tag.

5. Best Adjustable – Classic Brands Adjustable Comfort Upholstered Adjustable Bed Base

Highlights

  • Materials: Steel, polyester, foam
  • Height: Adjustable (5″, 7″ or 12″)
  • Weight: 147 lbs.
  • Weight capacity: 800 lbs
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: 3 years

Pros

  • Adjustable frame
  • Quiet
  • Includes USB outlet
  • Massage included
  • Has remote control
  • Adjustable height

Cons

  • USB ports aren’t easily accessible
  • Remote control poorly designed

Adjustable beds aren’t cheap, but this one from Classic Brands is as close to inexpensive as you’re going to find. This frame will work well with most foam mattresses, so you can get the comfort and health benefits that come with an adjustable bed. The head and foot of the bed can be raise independently or simultaneously. The motor is smooth and quiet as a bonus, and there’s an option of vibrating massage at the head or foot of the bed. This frame comes with a remote control and also includes USB ports to charge your phone or other devices.

With every pro, however, there seems to be a con. The USB port is located in the center of the bed, so if you place this frame inside another platform frame, you’ll block these ports, rendering them useless. The remote control is also poorly designed as the buttons don’t light up and the text is hardly legible, not ideal for when you’re in bed with the lights off! The good news about this frame is that the height is adjustable. You can choose between three different leg heights: 5 inches, 7 inches or combined for 12 inches. The three-year warranty is handy, and you might find it useful if there are any defects.

6. Customer’s Choice – Zinus Suzanne Metal and Wood Platform Frame

Highlights

  • Materials: Wood, black metal
  • Height: 37 inches (with headboard)
  • Weight: 85.3 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: 2.95 inches
  • Warranty: 5 year limited warranty

Pros

  • Multiple sizes to choose from
  • Parts and tools are all included
  • Stylish wood and metal design

Cons

  • Not for those who prefer a lower profile rather than a platform frame

The Zinus Suzanne metal and wood platform frame with headboard is so much more than a basic platform frame, and it’s sure to suit any basic bedroom decor you may have. The setup doesn’t need a box spring since the headboard lays upon sturdy wooden slats, which helps support your mattress and extends its lifespan. This is super helpful for those who have had to move a heavy box spring when they’re relocating to a new home, which can be a tiresome job.

The industrial aesthetics of this design features a classic black metal frame with beautiful pine wood. The frame is easy to assemble, and it should take less than an hour to set it up in your bedroom or guest room.

7. Best with Storage – Novogratz Kelly Bed Frame with Headboard & Storage

Highlights

  • Materials: Metal
  • Height: 39 inches (with headboard)
  • Weight: 114 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 500 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: N/A

Pros

  • Good size with lots of storage
  • Easy to assemble with clear instructions
  • No box spring needed

Cons

  • Plastic drawers may not be as sturdy for some

If you want a unique and modern frame with both a stylish headboard and handy storage on both sides, we recommend the Novogratz Kelly Bed Frame with Headboard & Storage. This is one of the most popular for bed frames with headboards, and is made from high-quality materials including wood, linen and MDF. It includes built-in under-bed drawers on each side of the frame to give you extra storage storage in the bedroom.

The storage drawers are big enough to store extra blankets, sheets, clothing or toys. You won’t need to buy another bedside table or an extra cupboard with this bed frame, as the built-in storage feature will give you all the extra space you could want. Assembly is also very easy, and you can definitely do it yourself to save you money. All you need is to place your mattress on top, without the need for a box spring or another foundation. The durable frame also has metal rails to keep the bed and your mattress in place, with bentwood slats as well.

8. Best Value – Zinus Alexia Wood Platform Bed Frame

zinus-alexia-wooden-platform-frame

Highlights

  • Materials: Solid Wood, Plywood Slats and Durable Steel
  • Height: 37 inches (with headboard)
  • Weight: 59.4 lbs
  • Weight capacity: 700 lbs (Queen)
  • Slat gap: N/A
  • Warranty: 5 years limited

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Comes with headboard included
  • Assembly is quick with clear and easy instructions

Cons

  • Slats aren’t as durable as others

Another quality wooden bed frame from Zinus is their popular Alexia model, which is ideal for those who are shopping for a new bed frame within a lower budget. A solid wooden frame with steel on the inside, this bed frame is strong and durable yet super supportive. You can choose from finish options including Rustic Pine, Natural, Cherry or Antique Espresso to suit your existing bedroom decor. The slat support is able to fit any kind of mattress including memory foam, latex and innerspring. With extra legs for added support in the center of the frame, the queen size can support up to 700 pounds.

Assembly is user-friendly and it shouldn’t take more than an hour to put your frame together. Like many Zinus bedding products, this product comes with a 5-year limited warranty in case you’re not 100% satisfied with this frame.

Bed Frame Buyers Guide

In modern times, before memory foam became the most popular material used for mattresses, everyone bought an innerspring mattress which required a box spring. The box spring was a foundation for your mattress, which helped lend more support to the bed and your body. The box spring itself was often a requirement of your manufacturer’s warranty: no box spring = invalid warranty.

If you placed a box spring directly on the floor, it could cause damage to your bedroom carpet or wooden floor, and your mattress could easily slide around on top. Enter, the bed frame! Typically, people would buy those metal bed frames, or it would come with your box spring and mattress, which simply held everything in place and kept both the box spring and mattress off the floor.

Beds-in-a-box are becoming so common now, and when you read the FAQs on each manufacturer’s website, you’ll see that bed frames are unnecessary. Your foam or latex or hybrid mattress really just needs a flat surface to be comfortable. You could definitely just toss your mattress on the floor and get your snooze on.

Technically, you don’t need a bed frame in most cases. However, there are many benefits to having one, whether you choose one with a box spring, wooden slats or an all-metal type.

What Types of Bed Frames are There?

You probably already have an idea of what a bed frame is, but there are several different kinds of bed frames from which you can choose. Let’s go over the types of bed frames that are the most popular and most practical.

Standard

The typical bed frame is literally just a metal frame with or without wheels. It has an open design, and in the center it has support to help disperse the weight of a box spring and mattress. You wouldn’t want to put a mattress on one of these directly, as it would likely fall right through the open holes.

Mattress type: Classic innerspring (with box spring)

Platform

A platform bed is likely the most popular and most versatile choice of bed frame. You can put any type of mattress on a platform frame. These can be made of metal or wood slats, which are either static or slightly flexible. The platform frame can support any mattress and sleepers in the bed, and they’re usually slightly lower to the ground as they don’t need a box spring. While the slats provide support, the open areas allow for air flow, which many mattresses need in order to prevent mold from growing.

Mattress type: Any

Adjustable

One of the specialized bed frames available is an adjustable one. These move a bit like a hospital bed, in that the motorized frame can move up into an inclined position for your head, feet or both. The metal frame below stays stationary, and the bed on top moves with the mattress you place on top. It won’t work with just any mattress, but there are many mattresses-in-a-box that will work well with these frames.

Mattress type: Flexible mattresses

You could also look into trundle beds that include a hideaway bed. Sofa beds have built-in frames that fold out, which makes for another great solution for overnight guests. A Murphy bed frame is built into a wall and folds out, so this is a good space-saver. Some bed frames are platform, but also decorative. You can find some that come with headboards and footboards that work with your bedroom décor.

Features to Look for in the Best Bed Frames

Even if you pick a bed frame that’s basic, you can find one that fits all your needs. Go over the features that some bed frames come with, then look for the frame you like best.

Height
The height of your frame is an important consideration, as this makes the difference between crawling into bed or hopping onto it. A low bed frame may be difficult to get in an out of if you have bad knees or are a taller person, but a higher bed could be just as challenging. The benefit of having a taller bed frame, though, is that you suddenly unearth a new storage space. You can keep extra pillows, blankets, sheets or storage containers underneath your bed.

Slats
Some bed frames come with wooden slats, which can make a mattress feel softer, because the slats bend and offer flexibility. Solid slats give you excellent support, and your mattress shouldn’t sag. You can find frames that have thick horizontal slats along with some thinner vertical slats, which offer even more support. This could be useful for memory foam mattresses, so they don’t start to slip between slats, creating an uneven sleeping surface.

Box Spring Mimicker
There are some bed frames that come covered with fabric, which offers extra protection to the mattress. The extra fabric covering mimics an old-fashioned box spring, though no springs are included anywhere in the frame.

Headboard/Footboard Option
A plain bed frame may not offer much to your room’s décor, but some have the option of adding a headboard or footboard. You can turn a plain-Jane metal bed frame into something quite appealing with some added screws and decorative bits.

Conclusion

Choosing the best bed frame is a difficult task, even if you already know exactly what you want. There are so many options out there, so how do you know which will check every box? After all the legwork we did for you, it’s an easy decision. The Zinus Joseph Platform 14-inch Bed Frame easily makes the top of our list as the best bed frame, although all the others we listed are also excellent choices.

This bed frame is sturdy, quiet and will work with almost any type of mattress. The slat gap isn’t huge, so you shouldn’t need to worry about a foam mattress slipping between the gaps. It’s a sturdy frame that can support heavier people, and happens to be one of the most affordable options. Plus, you get at least 13 inches underneath this bed frame, so it’s great for added storage space – a must-have for those living in small spaces. Overall, this is our pick for the best bed frame you can buy!

Recent Updates

December 10, 2021: Three new products have been added to our list of recommendations: the Zinus Suzanne Metal and Wood Platform Frame, Novogratz Kelly Bed Frame with Headboard & Storage and the Zinus Alexia Wood Platform Bed Frame due to increased consumer popularity. All other products have been verified for availability.

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