To find the best bed frames that combine style and function, I used a varied approach based on my experience as a home and kitchen writer: I researched popular models, polled colleagues for recommendations and consulted with both an interior designer and certified sleep science coaches to vet options for this list. After this rigorous process, the Thuma Classic Bed—a staff-tested favorite—came out on top, thanks to its classic design, easy assembly and high-quality construction. We were also impressed with the sophisticated look of Article Lenia Panel Bed, which comes in four different styles, including a canopy and storage option.

In addition to buying a bed frame that’s the right size for your mattress (in other words, twin, king or anything in between), it’s important to consider factors like materials, frame height and weight capacity. Wooden and metal frames are both durable, low-maintenance options, while upholstered designs amp up your room’s coziness factor. Below, you’ll find a wide range of curated options to suit every taste, most of which offer even support without the need for a box spring.

Our Top Recommendations

Sustainable

Thuma Classic Bed (Queen)

Material: Wood (optional foam and fabric) | Support: Wood slats (no box spring needed) | Style: Optional headboard, 12 finishes available | Weight capacity: 1,500 pounds | Trial period: 100 days | Warranty: Lifetime

What you’ll love:

  • Cushion-coated slats included
  • Simple and fast assembly process
  • Greenguard Gold certified materials

Keep in mind:

  • Several reviews say the headboards aren’t as well made as the frame

Named our favorite bed frame overall for 2025, the Thuma Classic Bed earned glowing reviews from our testers and thousands of customers. “Thuma had everything on my ‘new bed’ checklist: simple assembly, durable materials and chic design—and I sleep soundly through the night now,” says Forbes Vetted senior distribution strategist Kristina Bornholtz.

Durable, And Easy To Assemble

From the get-go, it’s easy to appreciate this piece of furniture: The assembly process is simple, requiring little more than two by-hand screw installations. According to Bornholtz, it took “less time than a commercial break to put together.” What’s more, the simple assembly doesn’t come at the expense of durability. The frame’s double-strength slats and Japanese joinery mean they lock into place to ensure your mattress doesn’t slip around once placed on top. The slats are lined with an eco-friendly felt that helps with sound reduction. Plus, the cork-padded leg bottoms offer scratch protection for your floors. And because it can support over 1,500 pounds, it’s a great option for couples seeking a large king-size bed frame.

Customizable: Choose From Four Colors And Three Headboards

There are four bed frame colors available, and shoppers wanting a headboard can choose from the cushioned Pillowboard, the wooden Headboard and the Headboard Plus Cushion, which is a blend of the other two. If you’re looking for an upholstered option with the same quality build, style and ease of setup as the Classic, we recommend considering the Thuma Signature Bed ($2,195 and up for a queen), which comes in two fabrics and features all-over foam cushioning. For further insights, read our Thuma Bed Frame review.


Saatva Valencia (Queen)

Material: Kiln-dried hardwood, fabric | Support: Plywood slats (no box spring needed) | Style: Headboard, 4 finishes available | Weight capacity: 600 pounds | Trial period: 365 days | Warranty: Lifetime

What you’ll love:

  • Combines durability of solid wood with plush velvet upholstery
  • Free white glove delivery
  • Company has an A+ BBB rating

Keep in mind: 

  • Lower weight capacity than others on this list

Our top choice for people seeking a platform bed, the Saatva Valencia Bed Frame impressed Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman: “I found the Valencia super sturdy and supportive in my testing. It’s also very quiet and has enough room to easily make the bed or tuck your duvet into it.”

A Sophisticated Design

There’s something incredibly beautiful about this velvet frame that’s also available in two neutral linen fabrics. It’s an excellent, high-quality option if you want an elevated contemporary look with a sophisticated feel. Durability-wise, the frame is made with sustainably sourced, kiln-dried rubberwood or acacia wood: two materials known to prevent twists or warps as you use the bed frame over time. You also don’t need a box spring or mattress foundation to feel properly supported, thanks to its close-together slats—just like the ones in the Thuma Classic Bed.

Seamless Setup (And Complimentary Mattress Removal)

Because it comes with free white-glove delivery, the setup process is entirely hands-off. The company will also remove your old mattress, box spring or bed foundation for no additional charge. Pair that with Saatva’s 365-night home trial, and you get a high-quality platform bed that you can test out worry-free before fully committing.


Sustainable

Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame With Headboard (Queen)

Material: Solid acacia, rubberwood| Support: Wood slats (no box spring needed)| Style: Headboard, 1 finish available | Weight capacity: 1,100 pounds | Trial period: 30 days | Warranty: 5 years

What you’ll love:

  • Rich, natural wood design
  • Non-slip cork padding
  • Easy, tool-less assembly

Keep in mind:

  • Several users say the center supports don’t secure as snugly as the rest of the legs

If you’re in the market for a solid wood bed frame, we recommend looking for an option that combines sustainability with timeless style—like this Silk & Snow model. With almost 600 positive customer reviews, it’s no surprise this bed has become so popular in such a short time.

Stunning Solid Wood Construction That’s Built To Last

We love that this bed frame from Silk & Snow is crafted using similar traditional Japanese joinery to the Thuma Classic Bed, making it a standout choice that delivers impressive durability. It’s also another great option if you’re in need of a sturdy king-size bed frame. (Plus, the assembly process also happens to be incredibly simple.) A naturally rich, stunning solid wood construction adds to the appeal, with each bed frame featuring unique variations in tone and texture. Thoughtful details such as non-slip cork padding help protect your floors from scratches, and the wood is treated without formaldehyde or other potentially harmful chemicals.


Allewie Bed Frame (Queen)

Material: Wood, steel, linen, foam | Support: Wood slats (no box spring needed) | Style: Headboard, 4 finishes available| Weight capacity: 800 pounds | Trial period: None (30-day return period) | Warranty: 1 year

What you’ll love: 

  • Incredible value
  • Ships in one box with tools included
  • Clean, minimalist design

Keep in mind:

  • Some customers report missing parts
  • Not for those looking for under-bed storage

We’ve reviewed countless upholstered bed frames—each often exceeding $500, if not $1,000, for a queen size. The Allewie Bed Frame, meanwhile, is priced at less than half the cost of many high-end upholstered frames and has earned a loyal, vocal fan base on Amazon.

Comparable Quality As Pricier Frames

Featuring a modern winged headboard with a touch of warmth and texture, it’s available in four versatile colorways: Burnt Orange, Dark Grey, Light Grey and Light Yellow. Underneath the stylish frame, there’s a durable wooden slat system that provides ample mattress support (no box spring required), similar to the Thuma Classic Bed and Saatva Valencia. Customers also rave about the easy assembly; many specifically call out the straightforward instructions and well-packaged components in their reviews.

Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention the sheer convenience of ordering through Amazon; wait times for this frame do vary, but on the whole, they’re far shorter than those offered by many traditional furniture retailers.


Crate & Barrel Mason Shadow Bed (Queen)

Material: Iron, steel | Support: Metal slats (box spring required) | Style: Headboard, 1 finish available| Weight capacity: Not listed | Trial period: None (30-day return period) | Warranty: None

What you’ll love:

  • Classic silhouette
  • Sturdy metal construction
  • Simple, timeless design

Keep in mind:

  • Pieces come in several heavy boxes
  • A box spring is required

Metal bed frames don’t always match the visual warmth of wood or upholstered options, but this exclusive model from Crate & Barrel offers an exception. Thanks to a refined, subtle arch design on both the headboard and footboard, the bed frame provides a classic look that many of our writers and editors appreciate.

Complements Both Modern And Traditional Spaces

The Mason Shadow Bed’s simple arched design gives the frame a timeless appeal. There’s also a rich charcoal powder-coat finish on this frame, which enhances its sophisticated aesthetic. Due to these features and its slender profile, we find that it’s an excellent fit for both classic and modern spaces. Constructed from solid iron and steel tubing, the bed frame’s incredibly durable but lightweight.

Requires A Box Spring

While a box spring is required for use (sold separately), the frame’s three metal slats offer added support. Keep in mind that Crate & Barrel does not cover its beds with a warranty; a representative did tell us, “We stand by our products. If anything happens while you have your item, please let us know.”


Latitude Run Jeilyn (Queen)

Material: Metal, manufactured wood, velvet | Support: Wooden slats and metal support legs (no box spring needed) | Style: Headboard, 6 finishes available | Weight capacity: 500 pounds | Trial period: Not listed | Warranty: 90 days

What you’ll love:

  • Four roomy under-bed storage drawers
  • Chic velvet upholstered headboard
  • Priced under $500 for a queen size

Keep in mind:

  • Warranty is shorter than other bed frames on our list

Whether you have a smaller bedroom or simply prefer to have extra storage, the Latitude Run Jeilyn Bed Frame is a solid choice for people looking to make the most of their space.

Great For Small Spaces

We love its stylish, modern aesthetic; it has a similar wingback headboard as the Allewie Bed Frame, which gives it a luxurious, pillowy feel. Looks aside, it comes with four deep under-bed drawers (two on each side of the bed frame) for a convenient solution for everything from extra bedding to seasonal clothing. Wheels are attached to the bottom of each drawer to make opening and closing easy, regardless of what you choose to store inside. The frame itself is no less practical: it’s constructed from wood and metal—an extra-sturdy combination for maximum support. Similar to other options on our list, no box spring or foundation is needed.


Nectar Adjustable Comfort Premier Base (Queen)

Material: Steel, pinewood | Support: Fabric-covered steel base (no box spring needed) | Style: No headboard, 1 finish availableWeight capacity: 850 poundsTrial period: 60 days | Warranty: 2 years

What you’ll love

  • Adjustable head and foot sections for customized positioning
  • Zero clearance: It can be used on either an existing platform or the floor
  • USB charging ports and massage modes

Keep in mind:

  • Couples wanting individual control need to get a split king

Nectar’s mattresses are featured across many of our guides, but its Adjustable Comfort Premier Base is a hidden gem that maximizes comfort and convenience—and our tester discovered as much when she brought this model into her own home. “In my opinion, Nectar’s model is superior to many other adjustable bases out there: It offers just the right amount of ‘special features’ at an unbeatable price point,” says Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon.

Advanced Features For Total Personalization

Independent head and foot elevation, one-touch presets and a wireless remote all work together to deliver effortless customization for sleeping, reading or lounging on the Nectar Adjustable Comfort Premier Base. “The ability to raise your feet and head into the perfect position is more than enough to please most users,” says Dillon, adding that “there’s also a child-lock feature to keep any roaming little ones from having their own fun with the up-and-down controls.” As a bonus, the Premier model tags on three massage modes, under-bed lighting and USB charging ports—all features that are typical mainstays of more expensive bed frames. It also comes in larger sizes, including king and split king frames.


Helix Madison (Queen)

Materials: Wood | Support: Wood slats (no box spring needed) | Style: Optional headboard, 2 finishes available | Weight capacity: 1,500 pounds | Trial period: 30 days | Warranty: 5 years

What you’ll love:

  • Easy, tool-free assembly
  • Finish on the wood is water based with zero VOCs
  • Wood comes from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sources

Keep in mind:

  • Several reviewers report very sharp corners
  • Not ideal for kids rooms or small spaces (due to sharp corners)

For heavier individuals or couples who press more combined weight into a mattress (and frame), wooden bed frames are your best bet. We recommend Helix’s minimalist Madison Bed Frame most for people who weigh over 250 pounds, which currently rings up at under $743.

Supports Up To 1,500 Pounds

The Helix Madison can support a whopping 1,500 pounds thanks to its reinforced wood construction and simple but secure setup. Similar to the Thuma Classic Bed, this frame’s pieces are locked together using tool-free (and typically noise-reducing) Japanese joinery, requiring no metal hardware or tools. Like the Thuma Classic and Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame, its high weight capacity also makes it a solid option for sleepers looking for a sturdy king-size bed frame. And like most of the other bed frames on our list, you won’t need a box spring, as the evenly spaced slats offer ample support for you and your mattress.

Beware Of Sharp Corners

“For a basic, solid wood bed frame at an affordable price, this is a great option,” shares senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, who previously had this frame in her son’s room. However, her family has since replaced it due to a design flaw that other customers report, too: The corners of the bed frame aren’t rounded, forming sharp edges that can easily scrape shins. “Because of its pointed corners, I wouldn’t recommend this frame for a kid’s room—or any small space, for that matter,” she adds.


Hampton Classic Bed (Twin)

Material: Wood | Slats: Wood (no box spring needed) | Style: Headboard, 7 finishes available | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Trial period: None (30-day return period) | Warranty: None

What you’ll love:

  • Greenguard Gold Certified
  • Available in a wide variety of finishes and colors
  • Enough under-bed clearance for storage

Keep in mind:

  • No warranty

For parents seeking a timeless, well-made bed with hassle-free delivery options, PB Teen’s Hampton Classic Bed is worth checking out. Available in an impressive eight finishes, this frame also carries the coveted Greenguard Gold certification, meeting strict safety and environmental standards—and, as with many of Pottery Barn’s products, it comes with white-glove delivery

Approved By Moms And Kids

Nearly two years after bringing this model into her oldest daughter’s bedroom, Forbes Vetted deputy editor Rose Sala remains thrilled with her choice. “We went with a full size in white to fit her new mattress, and the price felt just right,” she says. As a mom of three, she tells us she wanted an option that wouldn’t break the bank, but would still stand the test of time. According to Sala, the bed frame provides ample under-bed storage and the headboard is sturdy and comfortable to lean on. “It allows her to sit up in bed to read or even do a bit of homework,” Sala says, noting that it’d also be helpful for younger kids and their parents during storytime.


MOST POPULAR

Zinus Elias Metal Bed Frame (Queen)

Materials: Steel | Support: Metal slats (no box spring needed) | Style: No headboard, 1 finish available| Weight capacity: 700 pounds | Trial period: None (30-day return period) | Warranty: 5 years

What you’ll love: 

  • Low price at $92 for a queen size
  • Sturdy support, thanks to steel slats
  • Simple to assemble

Keep in mind:

  • It’s not as visually interesting as other bed frames

A good bed frame is an investment; however, you don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars if you’re seeking a basic, no-frills option. For folks on a tighter budget, we recommend the Zinus Elias Metal Bed Frame.

Surpisingly Sturdy, Despite Low Price Tag

Despite this bed frame’s seriously low price tag, it’s surprisingly sturdy: made entirely of steel, it can support up to 700 pounds. While it may be lacking in the aesthetics department compared to other options on our list, you can choose to add a headboard to it later on, thanks to nooks on the front legs of the bed frame. We also like that the Zinus has over a foot of clearance underneath—great for storing off-season clothing or extra bedding.


Article Lenia Panel Bed (Queen)

Materials: Wood (optional foam and fabric) | Support: Wood slats (no box spring needed) | Style: Headboard, 4 styles and 4 finishes available | Weight capacity: 600 pounds | Trial period: 30 days | Warranty: 1 year

What you’ll love:

  • Sophisticated design
  • Sturdy, wood construction
  • Comes in 4 styles, including canopy and storage

Keep in mind:

  • Trial and warranty is shorter than other bed frames

This bed frame from Article is equal parts stylish and functional. With a tall headboard, tapered legs and a wooden build, the Lenia Panel Bed has a timeless look that can complement nearly any primary bedroom. It’s also quite durable, much like the other wood bed frames in our guide, such as the Thuma Classic Bed. Made from American white oak or walnut, it can support up to 600 pounds—that’s plenty to hold you, your mattress and a co-sleeping partner or pet.

Available In Four Styles To Fit Any Aesthetic

While the wooden headboards come with the frame, you can also opt for a bouclé or polyester linen headboard for an additional $100. Speaking of customizations, this bed frame comes in four different styles (panel, canopy, spindle and storage), so you can choose best option to match your aesthetic and needs. The panel bed is built similarly to the Thuma Classic Bed with a solid frame and headboard, while the storage design adds drawers underneath the frame. And as their names suggest, the spindle model swaps the solid wood headboard for a row of thin wooden poles and the canopy adds height to the frame for an extra touch of grandeur.


How We Chose The Best Bed Frames

To come up with our recommendations for the best bed frames, we considered an enormous number of criteria to ensure sleepers across the board could find the best bed frame for their needs:

  • We’ve forged relationships with the top sleep brands to stay current with best-selling products and recommend the very best to our readers.
  • We tapped Forbes Vetted staffers with experience testing bed frames. Several models on our list have been tested by a member of our team, including the Thuma Classic Bed, Saatva Valencia, Nectar Adjustable Comfort Premier Base and Hampton Classic Bed.
  • We compared the key features of our top contenders, prioritizing the aspects that matter most for bed frames. This includes materials composition, support systems, weight capacity and design elements such as finish and whether or not it comes with a headboard.
  • We prioritized frames with positive customer reviews. Each frame on our list has at least a 4-star rating (out of 5).
  • Our list contains a variety of bed frames to fit different lifestyles, design preferences and budgets, including a model made for heavyweight sleepers and a kid-friendly option.

What To Consider When Shopping For Bed Frames

As the focal point of your bedroom, your bed frame lays the foundation for not just your mattress, but the room as a whole. To help find your ideal fit, we compiled a list of the top features to keep in mind, below.

Size

Similar to mattresses, bed frames come in all sorts of sizes, from twin to California king. Twin beds are a good choice for children, while king-size beds are a better option for couples or sleepers who share the space with a large pet. If you already have a mattress, we recommend purchasing a bed frame of the same size in order to make sure it’s properly supported.

Height

Many bed frames sit between 12 and 24 inches off the ground (not including the height of the mattress). Frames that sit higher off the ground can be more challenging to climb into, but they offer more space underneath, which is ideal if you need extra storage. Lower-profile frames are easier to get into and offer a more modern bedroom aesthetic.

Material

You typically come across wood, metal or upholstery-centric options while shopping. Wooden frames are a favorite for their durability and ease of upkeep, making them a reliable, fuss-free choice. Metal frames offer similar durability and are simple to clean, though fixing scratches or dents can be tricky. For those looking to add a touch of warmth and comfort, upholstered frames are a great option, but they do demand more upkeep—such as routine vacuuming and fabric care—to keep them looking fresh.

Support

When it comes to support, both wooden and metal bed frames can be equally effective, depending on the mattress type. Traditional mattresses with box springs are more forgiving when it comes to slat spacing, but foam mattresses require slats no more than 2.75 inches apart to maintain proper support. For larger bed frames, central support legs are essential to prevent sagging and prolong the mattress’ lifespan. In fact, many manufacturers require additional middle support for queen-size mattresses and larger to maintain warranty coverage.

Weight Capacity

Bed frames are designed to support anywhere from 600 to 2,000 pounds of evenly distributed weight, but it's important to factor in the weight of your mattress as well. Queen- and king-size mattresses alone can weigh between 100 and 150 pounds, which should be considered when assessing the frame's overall capacity.

Additional Features

Frames with at least 12 inches of clearance underneath provide convenient storage space for bins or boxes; other frames might come with built-in drawers or headboards equipped with shelves for added organization. For those who value tech-friendly options, some newer models even include USB ports or integrated lighting.

Price

A good bed frame costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000, though high-end or custom frames can easily exceed that price. For the most part, you’ll spend more for quality, and because this is a piece of furniture you’re likely to keep for years, you’re going to want to invest in a frame that offers durability, proper support and a style that suits your space. Frames also go up in price for larger sizes—in other words, a king-size bed frame will typically be more expensive than the queen-size version of the same model.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

As tenured sleep experts with years of combined testing experience, we’ve published hundreds of mattress and sleep guides, each one identifying the top products for all sorts of sleep needs. This includes covering a wide variety of bed frames, such as the best wooden bed frames and the best murphy beds.

  • Author and Forbes Vetted updates writer Fran Sales has been testing and researching home products for more than five years. Besides bed frames, she’s written about everything from pillows and blankets to couches.
  • Senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted, Bridget Chapman, approved every recommendation in this guide. She’s a certified sleep science coach, who uses her wealth of knowledge to evaluate the advantages of every frame. And with more than a decade in the field, she has personally tested hundreds of mattress and sleep products.
  • Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon also contributed insights to this guide. Like Chapman, she is a certified sleep science coach who has tested hundreds of sleep items. In fact, she reviewed the Thuma Classic Bed after sleeping on it for over a month.
  • The Thuma bed was also tested by senior distribution strategist Kristina Bornholtz, who further attests to its ease of set up, durability, support and style. We also got firsthand insights on the Helix Madison Bed Frame from senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, who used to have it in her son’s room.
  • To keep this story as accurate as possible, we frequently update it to bring you the most helpful advice. It was last updated in October 2025 by Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep updates writer Alexandra Garrett.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Most Durable Type Of Bed Frame?

A solid wood bed frame is typically the sturdiest and most durable. That durability, combined with its classic appearance, makes it a popular choice. The Thuma Classic Bed, our top choice overall, is made of solid wood and has a weight capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Which Bed Frames Do Not Need A Box Spring?

Platform beds, which are bed frames with a built-in slatted base, typically don’t require a box spring. Their solid, evenly spaced slats are designed to provide all the support a modern mattress needs. 

Why Are Thuma Bed Frames So Popular?

Thuma bed frames are popular for their sturdy, yet stylish designs and unique construction. Thuma uses a Japanese joinery method, which can create a more supportive, longer-lasting frame.