The 17 Very Best Bed Frames

Style: Headboard, two colors | Material: Solid and veneered wood | Price: $$

This all-wood platform frame from Article — available in walnut in addition to the white oak (shown above) — is our pick for the best overall bed frame for its mid-century modern–inspired design that still manages to look timeless. It is made with solid and veneered American white oak and has a tall headboard that makes it feel a bit more distinguished than the more streamlined wood styles on this list. Another thoughtful design detail comes in the form of the bed’s tapered legs. (You can also choose from an upholstered or spindle headboard as well.) It’s recommended by interior designer Liza Curtiss, a partner at design studio Le Whit, who tells us that its “clean lines and warm color complement almost any style.”

Strategist writer Emma Wartzman, who owns this bed in walnut, agrees. “I knew I wanted wood, something mid-century-modernish while being super-simple,” she says. “To me, this one just looks so timeless. I know I’ll be able to take it to other apartments or reset it with new bedding whenever the desire strikes.” Beyond the look of this bed, Wartzman says the delivery was smooth and she was able to put the whole thing together herself in an hour because she was too excited to wait for her boyfriend to come home. Plus, she says, “It feels incredibly sturdy, the wood looks high quality (something I was definitely nervous about with other models), and the sides are low enough to make bed-making easy.”

Style: Headboard, three colors | Material: Solid pine | Price: $

For half the price of the Article frame, check out this mid-century-modern-inspired bed from AllModern that Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo bought after scouring what felt like “every possible retailer and DTC furniture brand there is” for something both affordable and durable. She says she decided on this solid-wood frame because “it was the only affordable option I saw that both matched my style — vaguely mid-century, warm stained wood — and isn’t made of cheap materials.” She also appreciated its thoughtful design. “I love that the headboard is slatted, rather than one big piece of wood, because it feels airy in our not-enormous bedroom,” she says. “The peg-style feet remind me of Shaker furniture, and the height is perfect for stashing bins below without making me feel like I’m a million miles off the ground.” It’s available in light-oak and white finishes in addition to the warm “castanho” color above.

Style: Customizable, three colors | Material: Wood veneer, plywood, steel supports | Price: $$$

Strategist editor Maxine Builder owns and recommends this minimalist, industrial take on the platform bed from Detroit-based furniture company Floyd. It’s made up of three slats of plywood and metal feet that are held together by nylon ratchet straps — in other words, assembly requires no tools. And despite its straightforward assembly process, “it’s surprisingly sturdy,” says Builder. “We haven’t had to adjust it since putting it together about a year ago.” Plus it’s “super-easy to move yourself because it’s so lightweight,” she adds. It has a low profile, making it all the more unassuming, but if you prefer a bed that has a bit more going for it, Floyd makes it easy to do. It comes with the option to add a headboard and underbed storage drawers (albeit shallow ones) on either side (all sold separately).

Style: Optional headboard, four colors | Material: Wood | Price: $$$

If you want another easy-to-assemble, no-tools-required option, consider Thuma’s platform bed, which former Strategist writer Leah Muncy recommended after testing one. As someone who “despises assembling furniture so much” that she considered calling off an apartment move to avoid having to build a bed, Muncy was surprised to find that it took all of 20 minutes to put together the wood frame, whose construction is inspired by Japanese joinery. “The pieces fit together intuitively and seamlessly — there were no gaps or ill-fitting screws,” she wrote. “It stood upright without needing to be propped up, and the pieces held together once in place.” After sleeping on it for a few months, Muncy reports that it “hasn’t squeaked or tumbled like a Jenga tower.” The bed comes with an upholstered headboard (with a removable, washable cover) that simply slips into the leftover space between the frame, mattress, and wall.

Style: Headboard, side tables; two colors | Material: Acacia veneer over wood composite | Price: $$

While this one won’t necessarily save you space (it’s quite wide), it does come with nightstands that extend from the headboard on either side. “Designed by Mark Daniel of Slate Designs, the Andes Bed is always one of my favorites to use,” says Modsy’s Huffman. She likes its streamlined appearance and “gorgeous acacia veneer” — and, of course, its built-in shelves that can hold books, lamps, and other bedside essentials. She adds that hidden cutouts allow for convenient cord management.

Style: Headboard, customizable | Material: Wood, rattan, four fabric options | Price: $$$

For something a bit more surprising, consider this made-to-order frame that includes a rattan headboard and an upholstered base. It’s recommended by Kasee Smith, lead designer at online interior-design service Havenly, who says it has a “more modern and contemporary aesthetic” thanks to “its soft curves and sleek design.” Even though the headboard is high, the caning makes it feel “light and airy,” while the sturdy base, which is customizable in either linen (six colors) or velvet (18 colors), grounds it. The ash legs are capped with brass, which adds a subtle, luxe touch.

Style: Wingback headboard | Material: Engineered hardwood, over 100 fabric options | Price: $$$

If the popular tufted-and-upholstered style is what you seek, this is a great opportunity to get a very good version of it at a decent price. “For those looking to channel that five-star-hotel vibe, we love this affordable-luxe tufted bed from Pottery Barn,” says Allison Whitt of Design X Interiors, a San Diego hospitality-design firm. “It’s a timeless statement piece that instantly adds drama and depth to a room, and serves as the perfect backdrop for a decadent layering of pillows, bedding, and all things hygge.”

Style: Platform | Material: Matte or powder-coated aluminum | Price: $$$

The Min Bed is a simple, lightweight aluminum frame beloved by two Strategist editors: Simone Kitchens and Kayleen Schaefer. “The Min Bed, to me, is the most simple, ideal metal frame,” says Kitchens. It comes in four finishes — matte silver, deep blue, black, and white — and is low profile enough to blend in with any décor style. Kitchens loves the small details in its design, like the way its “slender, elongated, slightly curved legs” peek out from under a duvet or quilt. A tip: If you’re in New York or Los Angeles, look for it on Craigslist, where it appears fairly regularly.

Style: Minimalist | Material: Coated steel | Price: $$

If you like the metal look but want something more minimal, consider a simple steel platform bed frame, like this one we heard about from Colony design-group founder Jean Lin. She calls the frame, which she has in her own home, her “price-conscious favorite.” Its steel base has been gold brushed, which gives it a softer — and more versatile — look. “The Keetsa frame is so straightforward in form and materiality that it works with nearly everything,” says Lin. “The bronze-hued finish dresses up earthen neutrals and tones down brighter palettes.” Plus, she adds, “it’s so affordable that it allows for a splurge elsewhere in the room.”

Style: Canopy, platform | Material: Powder-coated iron | Price: $$$

This canopy that Modsy designer Megan Huffman recommends certainly makes a statement, but “the streamlined aesthetic and matte black silhouette” keep it from feeling too heavy, she says. In fact, the box frame appears to hold the mattress aloft, as if it were floating. Huffman also appreciates that it’s “reminiscent of industrial designs” while still being a tiny bit glam, thanks to its “plated brass corners that add a subtle level of interest.” And for something so visually commanding, its price really can’t be beat.