The 17 Very Best Bed Frames

Style: Headboard, Mid-century modern, Two colors | Material: 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 a fabric 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 and it will still work. But it’s also got just a bit of intrigue with the panel detail.” 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: Modern, Customizable | Material: Wood | 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: Headboard, Modern | 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, Modern | Material: Rattan, Upholstery, Customizable | 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: Headboard and footboard, Modern | Material: Metal | Price: $$

Iron bed frames can be another reasonably priced way to make a design statement in your bedroom. Modsy designer Lisa Spicer turned us on to this iron platform frame that doesn’t require a box spring, which she likes to use when decorating smaller bedrooms because “the low platform height gives the illusion of more open space.” She also likes how the frame’s “sleek metal lines lend themselves to an industrial vibe,” but notes they can easily be warmed up by adding wood nightstands on either side of it.

Style: Minimalist | Material: Metal | 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: Headboard, Modern | Material: Metal | Price: $$$

If color is a priority for you, Room & Board’s Parsons bed comes in a rainbow’s array of options. It’s the frame of choice for designer Anki Spets, the founder of AREA Home, who likes that the frame is made of powder-coated steel, a material she says is “quite sturdy and will last for a long time.” While made of steel, Spets points out the frame still has an “airy look” thanks to its streamlined design and the fact that you can see under it. Available in a range of 16 fun colors, she suggests not shying away from a bolder choice: “How about orange or onyx gloss?”

Style: Canopy, Modern | Material: Metal | 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.

Style: Wingback headboard, Traditional | Material: Upholstery, customizable | 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: Headboard, Storage-side tables, Modern | Material: Wood | 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. While they share a name, this Andes bears no obvious relation to the Andes platform style that appeared earlier on this list.