The best bed frames for 2026, according to interior designers and home editors
Whether you're looking for wood, metal or upholstery, we found a dreamy, budget-friendly option for your space.
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When was the last time you took a hard look at your bed frame? There's a lot of talk about when to get a new mattress
, but the base it sits on is just as important. After all, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, making a quality bed frame, along with a comfortable mattress
, a smart investment.
I'm a senior home writer who covers design, so I knew just where to start when researching the best bed frames — I asked the pros. "As an interior designer, I always look for bed frames that strike a balance between style, quality and affordability," says Larisa Barton, founder of Soeur Interiors
. She, along with five other designers, shared some of their favorites, and I also consulted with my fellow home editors on the beds they love to retreat to after a long day. My final picks include wooden bed frames available with or without headboards, as well as cozy upholstered options in a range of prices. And that's just the beginning!
In this story
Best bed frames for 2026
Materials:Wood veneer frame with solid wood legs | Slats:Yes | Finishes:White, white oak, oak, smoked oak, walnut | Sizes available:Twin, full, queen, king
Simple yet striking, Article's Basi bed frame would look good in any style bedroom. It has a minimalist silhouette and comes in five wood finishes, from white to rich walnut, all of which are used throughout Article's home collection for easy mixing and matching.
As a home writer, I care about how my furniture looks — but I'm also an apartment dweller without a lot of space. I own this bed, and it checks all the boxes, plus I can happily vouch for its sturdiness and durability. It looks and feels more expensive than it is (the twin size starts at just under $300, pretty affordable for a modern wood bed frame).
Good news for decor chameleons: You can pair this bed frame with any of the brand's wood or upholstered headboards for a seamless, customized look. Many of the headboards are actually more expensive than the frame itself!
- Sturdy
- Compatible with Article headboards
- Minimalist design matches all bedroom aesthetics
- Easy to assemble
- Some shoppers wish the oak finish was lighter
Materials:Alloy steel | Slats:Yes | Finishes:Black and white | Sizes available:Narrow twin, twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
The best metal bed frame is also the most affordable pick on this list. Starting at under $50 for a twin, it's a solid value, says Alena Capra, founder of Alena Capra Design . And if you don't want to purchase a box spring, "this is the perfect solution," she adds.
"A mattress can sit directly on top of the steel frame," she explains. And though your bed will still be relatively low to the ground, you get 14 inches of clearance for under-bed storage containers — particularly handy if you're tight on space.
This frame requires minimal setup as-is, and especially if you opt for "tool-free assembly." You may have to play around with the finishes and assembly options to find inventory in the frame size you want, but Amazon tends to replenish its stock frequently.
- Budget-friendly
- Comes in a huge range of sizes
- Minimal (or no) assembly required
- Some shoppers struggled to properly align the parts
Materials:Particleboard, fiberboard, steel | Slats:Yes (sold separately) | Finishes:White, dark brown veneer, oak brown veneer | Sizes available:Full, queen, king
It can be hard for retailers to beat Amazon's competitive pricing, but IKEA's Malm is another popular bed frame that drives a hard bargain. The Swedish retailer's Malm furniture line is one of its most popular, so there are lots of other pieces and accessories if you like everything in your space to match.
"The simple design complements the bedding I have cycled through over the years. I've even purchased the rolling storage boxes for underneath to store seasonal clothes, bed sheets and camping gear," shares Home Optimization Editor Elizabeth Berry , who's owned the frame for four years now and says it has held up well, even with the occasional bedroom redesign.
In addition to being able to customize the frame with accessories like under-bed drawers , you can also adjust the base. Just lower or heighten it to accommodate mattresses of different thicknesses.
If the white finish is too basic for you, Berry notes that the warmer oak or dark brown finish adds a slightly elevated flair. "I plan on keeping this bed for years to come," she says.
- Affordable
- Optional underneath storage sold
- Frame holds up well to wear and tear
- Slatted bed base not included
Materials:Wood veneer and finished steel | Slats:Yes | Finishes:Birch, walnut, American oak | Sizes available:Twin, full/queen, king
For an "effortlessly cool" wooden platform bed with versatility, Marina Bourderonnet, a founding partner at Fame Architecture and Design , likes this pick from Floyd. "It's everything a bed should be," she says.
"The minimalist frame gives any bedroom a clean, modern look and the birch wood with steel supports makes it feel super sturdy." One of the best parts, she says, is that it's modular, so you can adjust or expand it over time. "Plus, assembly is a breeze — no confusing instructions or endless screws. If you're into sleek, no-fuss furniture that lasts, this one's a winner."
You can also get this frame without the headboard for $400 less. Other options include the color of the hardware (black or white) and add-ons such as under-bed storage drawers and a bedside table.
- Modern, modular design
- Easy to assemble
- Expensive
Materials:Manufactured wood and fabric (boucle/sherpa, corduroy, velvet) | Slats:Yes | Colors:(Boucle) ivory, brown; (print) blue floral; (corduroy) Apricot, Latte, Wine; (velvet) Denim | Sizes available:full, queen, king, California king
Upholstery lends a layer of coziness to a bed frame. This option from Lulu and Georgia comes highly recommended for its sculptural lines and luxe fabric options.
"I like this bed for its sleek, low-profile design and distinctive silhouette," says Barton. "Its refined shape makes it an excellent choice for a primary bedroom."
Choose from four luxe upholstery options, including boucle, corduroy and velvet in a mix of neutrals and subdued patterns. The ivory boucle adds the perfect amount of texture, while still keeping things neutral, whereas the wine-colored corduroy really warms up a space.
- Stylish low-profile design
- Available in rich textures and colors
- Expensive
Materials:MDF and jacquard woven fabric | Slats:Yes | Color:Cream | Sizes available:Queen, king
For an unexpected yet practical take, Rainey Richardson, founder of Rainey Richardson Interiors , loves this bed from Tov. "It's incredibly neutral without being the tiniest bit boring."
She says that the bed is "perfect for a guest room because it adds punch at an approachable price point." Just top it with solid bedding in any color, and it'll be the star of the room.
Tov also makes a bench and chair in the same cream jacquard, so you can go all in on the pattern. The line is a bestseller, so keep in mind there's sometimes limited stock, but the brand includes an estimated timeline for additional inventory in the product description.
- Plush, padded headboard
- Matching furniture available
- Rounded corners prevent accidents
- Only available in one color
Materials:Manufactured wood and polyester | Slats:Yes | Color:Greige | Sizes available:Queen, king, California king
Prefer to pair your mattress with a box spring? This upholstered bed from Perigold strikes the perfect balance between cozy and sophisticated, and you can pile on the cushioning.
"Its neutral tone makes it easy to style with colorful throw pillows, while the flange trim detail adds a subtle, elegant touch," says Jackie Johnson, founder of Jackie Johnson Design . "I've used it multiple times in projects and it always works beautifully. It's a versatile and timeless piece that complements any design style."
- Elegant upholstery
- Features a cushioned box spring
- Extra-tall headboard
- Expensive
- Available in only one color
Materials:Engineered wood frame and fabric (velvet, linen, basketweave, chenille, boucle, twill) | Slats:Yes | Colors:White, oatmeal, pewter, amber, ochre and 51 more | Sizes available:Twin, full, queen, king, California king
If you're looking for a little extra storage, look no further than this bed frame from West Elm. "It's one of those pieces that just makes life easier," says Bourderonnet.
"The sleek, modern design instantly elevates any bedroom," she adds, while the upholstery adds a cozy element. As for the pop-up storage area underneath? "A total game-changer!" she says. "It lifts effortlessly to reveal a huge hidden compartment, perfect for tucking away extra bedding, out-of-season clothes, or anything else you don't want cluttering up your space."
This frame is also customizable as part of the brand's Andes collection, which includes sofas, chairs, benches and one of our favorite futons . Choose from different headboard styles and heights, fabrics, colors and even leg styles to create a look that feels unique to your home.
- Modern design
- Secret underneath storage
- Customizable
- Expensive
Materials:Wood, fabric (velvet, chenille, performance) and polyester fill | Slats:Yes | Colors:White, Royale Sand, Prime Peacock, Royale Berry, Royale Apple and 85 more | Sizes available:Queen, king, California king
A tufted bed looks and feels lavish, with Joybird's top-rated Camille among the most eye-catching we've seen. Not only does it feature cushy paneling along the head and foot, but it comes in plush velvet, made all the more glamorous in rich ambers, reds, greens and blues, among other colors.
"A princess bed," according to one of its five-star reviewers, who added, "I have been wanting this bed for years and now that I finally have it, I couldn't be happier. The velvet is so beautiful and soft and my mattress is a lot more comfortable now with this bed frame than with a box spring!"
My brother and his wife own this bed in Royale Apple (a mossy green), and it's one of my favorite pieces in their home. While an investment, it is a statement piece you're bound to luxuriate in for years to come.
- Available in an impressive range of fabric colors
- Some report it is more comfortable than a box spring
- Expensive
Factors to consider when choosing a bed frame
So many great bed frames, so little time! Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding which bed frame is right for you:
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Materials:Metal and wood tend to be the most durable and easiest to upkeep, but lack the plush look of upholstery. Keep in mind, though, that fabric may require spot-cleaning or, for tougher stains or sanitization purposes, steam-cleaning from time to time.
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Base type:All of the beds in this list have a slatted base, meaning they're made with rows of wooden planks to support your mattress. Slats come in two types: solid slats, which are fixed across the width of the bed frame, and sprung slats, which are gently curved and mounted individually for a slightly bouncier feel. You don't need a box spring with a slatted base, and it generally has more give than a solid bed base, which is a flat, uninterrupted surface that offers firm, sturdy support for your mattress.
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Height:Standard bed height is 25 inches above the floor, including the frame and the mattress, which should work for most people. Platform beds offer a modern look, but can be tough on those with mobility or joint issues because they're often low to the ground. Don't forget to factor in the thickness of your mattress, and box spring if using one, as they'll contribute to the overall height.
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Practicality:If the bed doesn't arrive assembled (most don't), take note of how complicated the setup is and how many people you'll need to get the job done. Bed frames can be very heavy and inserting slats can take some muscle, so you may need extra help.
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Versatility:Headboards that can be easily switched out allow you to customize the look of your bed and evolve it over time. Add-ons, such as under-bed storage drawers, can enhance a bed's functionality.
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Weight capacity:Check how many pounds the bed frame can support, and keep in mind this number usually includes the weight of your mattress.
How we chose these bed frames
I researched top-selling bed frames, sorting through hundreds of customer reviews, and talked to professional designers about tips, trends and personal recommendations. I also relied on my and my colleagues' expertise as longtime home editors. I included bed frames that we personally have experience with or currently own.
Bed frame FAQs
What's the best bed frame material?
It depends on what you're looking for. Solid wood or metal is ideal, but many frames feature multiple materials including MDF, plywood and engineered wood and are still durable. Certain materials like metal and wood veneer are easier to clean and maintain. In terms of style, wood lends a warm (or rustic) look, whereas metal appears more industrial (or polished). Upholstery is great for those who are trying to create a cozy escape and/or wake up a space through the use of texture and color.
How do I care for a bed frame?
Most bed frames are pretty low maintenance. Dust and/or wipe them down regularly to keep dirt in check. You may also want to polish wood bed frames and spot- or steam-clean upholstered bed frames as part of a seasonal cleaning routine .
Meet our experts
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Larisa Barton, interior designer and founder, Soeur Interiors
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Marina Bourderonnet, architectural designer and founding partner, Fame Architecture and Design
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Alena Capra, designer, TV host, spokesperson and founder, Alena Capra Design
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Jackie Johnson, founder, Jackie Johnson Design
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Rainey Richardson, lifestyle interior designer and founder, Rainey Richardson Interiors
Update, Feb. 20, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best bed frame remains unchanged, but we replaced our best budget bed frame (currently out of stock) with a similar style from Zinus and added a new option from IKEA.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
