Types of Bed Frames: Styles & Sizes
Sleep in style.
Choosing the right bed frame is essential for proper mattress support, bedroom aesthetics, and a restorative night's sleep. From sleek platform designs to functional storage bases, this guide breaks down the most popular bed frame types to help you find the ideal match for your space.
Types of Bed Frame Designs
Standard
This basic bed option includes a flat panel headboard and contains minimal design elements. These are the simplest and typically the most budget-friendly options available, making them ideal if you are in search of a no-frills and cost-effective bed.
Wingback
A wingback headboard has two decorative side panels jutting out from either side. The wingback addition is simple, but it adds a level of design and luxury to your bed.
Bookcase
Bookcase beds add function to form with built-in shelves and other storage components meant to hold items you won’t need to get out of bed to reach. They are also space-saving, giving you extra shelving without the need for an entire bookcase or other large furniture item.
Slat or Spindle
A slat or spindle headboard design is highlighted by a headboard and/or footboard made of vertical or horizontal slats or rails. Wooden slat beds look more clean-cut and fresh while metal slat beds invoke a vintage rustic or farmhouse feel.
Sleigh
The distinctive outward-arching shape of a sleigh bed’s headboard and footboard evokes the curves of an old-fashioned sleigh, which gives this bed its name. Sleigh beds may take up more floor space than other bed styles of the same size. These beds can come in ornately designed, darkly stained wood styles or simpler, sleeker modern designs.
Murphy
Murphy beds are built to be concealed – they fold up into a wall panel for easy storage and space conservation. The wall mount can have the appearance of a closet, dresser, or bureau or may be equipped with lights, bookshelves, and other storage components for maximum utility. Interested in this bed type? Review What Is a Murphy Bed? for more information.
Open-Frame
Open-frame bed designs have headboards and footboards featuring free-flowing or organic lines. This design sometimes includes slat beds. Depending on the form and material, they can fit in industrial, modern, farmhouse, or traditional style homes.
Four Poster
Four-poster beds are defined by the decorative posts that rise up from each corner of the bed frame. The posts vary in height, some protruding only a couple inches above the mattress and others extending to almost ceiling-height. Ornate posts bring rustic, regal charm, though simpler designs are just as grand.
Canopy
The sister of the four-poster, canopy beds feature tall posts with crossbeams that connect them at the top. Classically outfitted with curtains for more privacy, modern versions of this bed trade that romantic aesthetic for the crisp look of straight, unadorned lines. Because of their volume, this style of bed looks best in rooms with tall ceilings.
Neighborly Tip!
Review Your Guide to Bed Styles for more design features to consider.
Panel Bed vs. Platform Bed
| Feature | Panel Bed | Platform Bed |
|---|---|---|
| Example |  |
 |
| Base structure | Side rails & widely spaced slats | Solid surface or closely spaced slats |
| Box spring? | Required | Not required |
| Profile & height | Added height of box spring | Lower profile |
| Mattress compatibility | Innerspring | Foam, latex, hybrid, innerspring |
Some beds require a box spring as a supportive layer between the bed and the mattress. This layer provides extra height, ventilation, and prevents your mattress from sagging.
Panel Beds
Support beams are minimal, set low to the ground, and tend to be bookended by a headboard and footboard. Box springs are required for this type of bed. Check out What Is a Panel Bed? for more on this type of bed.
Platform Beds
A box spring isn't required for a platform bed. The mattress sits on top of the platform bed frame. The mattress is supported by several close-together slats that are level with the top of the platform. Platform beds are sleek in design and typically lack a footboard. Take a look at What Is a Platform Bed? to read up on this box-spring-free design.
Neighborly Tip!
Interested in learning more about box springs and if you need one? Check out What Is a Box Spring? for more details.
Beds for Small & Shared Rooms
Whether you're furnishing a guest room, kids room, or multifunctional home office, there are different types of beds that work perfectly for conserving space.
Daybeds
A daybed is a versatile piece of furniture designed to function as both a comfortable sofa for lounging and a standard bed for sleeping. It typically features a twin-size mattress enclosed by three raised sides that serve as a backrest and armrests. Read What Is a Daybed? to learn more about these versatile beds.
Futons
A futon is a flexible, space-saving piece of furniture that easily converts from an upright sofa into a flat bed. Futon mattresses are often thinner than regular bed mattresses, making them comfortable for occasional guests but not supportive enough as a long-term sleeping option. Get more info about futons in What Is a Futon? or explore these Types of Futons to find your perfect match.
Sofa Beds (Convertible & Sleeper Sofa)
Sofa beds function as comfortable living room seating by day and effortlessly transform into beds by night. Sleeper sofas conceal a thin innerspring mattress while convertible sofas simply reconfigure their existing cushions to function as a sleep surface.
Bunk Beds
A kids’ favorite, bunk beds make the most of the space by stacking two beds on top of each other. The top bunk is accessible by a built-in ladder or miniature staircase. Review A Quick & Easy Guide to Bunk Bed Sizes to learn more about your size options.
Loft Beds
Elevated above the ground and accessible by ladder, loft beds have room beneath them that can be used as a work space, a lounge area, or additional storage. Some feature built-in desks and are popular for teen bedrooms when space is tight.
Trundles
Trundle beds have a large under-bed drawer that slides out fully to fit an entire second mattress. Take a look at What Is a Trundle Bed? to get more info about this versatile type of bed.
Bed Sizes
| Size | Width | Length | Also called |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 in. | 75 in. | Single |
| Twin XL | 38 in. | 80 in. | Extra-long twin |
| Full | 54 in. | 75 in. | Double |
| Queen | 60 in. | 80 in. | Queen |
| King | 76 in. | 80 in. | King |
| California king | 72 in. | 84 in. | Cal king |
When browsing through different types of beds, there are several bed sizes to choose from. Before you start your bed frame search, make sure you know what size bed you’ll need. Check out our guide What Are the Most Common Bed Sizes? for more details and tips on measuring your space for a bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of beds?
The bed types on this page are frame styles: standard, wingback, bookcase, slat, sleigh, Murphy, open-frame, canopy, four-poster, panel, and platform, plus daybed, futon, bunk, loft, and trundle for smaller or shared rooms.
What is a platform bed?
A platform bed does not need a box spring. The mattress sits on slats that are level with the top of the frame. These beds are usually sleek and often have no footboard.
Which beds need a box spring?
Panel beds need a box spring. Their support beams sit low and are bookended by a headboard and footboard. Platform beds do not need one. Check the frame on sleigh and canopy beds before you skip the foundation.
What are the standard bed sizes?
This guide uses twin 38 by 75 inches, extra-long twin 38 by 80, full 54 by 75, queen 60 by 80, king 76 by 80, and California king 72 by 84. Dimensions are width by length.
What is a Murphy bed?
A Murphy bed folds up into a wall panel so the floor stays clear. The panel can look like a closet or include shelves. It is the small-room option on this page.
What bed works in a small room?
Daybeds sit against a wall and double as a sofa. Murphy beds fold away. Bunks and lofts stack the sleep space. A trundle pulls out a second mattress. A captain's bed adds drawers under the mattress.
