Types of Bed Frames: Everything You Need to Know
Choose the right type of bed frame for your bedroom.
Bed frames are the foundation of a good night’s sleep – they support your mattress and increase its longevity, all while adding a touch of style to your space. Wondering which bed frame is best for your home? Keep reading to explore every option.
Types of Bed Frames
From function to aesthetic, consider your needs when determining which bed frame is best for you.
1. Standard Bed Frames
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From metal to wood, standard bed frames are versatile in appearance. Because they sit low to the ground, they require a box spring when topped with a mattress. Standard bed frames may have legs supporting the bed frame’s bar structures, or a platform surface with slats.
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A platform bed frame is a wood or metal structure that can hold your mattress without a box spring. Its low profile reduces the bed’s height, giving your bedroom a modern, minimalistic look. One of the platform bed’s major advantages is that its solid slatted surface can accommodate any mattress type.
Tip!
Eager to learn more about this bed style? Our comprehensive guide – What Is a Platform Bed? – covers everything you need to know.
3. Wire-Grid Bed Frames
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Like platform bed frames, wire-grids structures do not require a box spring. Wire-grid bed frames differ from platform alternatives because they are primarily built from sturdy metal and sit higher from the ground. Strong enough to hold mattresses of any size, wire-grid bed frames are ideal for their durability.
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Folding bed frames are ideal for hosting overnight guests and maximizing space in snug homes – simply fold them up and tuck them away after use. These structures are typically made of metal and have a platform design, so no box spring is required. For folding bed frames that easily tuck into built-in storage cabinets or wardrobes, consider a Murphy bed.
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Wood bed frames are made of either solid or engineered wood, and come in a variety of finishes, styles, and designs to meet all your needs and match any aesthetic. Available in either standard or platform configurations, you can decide whether or not to include a box spring.
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Metal bed frames are ultra-durable and can support a greater weight capacity than other materials. The result is a long-lasting, sturdy foundation for any mattress. Available in standard, platform, wire-grid, and folding configurations, there’s an option for every bedroom.
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When purchasing a bed frame, consider which features are most important to you.
Headboard Compatible: If you want to add a headboard to your setup, opt for a headboard-compatible bed frame. Remember to check the manufacturer details on your headboard to ensure it will fit with your bed frame.
Easy Storage: Some bed frames are foldable, making them easy to tuck away. If you move often or need a temporary bed, consider an easy-storage bed frame.
Solid Wood: If you want to invest in a bed frame that lasts for years to come, consider a solid wood structure. Solid wood bed frames are typically bulkier, so it’s important to measure your bedroom before deciding to ensure this option is an ideal fit.
Casters: Casters protect your floors and allow you to roll the bed around your room. Bed frames with casters are ideal for those who frequently vacuum or redesign their spaces.
Assembled: If you want a bed frame that does not require construction, choose one that arrives assembled. Be sure to measure doorways, stairways, or hallways that lead to the bedroom to ensure that you can successfully move the structure into your space.
Heavy-Duty/Squeak-Resistant Bed Frames: If you co-sleep or share a bed with your partner, consider a heavy-duty or squeak-resistant bed frame. With this feature, you won’t have to worry about waking your loved ones when getting up at night.
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Tip!
Eager to explore some of our go-to bed frames? Browse our guide on The Best Bed Frames for the Right Foundation.