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Written by
Daniel Noyed
A bed frame is a structure that elevates your mattress off the ground. With the right support system, a well-crafted frame can stabilize your bed and lengthen the life of your mattress. Additionally, the added height may make it easier to get into and out of bed.
Bed frames are crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and upholstery. Frame designs range from minimalist to highly stylized. The height is also variable between models to accommodate different profile preferences.
We’ll discuss the factors that most influence a bed frame’s appearance, durability, and overall performance. We’ll also highlight our top picks for king size bed frames and explain what sets each apart.
Best Overall
The Santorini Bed Frame by Saatva has an elegant, high-end platform design.
Handcrafted from kiln-dried hardwood, the frame is durable and should resist signs of wear, like warping. It can support a mattress without a box spring thanks to sturdy slats made from premium plywood. However, the Santorini can also be paired with Saatva’s Lineal Adjustable Bed Base to maintain the refined look while providing adjustable positioning, underbed lighting, and massage settings.
As an upholstered model, the headboard is covered in fabric with padding underneath. Velvet and linen fabric options are available. Made from a polyester-cotton blend, the plush velvet has a vintage flair and a slight sheen. Two colors are available: taupe and graphite. The linen is woven of flax fibers, giving it a natural hue and textured appearance. Linen is very durable, so it should hold up well.
Saatva offers a 180-night sleep trial for the Santorini. Customers are eligible for a refund of the purchase price during this period, less a $99 transportation fee. The Santorini also includes free delivery and setup, including old mattress and foundation removal. A lifetime warranty backs the frame.
Best Value
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Nectar mattresses
The Nectar Platform Bed is a versatile wooden bed frame with a highly competitive price-point. The simple but sleek appearance is compatible with many different types of bedroom decor.
The frame is made with solid pine wood and comes in three color options — white, black, and golden oak. It is available in full, queen, and king sizes. The legs are 10 inches high and designed with a beveled shape and slightly angled appearance, giving the frame a midcentury modern aesthetic. If the area beneath your bed tends to double as storage, this frame offers 8.5 inches of clearance to stow items. The frame uses wooden slats to support your mattress, so no box spring is required. You will need a Phillips screwdriver to assemble the frame.
Shoppers receive a 3-year warranty with this frame, as well as a 50-day trial that allows you to test out the frame risk-free. Nectar provides free shipping and returns within the contiguous U.S.
Best Eco-Friendly
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Birch mattresses
The Birch White Wood Frame has a durable construction made of sustainably harvested wood. Southern yellow pine slats and plywood bed rails derived from Appalachian hardwood make up the body of the frame, and the platform rests on Appalachian maple legs.
This frame is handcrafted in the U.S. with wood from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sources that meet responsible forest management standards. The water-based and UV finishes on the wood are designed to be free from formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The frame’s clean lines and attractive white finish can integrate seamlessly into a variety of bedroom styles. However, its minimalist design cannot accommodate a headboard. At 13 inches tall, the frame has an average height. Thanks to its platform design, the Natural Wood Frame does not require a box spring to support the mattress. The frame is very simple to assemble, as the side rails, center beam, and slats easily fit into place.
Birch ships the White Wood Frame free of charge to all 50 states. The bed frame has a 100-night sleep trial, but Birch requires that customers try it for at least 30 days before requesting a return. The frame also comes with a 5-year limited warranty that covers defects in craftsmanship and/or materials.
Easiest Assembly
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Thuma mattresses
Putting together a new bed frame can be a frustrating process, especially if small hardware components are involved. The Bed by Thuma takes a different approach to foundational construction by using Japanese joinery techniques. The rails and legs fit together with intricately shaped notches, rather than screws and washers. Two hand-tightened screws are used to keep the slats in place, but otherwise no hardware is used. Two people can easily assemble The Bed in 15 minutes, if not less.
The rails, legs, and slats are all composed of solid hardwood from trees that have been sustainably grown. The slats are also lined with a felt material derived from recycled plastic. This component is intended to muffle noise and preserve the wood over time. Each order includes The Pillowboard, Thuma’s proprietary headboard that’s upholstered in pebbled fabric and padded with soft foam. Installing The Pillowboard is also very straightforward.
The Bed has received a Greenguard certification. This indicates the product has been tested for chemicals that contribute to harmful emissions. Once ordered, the bed will arrive at your residence in three separate boxes. These boxes are quite heavy, so we suggest finding a lifting partner before carrying the bed to its destination. All orders are backed by a 100-night trial period that includes free return shipping.
Best Modern Design
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Puffy mattresses
The Puffy Bed Frame is an upholstered frame with a simple yet appealing design. The clean lines make it an especially good option for shoppers who are looking for a frame with a versatile modern style.
The frame is upholstered in a soft gray fabric with grid stitching that enhances the modern look. If you frequently read or watch TV in bed, the frame includes a padded headboard for comfortable support while sitting upright. The foundation relies on wooden slats to support your mattress, so box springs are not required. The frame is available in full, queen, king, or California king sizes, all of which measure 17 inches high in the platform and 51 inches high in the headboard. The frame can support up to 600 pounds.
The Puffy Bed Frame comes with a generous lifetime warranty and a 101-night sleep trial. Puffy offers free shipping and returns within the contiguous U.S.
Best for Reading in Bed
The Casper Repose Bed Frame is sophisticated, durable, and impeccably crafted. The frame itself is composed of solid oak that holds up exceptionally well over time. Those who enjoy watching TV or reading in bed can also choose from two different headboards. One is made of solid plywood, while the other is filled with cushioning material with a polyester cover. Shoppers on a budget may also forgo the headboard and save some extra money.
The Repose’s thoughtful design includes rounded corners to prevent you and your partner from banging your shins or knees when getting into bed. You can choose between a natural, unfinished look or a veneer that mimics the appearance of dark oak. Although the frame sits fairly low to the ground, there is some clearance for storing valuables.
All orders in the U.S. and Canada include White Glove delivery, which is priced at a flat rate of $149. This service includes a scheduled delivery date and full assembly in a room of your choosing. Standard ground shipping is not available. You’ll receive a 30-night sleep trial with your purchase for testing out the Repose and a 2-year warranty if you decide to keep the frame.
Best Floating Bed
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklinen mattresses
The Floyd Platform Bed has a sleek design with a distinctive floating appearance. Thanks to its modular construction, the frame seamlessly transitions between different sizes by removing or adding panels. The king size Floyd Bed Frame comes with four panels and the option of adding a headboard and underbed storage for additional charges. By removing a panel, the king size bed frame can fit a queen or full size mattress. Removing two panels converts it into a twin.
Its plywood frame is sturdy enough to support a mattress without needing a box spring. Nylon ratchet straps fasten the panels, which minimizes noise and makes the frame easy to assemble. Two people should be able to put it together in about 20 minutes, and no screws or tools are needed.
The Floyd Platform Bed comes in two finishes: birch and walnut. The latter uses a walnut veneer to achieve the darker finish, but both versions are constructed from high-quality birch plywood. Customers can also choose between black and white hardware.
To reduce production waste, each powder-coated steel support is constructed from one piece of bent steel. All of the panels are Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI certified, indicating that they meet formaldehyde emission standards. The walnut veneer is FSC-certified, showing that the wood is responsibly sourced.
The Floyd Platform Bed typically arrives within 2 to 4 weeks, and shipping cost varies based on order value. Floyd does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or international destinations. This product is returnable for 30 days. The frame is also eligible for a 10-year limited warranty, which covers manufacturing defects.
A quality bed frame with a suitable support system stabilizes your mattress and prevents premature sagging. Material quality and construction methods are key when it comes to a bed frame’s durability and overall performance, but other factors may also play a role in which bed frame is best for you.
Some bedding companies use vague jargon and questionable sales pitches that can confuse shoppers. To find the best king bed frame, it’s essential to focus on the aspects that influence durability, support, convenience, and pricing. There isn’t a universally ideal bed frame to satisfy every sleeper’s needs, but honing in on the following features can help you bypass marketing ploys.
Quality Materials
Material quality determines support, appearance, noise level, and longevity. Not only can high-quality materials resist wear, but they can also provide a more stable base and remain silent when you move around on your bed. Quality platform beds frames paired with supportive foundations can also help extend the life of your mattress.
Weight
Weight is important to consider for both practical and structural reasons. A very heavy bed frame may be more challenging to assemble or move. On the other hand, a sturdier frame can prevent your bed from shifting on the floor and producing noise. Buyers should also take note of a frame’s weight limits to ensure it is capable of supporting the sleepers, their mattress, and any foundation they use.
Design
Bed frames come in all sorts of styles and colors to suit varying aesthetic preferences. Designs range from minimalist to plush and luxurious. Shoppers should also keep in mind that they may change their room decor during the frame’s lifespan, so a neutral appearance may be more versatile.
Price
A no-frills bed frame can start around $100, while a high-end model can be well over $4,000. In general, most quality bed frames are priced between $300 and $1,200.
Ease of Assembly
Since an improperly assembled bed frame could be noisy and lack support, ease of assembly is a valid consideration. Some companies offer professional delivery and setup. Many models that require assembly are engineered to be put together by one or two people in as little as 20 minutes. However, more complex designs may take significantly longer and require tools.
Noise
A noisy bed can undermine sleep quality, but a well-constructed, secure frame should minimize movement-related noise. Bed frames, especially those of lower quality, often creak as they age. In some cases, you may be able to reduce sounds by ensuring your bed is assembled correctly and components haven’t loosened.
Type
Bed frames are constructed in a range of materials, but most consist of wood, metal, upholstery, or some combination of the three.
Traditionally, bed frames support a box spring or other foundation, which then supports the mattress. However, platform beds are increasingly popular. This design eliminates the need for a box spring by including built-in support.
Canopy, four-poster, sleigh, storage, and adjustable beds are also widely available. A frame with overhanging fabric typically sets canopy beds apart, while four-poster beds have posts in each corner. Sleigh beds are so-named for their resemblance to a sleigh due to their curved headboards and footboards. Storage beds typically use a platform design but have drawers, shelves, or cubbies underneath to store items. Adjustable beds offer tailored comfort since the incline of your upper and/or lower body is customizable.
The average king size bed frame costs between $300 and $1,200, but very basic or luxury models can easily fall outside of this range.
King bed frames are widely available online. They may be purchased directly from the manufacturer or through various third-party retailers, including department, mattress, and furniture stores.
The average king size bed frame measures approximately .5 to 2 inches wider and longer than the dimensions of a king mattress, which are typically 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. The standard height of a king bed frame is between 16 and 24 inches, though platform beds often have lower profiles.
Considering the substantial size of a king size bed, it’s helpful to consider the dimensions of your bedroom before setting up a new bed. A king bed in a small room can feel cramped even if it technically fits.
Designed for taller individuals, a California king bed traditionally measures 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a standard king bed. Many companies make bed frames specifically for California king mattresses, but some generous standard king frames may also accommodate them.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
Certified Sleep Coach
Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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