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.
Product Details
Best Overall
Saatva Santorini
Who it's best for:
- Those seeking a luxury-oriented, durable model
- Individuals who want to add an adjustable base
- People who prefer upholstered designs
Highlights:
- Can be used as a platform bed or with Saatva’s adjustable base
- Features a comfortable fabric headboard
- 180-night sleep trial and lifetime limited warranty
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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
Nectar Mattress Foundation
Who it's best for:
- Shoppers on a budget
- Those who enjoy a minimalist aesthetic
- People who don’t own a box spring
Highlights:
- Upholstered in gray fabric
- Optional wooden legs
- Assembly does not require tools
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The Nectar Mattress Foundation is an upholstered frame with a surprisingly affordable price-point, considering the quality materials and stylish appearance.
The foundation is made with a steel frame, solid pine, and spruce, upholstered in a gray fabric. The design features wooden slats and does not require a box spring. While the foundation can sit directly on the floor, it also comes with optional wooden legs. This may appeal to anyone who likes to store items underneath the bed. Assembly is simple and does not require tools. The platform has a 15-inch profile and comes in six standard sizes, from twin to California king.
Nectar offers a 50-night sleep trial to try out the foundation, as well as a 3-year warranty. Shipping is free for customers within the contiguous U.S.
Best Wood Frame
The Bed by Thuma
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers who prefer sleeping with a headboard
- Those who wish to invest in an exceptionally durable bed frame
- Eco-conscious consumers
Highlights:
- Innovative design uses Japanese joinery in place of hardware
- Crafted from sustainably sourced hardwood
- Upholstered headboard included with purchase
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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
DreamCloud Trenton Bed Frame
Mattress Type: Bed Frame
Firmness:
Trial length: 50 nights
Warranty:
Who it's best for:
- People who enjoy frames with headboards
- Shoppers who appreciate furniture with an industrial look
- Those seeking a low-maintenance frame
Highlights:
- Constructed with black steel and laminated wood
- Headboard is 37.64 inches high
- Ample under-bed storage
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The Trenton Bed Frame from DreamCloud is a wood and metal frame that brings a modern, industrial touch to any bedroom. It’s a nice option for shoppers who are in the market for a statement piece but prefer an alternative to upholstered frames.
The frame is composed of sturdy black steel and laminated wood with a medium dark brown finish. The headboard measures 37.64 inches high and the footboard is 18.4 inches high. The bed sits 14 inches off the ground, allowing under-bed space for bedrooms that are short on storage options. The frame is available in full, queen, and king sizes, and no box spring is needed. You may clean the surface with a damp cloth, making this frame a great option for shoppers seeking a low maintenance frame. Assembly is also simple, with all necessary tools included.
DreamCloud allows customers 50 nights to try out the frame. You may return the frame during this period for a full refund. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S.
Best for Storage
Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage
Who it's best for:
- Customers wishing to invest in a highly durable bed frame
- Those looking for extra storage
- Shoppers who like the look of frames with headboards
Highlights:
- Three color options
- Sizable storage drawer
- Comfortable polyester upholstery
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
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Customers looking for a bed frame with extra storage may want to consider Silk & Snow’s Bed Frame with Storage. The stylish and comfortable upholstered design comes with a sizeable storage drawer at the foot of the bed.
The bed frame is constructed with iron and engineered wood, making it exceptionally durable. The slats are made of poplar wood. With a 2.4-inch width and spaced 3 inches apart, the slats are designed to reduce breakage. The storage drawer spans the length of the foot of the bed and measures 51 inches x 18 inches x 8 inches for the queen size, perfect for storing items like extra clothes and linens. The bed is upholstered in polyester fabric that comes in three colors – pebble, oatmeal, and granite – to match most bedroom decor. The frame also comes in three sizes – full, queen, and king.
Silk & Snow offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and Canadian provinces. You can try out the Bed Frame with Storage with its 30-night sleep trial. Purchases come with a 5-year warranty.
Easiest Assembly
Puffy Bed Frame
Who it's best for:
- Those who own a full, queen, king, or California king size mattress
- People who prefer sleeping with a headboard
- Shoppers who appreciate the aesthetic of a fully upholstered bed frame
Highlights:
- Built-in headboard for optimal sleeper comfort
- Upholstered in soft grey fabric with elegant grid stitching
- Sturdy wooden slats support any mattress
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The Puffy Bed Frame evokes a distinguished modern style thanks to its fully upholstered design. The entire frame is covered in soft fabric, and impeccable grid stitching details the headboard and foot panel. A neutral grey shade also ensures the frame will complement your bedroom decor.
The frame is quite sturdy thanks to strategically placed slats made of solid wood. Approximately 5 inches separate the slats from the top of the sideboard, allowing your mattress to fit within the frame comfortably without shifting whenever you move in bed. The entire frame including the headboard measures 51 inches tall, so shoppers should measure their bedroom to make sure they have enough space.
Puffy offers free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. Each Bed Frame order includes a 101-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Best for Reading in Bed
Casper Haven Bed Frame
Who it's best for:
- Those who appreciate the look of an upholstered bed frame
- Sleepers who prefer using a headboard
- Shoppers who are unable to set up their new bed frame alone
Highlights:
- Frame includes a headboard cushioned with soft foam
- Fully upholstered in felted wool-blend fabric
- All orders include White Glove delivery
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Sleep Foundation readers get the best price on Casper products.
Those who enjoy reading in bed can benefit from using a frame with a stable headboard. The Casper Haven’s headboard is not only sturdy but also comfortable thanks to soft foam padding to cushion your head and back while you sit up in bed. The headboard – along with the rest of the frame – is upholstered in a wool-polyester fabric blend with a luxurious felted texture. Shoppers can choose between two greytone options for their upholstery, heathered or charcoal.
The Haven also boasts a sturdy design that includes a hardwood frame and beech slats with a matte-black finish. The slats are also upholstered, and the mattress fits snugly within the side rails to prevent shifting during the night. Full, queen, king, and California king sizes are available.
The Haven Bed Frame is exclusively available to customers in the contiguous U.S. and select Canadian cities. All orders require White Glove delivery, which includes a scheduled delivery date and full assembly in a room of your choice. This service is available for a flat fee of $149. Your purchase also includes a 30-night trial for testing out the bed frame and a 2-year warranty against structural and workmanship defects.
Best Adjustable Bed
Layla Adjustable Base Plus
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers who experience lower back pain
- Couples
- Shoppers seeking a base with massage settings
Highlights:
- Zero-gravity setting helps alleviate back pain
- Manually adjustable head and feet
- Settings may be adjusted via Google Home, Alexa, mobile app, or wireless remote
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
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The Layla Adjustable Base Plus is a versatile adjustable bed designed with multiple features to create the optimal bed position. A standout feature of this model is the split king size option, which allows co-sleepers to customize settings for their half of the bed.
Using a wireless remote, you can adjust the head or base independently until achieving your desired angles. You can also program up to three of your favorite positions and access these positions with the touch of a button. The bed has a zero-gravity setting meant to relieve pressure off your back, and an anti-snore setting adjusts your body into a position intended to open the airways. For the split king size, you can program each half of the bed independently.
For your convenience, you may adjust the bed using Google Home, Alexa, or a mobile app on your phone. The base is also equipped with a massage feature that offers three intensity levels in the head and feet areas. Four USB ports are built into the base to charge devices overnight, and underbed lighting helps guide you for nighttime wake-ups.
Layla offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. The base comes with a 30-night sleep trial.
How to Choose a Bed Frame
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.
What to Look For in a King Size Bed Frame
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About King Size Bed Frames
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How much do king bed frames cost?
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.
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Can you buy king bed frames online?
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.
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What are the dimensions of a king size bed frame?
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.
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What is the difference between a king and a California king?
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.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
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