The Best Bed Frames, Tested in Our Own Rooms (2026)

To find the best bed frames, the WIRED Reviews team has put more than 35 to the test over the years.

Our top pick is Thuma's Classic Bed , but we know that a bed frame is a big investment that you'll use every day, so we've also got options for different budgets and preferences.

A bed frame can help improve the look of your room, but it's also a crucial component of sleep hygiene and extending mattress longevity.

I've rounded up the team's favorites below, with prices reflecting queen-size frames where applicable.

Be sure to check out our other sleep guides, including the best mattresses , best hybrid mattresses , best Japanese joinery bed frames , best bedsheets , and best sleep gifts for more.

And if you don't want to upgrade your frame just yet, check out this advice on how to fix bed frame problems .

Updated May 2026: We've added new bed frames from Saatva, Ikea, Wayfair, and TempurPedic.

We've also reformatted this guide, removed a few older picks, and checked for accuracy throughout.

I've owned the Thuma Classic Bed for five years, and it feels as good as new .

You don't need a single tool to assemble this solid wood bed frame.

The company uses traditional Japanese joinery techniques, and it took me about 15 minutes to put the whole thing together.

That means disassembly and reassembly when I had to move was so easy—there are just two thumb screws at the top and bottom edges of the frame, which you can hand-screw in once everything else is in place.

More surprising is how sturdy it is.

I've gone through so many bed frames before the Thuma, and after a year or two, there's usually a broken slat or bent metal rod here and there.

Or the slats keep falling down, so you have to do that thing where you pull the mattress over your head as you try to shove them back in place (just me?).

The Thuma doesn't creak and never slides around.

The foam Pillowboard is an additional expense, but it's comfy.

Thuma has since added a wood headboard, which is pricier, but that's what I'll probably upgrade to next, since it completes the look.

The only downside is how expensive this whole bed frame is (the price has jumped since I first purchased it), but if it helps, the Thuma is made from repurposed wood, and it's UL GreenGuard Gold Certified , meaning low chemical emissions.

— Julian Chokkattu
Thuma made its name with a minimalist wooden bed (our top pick, above) with clean lines and a tool-free assembly process that's no more complex than snapping together Lego bricks.

The Signature was launched in February as the brand's first fully upholstered bed.

The Thuma Signature has the same Japanese wood joinery at its heart for easy assembly, but covers the frame in soft Italian felted wool or performance linen for a decidedly more posh experience.

I've been testing the wool version for a few months.

It took less than five minutes for me to assemble, and it's very solid and dead silent, with no squeaking whatsoever.

The plush headboard upholstery is pillow-soft, and my only problem with it is remembering not to just lay my head directly on it.

Best of all, when it's time to move, this bed pops apart in just a few minutes without any bolts or screws.

— Martin Cizmar
I really admire Japanese joinery bed frames , not just because of their minimalistic beauty but also their easy, tool-free setup.

Trust me, we don’t want my clumsiness around sharp objects.

Not all bed frames that follow this blueprint are of the same caliber, with some being far more stable than others, and the price point usually reflects that.

DreamCloud's bamboo Japanese joinery bed frame wasn’t just gorgeous, but outfitted with small details that make a big impact.

These include tiny additional rods on each of the boards, located where they are stacked atop each other at the ends.

The idea is to keep each of the rails that make up the frame even more secure than just the tension of the overall design.

There are included foam blocks if you decide to throw in a headboard, so there's no banging against the wall, either.

Plus, I’ll never argue with the price tag, which is very within my budget.

— Julia Forbes
I was broker than broke when I got my first apartment more than a decade ago, and this cheap bed frame I bought from Amazon is still being circulated among my younger family members.

It's as simple as simple gets, but the steel construction means the frame is durable, and you don't need to add a box spring.

The 18-inch model leaves a cavernous space beneath the bed that can accommodate several tote-style storage containers—which could be a blessing or a curse depending on the usual state of your bedroom floor.

Just keep in mind that there is no edge whatsoever.

This thing is basically a table for your mattress, but it'll get the job done.

After years of building cheap bed frames that were never the same after I broke them down for a move, I switched to the Zinus Abel Metal Platform Bed.

There’s a lot I love about this bed frame that I’ve now dragged to three different apartments in Southern California: It breaks down into a pile of metal rods (plus the two rectangle end pieces that don’t come apart), making it super easy to move, and it’s just as sturdy after rebuilding it multiple times.

The only thing that didn’t survive the moves was the double-sided tape that held my mattress in place, but I don’t mind pushing the mattress back occasionally.

It’s also high enough to have plenty of storage underneath—or cat tunnels, in my case.

— Nena Farrell
I've tested nearly a dozen different bed frames during my time leading this coverage area for the WIRED Reviews team, and the Saatva Siena is probably the prettiest and most elegant I've ever tried.

The leather upholstery just makes it feel so grown-up.

It's sexy but not straight out of a dark romance dungeon.

It's a statement piece that blends in with my decor.

I like the free in-room delivery and the rich smell of leather.

However, while the frame itself is exceedingly stable, it does slide around on my hardwood floors (I'm planning on attaching some rubbery grips to the feet to remedy this).

My main complaint is that you can see the slats of the frame when you're close to the mattress.

From a distance, it looks OK, but the white slats are so obvious up close, if you're looking, that it takes away from the whole put-together effect for me.

It's also the perfect awkward height to attract dust bunnies that can be difficult to clean unless you move the bed to sweep or vacuum.

Overall, these drawbacks are minor, and I still think this frame is worth your consideration.

I'll just cross my fingers that none of my Hinge dates look too closely.

Small bedroom?

Mobility issues?

Don’t want to block a window?

You might want to consider a low-profile frame.

They’re typically under 11 inches high as opposed to around 20 inches for a traditional frame, which means you may not get as much under-bed storage, but for many, the benefits outweigh this drawback.

(The Cooper has about 7 inches of clearance off the floor.) I personally have been grappling with not wanting to block a large window with a headboard, and I was curious if a low-profile frame might be the answer.

Sure enough, it was—this 38-inch-tall frame hits just 2 inches below the windowsill and looks fantastic.

In fact, the minimalist, mid-century-inspired Cooper is practically indistinguishable from similar frames being sold by Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel, but runs around $500 less.

With its angled legs and rounded corners, the Cooper definitely has Thuma vibes, but does not feature Japanese joinery construction .

It requires some assembly; namely, joining the rails together and screwing down the slats.

If you’d rather not deal with this, white-glove delivery is available for $199.

For my test unit, it took the delivery driver about 20 minutes to assemble, and in the few months I’ve had it, there haven’t been any squeaks, creaks, or loosening hardware.

Note that an 8- to 12-inch mattress is recommended.

— Kat Merck
If you prefer the look of fabric covers, the Awara Platform frame will be a good fit.

It's simple to assemble, and the pieces are easy to move.

The spruce wooden slats are all attached together, so once you have the four frame pieces assembled, simply roll the slats out and they'll attach via hook-and-loop closures to the frame itself.

The frame's height is nice, too.

It's elevated just enough to make your bed look refined, but not so much that you'll end up losing things underneath your mattress.

Though be aware, I did seem to stub my toes on this bed frame more than others I've tested.

This adjustable base is from the makers of one of our favorite mattresses overall and one of our favorite mattresses for side sleepers .

It runs on electricity to move the hydraulic-like motors below, which raise both the head and foot area of the bed.

It comes with a wireless Bluetooth-enabled remote with buttons to adjust the head and foot portion of the bed up and down, a built-in flashlight, and a button to bring the frame down to a flat level.

The adjustable frame rises in half-inch increments from 13 to 18 inches from the original base, and the motor is fairly quiet.

The base works with mattresses designed to flex, without shifting inside materials or weakening the structure, and is compatible with nearly all Saatva mattresses.

For non-Saatva mattresses, check with the manufacturer to ensure it's compatible with an adjustable base .

Saatva provides a 10-year warranty as well as free in-room delivery and setup, and the deliverymen were done in less than 15 minutes, even putting my old mattress back on for me.

I often work in my bed and use pillows to prop me up, and this took away the need to be surrounded by a dozen or so of my favorite body pillows .

This customizable frame would work great for those with mobility issues or health issues like acid reflux, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or sciatica (among other things).

This bougie bed base isn’t completely necessary for me, but it’s a fun luxury to have.

— Molly Higgins
Best Wooden Bed Frame with Drawers
This bed frame took me an entire day to build, but it was worth it.

It has versions with and without storage, and I chose a storage version to fill the drawers with my various bedding.

Adding the storage does nearly double the price and adds to your building time, but the drawers are really useful if it’s something you want.

It’s a beautiful bed frame that's felt very stable for the two months I’ve been sleeping on it so far.

Even with my questionable building skills, there hasn’t been a squeak when I’m sleeping or getting into bed.

You will want to add on a slatted bed base from Ikea for full support if you don’t have a mattress base already.

I really liked pairing this frame with the Lönset slatted bed base for great support on my back.

There’s also the cheaper Luröy base if you’re on a budget.

— Nena Farrell
Best Upholstered Bed Frame with Drawers
I don't say this lightly or often, but I feel like Silk & Snow could charge much more for this Oeko-Tex-certified bed frame.

Assembly was annoying—give me video instructions or give me death!—and slightly fiddly, with many individual pieces that you need to screw in or slot together.

But the frame is sturdy, the upholstered fabric is soft and durable, and the slats are nice and supportive.

The best feature is the built-in storage drawer, which slides out smoothly and closes tightly with magnets.

It strikes the perfect balance of form and function.

It doesn't have as much storage space as the lift-up option we recommend from Castlery, but there's room for spare linens, off-season clothing, or certain unmentionables that you don't want lying around out in the open.

Be aware that closing the drawer while your bedmate is sleeping will absolutely jolt them awake.

But overall, this affordable bed frame offers a good mix of pleasant aesthetics and practical storage solutions.

Best Upholstered Storage Bed Frame
Auburn Performance Bouclé Storage Bed
If your bedroom needs decluttering, the Auburn is a worthwhile investment in your mental well-being.

Covered in Castlery’s spill-resistant bouclé fabric, the Auburn proved surprisingly durable against my cats, who treat my furniture like their personal playground.

Although I was initially worried about the creamy white—a shade most pet owners might avoid—it's still pristine after a month.

Aesthetically, I adore the wingback upholstered headboard and low-profile design.

The dense-looped Cambria textile is soft without being overly delicate.

My favorite feature, though, is the lift-up storage compartment, ideal for my 700-ish-square-foot apartment.

It’s not tall enough for full-size suitcases, but it accommodates all the random items that typically lack a designated spot—duffels, Christmas ornaments, a cat stroller, etc.

Castlery offers white-glove delivery, provided the bedroom is ready.

Assembly is doable alone, but it’s easier with two people.

— Boutayna Chokrane
Silk and Snow Wooden Bed Frame.

Silk and Snow Wooden Bed Frame : This stunning frame is rich in hue and absolutely easy on the eyes.

The finish, though beautiful, was delicate and too easy to scuff for our tastes.

It didn't wobble, the tool-free assembly was easy, and the frame was solid otherwise, but it's too precious for daily use unless you're really careful (or don't mind the wear and tear).

Nest Bedding Woodland Platform Bed : This no-tools-required frame can be put together and taken apart in minutes.

The hook-and-latch design lets you piece the frame into a rectangle quickly.

Roll out the slats and you're done.

The frame feels sturdy and is available in three different finishes, though there are no returns or trials.

KD Frames Nomad Platform Bed : I've put together two Nomad beds from KD Frames, and I know I've got a few more in me.

This simple, sturdy bed frame is made in Athens, Georgia, from tulip poplar.

Tulip poplar looks like pine, but it's hardwood, and the twin size of this bed can support 600 pounds.

The Nomad has clean lines and comes unfinished, meaning you can easily stain it to fit your other furniture.

Best of all, it costs about $300 and can be set up in about 20 minutes.

— Martin Cizmar
Tempur-ActiveBreeze: I’ll go ahead and rip the bandage off—the only way you can get this adjustable frame and enjoy it to its full potential is if you purchase it with its accompanying smart bed, the TempurPedic Tempur-ActiveBreeze .

Stick with me, though, as it’s a cooling bed unlike any I’ve seen before.

The base contains fans that can blow hot or cold air at three levels within the mattress to disperse along the surface.

It’s pricey, but I didn’t wake up sweating once during testing.

— Julia Forbes
Latitude Run Platform Bed Frame: In my quest for finding Thuma dupes , I came across this promising, affordable option on WayFair.

When it first arrived, I wasn’t blown away—the bamboo legs felt too lightweight to adequately hold up heavier mattresses, and tears were shed while assembling the headboard, as it required tools and many, many bolts.

The premise of true Japanese joinery frames is that they are tool-free; the headboard didn’t fit the bill here.

Once it was up and running, though, it held its own, supporting different mattress types and weights.

It didn’t squeak at all, which was shocking.

I’m sorry for not having more initial faith in this frame.

— Julia Forbes
How Does WIRED Test Bed Frames?

Some of these frames have the option of white-glove delivery, where nice folks will come and deliver your bed frame already set up (or, depending on the brand, assemble it in the room of your choice), and then remove the packaging.

Sometimes they'll even take your old one (that may come with an upcharge.) White-glove delivery is nice, but note that you'll need to make sure the area is completely clear so the delivery people have room to maneuver around.

If you choose to assemble the bed frame yourself, most of the time any tools that are required are included.

You might need (or want) to provide your own screwdriver, and you can also expect to use an Allen wrench or a small wrench to tighten down fasteners.

Assembly is almost always easier with two people, but it's achievable with one.

Be prepared to put out a lot of recycling—there's usually an abundance of cardboard, styrofoam, and other packing material.

And if you're pairing your new frame with a new mattress , we have tips on assembly for those, too .

Do You Need a Bed Frame, Headboard, Footboard, or Box Spring?

Technically, you could plop your mattress on the floor and call it a day.

But experts recommend using a bed frame for many reasons.

Bed frames support your mattress, which in turn helps the mattress last longer by ensuring even weight distribution and preventing issues like sagging.

That added support can help with your sleep quality, too.

And they provide circulation under your mattress, which helps eliminate any odors, disperse any heat, and prevent moisture buildup.

Finally, bed frames usually provide under-bed storage—and where else are you going to put your seasonal clothes or luggage?

Box springs are hit or miss.

Most bed frames nowadays have a solid enough foundation that you don't need to provide a box spring.

WIRED's in-house mattress expert, Julia Forbes, has an article where she breaks down exactly when one might be necessary .

But if your mattress is made out of certain materials like memory foam with no inner support structure, or your bed frame doesn't have slats to support your mattress, a box spring might be smart.

Check with your mattress manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Headboards are purely for aesthetics.

You don't need one unless you really want to protect your walls from scuffs, or if you want a place to lean against while you're chilling in bed.