“Overall design aesthetic is the first thing I approach when selecting a bed,” says Decorist designer Christina Manzo. “What feeling do I want this space to exude? A mountain getaway, spa retreat, luxury hotel?” Style shouldn’t be the only consideration though: “As important as aesthetics are, functionality is equally as important to consider when purchasing a new bed,” says Manzo. To determine the best beds, we analyzed aesthetics, including style and material, as well as practical details like assembly method and storage space. We also consulted experts to weigh in on the most important features of beds, helping you to pick the best one for your home. Our top pick is Thuma’s The Bed for its simple yet elegant design and its ease of assembly. Here are the best beds.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Bed: Thuma The Bed Best Budget Bed: Zinus SmartBase Zero Assembly Bed Frame Best Adjustable Bed: Saatva Lineal Adjustable Bed Base Best Platform Bed: Floyd The Bed Frame Best Upholstered Bed: The Inside Classic Wingback Bed Best Metal Bed: Andover Mills Matheney Platform Bed Best Canopy Bed: Pottery Barn Farmhouse Canopy Bed Best Low-Profile Bed: Casper Upholstered Bed Frame Best Storage Bed: Ikea Hauga Bed
Who it’s not for: People who want a sturdy headboard. Thuma’s The Bed has gone somewhat viral on Instagram among the home decor–loving crowd, but it turns out the platform bed is well deserving of its fame. For starters, it’s a beautiful product—the frame itself is made of repurposed wood in a walnut or natural finish, while the optional headboard, which Thuma calls a “PillowBoard,” is upholstered in gray or off-white fabric. But where this bed goes above and beyond is its ease of assembly (and disassembly!). There are no tools required for assembly—the joints are designed using a Japanese technique that makes them fit together like puzzle pieces. The instructions are exceedingly clear, so much so that a single person can build this bed in about 20 minutes. While some of the pieces of the frame are a bit heavy, they’re still manageable for many people to maneuver solo, but if you struggle with carrying heavy things, it’s always better to build with a buddy. The only downside to the bed design is that the PillowBoard does not actually attach to the frame. It’s a standalone padded rectangle that sits atop the frame and is held in place by your mattress. For some users, however, that simplicity might be appealing. Product Details:
Type: PlatformMaterial: WoodSizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, daybedBox Spring: Not requiredWeight Limit: 1,500 poundsUnderbed Clearance: 9 inches
Who it’s not for: People looking to make a design statement with their bed. Whether you’re sticking to a strict budget overall or you’ve decided to splurge on bedding or a mattress rather than the bed itself, this metal frame is the product for you. While it doesn’t earn any points for style, it is an incredibly functional platform bed. Simply unfold the metal frame, swing out the legs, screw in some wing nuts, and you’re ready to go. (If you order the king size, there’s one extra step—you’ll end up with two separate platforms, so you’ll have to snap on a plastic connector.) Made of alloy steel, the frame is strong and durable, able to hold 750 to 1500 pounds depending on the size of the frame. The frame also has 13 inches of clearance beneath it, so you can easily use that space for extra storage. We recommend adding a bed skirt to the frame to zhuzh it up a touch (and hide your suitcases and other storage containers). The frame is also compatible with most headboards, which can help you bring extra style to this very simple frame. While the frame can certainly be used for a main bedroom, it also works well in a multi-purpose space, like an office that doubles as a guest room. Because the frame is so easy to assemble, it’s easy to pack it up and stick it in storage when you don’t need to use it—great if you want to make your air mattress feel a little more upscale for visitors. Product Details:
Type: Foldable platformMaterial: MetalSizes: Narrow twin, twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingBox Spring: Not requiredWeight Limit: 750-1,500 poundsUnderbed Clearance: 13-15 inches
RELATED: These Cooling Bed Sheets Are the Secret to a Sweat-Free Night—Here Are the 14 Best Sets Who it’s not for: People who don’t have a flexible mattress. Adjustable beds aren’t a necessity for the average sleeper, but they sure are a lovely splurge if you can swing it. This adjustable base comes with many bells and whistles that really do make sleeping more comfortable than ever. The overall gist of the bed is that the head and foot move up and down, elevating your head or your feet. Not only can these customizations make your sleeping positions more comfortable, but having your mattress at a slight incline can reduce snoring and acid reflux, too. This specific model is motorized, and all the adjustments can be made with the included remote. The remote also has a flashlight feature—helpful for finding things in the dark without waking your partner. The base also has an underbed light to make navigating your room in the darkness a breeze. And there’s a massage feature! As for assembly, white-glove delivery is included in your purchase of the base, so you don’t have to lift a finger—which is helpful, because this base is pretty heavy. The only downside is the base is final sale, so you’re not able to return it if it’s not for you. That said, it does have a 25-year warranty in case one of the features breaks. If you like your bed but want an adjustable base, this pick is compatible with most bed frames. It does require a mattress that can flex, so keep that in mind when you’re budgeting. Contact your mattress and bed frame manufacturer to see if your models are compatible with an adjustable bed. Product Details:
Type: PlatformMaterial: Metal and polyesterSizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California kingBox Spring: Not required Weight Limit: 850 poundsUnderbed Clearance: Not listed
Who it’s not for: People who want enough clearance under their bed to store things. As a company, Detroit-based Floyd is seeking to change the way we think about our furniture. Instead of buying “fast furniture” that you sell or trash when you move, Floyd furniture is designed to not only pack flat for ease of transportation, but also to change to fit your needs through modularity. In the case of this bed frame, that means you can adjust the platform to range in size from twin to king, thanks to its modular panel construction. The frame itself is made of sustainably-sourced wood that comes in three finishes, and it sits adopt metal feet that come in black or white. There’s also an optional headboard available for purchase, too. One thing to note is that this is a very low-profile bed—it has just six inches of clearance beneath it. The platform also extends past the mattress, which can make accessibility a challenge (not to mention increasing the risk of bruised shins). Despite the low clearance, Floyd does make underbed storage that is compatible with this platform bed frame—you can choose from storage on one side or two. Product Details:
Type: PlatformMaterial: WoodSize: Twin, full/queen, kingBox Spring: Not requiredWeight Limit: 600 poundsUnderbed Clearance: 6 inches
RELATED: The 11 Best Platform Beds of 2022 Who it’s not for: People seeking a contemporary silhouette. This one is for the traditionalists—with a twist. The Inside’s Classic Wingback Bed is indeed a classic shape, with an upholstered headboard with two wings and upholstered side rails. Where this bed stands out among its competitors, though, is that it can be upholstered in more than 100 different fabric options, which vary in both material (everything from linen to velvet) and pattern (solids to animal print). The Inside also issues brand collaborations for its textiles, including lines with CW Stockwell and Sheila Bridges. The bed has a low clearance of just four inches beneath the upholstered rails, but it does not have a low profile. Unlike many picks on our list, it does require a box spring to support your mattress, which adds quite a bit of height to the bed. (For reference, the bottom of the headboard is 24 inches above the ground, so your mattress should be at least that height.) The bed has a 30-day return window—impressive, given that every bed is made-to-order by hand—but only a one-year warranty. Assembly with tools is required, but it’s just a six-step process that’s relatively straightforward. It is, however, easier to build with two people rather than one. Product Details:
Type: Traditional frameMaterial: Upholstered (various materials)Sizes: Twin, full, queen, kingBox Spring: RequiredWeight Limit: 500-600 poundsUnderbed Clearance: 4 inches
RELATED: 14 Cooling Comforters That Will Keep You Sweat-Free All Night Long Who it’s not for: People who use their headboard to lean against—since this one is not solid, you’ll want a supportive pillow behind you instead. With four different color options, this metal bed frame with a headboard and footboard is surprisingly versatile. Opt for black or bronze for a more industrial look, gold for a midcentury look, or white for a farmhouse look, and use your bedding and other bedroom furniture to push those styles even further. What’s more, the platform height can be adjusted, changing the level of clearance beneath it from 7 to 11 inches. That’s beneficial not only for different underbed storage systems, but also for accessibility purposes—it changes the height of the mattress depending on what’s most comfortable for you. You can also use a box spring to elevate the mattress level even more, though a box spring is not required with this platform bed. The one issue is that the weight limit of this bed is rather low: 250 pounds for a twin, 450 for a queen, and 500 for a king. So if you have two people in the bed, plus a few large dogs, you can quickly reach the threshold. And don’t forget to count the weight of your mattress, too—they’re often pretty heavy! As for assembly, get ready to work with a lot of screws. It’s not challenging to put the bed together, but it does take some time. Product Details:
Type: PlatformMaterial: MetalSizes: Twin, full, queen, kingBox Spring: Not requiredWeight Limit: 250 to 500 poundsUnderbed Clearance: 11 inches
Who it’s not for: People who are looking for beds with a higher weight limit. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking a canopy bed can feel a little gimmicky and cheap. But behold this elegant model from Pottery Barn, which has beautifully clean lines and a touch of rusticity thanks to its wood structure. It comes in three finishes—white, charcoal, and a warm gray—which all exude a modern farmhouse style. What we love about this bed is that the canopy is actually removable, allowing you to just have a more traditional bed with a wood headboard and footboard if that’s what you want later on. The only downside is that flipping between styles does require a bit of manual labor—if you’re converting from a regular bed to a canopy bed, there’s a fair bit of disassembly before reassembly. But we think the flexibility in style is worth the hassle, plus it also makes moving the bed a bit easier. Though it’s a more traditional bed with side rails and panels, this model is actually a platform bed, so it doesn’t need a box spring. Should you choose to use one anyway to lift your mattress higher, Pottery Barn recommends using a low-profile one—around 5.5 inches deep. Product Details:
Type: PlatformMaterial: WoodSizes: Queen, king, California kingBox Spring: OptionalWeight Limit: 500-600 poundsUnderbed Clearance: 7 inches
Who it’s not for: People who prefer to use boxsprings—this bed isn’t compatible with them. Sometimes less is more, and that’s certainly true of this bed frame from mattress company Casper. Whether you have limited space in your bedroom or you’re just seeking a minimal but still stylish bed, this option checks the boxes. The platform bed, which clocks in at just 10.5 inches high, extends out about two inches from the mattress; since the frame is upholstered in beige, gray, or black, it adds a little design substance without taking up much space. Because it’s upholstered, though, you don’t have to worry about accidentally bruising your shins—it’ll be a soft contact. But the low profile comes at a bit of a sacrifice. There’s only a few inches of clearance beneath the frame, so there’s no room for underbed storage. But because it’s a pretty minimalist frame, assembly is very straightforward, and it only requires one tool: an Allen wrench. This frame is designed to work with just a flexible foam mattress—it’s actually incompatible with box springs, so you can’t make the bed higher that way. You could, however, potentially use risers to lift the bed if you really wanted the extra space. Product Details:
Type: PlatformMaterial: Upholstered (polyester)Size: Full, queen, kingBox Spring: IncompatibleWeight Limit: 700 poundsUnderbed Clearance: Not listed
Who it’s not for: People looking for a lof of upholstery options for their bed frame. For spaces with a small footprint and a lack of storage—say, an apartment with no closets—a storage bed is an ideal multi-purpose piece of furniture. IKEA’s Hauga bed fits the bill, and at a budget friendly price point, too. While the twin model fits just two under-bed drawers, the full and queen models fit up to four. The bed and the drawers are sold both together and separately (in case you want to start with just two and add two more later on). The bed has a streamlined version of a traditional silhouette. It comes with an arched headboard, side rails, and footboard, all of which are upholstered in either gray or beige fabric. But this isn’t a traditional bed frame—it’s a platform frame. And as such, you don’t need a box spring for this bed. Beneath the frame is the space for the drawers, which are built on wheels for easy access. The faces of the drawers are upholstered in the same fabric as the bed—they create a seamless panel with the side rails. That said, you could also use other types of storage beneath the bed if you’d prefer something else. The heigh of the drawers is just shy of eight inches. Product Details:
Type: Platform with storageMaterial: Upholstered (polyester)Sizes: Twin, full, queenBox Spring: Not requiredWeight Limit: Not listedUnderbed Clearance: None
How to Shop for Beds Like a Pro
Type
There are two main types of beds—traditional frames that require box springs to support mattresses and platform beds that can support mattresses on their own, usually due to a system of wood or metal slats. Choosing between the two is the first step in picking out a bed. Generally speaking, beds that require box springs usually sit a bit higher than platform beds, which often have very low profiles. Then there are all sorts of variations beyond those two types of frames—canopy beds, sleigh beds, daybeds, and so on. These types of beds offer more stylistic differences rather than practical ones, but there are also variations in practicalities, too. Adjustable beds, for instance, allow mattresses to be elevated at the head and foot of the bed, while trundle beds provide a pull-out bed beneath the main bed.
Material
Beds are most commonly made of wood, metal, or upholstered panels. Choosing between them is often a stylistic preference. “For example, if you’re going for more of a mountain vibe, warm natural woods are a great way to bring the outdoors inside,” says Manzo. “Whereas, to create a luxury hotel feeling, you’ll want something soft and upholstered.” You might also want to consider how you’ll use your bed, too. “If you are someone who likes to read in bed, then a padded headboard might be something you want to consider as well,” says Decorist designer Linzie Merchant.
Size
Standard bed sizes are twin, full or double, queen, and king. Twin and full beds are best for one person, while queens and kings can much more comfortably fit two people. There are also variations on these sizes. Twin XL beds, for instance, are the same width as a twin bed, but they are five inches longer (this is the common bed size in college dorms). A California king bed is slightly narrower and longer than a standard king. You can find common bed dimensions below (note that this is regarding the mattress size, while bed frames are usually slightly larger to accommodate the mattresses).
Twin: 39" wide x 75" longTwin XL: 39" wide x 80" longFull/double: 54" wide x 75" longQueen: 60" wide x 80" longKing: 76" wide x 80" longCalifornia king: 72" wide x 84" long
Height
The height of your bed usually refers to the height of the top of the mattress to the ground. “Bed height is a very personal requirement, and your design style of the space also dictates what will feel balanced within the room,” says Merchant. She advises that lower beds usually look more modern, while traditional beds are often higher. But bed height also has some practical concerns. “Younger children and elderly folks tend to like lower beds as it takes less muscle to ‘reach’ for higher bed frames,” says Manzo.
Storage
Some beds have storage built into them, whether that’s through drawers beneath the bed or shelving built into the headboard. Some beds even have a hinge mechanism that allows them to be lifted up with little effort, revealing storage space beneath the mattress. If you are limited on space in your bedroom, it’s worth considering buying a bed with built-in storage. Otherwise, consider beds that have plenty of room beneath the frame so that you can create your own storage space.
Assembly
Because beds are so bulky, they often require assembly—when they’re disassembled, they’re easier to move through doorways and up or down stairs. Some beds require two people to build, plus a number of tools. Others can be built by one person and are tool free. Before you buy a bed, be sure to research the method of assembly to make sure it’s something you feel comfortable doing. Many retailers also offer professional assembly services for a fee.
Questions You Might Ask
Do all beds need a box spring?
No, all beds do not need a box spring. More traditional beds usually do—the frame is just a four-sided frame, and the box spring is designed to rest inside that frame and provide support for the mattress. But these days, platform beds are becoming very common, and they do not require a box spring. Platform beds are usually slatted to provide support for the mattress. Beds without box springs may cost less, but without box springs, mattresses are lower to the ground. “Typically lower beds do not need a box spring and therefore save you some money by not needing the extra piece,” says Manzo. “Higher beds usually require a box spring to raise it up more, so this is a factor when choosing what bed height you would like to go with as well.”
How high should a bed be?
Bed height is a personal choice, both for aesthetic and practical reasons. “Low-slung beds are very versatile and can float through a myriad of design styles. I find they proportionally fit best in rooms that are more modern or contemporary, while also working with a bohemian aesthetic as well,” says Merchant. “Taller beds work really well with high ceilings, adding height to the space, and look lovely in traditional and transitional designs. It allows you to soften the walls as well if you choose to do an upholstered bed.” But you should also consider the mobility levels of the person using the bed. Lower beds often require more effort to get into and out of, which is not ideal for those with limited mobility. And sometimes people just develop a personal preference for bed heights that have nothing to do with style or mobility levels. “To determine the proper bed height, you want to try out different bed heights and determine what is a comfortable sitting height without straining,” says Manzo. “You want to be able to sit on the side of the bed with your feet on the ground comfortably.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Stefanie Waldek. Stefanie is a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of experience writing about home and three years of experience reviewing products. To come up with these recommendations, Stefanie spent hours researching beds and ultimately narrowed down the list based on style, price, and room type. She also tapped two experts for professional input: Decorist designers Christina Manzo and Linzie Merchant.
