How to Choose a Bed Frame: Your Guide to the 9 Best Bed Frame Styles

Key Takeaways

• To choose a bed frame, look for one that’s supportive and compatible with your mattress. 
• Bed frame materials like wood, metal, or upholstery offer different levels of durability and style to match your decor.
• Functionality like under-bed storage or adjustable features can improve your sleep setup or comfort.

Bed frames might not get much attention, but they’re the unsung heroes of any bedroom setup. Beyond supporting your mattress, a quality bed frame is also important for hygiene and improving the quality of your sleep. 

This guide will walk you through how to choose a bed frame, from picking the right size for your mattress to finding the best bed frames, so you can sleep easier and wake up refreshed.

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1. Decide What Size You Need

The best bed frame is one that fits your mattress just right. Bed frame sizes come in all the standard mattress sizes, so you won’t have any problem finding one that fits your mattress.

Like mattress size, your bed frame should fit comfortably in your room, with enough space to move around and add other furniture. Getting a bed frame that’s too big can make your room feel cramped and leave you with little room for activities. 

2. Consider Your Mattress

When choosing a bed frame, you should also think about what’s supporting you the most while you sleep — your mattress. Different types of mattresses require different bed frame styles for the right amount of support: 

• GelFlex® Grid mattresses: Pair with a strong platform or adjustable base for even alignment and support. 
• Memory foam and latex mattresses: To prevent sagging, choose bed frames with closely spaced slats or sturdy adjustable bases.
• Hybrid mattresses: Platforms provide better airflow and balanced support.
• Innerspring mattresses: A sturdy bed frame and box spring provides the necessary stability.

Choosing a bed frame tailored to your mattress enhances comfort and can also extend its life span.

3. Identify How Much Space You Need

How much space does your room have? When considering what size bed to get or browsing bed frames, first measure the size of the room you’ll put it in. 

Larger rooms are great for a sleigh or four-poster bed frame, but these same frames can make a small room feel very cramped. If you want to be efficient with your room space, consider a platform bed or a bunk bed. 

Here’s a handy chart to help you find the perfect fit: 

4. Choose Your Preferred Bed Height

To calculate bed height, add the height of your foundation to the height of your mattress. The best bed height depends on how tall you are and how deep your mattress is. The average bed height is 24 inches, but you may need a taller or shorter bed, depending on your needs and preferences. 

Taller folks and people who have difficulties bending low due to joint pains may need a taller bed, while short people, seniors, and children might benefit from a low-to-the-ground bed frame that’s easier to get out of.

5. Select Your Bed Frame Type

The right type of bed frame can make a big difference in your sleep quality, so when selecting a bed frame, consider these factors: 

• Support: Choose a frame with a solid foundation and base for long-lasting support. 
• Durability: Materials like steel metal for bed frames may be more stable and long-lasting. Look for the weight capacity, or how much weight the frame can support, from the manufacturer to determine durability.
• Style: Your bed frame should complement your bedroom's design, whether a low-profile metal frame or the softness of upholstered options.

9 Most Popular Types of Bed Frame

6. Decide on Bed Frame Materials

What is the best material for a bed frame? Three common options for bed frames are wood, metal, and upholstered. 

• Wooden bed frames are sturdy and provide a stable foundation for your mattress, but they can be heavy and prone to scuffs or dents.  
• Metal bed frames are lighter and more durable, which makes them less prone to damage. Low-profile steel frames are often seen in contemporary or modern bedroom designs. 
• Upholstered bed frames combine the structure of wood or metal with a fabric covering. These frames add softness to a room, but more upkeep may be required to keep them looking fresh. 

7. Identify the Features You Want

Different types of bed frames can come with vastly differing features, from basic to all the bells and whistles. Features can be divided into functional and aesthetic:

• Functional features: Wheels, storage space, pull-out beds, motorized platforms, and tech integrations like Bluetooth speakers or USB ports
• Aesthetic features: Headboards, upholstery, footboards, and decorative detailing to enhance your bedroom’s design

Before buying a bed frame, consider which features fit your functional needs and personal style. 

8. Determine if You Need a Box Spring

If you’re wondering, do I need a box spring? The answer depends on both your mattress and bed frame style. 

• Box springs are mainly used with older mattresses and innersprings, but they are not recommended and can void your warranty if used with a memory foam mattress.
• Platform bed frames with solid surfaces or closely spaced slats provide solid support and eliminate the need for a box spring.
• Panel-style bed frames with larger gaps between slats (usually five or more) may need extra support, like a box spring or flat foundation, to maintain the mattress.

Purple mattresses, however, do not require a box spring, as they offer a comfortable and supportive sleep experience without it.

9. Set Your Budget

When shopping for a bed frame, you should first set a budget and factor in how much you spent on a mattress.  

Basic frames tend to be more affordable, while wood and upholstered frames can cost more depending on the materials and design complexity. Platform beds, adjustable bases, and custom options will also be more pricey. 

Just remember, a high-quality bed frame can improve the comfort and life span of your mattress which could be a smart long-term investment.

9 Most Popular Types of Bed Frames

There’s a whole world of bed frames to explore, each with its own set of perks. To learn how to pick the right bed frame, we’re breaking down factors like style, comfort, and functionality for each type.

Upholstered Bed Frame

For a cozy and inviting look, upholstered bed frames are a timeless favorite. These fabric-covered designs combine the durability of sturdy metal construction with the comfort of soft exteriors.

Platform-style upholstered frames, like the Purple Bed Frame, provide solid and long-lasting support for your mattress in mid-century modern styles. It also features up to 8” of under-bed space, giving you extra storage options for small spaces.

If you're debating between a panel bed and a platform bed, remember that platform beds offer a simpler and more streamlined setup without compromising support. 

Metal Platform

A metal bed frame is a durable and supportive foundation for a good night’s rest. These frames are lightweight, resistant to wear, and easy to maintain, making them a great long-term investment in your sleep setup. Plus, they come in a variety of styles to fit your needs, from minimalist metal platforms and wrought iron bed frames to adjustable models.  

Low-profile metal bed frames, like the Purple Metal Platform, feature a sturdy steel frame with extra slats, sound-dampening foam, and silicone rail grips to support your sleep.

Flat Foundation

Think of a flat foundation as your mattress’s best friend. Unlike old-school box springs, flat foundations provide a firm, supportive base that evenly distributes weight. 

When choosing a mattress foundation, flat foundations are ideal for platform beds, but you can also upgrade to a panel-style frame with fewer slats. This helps improve airflow and support for your mattress. 

Adjustable Bases

An adjustable base allows you to raise the head or foot of the mattress. Most modern adjustable bases are motorized for easy adjustments at the push of a button, but some older adjustable beds are operated manually.  

The best adjustable bed frames can be customized to sleep positions that help improve circulation, increase relaxation, and even reduce snoring. If you like sitting up in bed or putting your feet up at the end of a long day, an adjustable base might be a good option.

For targeted support, the Purple Premium Plus Smart Base provides pillow and foot tilt, anti-snore presets to help you snooze, plus dual-zone massage settings. 

Customize Your Sleep Experience

Elevate your head and feet for maximum comfort and relaxation with Purple adjustable bases.

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Four-Poster Bed

A four-poster bed is a type of traditional bed frame named after the tall posts rising from the corners of the bed frame. The posts are connected by horizontal braces at the top. Four-poster bed frames were popular in older, affluent households, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Usually made of solid wood, this type of bed frame fits best in rooms that have high ceilings. For a unique design feature, you can also drape fabric over the top to make it a canopy bed. 

Sleigh

This bulky bed frame is named after the way it looks, with its headboard, side rails, and footboard resembling a sleigh. Sleigh bed frames are typically made of wood and are designed to be large, making this type of bed frame quite heavy and hard to move about.

Because of their traditional design and heavy-duty construction, sleigh beds can be a tad expensive. However, their status and stately demeanor make sleigh beds a favorite of people who like traditional bedroom design.

Trundle 

If you want to have access to an extra bed when you need it but aren’t a fan of bunk beds, look into the trundle bed frame. This kind of bed frame allows you to store a pull-out mattress under the main bed, which can be pulled out when needed.

Trundle beds are great for kids’ rooms, guest rooms, or anywhere you need to sleep multiple people in a pinch. These bed frames come in many sizes, materials, and designs, so you have a lot of flexibility when picking a trundle bed frame to match your room's aesthetic.

Loft Bed

With loft beds, the mattress is elevated on a raised platform, which leaves the area underneath free for storage or desk space. This is popular for small apartments or dorm rooms to create a more functional space. 

Many loft beds have built-in features like shelves, drawers, or ladders for extra functionality. Although they are great for maximizing space, loft beds may not be the best fit for people with mobility concerns or anyone uncomfortable with sleeping at a height.

Bunk Bed

A bunk is the best type of bed frame to save floor space since it consists of two beds stacked one on top of the other. Bunk beds are great for kids’ rooms, vacation homes, dorm rooms, and for housing multiple people in one room.

Bunk bed frames are commonly found in twin or twin XL sizes, but you can find them in full or queen sizes as well. This type of bed frame can be made from metal, wood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Keep in mind that bunk beds need to be able to support the weight of the person sleeping on the top bunk, so check weight ratings before you decide to buy a bunk bed frame.

Where To Buy Bed Frames

You can buy a bed frame at any reputable mattress and bedding store. Some stores only have brick-and-mortar locations, while others sell bed frames online. 

At stores that sell both bed frames and mattresses, you can ask their customer service how to buy a bed frame that fits the mattress you want. Or, if it’s available, reference their bed frame buying guide. 

Check out Purple’s selection of bed frames specifically designed to maximize your sleeping experience: 

• Adjustable Base: Maximize comfort with an Adjustable Base for customizable head elevation, durable construction, and effortless setup for a lifetime of better sleep and relaxation.
• Platform Bed Frame: The Metal Platform is designed to help improve your sleep quality and daily comfort through sturdy, long-lasting support at an affordable price.
• Upholstered Bed Frame: The Purple bed frame is strong, stylish, and super-simple to assemble. It’s everything you need in an upholstered base for your mattress.

Shop directly through Purple to ensure you get a bed frame designed to perfectly complement your Purple mattress, backed by quality guarantees and hassle-free setup.

How To Put Together A Bed Frame

The steps for how to make a bed frame will vary depending on the type. To complete your bed frame setup, you'll need the appropriate tools if assembly is required, a compatible mattress, and possibly a box spring or base depending on the style.

Trying to DIY a bed frame without the right tools or instructions can cause an unstable foundation or even damage to the materials. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommendations. 

Some bed frames, like the Purple Metal Platform, offer detailed assembly instructions that walk you through every step.

Do You Need A Bed Frame?

A good bed frame isn’t just an accessory — it’s an essential part of your sleep setup. It provides not only support for your mattress but also functionality and aesthetics for your bed. 

To determine if you do need a bed frame, consider these factors:  

• Warranty: Placing your mattress directly on the floor could void its warranty since many manufacturers require proper support to maintain coverage.
• Better Hygiene: Mattresses placed on the floor are more prone to collecting dirt and dust. 
• More Airflow: Elevating your mattress prevents moisture buildup that could lead to mold or mildew growth.
• Ease of Use: A supportive bed frame makes getting in and out of bed easier — especially for seniors or anyone with mobility concerns.

The right bed frame helps preserve its shape and integrity, ensuring a longer life span for both.