Some Our Favorite Bed Frames Are Priced Under $120 (2024)

Spending hours piecing together a complicated bed frame isn't ideal. Thanks to Thuma's thoughtful bed frame design, you don't have to worry about tricky assembly. The bed frame can be built without any tools and requires just two bolts to be twisted into place. According to one Textiles Lab analyst who loves her Thuma bed, the easy-to-assemble frame "fits together like a puzzle." Another analyst added, "I like that the pieces click together because it never makes any noise and feels very sturdy."

Our testers noted that while the bed frame is a breeze to build (one tester even put it together on her own), the pieces are large and heavy. We recommend finding someone to help with moving and assembly. And while the brand offers a generous 100-day trial period, the original boxes are needed for returns.

There are three options to choose from: The PillowBoard comes with a cushioned pillow surrounded by a machine washable cover for the headboard, the Headboard has a wooden back and the Headboard + Cushion combines the two. We love that there are four wood finishes and either linen or boucle upholstery to choose from for a customized look to perfectly coordinate with your bedroom. All of our testers gave the bed frame high scores for appearance, with one sharing, "It looks very elegant and expensive," and another describing the design as "timeless."

Material: Wood with optional upholstered headboard | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King | Returns: 100 days

If you're hoping to add extra storage room in your small space, look no further than the Zinus Mia platform bed frame. It features a 14-inch rise, so there's plenty of space underneath to stash your belongings, and users say it's "super roomy." The classic metal headboard is an incredible value. The frame has more than 33,000 five-star Amazon reviews from users who report that assembly is simple and intuitive, and our testers agree. One explained, "There were no problems at all with the instructions, and the bolts lined up perfectly. I really appreciated that I did not need to use other tools than what were provided to me."

We've tested several bed frames from Zinus, including a stylish farmhouse frame and a modern wooden option, and we're always impressed by the quality for the low price tag. Our testers said this bed felt "sturdy" and "solid," sharing that it didn't wobble or slide around the floor, but one tester said the frame sounded squeaky when she first assembled it, and testers of other Zinus bed frames have noted squeaking, as well.

According to the brand, a box spring isn't necessary because the supportive wooden slats are between 3 and 3.4 inches apart. If you prefer an even simpler look, the frame is available without a headboard, and it comes in black or white metal.

Material: Metal with wood slats | Sizes: Narrow Twin, Twin, Full, Queen and King | Returns: 30 days

Article's Tessu bed features upholstery all the way around for a cozy look and feel, and it comes in four serene shades that are perfect for the bedroom including blue, aqua, gray and taupe. The material is primarily polyester for durability, but it also features some linen in the blend for a more natural, lived-in aesthetic.

One Textiles Lab expert loves her furniture from Article, highlighting the brand's "simple, clean design" and describing her pieces as "very well-made." This frame has a foam-padded headboard to comfortably lean against while you scroll or read before bed, but beware of eating or drinking while you relax because the material is spot-clean only if a spill occurs.

The brand offers a 30-day trial period, but there are some strings attached. Article requires the original packaging to make returns and exchanges, or the brand charges a repackaging fee of $50. There are fees associated with returns, as well, and the cost is dependent on your location.

Material: Wood with upholstered outer | Sizes: Queen, King and California King | Returns: 30 days

This easily transportable and affordable bed frame from Amazon Basics folds up compactly and lies flat when not in use. It's extremely popular and well-loved with more than 89,000 five-star reviews from users who appreciate the quick and simple assembly (no tools needed). One analyst who owned this bed frame shared that it "showed up in a box and simply unfolded into place."

Our analyst said, "It's the perfect pick for apartment living or someone shopping on a budget," explaining that the bed "doesn't require a separate box spring" and adding that it's "effortless to pack up" when it comes time to move. This model has a 14-inch rise for lots of storage in a small space, and the brand offers an 18-inch design for even more room.

The no-frills frame doesn't have a headboard or raised edge to secure your mattress in place, so our analyst and online reviewers say your mattress may shift a bit over time. For a more refined look, online reviewers recommend pairing the frame with a bed skirt to conceal the metal legs.

Material: Metal | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King | Returns: 30 days

Burrow (one of our best sofa brands) carries semi-customizable furniture including bed frames like the Chorus Bed, winner of a Good Housekeeping 2024 Best Bedding Award. The bed frame is available in two wood finishes and three fabrics with two leg types (straight or tapered) and an optional headboard.

It comes shipped to your house in boxes, and no tools are necessary for setup. Instead, the parts snap together and are secured with hand screws. Testers gave the bed perfect scores for easy assembly. One shared, "The assembly took roughly 20 minutes and the instructions were very straightforward." The same tester did note that the boxes are pretty heavy, adding that it was difficult to carry them all upstairs to her bedroom, but she was pleased with the delivery and setup overall.

Testers loved the traditional and streamlined style of both the wooden and upholstered bed frame options, describing the bed as "gorgeous" and "luxurious." Plus, they say the bed is stable once assembled and rated it highly for being quiet and not squeaking or creaking.

Material: Wood with optional upholstered outer | Sizes: Queen and King | Returns: 30 days

Both our GH editors and consumer testers love Zinus's line of bed frames, including the Taylor frame, with its soft and stylish velvet headboard and silver metal legs. This frame offers a sophisticated look for an affordable price.

Our testers loved that everything required for setup came in a compact box, and they found the bed frame easy to assemble with the tools and instructions provided by the brand. They also appreciated the Velcro-like material that keeps the bed's wooden support slates securely in place.

One tester shared that the frame is a little bulky, adding that it may not be a good fit for smaller spaces because of the added length from the headboard, but he loved that the headboard was "seamlessly" built into the frame and that a box spring wasn't necessary.

Material: Metal and plywood with upholstered headboard | Sizes: Full, Queen and King | Returns: 90 days

A solid wood bed frame is a classic furniture piece that works well with any room aesthetic, and we especially love the simple look of this pick from Crate & Barrel. A GH analyst who picked this frame after extensive searching shared, "I was looking for a bed frame that would look luxe, have good under-bed clearance for storage, be easy to keep clean and have a solid headboard. This one checked off all of those boxes and has held up perfectly after years of use."

The GH analyst also loves how much under-bed clearance (a whopping 13 inches) it offers. She shared, "It allows me to store stuff underneath when so many frames on the market are low to the ground."

There are three wood finishes to choose from that online reviewers describe as "beautiful," and there's an entire collection of furniture to match including dressers, bookcases and media consoles. Online reviewers also spoke highly of the quality of the mahogany wood, sharing that it's well-made and feels sturdy. Because the popular frame is in such high demand, it may take several weeks to ship, depending on your location and the color you select.

Material: Wood | Sizes: Queen and King | Returns: 30 days

This modular bed frame from Floyd is designed to change with you, easily transitioning from a Twin to Full/Queen to King-size bed with a movable panel. The brand offers a bed frame expansion kit that comes with an extra wood panel and the hardware needed to increase the size of your bed when it's time to shift up a size. The panels can be removed to create a smaller frame. The best part is that no tools are required to put it together. Simply connect the wooden pieces with the metal leg attachments, and secure it with the provided support strap. One online reviewer shared, "The bed was easy to put together and it feels very secure! No creaking or movement from the frame."

Online reviewers love that this simple style has a little storage space underneath, although the bed sits very close to the ground, which can make getting in and out of bed difficult. There are three types of wood to choose from and two colors of hardware to match your space. Lots of add-ons can attach directly to the frame, such as under-bed storage drawers, nightstands and a headboard (but these cost extra).

Material: Wood with metal legs | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen and King | Returns: 30 days

This bed frame from IKEA offers tons of secret storage — there are spacious drawers underneath the mattress and shelves hidden behind the headboard — great for a small space or kid's room. Like most IKEA products, it's designed for self-assembly, and online reviewers note that this bed frame has a lot of parts and pieces to keep track of.

Although it may be difficult to assemble, online reviewers agree that there is ample storage space and that the drawers can hold lots of clothing and linens. One reviewer commented, "This bed has the BIGGEST storage draws I've ever seen... perfect for hiding toys to keep a room clean."

The brand recommends screwing the headboard into the wall with the included fasteners for some added stability. Choose from gray, white or black lightweight particleboard to match your space. IKEA offers additional shelving, wardrobes and more in the Brimnes collection for a coordinating bedroom set.

Material: Particleboard | Sizes: Full, Queen and King | Returns: 365 days unopened and 180 days opened

For a luxurious look, velvet bed frames are majorly on-trend, and this one is on sale for under $225. The velvet upholstered bed frame is available in fashionable colors like green, pink and navy, along with basic black and white. The wingback design extends above your mattress and is padded for added comfort when it's time to lean back and relax in bed.

Self-assembly is required, but online reviewers say building the bed frame is an easy enough task for one person, and the Velcro-like wooden slats make assembling the base a breeze. Plus, the slats make a box spring unnecessary. One online reviewer shared, "The quality is amazing," adding that the frame "feels very solid and stable." There's a 6.3-inch clearance under the bed, so reviewers say there's just enough storage space for low-profile boxes and belongings.

Material: Metal and wood with upholstered outer | Sizes: Full, Queen and King | Returns: 30 days

Featuring mid-century modern elements like a dowelled headboard and tapered legs, this wooden bed frame from West Elm combines vintage style with modern design for a streamlined look that's totally on-trend. We appreciate that the bed frame uses sustainably harvested wood and is produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility.

There are 8 inches of clearance under the bed, leaving plenty of room for storage. The bed frame comes in a traditional wood finish, along with a white-washed finish, white and gray, but we especially love the traditional wood finish for a true mid-century aesthetic. West Elm also offers tons of matching furniture, including nightstands and dressers. One of our GH Lab experts owns several pieces from this line and says the furniture "looks luxurious and has held up well" over time.

The bed will be delivered to your home, placed in your room of choice and fully assembled by the brand, but shipping is pricey and varies depending on your location — expect upwards of $200.

Material: Wood | Sizes: Full, Queen and King | Returns: 365 days unopened and 180 days opened

With intuitive adjustable options, this bed frame from one of the most popular adjustable bed base brands Leggett & Platt, can help you to achieve a comfortable, restful night of sleep. The head and foot of the base lift and lower with the press of a button, which is great for someone with chronic pain, snorers or those who just want a comfy way to sit up in bed while watching TV or reading.

The bed connects to an app on your phone for easy adjusting, or there's a convenient wireless remote. Our survey panelists appreciated that the bed base came with eight built-in USB ports to charge electronic devices and liked the under-bed lighting for ambiance. It's also equipped with massage capabilities for an experience that one panelist described as "soothing," and it features an alarm setting that slowly moves the base to wake you up in the morning.

To ensure your mattress stays in place without sliding off, the bed frame uses a MicroHook system with Velcro-like strips that secure your mattress in place while the bed changes positions. It's only available in a Queen size, though.

Material: Metal | Sizes: Queen | Returns: 30 days

Made from reclaimed Douglas fir wood that was harvested from old buildings in California, this bed frame from Avocado is a more sustainable option for your home. It also uses an organic, zero-VOC finish to reduce toxins and steers clear of using certain potentially harmful formaldehyde.

Because this bed frame is made with reclaimed wood for a rustic look, there will be blemishes and inconsistencies between pieces, and your bed frame will look slightly different than what's shown online. No tools are needed to assemble or disassemble the bed frame, and one GH analyst who owns a bed frame from the brand said, "The assembly is very simple." She also noted that the bed is durable, sharing, "When I sleep (and even when I jump into bed), there is no creaking or any noise coming from the frame. It feels very sturdy."

Avocado doesn't allow returns for its furniture, so it is a big commitment, but we've regularly been impressed by the brand's products, including its bedding and mattresses. For a more sustainable, organic mattress alternative to pair with your new bed frame, we recommend the brand's Green Mattress, one of our favorite organic mattresses — backed by years of testing.

Material: Wood | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King | Returns: All furniture sales are final

A trundle bed is the perfect way to keep a guest bed that doesn't occupy extra floor space when it's not in use. Ideal for sleepovers and slumber parties, this PBteen trundle easily pulls out from under a Full-size bed (thanks to its caster wheel system), providing you with an extra Twin-size mattress.

Our survey panelists who have purchased furniture from the brand are impressed by the quality craftsmanship of the furniture and love how well it holds up to repeated use. Though it is expensive, Pottery Barn's furniture is built to last. This bed frame has a sturdy slatted foundation that doesn't require a box spring, and the headboard is made of solid wood.

It's important to note that the shipping cost can be several hundred dollars and depends on where you live, but it comes with white glove delivery, so it's placed in your room of choice and fully assembled. The Hampton Collection has matching nightstands, dressers, desks and storage available too, so all of your bedroom furniture can coordinate.

Material: Wood | Sizes: Twin and Full | Returns: 30 days

When buying a new bed frame, here are a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Sizing: Before splurging on a bed frame, take the measurements of your room to ensure that the frame will fit with adequate space. Bed frames can be bulky, especially those with head and footboards, and may take up more room than expected. Also consider the measurements of your actual mattress. While the majority of mattresses follow standard sizing, there are sometimes slight variations between brands. It's best to look at the measurements of your mattress to ensure that it will fit in or on your new frame.

✔️ Type: There are many styles and types of bed frames on the market, but the quickest way to narrow your search is to decide if you want a platform, adjustable or box spring bed:

• Platform: These frames don't require a box spring and instead have slats or a lattice to support your mattress. Typically, they're lower to the ground, which can make them more difficult to get in and out of, but platform bed frames are usually the most affordable, as they cut the cost of an additional box spring, and they're easier to set up.
• Box spring: A frame that requires a box spring often has a more open structure that cannot support a mattress on its own. The box spring sits on top, offering a firmer base for more support. The additional height of the box spring also lifts your bed higher, which is best suited for those who have trouble getting in and out of bed. Box springs can also extend the life of your mattress by preventing sagging.
• Adjustable: Adjustable bed frames allow you to modify the bed's position with the touch of a button, raising and lowering the head or feet. Because of the adjustable nature of the bed frame, it's sometimes necessary to purchase a compatible mattress from the same brand as the maker of your bed frame. These customizable bases typically require professional installation and are pricier than a traditional bed frame.

✔️ Details: At its most basic, a bed frame is just a base with legs to keep your mattress elevated and provide support. However, there are additional features like headboards, canopies and storage to consider opting for:

• Headboards: Many bed frames come with headboards, which are located at the top of the bed (where you lay your head). They can be made from wood or metal and are sometimes cushioned and covered in fabric. An upholstered headboard is a popular pick for those who love reading or lounging in bed because it creates a comfortable, stable backing.
• Canopies: A canopy bed features four posts that extend far upward, giving you the option to hang material across the posts to create a true draped canopy that covers the bed, but the posts can be left as is for a classic look.
• Lofts: These bed frames are ideal for children's bedrooms or small spaces because they leave more open floor space for a desk, additional storage or activities.
• Storage: If you're low on space, there are bed frames with built-in storage. Some beds sit atop large pull-out drawers, while others feature shelves at the headboard or nightstands that can be attached to the frame.

Emma Seymour has been a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for more than three years, overseeing dozens of Lab and consumer tests for home goods products, including bedding and furniture. For this article, she analyzed thousands of data points from GHI survey panelists, who shared information about their own mattresses and bed frames.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst in the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab. She has researched and tested home goods such as blackout curtains, mattresses and recliners, and used her categorical expertise while updating this article. She also received input and product feedback from other editors and product analysts at Good Housekeeping.