
A mattress without a bed frame is like a pie without its crust: in the absence of that beautifully built golden layer, it loses its support, stability, and foundation—not to mention its style.
It’s easy to imagine, then, why choosing a well-made bed frame with a proper mattress foundation is an important part of getting a good night’s rest. But if you’ve only just begun your search, the options can be overwhelming.
If you’re wondering how to choose a bed frame, read on.
Whether you need a full or queen size, or an upholstered or wood bed frame, Casper has a wide variety of beds available to choose from.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding the right frame, from deciding on your budget and size to navigating all the types of beds available. So, let’s get started.
Setting a budget is an easy way to instantly narrow your bed frame search. With huge ranges in price, bed frames can cost anywhere from under $100 to over $2000.
Given the number of cheaper options available, it may be tempting to choose the lowest-priced bed frame you can find, especially if you’ve already splurged in the mattress department.
Yet, it’s important to consider your options carefully and understand what quality you’re getting for the cost. After all, sleep is stupendously important to our overall well-being, affecting innumerable aspects of our physical and mental health.1 With so much on the line, you want to make sure to get the best available option for what you can afford.
So, how do you know if a bed frame is worth the cost? Here are a few things to look for:
With these considerations in mind, you’ll be able to choose a bed frame that suits both your budget and your taste—all while steering clear of options whose promises of excellent sleep aren’t supported by quality construction.
Choosing the right size bed frame is crucial if you’ve already purchased a mattress. Though some sizes can seem similar, there are differences in measurements for each of the most common mattress sizes, so you’ll need a bed frame to match.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, however, you have a lot more flexibility when it comes to choosing your bed frame. In this case, you may want to consider the size of the room the bed will be in and how much space you need around it.
Let’s take a look at the different bed sizes, and what they have to offer:
One helpful tip when choosing your future mattress and bed frame is to consider the size of your current bed and how it suits your home, needs, and lifestyle. If you need extra room for pets or children, for example, sizing up may be a good idea. If, however, you’d like to make more use of the space around your bed, choosing a reasonably-sized mattress and frame will be of the most importance.
Your room size can also help you narrow down what type of bed frame to get. For example, a large primary bedroom may serve canopy or sleigh bed frames well. If you’re shopping for a small bedroom, you may want to consider a platform bed to save space.
Try to keep at least two feet free on each side of the bed so you can move around it.
Another aspect related to the size of your bed frame is its height. While many bed frames are situated at about the height of your knees, certain aspects of your life may impact what bed height is most suitable for you.
If you have restricted mobility, for example, it’ll be important to choose a bed frame that’s easy to climb into and out of, like Casper’s Upholstered Bed Frame, which sits at only 10.6 inches off the ground. This is also something to consider if the bed will be shared with pets or little ones.
An easy test of ideal bed frame height is to sit in a chair where your feet comfortably rest on the ground and then measure the height of the chair’s seat. If the combined height of your bed frame and mattress is too much taller, it could pose difficulty at bedtime.
On the other hand, if you like your bed a little higher off the ground, you may have the benefit of using the area underneath for additional storage space—a great advantage for those inhabiting smaller rooms.
As you traverse the world of bed frames and unravel the mysteries of how to buy a bed, you may be wondering do you need a box spring. If you already have one at home and plan to use it with your existing mattress, you’ll want to make sure to find a bed frame that can accommodate both.
If you don’t already own a box spring, though, you may be happy to learn that, when paired with a contemporary mattress, many modern bed frames simply don’t need them. (Can you imagine if that pie we mentioned didn’t need a pie pan? Pure magic.)
Instead, you can look for wooden bed frames with a mattress foundation or platform that still provides plenty of support, like the Casper Mattress Foundation.
The solid wood engineering of the Casper Mattress Foundation ensures both support and durability, while providing the height of a traditional box spring.
Once you’ve narrowed down the criteria for your bed frame search, you’ll want to consider what bed frame style suits your current sleeping space. If your aesthetic is cozy and traditional, for example, you might want a more traditional bed frame with:
If you like a bed frame style that is more sleek and modern, you might prefer the smooth lines of a metal frame or the minimalistic look of a platform bed frame.
In either case, jotting down a general idea of what you hope to find will help you keep your eyes on the prize: finding the right bed frame that suits all of your needs, including your aesthetic.
After determining what size, height, and style of bed frame you need, you’ll now want to look at the different types available. If this seems like another category with too many options, don’t fret: all the work you’ve done so far will help narrow it down.
The best way to begin is by seeing which bed frames match your criteria of size and style. At Casper, we offer bed frames to suit every need, aesthetic, and lifestyle, including:
Whether you’re setting out on your own for the first time or looking for a well-earned upgrade, our frames will help ensure your bed looks as good as it feels.
Next, we’ll go through several common bed frames and weigh their pros and cons.
A platform bed frame is a modern and minimal yet sturdy base for your mattress. The major benefit of a platform bed frame is that you don’t need a box spring — you can place your mattress directly on top of the frame (and most mattresses are compatible).
Pros:
Cons:
Metal bed frames are durable and solid. They come in a variety of styles — from basic to ornate. Stainless steel and brass are common materials for metal bed frames. They are supportive and can hold a heavier mattress with no problem.
Pros
Cons
Adjustable bed frames are controlled with a remote to adjust into different positions by raising and lowering the head and foot of the bed. This is a great option for those with mobility issues or those who experience pain when they sleep and need to change their position throughout the night. You’ll just need to get a compatible mattress for your adjustable bed frame.
Pros
Cons
Four-poster bed frames have long posts rising up from each corner. This is a popular style in large primary bedrooms, where the bed can take up a lot of space. They often have a grand, regal look.
Although similar to four-poster frames, canopy bed frames have four posters that connect and form a frame at the top. For a traditional or whimsical look, you can drape fabric over the canopy frame to create curtains around the bed.
Pros
Cons
Bunk beds are fun, space-saving options for kids’ rooms — with one bed that stacks above another as part of a single unit. A ladder allows you to climb up and down from the top bunk.
Pros
Cons
Upholstered bed frames are wrapped in fabric to give a soft and cozy look. They come in many different types of fabric, including suede, faux leather, and velvet. They range in style from simple, streamlined looks to more decorative designs with button studs and embroidery.
Pros
Cons
Wrought-iron bed frames are sturdy and long-lasting. They often feature ornate designs on both the footboard and headboard, adding to a traditional and elegant look in the bedroom.
Pros
Cons
Storage bed frames include built-in storage elements such as cabinets, drawers, and shelves. These take up more space but provide excellent storage nooks for books, clothing, and other belongings.
Pros
Cons
There are different types of wooden bed frames, many of which have a soft, traditional look. These are sometimes large and heavy, but they are also very sturdy. Because they come in all different types of wood and range from bare to decorative, it’s easy to find a wooden bed frame that matches your existing furniture.
Pros
Cons
Bed frames range widely in price depending on the material, size, and style. Simple metal frames will be the cheapest option, starting at around $100. Wooden, upholstered, and adjustable frames range higher in price, from around $500 to over $2,000. It all depends on what style and level of quality are most important to you.
Yes, the bed frame is the framework that gives your bed its stability and support. It also lifts up your mattress to a comfortable height and allows you to get in and out of bed more easily. A bed frame protects and extends the life of your mattress by keeping it off the floor as well.
Note the size and dimensions of your mattress to find a bed frame that will fit. Different companies use different dimensions for their mattresses, so it’s always best to double-check. It’s a safe bet to buy your mattress and bed frame from the same company to ensure you’re getting a matching pair.
A platform bed frame doesn’t need a box spring. You can place the mattress directly on the platform bed frame, or, if you want extra height, you can put both a foundation and your mattress on the platform bed frame.
Choosing the right bed frame may not be as easy as pie, but at Casper, we’re determined to help you get that delicious sleep you’ve been searching for.
Our range of bed frames can fit any budget while checking off your boxes for size, bed height, and style. Plus, no matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed to get supportive sleep. Find your perfect bed frame and your perfect night’s rest, with Casper.
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