The 10 Best Platform Bed Frames (2023)
Apr 18th, 2023 •
Platform bed frames are a modern alternative to traditional bed frames that eliminates the need for a bulky box spring. We’ve found the 10 best platform beds available in 2023, followed by a guide to help you understand if a platform bed is right for you.
Best Platform Beds (2023)
Bed Frame | Accolade |
Nectar Mattress Foundation | Editor’s Pick |
Zinus Lottie Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed | Best Platform Bed with Headboard |
Olee Sleep 18 Inch Tall Heavy Duty Steel Slat | Best Metal Bed Frame |
Nomad Plus Platform Bed | Best for Heavy People |
Sleep Master Smartbase Elite | Best Storage Platform Bed |
AmazonBasics Foldable Platform Bed Frame | Best Affordable Platform Bed |
Zinus 12 Inch Deluxe Wood Platform | Best Wood Platform Bed |
Classic Brands Adjustable Base | Best Adjustable Bed Frame |
DHP Tufted Upholstered Button Platform Bed | Best for Foam Mattresses |
Zinus Jade Faux Leather Upholstered Platform Bed | Best King Size Bed Frame |

Nectar Mattress Foundation
Editor’s Pick
The Nectar Mattress Foundation won our top spot thanks to its quality construction and reasonable price. This upholstered frame is made from natural spruce and solid pine, high-quality materials that can last for many years. The legs are optional, allowing you to choose between no and low clearance.
What we love most about the Nectar Mattress Foundation is that it’s incredibly easy to put together and take apart. You do not need any tools, and most anyone can get this frame set up in minutes. Because of this, the Nectar Foundation is incredibly simple to take with you when you move. Plus, it comes with free shipping and returns alongside a 50-day return period, so you can try this foundation risk-free!

Zinus Lottie Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed
Best Platform Bed with Headboard
The Zinus Lottie Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed is a stylish yet simple bed frame. With a square-stitched pattern along the headboard and exposed wooden feet, the frame has a contemporary look that fits with most interior styles. The fabric comes in either a blue slate or grey color, allowing you to match your current decor.
The Zinus Lottie bed frame is easy to set up and incredibly comfortable. The legs, frame, and headboard all snap into place, allowing even the novice to put it together easily. And with a firm yet comfortable padded headboard, the Zinue Lottie brings added comfort for watching television or reading a book. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable for a bed frame with a headboard, and it comes in most mattress sizes (twin through king).

Olee Sleep 18 Inch Tall Heavy Duty Steel Slat Mattress Foundation
Best Metal Bed Frame
Metal bed frames are simple, modern, and inexpensive. The Olee Sleep Steel Slat Mattress Foundation is one of the sturdiest and most affordable metal frames available. Its steel construction is designed to support heavyweight mattresses while providing noise-free sleep. Because the Olee is made using 100% metal, there is plenty of air circulation, making it a solid choice for hot sleepers.
The frame is incredibly simple, with no attachment area for a footboard or headboard. Thanks to its 18” loft, you can easily use the space underneath your mattress for storage. It comes in twin to California king sizes, and each mattress has a five-year warranty, which is one of the longest warranties for platform beds.

Nomad Plus Platform Bed
Best for Heavy People
The Nomad Plus Platform Bed is an incredibly sturdy bed base that provides ample support for heavyweight mattresses and the average-to-heavy sleeper. Thanks to its 100% tulip poplar wood construction and slats that are only spaced 2.8 inches apart, the Nomad is sturdy and prevents mattress sagging. Plus, the unfinished tulip poplar brings a touch of natural beauty to any room.
Nomad creates matching rolling drawers and a trundle bed, making it one of the most versatile options around. The Nomad comes with a 5-year warranty and free Prime shipping for qualified customers.

Sleep Master Smartbase Elite
Best Storage Platform Bed
Most platform beds are low to the ground, limiting your ability to store clothing, suitcases, or other goodies underneath. The Sleep Master Smartbase Elite delivers 14” of storage space underneath the mattress grid, allowing those with limited space to make the most out of their bedroom. The Sleep Master base is minimalist, allowing your mattress and bedding the shine.
The 100% metal base is sturdy and breathable, which makes it an excellent option for heavy mattresses and hot sleepers. In fact, it can accommodate up to 4,400 pounds! The Sleep Master Smartbase Elite is one of the easiest mattresses to set up. You need no tools and it folds up small when disassembled, allowing you to readily take it with you if you move.

AmazonBasics Foldable Platform Bed Frame
Best Affordable Platform Bed
The AmazonBasics Foldable Platform Bed Frame delivers exceptional quality at an affordable price. The 14” option is less than $100 for the queen-size, making it one of the least expensive new frames that you can buy. And with size options for twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king mattresses, it will fit any traditional adult mattress size.
This metal bed frame is matte black and comes in either 14” or 18” tall. Thanks to the ample space underneath the mattress, this bed frame is great for those who want to store things below their bed. Lastly, the durable steel is easy to assemble and disassemble. It folds up very thin, allowing you to store it or take it with you. Some people use it alongside a folding mattress or inflatable mattress as a quick-and-easy way to set up a temporary guest room for visitors.

Zinus 12 Inch Deluxe Wood Platform
Best Wood Platform Bed
Do you enjoy a simple yet rugged or natural look? If so, the Zinus 12 Inch Deluxe Platform Bed might be a great fit. The medium-brown of the natural pine fits most any interior decor. You can pair it with simple decor for a minimalist aesthetic, stuffed animals and cute kid’s decorations for a child’s room, or cabin-themed items for a rustic feel.
With wood slats and a 100% wood frame, the Zinus Deluxe Wood Platform Bed is quiet and durable. The legs match the frame’s perimeter, achieving a sleek and elegant appearance. The low profile supports a simple look while leaving just enough space for minimal storage if needed. All of these benefits come at a competitive price-point so that you can furnish your bedroom the way you’ve always dreamed.

Classic Brands Adjustable Base
Best Adjustable Bed Frame
The Classic Brands Adjustable Base is our favorite platform bed smart base. With a simple design, the mattress that you spent hours choosing will be the star of the show. What we love about this adjustable bed is its noteworthy quality and versatility at a reasonable price point.
With the Classic Brands Adjustable Base, you can position yourself in the way that best supports your body and your activity. With programmable settings, you can set your ideal position for when you’re reading, watching television, receiving the built-in head or foot massage, and sleeping. It comes with a wireless remote and USB ports, making it comfortable and convenient.

DHP Tufted Upholstered Button Platform Bed
Best for Foam Mattresses
The DHP Tufted Upholstered Button Platform Bed is beautiful and comfortable. With nine different colors to choose from, you can find one that fits your style. The fabric is soft, and the headboard is cushioned, providing a cuddly place to lean against when sitting up in bed. We love the DHP Tufted Upholstered Button Platform Bed for use with memory foam mattresses. The soft, cushioned headboard pairs well with the squishy comfort of memory foam beds.

Zinus Jade Faux Leather Upholstered Platform Bed
Best King Size Bed Frame
King size mattresses are typically shared by couples, so you need a frame that appeals to both partners. The Zinus Jade Faux Leather Upholstered Platform Bed brings a sophisticated look to any bedroom. It is neither overly feminine-looking nor excessively minimal, delivering a look that most couples can agree on. Lastly, this elegant frame comes with an affordable price tag and a 5-year warranty.
What Is a Platform Bed?
Platform beds are standalone bed frames. Unlike traditional bed trames that require a box spring, platform beds use slats or a solid surface to provide a stable surface for your mattress. Because platform beds do not require a box spring, they are comparatively affordable and confer a minimal bedroom aesthetic.
Read More: What is a Platform Bed?
Types of Platform Beds
Solid vs Slats
Most platform beds support mattresses by using a slatted foundation. Along the bottom of the bed frame, slats made from metal, wood, plastic, or wood composite are evenly spaced to distribute a mattress’s weight without the need for a box spring.
Unlike slatted platform beds, solid platform beds have a solid base on which the mattress lies. Most solid foundation platform beds are made entirely of wood.
Slatted beds have the benefit of increased air circulation. Increased air circulation can help a mattress sleep cooler and also protect the bottom of the mattress from excess moisture buildup. As such, a slatted base is an excellent choice for those who sleep hot or anyone who lives in a humid environment.
Solid platform beds offer reliable mattress support. Mattresses on solid platforms are less prone to sagging thanks to the uniform support. On top of this, a solid platform is that it’s comfortable when used alongside a thin mattress.
Slatted vs Solid Bed |
|
Slatted Platform Bed | Solid Platform Bed |
Sleeps cooler | Increases mattress firmness |
Keeps bottom of the mattress dry | Best for use with thin mattresses |
Relatively lightweight | Most supportive and sturdy base |
Metal Bed Frame
A metal platform bed is one whose structure is made from metal (typically an iron or steel frame). Metal platform beds have built-in metal slats or grids for mattress support.
Ranging from simplistic to modern, metal bed frames are lightweight, relatively easy to assemble, and inexpensive. They allow for ample air circulation, helping hot sleepers stay cool.
One negative that comes with a metal frame is a tendency to squeak, especially following years of regular use. If you move around a lot at night or are easily disturbed by squeaking, a metal bed frame may not be the best option for you.
Wood Bed Frame
A wood platform bed is one made using either wooden slats, solid, or composite wood (various types of wood and other materials glued together). Wood bed frames can add to many interior styles, from rustic to classic to children’s rooms.
When you buy a solid wood bed frame, you are making an investment that can easily last 10, 20, or 30 years. This is because solid wood is a reliable material that can be fixed and adjusted more easily than composite wood or metal frames. Wood frames are usually quiet, making them a good choice for those who toss and turn and for sleepers who wake up easily.
One detriment to wooden frames is that they’re heavy and bulky. Their heft can make them hard to move around the house or from one home to another.
Related: Best Mattress for a Platform Bed
Upholstered Bed Frame
An upholstered bed frame is one that’s covered in fabric, including the headboard and footboard. The ideal upholstery fabric is one that is durable yet attractive. Common fabrics used to upholster bed frames include
- Leather
- Faux leather
- Suede
- Velvet
- Cotton
- Polyester
Most upholstered beds have a layer of cushion between the metal or wood frame and the fabric. Cushioned headboards are more comfortable to lean up against when reading or watching television. The padding also protects your head from painfully bumping into wood or metal.
The way that the fabric and cushion are connected to the headboard influences the bed’s aesthetic appeal. Most cushioned headboards are
- Tufted: A tufted headboard is one whose cushion and fabric are attached to the solid headboard in a way that creates a dimpled pattern. The indentations can be left as simple fabric, visible nail heads, or stylish buttons. The visual appeal matches classic or elegant bedroom decor.
- Smooth: Upholstered headboards that are smooth offer a more simple feel to your bedroom.
Platform Bed Features
Underbed Storage
There are platform beds that come with built-in underbed storage drawers. Not only is bed storage convenient, but drawers that go all the way to the floor can give your bed frame a modern look.
Platform storage beds are more expensive than their storage-free counterparts. Furthermore, the additional materials makes them heavier and more challenging to assemble. If you would prefer an affordable storage alternative, opt for a medium-to-high clearance platform bed frame and use storage bins underneath.
Trundle Bed
Trundle beds are a stylish alternative to bunk beds. Rather than stacking one bed on top of another, a trundle bed is a bed that is stored underneath a normal bed. Trundle beds are often on wheels, although some have a wooden or metal base without wheels.
There are platform bed frames that come with an optional trundle designed to match the original frame. Trundle platform beds offer additional sleeping space in guest rooms and children’s bedrooms.
Headboard and Footboard
Many platform beds are supportive frames that lift a mattress off of the ground. Outside of the perimeter and the legs, these beds have no design features to set them apart. But there are platform beds with built-in headboards and footboards or those are designed to go with an optional headboard or footboard.
In comparison to the simplicity of the traditional platform bed, those with headboards and footboards tend to be heavier, more expensive, and take up more space. However, a headboard can be comfortable for laying against and it can add to your interior decor.
Low Profile Bed Frame
For those who like a modern style, the low profile platform bed is a popular option. Low profile platform beds are those with around 5 inches of clearance or less.
A bedroom setup with a high-quality platform bed with little-to-no-clearance creates a classy, modern look. Floating platform beds are one of our favorites for those who desire an elegant modern design. These platform beds have a large solid surface, typically wood, that comes out further than the support below.
There are some downsides to low profile beds. The primary downfall is that they have minimal-to-no storage space underneath, which is particularly troublesome if you live in a small space. Additionally, these beds sit low to the floor, making them hard for the elderly to get in and out of bed.
Adjustable Platform Bed
Adjustable smart beds are created for every type of sleeper. These frames are most widely known for their versatile head and foot positioning that allow you to watch TV from bed, easily get in and out of bed, relieve acid reflux and snoring, or take pressure off of your feet after a long day at work.
But there are many other perks that some smart beds have
- Gentle under-bed lighting
- Full-body massage
- Foot heating
- USB ports
The perks and comfort of adjustable platform bed frames are a good fit for making your bedroom even more comfortable and convenient.
Warranty
While most shoppers know to look for a long mattress warranty, fewer consider the warranty on their bed frame. Some frames come with no warranty, while others offer a 5-year warranty or greater.
Longer warranties are a sign that the manufacturer believes that their bed frames are built well and will stand the test of time. A robust warranty further signals that a company values the customer experience and is dedicated to providing long-term customer service.
FAQs
How do I choose a platform bed?
First, decide if you want a slatted or solid platform bed. Next, ask yourself if you like the look of wood, metal, or fabric. Lastly, decide if there are any features that you want, such as under bed storage or a headboard.
What mattresses work best on a platform bed?
Memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses work best on platform bed frames. Some innerspring mattresses and hybrids will work with them as well, but be sure to check the warranty. Some manufacturers require their innerspring beds to be used with a box spring to stay covered under the warranty.
Should anyone not use a platform bed?
Platform beds are typically lower to the ground than traditional bed frames because they do not require a box spring. A traditional frame with box spring may be a better fit for anyone who struggles to get in or out of bed.
Summary
The right bed frame completes a bedroom’s decor and supports a mattress for a good night’s sleep. Platform bed frames are designed for mattresses that don’t need a box spring, such as memory foam and latex beds.
We hope our top picks have helped you find the best platform bed for your style. Just remember to check that your mattress doesn’t require a box spring!
Related Content

Mattress Accessories & Bedding
What Is a Platform Bed?
Bed frames are one of the most important pieces of furniture in the bedroom. So, what exactly is a platform bed frame, and how does it stack up against the others?

Mattress Accessories & Bedding
Box Spring vs Foundation
Learn the difference between a box spring and mattress foundation to see which will provide the best support for your mattress.

Mattress Accessories & Bedding
Mattress Foundation Guide
Box springs, platforms, and more. Learn how to choose the best mattress foundation for your budget and space. Plus, see our top picks.