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Best Cheap Bed Frame
Bed frames can be as simple as a metal base to lift your bed to allow for storage underneath, or as elaborate as a highly decorative canopy bed. In addition to their aesthetic contribution, bed frames also provide crucial support for your mattress, which can influence how well you sleep.
As an important part of your sleep setup, it’s natural to want the best bed frame possible. That said, purchasing a budget bed frame does not necessarily mean settling for a lack of quality.
We’ll take a look at some of the best affordable bed frames available and detail what makes them a strong choice. We’ll also cover some important factors to consider before you purchase a new bed frame.
In-Depth Reviews
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Who it’s best for
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Anyone whose mattress is exceptionally heavy
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People who sleep alone or share their bed with a partner
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Canadian shoppers
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Highlights
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Sturdy design composed of an iron and wooden frame with poplar slats
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Weight capacity of up to 1,100 pounds
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Upholstered in smooth grey fabric
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Price
$275
As shown by the Silk & Snow Platform Bed, a “cheap” bed frame doesn’t necessarily equate to low quality or poor performance. The bed’s frame is constructed using powder-coated iron and engineered wood, resulting in exceptional sturdiness and durability. Slats made of poplar wood – a hardwood variety known for great longevity – add to the bed’s robust support system. Twin size frames can hold up to 500 pounds, while the weight capacity for full, queen, and king models is 1,100 pounds.
This ultra-strong design makes the bed suitable to those who own mattresses known for being heavy, such as all-latex or hybrid models. Unlike many competing brands that sell bed frames, Silk & Snow offers the Platform Bed in a twin size to accommodate people who sleep alone, while co-sleepers can opt for a full, queen, or king depending on how much space they need.
The entire frame is upholstered in soft, woven polyester fabric with a versatile grey color. All corner and center support legs stand 6 inches off the ground, creating some under-bed space for people with storage needs. The slats are spaced 3 inches apart, so most mattress owners can use the bed without violating the terms of their warranty.
Given its long-lasting design, the Platform Bed is quite reasonably priced. Silk & Snow saves even more money for customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada with free ground shipping on all orders. The bed is backed by a 30-night trial period, as well as a 5-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Durable Frame
Brooklyn Bedding High Rise Platform Bed
25% off storewide/sitewide. Code: GIFT25
$179 at Brooklyn Bedding
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Who it’s best for
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Shoppers without a boxspring or foundation
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Sleepers over 230 pounds
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Those wanting under-bed storage
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Highlights
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13.75” of under-bed space
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Head and footboard bracket add-on for an additional fee
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Can support up to 1,500 pounds of evenly distributed weight
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Price
$179
The High Rise Platform Bed from Brooklyn Bedding has a heavy-duty steel construction that can support evenly distributed weight up to 1,500 pounds. Thanks to the steel bar slats, a boxspring or foundation is not necessary.
The bed frame’s platform measures 14.5 inches high. Shoppers with smaller bedrooms should appreciate the 13.75 inches of under-bed clearance, perfect for extra storage. Bars in the center of the frame prevent the mattress from sagging, prolonging the mattress’ lifespan and catering to sleepers over 230 pounds. Those wishing to add a headboard and footboard to the design can add holding brackets for an additional fee. Size options include twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.
Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. Returns are not permitted for the High Rise Platform Bed, so all sales are final, but your purchase comes with a 3-year warranty.
Best Design
Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard
Up to 50% off mattresses & up to 66% off bundles
$350 at Nectar
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Who it’s best for
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Shoppers seeking simple assembly
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Those who don’t need significant under-bed storage space
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Sleepers looking for a stylish option
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Highlights
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No tools required for assembly
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Upholstered headboard available in two colors
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Wood slats offer sturdy support
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Price
$350
The Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard is a thoughtfully constructed option that’s both functional and visually appealing. The design features a sturdy metal frame, wooden slats, and an upholstered headboard. It has a total weight capacity of 700 pounds, and includes a central beam for added stability and structure.
The frame’s most notable feature is its stylish headboard, which features button-tufted upholstered fabric. Shoppers can choose between gray or linen color options. The top of the headboard measures 40 inches high, while the legs are 8 inches tall.
The frame is made from metal that’s designed to last and the wooden slats provide strong support for your mattress. The slats are spaced 4 inches apart. During performance testing, our sleep product experts found this foundation particularly durable. This bed frame and headboard are easy to assemble. There’s no need to use your own tools, since each purchase includes everything you need to put the bed together. It’s available in five standard sizes including California king.
Nectar offers free shipping within the contiguous U.S. as well as a 50-night sleep trial. Each purchase is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
Best Wood
Birch Madison Bed Frame – Natural
20% off sitewide + 2 free Eco-Rest Pillows with a mattress purchase. Code: cybersale20
$549 at Birch
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Who it’s best for
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Those seeking a low-profile frame
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People who prefer tool-free assembly
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Value shoppers
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Highlights
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All-wood construction
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Minimalist design
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Sustainable sourcing
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Price
$549
The Birch Madison Bed Frame is a minimalist platform bed that is durably made to support many types of sleepers and couples. The all-wood design in the natural color option is attractive and complementary to a wide array of bedroom themes.
The frame has a low profile with a platform that sits 13 inches above the ground. The under-bed clearance is 8.25 inches, allowing some room for storage if necessary. The rails are composed of Appalachian hardwood, while the slats are made from Southern Yellow Pine. The legs are fashioned from maple wood. You can choose from six standard sizes, and no box spring is required due to the platform design.
Assembly does not require tools or metal hardware, which makes the frame appealing to shoppers who prefer simple setup instructions for their furniture. For those concerned about environmental impact, Birch relies on sustainable sourcing in its manufacturing process. The wood is also finished with a water-based finish that contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Birch ships free throughout all 50 states. The frame comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty.
How to Choose a Bed Frame
A bed frame lifts the mattress, often creating storage space underneath, while giving it a solid foundation to rest upon. Bed frames can add a design aspect to the bedroom, or fall discreetly under the radar, letting the headboard or bedding be the style focus. Determining what your mattress needs and what is important for your personal style can help narrow down your search for the best cheap bed frame.
What to Look For in a Cheap Bed Frame
Certain key factors have a significant effect on a bed frame’s performance and lifespan. We’ll discuss materials, design, and ease of assembly to help you make an educated decision when looking for an affordable bed frame.
Quality Materials
Choosing sturdy materials such as solid wood or metal may help prolong the lifespan of your bed frame, as well as the mattress it is supporting. The best budget bed frames may not offer fancy designs or special features, but they shouldn’t skimp on material quality.
Price
Simple metal bed frames can cost less than $100, while more elaborate models may cost in the thousands. If the frame requires an additional box spring or foundation, this will raise the total price. Many companies offer price matching, seasonal sales, and first-time buyer discounts.
Design
Bed frames can be found to complement any and all designs, from minimalist or modern to rustic. Some bed frames are meant to discreetly blend in and let the surrounding furnishings shine, and others are meant to be the focal point of the bedroom.
Weight
The heavier the bed frame, the more likely it is to stay put when you are changing positions or climbing in and out of bed. Although lighter weight bed frames can shift under movements, they tend to be easier to put together and more practical if you need to move houses.
Ease of Assembly
Whether purchased online or in-store, many bed frames need to be put together at home. You can generally consult the assembly instructions ahead of time on the company’s online product page, or by contacting customer service. Some companies offer in-home setup for a fee.
Noise
Noise is an important factor to consider for sensitive sleepers, or for those who share a room with another person. Bed frames with solid constructions and better-quality materials tend to make less noise. Taking the extra time to adequately tighten all the screws during setup may also help protect against noise in the future.
Size
The size of the frame should match the size of the mattress, as well as the box spring or foundation, where applicable. It’s a good idea to check measurements before purchasing to ensure everything fits as intended, as some models can vary by a few inches from the standard sizing. Size also plays a role in pricing, with the cost increasing alongside mattress size.
Type
There are many types of bed frames. Some common budget-friendly models include platform beds, which use slats to hold up the mattress; and metal bed frames, which may require an additional foundation to support the mattress. More sophisticated styles include sleigh beds with a headboard and footboard, and canopy beds with posts that connect at the top. Generally, the more features or decoration offered by the bed frame type, the higher the price-point.
What Affects the Price of a Bed Frame?
Bed frame prices are affected by several factors, including the type of frame, the materials used in its construction, the size of the bed, the brand, and the shipping costs.
Frame Type
Different types of frames have different construction requirements, with certain styles requiring more complex craftsmanship or additional parts such as headboards or storage compartments. For example, a storage bed that includes underbed drawers may cost more to produce than a simple metal bed frame, and this manufacturing cost is usually reflected in the price.
Materials
The type of materials used to make a bed frame contribute considerably to the overall cost. Bed frames made from less expensive materials, such as metal or particleboard, tend to cost less. Bed frames made from higher-quality materials, such as oak, pine, or maple hardwood may command a higher price.
Frame Size
Twin bed frames are almost always cheaper than a queen or king frame of the same make and model. This is because more materials are needed to produce the larger frame. If you’re buying a new mattress and bed frame at the same time, you may want to give careful thought to the size. Despite the higher initial price, it might be worth investing in a slightly larger size now if you believe you might want a bigger bed in the future.
Retailer
Instead of going through a brick-and-mortar furniture store, bed frame manufacturers are increasingly choosing to sell their products online, directly to the consumer. This lowers the overhead costs of operating a physical store, often resulting in lower prices for the consumer. Shoppers may also be able to find deals through major department stores or third-party online retailers.
Shipping, Returns & Warranties
Companies often provide free shipping to the contiguous 48 states. However, this is not always the case, so it is beneficial to confirm shipping charges before placing your order. Customers in Alaska, Hawaii, and international locations can usually expect to pay extra shipping charges.
Many companies provide a short sleep trial during which customers can return the bed frame and receive a refund if they aren’t satisfied. Rarely, companies may charge a handling fee for returning the bed frame.
Although they are usually limited in scope, warranties can provide peace of mind against the more significant defects that may occur. Bed frames with higher price-points tend to have longer warranties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Bed Frames
Bed frames can range in price from less than $100 to more than $1,000. Inexpensive bed frames might have more limited features or a shorter lifespan, but it's usually possible to find suitable bed frames at almost any price-point.
Comparing prices online is one of the quickest ways to ensure you are getting the best deal on your bed frame, especially if you are buying directly from the manufacturer. That said, brick-and-mortar stores, direct-to-consumer manufacturers, and third-party retailers have all been known to offer occasional discounts. If you have the flexibility to wait a little before buying, you may be able to benefit from these sales.
Finding a bed frame on sale is a good way to get a quality item at an affordable price. Holiday weekends, such as Labor Day and President's Day, are popular times for bed companies to have sales. Late winter through early spring is another good time to find bed frames on sale. During this time of year, many companies mark down older models to make room for new ones.
Most mattresses need some sort of support, whether that is in the form of a frame, a foundation, or a box spring. Providing an appropriate base for the mattress to rest on is important in order to prevent excessive sagging and structural damage to the mattress. For this reason, bed frames that do not have a built-in support system for the mattress must be used in conjunction with a foundation or
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.