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A bed frame is a structure that elevates your mattress off the ground. With the right support system, a well-crafted frame can stabilize your bed and lengthen the life of your mattress. Additionally, the added height may make it easier to get into and out of bed.

Bed frames are crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and upholstery. Frame designs range from minimalist to highly stylized. The height is also variable between models to accommodate different profile preferences. We’ll discuss the factors that most influence a bed frame’s appearance, durability, and overall performance, and highlight our top picks for king size bed frames and explain what sets each apart.

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Best Overall

Saatva Santorini

9.2 /10

Test Lab Score

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The Saatva Santorini is a high-end bed frame made from kiln-dried hardwood upholstered in luxe linen. An elegant accent for any bedroom setting.

Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Overall - Saatva Santorini

Price

$1,595

Full Details

Handcrafted from kiln-dried hardwood, the frame is durable and should resist signs of wear, like warping. It can support a mattress without a box spring thanks to sturdy slats made from premium plywood. However, the Santorini can also be paired with Saatva’s Lineal Adjustable Bed Base to maintain the refined look while providing adjustable positioning, underbed lighting, and massage settings.

As an upholstered model, the headboard is covered in fabric with padding underneath. Velvet and linen fabric options are available. Made from a polyester-cotton blend, the plush velvet has a vintage flair and a slight sheen. Two colors are available: taupe and graphite. The linen is woven of flax fibers, giving it a natural hue and textured appearance. Linen is very durable, so it should hold up well.

Saatva offers a 365-night sleep trial for the Santorini. Customers are eligible for a refund of the purchase price during this period, less a $99 transportation fee. The Santorini also includes free delivery and setup, including old mattress and foundation removal. A lifetime warranty backs the frame.

Best Value

Nectar Foundation

8.8 /10

Test Lab Score

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Up to 50% off mattresses + save $100 when you spend $1,000 or more

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Up to 50% off mattresses + save $100 when you spend $1,000 or more

The Nectar Foundation is budget-friendly and well-made — a rare combo in today’s bedding market. Composed of hardwood with upholstered fabric, the frame comes with optional legs and does not require a box spring.

Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Value - Nectar Foundation

Price

$450

Full Details

The Nectar Mattress Foundation is an upholstered frame with a surprisingly affordable price-point, considering the quality materials and stylish appearance.

The foundation is made with a steel frame, solid pine, and spruce, upholstered in a gray fabric. The design features wooden slats and does not require a box spring. While the foundation can sit directly on the floor, it also comes with optional wooden legs. This may appeal to anyone who likes to store items underneath the bed. Assembly is simple and does not require tools. The platform has a 15-inch profile and comes in six standard sizes, from twin to California king.

Nectar offers a 50-night sleep trial to try out the foundation, as well as a 3-year warranty. Shipping is free for customers within the contiguous U.S.

Best Design

The Bed by Thuma

9.1 /10

Test Lab Score

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The Bed by Thuma is a durable, luxuriously crafted frame composed of sustainably sourved hardwood. Japanese-inspired joinery allows you to fit the rails, legs, and slats together with minimal hardware.

Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Design - The Bed by Thuma

Price

$1,295

Full Details

Putting together a new bed frame can be a frustrating process, especially if small hardware components are involved. The Bed by Thuma takes a different approach to foundational construction by using Japanese joinery techniques. The rails and legs fit together with intricately shaped notches, rather than screws and washers. Two hand-tightened screws are used to keep the slats in place, but otherwise no hardware is used. Two people can easily assemble The Bed in 15 minutes, if not less.

The rails, legs, and slats are all composed of solid hardwood from trees that have been sustainably grown. The slats are also lined with a felt material derived from recycled plastic. This component is intended to muffle noise and preserve the wood over time. Each order includes The Pillowboard, Thuma’s proprietary headboard that’s upholstered in pebbled fabric and padded with soft foam. Installing The Pillowboard is also very straightforward.

The Bed has received a Greenguard certification. This indicates the product has been tested for chemicals that contribute to harmful emissions. Once ordered, the bed will arrive at your residence in three separate boxes. These boxes are quite heavy, so we suggest finding a lifting partner before carrying the bed to its destination. All orders are backed by a 100-night trial period that includes free return shipping.

Easiest Assembly

Birch Irving Bed Frame

9.2 /10

Test Lab Score

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27% off mattresses + 2 free pillows. Use code: SF27

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27% off mattresses + 2 free pillows. Use code: SF27

Available in oak and walnut finishes, the Irving Bed Frame from Birch is solidly crafted and long-lasting. An optional headboard adds to the versatile design.

Best King Size Bed Frame - Easiest Assembly - Birch Irving Bed Frame

Price

$639

Full Details

The Birch Madison Bed Frame showcases a timeless aesthetic while delivering sturdy, long-lasting support. Interlocking rails made of solid wood, Swedish pine legs, and plywood slats ensure excellent overall durability. You can choose between a walnut or oak finish. Birch also lets you upgrade your order to include a matching solid wood or foam-cushioned headboard.

Thanks to a design that does not require any metal hardware, the frame is remarkably easy to assemble — our team completed the setup process in less than 10 minutes. The under-bed clearance is roughly 7.5 inches. With the headboard intact, the frame measures just over 40 inches tall — keep this height in mind to determine whether it will fit comfortably in your bedroom.

The Irving Bed Frame is reasonably priced, and Birch offers free ground shipping to customers in all 50 states. Your order comes with a 100-night sleep trial. Comparatively, many brands do not offer any sort of return period for bed frames. If you choose to keep the frame, you’ll also receive a 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Best Wood Frame

Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame

9.0 /10

Test Lab Score

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$150 off at Silk & Snow

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$150 off at Silk & Snow

Available with three different headboards, the Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame is exceptionally sturdy. A gorgeous grain brings out the elegant all-wood craftsmanship.

Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Wood Frame - Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame

Price

$1,300

Full Details

This gorgeous frame from Silk & Snow exemplifies everything we love about wooden beds. The rails, legs, and slats are all made from Acacia or rubberwood, two tree species prized for their natural longevity, sturdiness, and eye-catching grain. Customers choose which wood they prefer when making their purchase. You won’t need any metal hardware to assemble the bed — Japanese joinery techniques allow you to fit each component together using prefabricated slots, allowing for quick and painless assembly.

The legs are tapered for a sleek, modern silhouette, and each has a cork pad to protect your floors from scuffs and scrapes. When fully assembled, the frame offers roughly 8 inches of under-bed clearance. This can come in handy if you have storage needs. The slats are spaced 3 inches apart, so the bed should meet most foundation-related mattress warranty requirements. Since this is a platform bed, you won’t need a box spring.

You can purchase a standalone bed or upgrade to include a headboard with your frame. Three styles are available: solid wood, boucle, and rattan. Each headboard carries a different price-point. If soiling occurs, wipe the wood with a white cloth, mild soap, and water. If used properly, the frame should hold up for years — possibly even decades.

The sticker price is reasonable, even with the headboard upgrade, and Silk & Snow offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. You may return the frame within 30 nights if you aren’t satisfied, though you’ll be responsible for the associated shipping costs. The Wooden Bed Frame is further covered under a five-year warranty if you decide to keep it.

Best Adjustable Bed

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base

9.1 /10

Test Lab Score

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Tempur-Pedic’s TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base is a cutting-edge bed frame option that tracks and records your movements during the night. Additional features include USB ports, automatic snore response, and a vibrating alarm.

Price

$1,999

Sizes

Twin XL, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King

Full Details

The TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base exemplifies the luxurious quality and thoughtful construction that has come to define Tempur-Pedic as a sleep product brand. This is one of the most advanced adjustable beds our team has tested. The base is fully customizable with a wide range of motion and loaded with a suite of high-tech features, including sensors embedded in the frame to track your personal data and help you understand your sleep patterns.

You can view your nightly metrics on the Sleeptracker-AI companion app, which is free to download and compatible with any current Android or iOS device. The app also includes coaching programs to optimize your sleep night after night. Another useful function of the app is the smart alarm, which you can program to wake you up during the lightest stage of your sleep cycle — this helps ensure you feel refreshed each morning. The automatic snore response further optimizes your sleep by raising your head whenever the sensors detect snoring.

As an adjustable bed, the TEMPUR-Ergo allows you to elevate or lower the head and feet in order to find your optimal sleep position. You can adjust the angle using a wireless remote included with your order. One notable addition to the base is a lumbar support bar, which you can lift up to 6 inches for targeted lower back support. Other features include a two-zone massage you can customize with gentle vibrations beneath your most sensitive areas, under-bed lighting to help you safely navigate your dark bedroom, and USB ports for charging your devices at night.

The TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base’s expensive sticker price reflects its high-end design, but Tempur-Pedic sweetens the deal for shoppers with free White Glove delivery throughout the U.S. Couriers schedule an arrival date with you, then set up the bed in a room of your choice. Returns are not permitted after the point of purchase, so all sales are final, but the base is backed by a 25-year warranty that includes three years of full coverage for electrical components.

Best Overall

Saatva Santorini

9.2 /10

Test Lab Score

Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

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An effortlessly stylish and elegant bed frame that offers excellent support for any mattress.

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Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Overall - Saatva Santorini

Best Value

Nectar Foundation

8.8 /10

Test Lab Score

Up to 50% off mattresses + save $100 when you spend $1,000 or more

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A budget-friendly option for those seeking sturdy support without the steep price tag.

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Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Value - Nectar Foundation

Best Design

The Bed by Thuma

9.1 /10

Test Lab Score

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A eco-friendly bed frame crafted from sustainably sourced wood and Japanese joinery techniques.

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Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Design - The Bed by Thuma

Easiest Assembly

Birch Irving Bed Frame

9.2 /10

Test Lab Score

27% off mattresses + 2 free pillows. Use code: SF27

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A solid, platform-style bed frame that’s remarkably easy to put together.

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Best King Size Bed Frame - Easiest Assembly - Birch Irving Bed Frame

Best Wood Frame

Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame

9.0 /10

Test Lab Score

$150 off at Silk & Snow

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A sophisticated wooden frame with three optional headboards to compliment your bedroom decor.

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Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Wood Frame - Silk & Snow Wooden Bed Frame

Best Adjustable Bed

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base

9.1 /10

Test Lab Score

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A tech-loaded adjustable base with smart technology to enhance your sleep experience.

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Best King Size Bed Frame - Best Adjustable Bed - Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Ergo Smart Base

How to Choose a Bed Frame

A quality bed frame with a suitable support system stabilizes your mattress and prevents premature sagging. Material quality and construction methods are key when it comes to a bed frame’s durability and overall performance, but other factors may also play a role in which bed frame is best for you.

What to Look for in a King Size Bed Frame

Some bedding companies use vague jargon and questionable sales pitches that can confuse shoppers. To find the best king bed frame, it’s essential to focus on the aspects that influence durability, support, convenience, and pricing. There isn’t a universally ideal bed frame to satisfy every sleeper’s needs, but honing in on the following features can help you bypass marketing ploys.

Quality Materials
Material quality determines support, appearance, noise level, and longevity. Not only can high-quality materials resist wear, but they can also provide a more stable base and remain silent when you move around on your bed. Quality platform beds frames paired with supportive foundations can also help extend the life of your mattress.

Weight
Weight is important to consider for both practical and structural reasons. A very heavy bed frame may be more challenging to assemble or move. On the other hand, a sturdier frame can prevent your bed from shifting on the floor and producing noise. Buyers should also take note of a frame’s weight limits to ensure it is capable of supporting the sleepers, their mattress, and any foundation they use.

Design
Bed frames come in all sorts of styles and colors to suit varying aesthetic preferences. Designs range from minimalist to plush and luxurious. Shoppers should also keep in mind that they may change their room decor during the frame’s lifespan, so a neutral appearance may be more versatile.

Price
A no-frills bed frame can start around $100, while a high-end model can be well over $4,000. In general, most quality bed frames are priced between $300 and $1,200.

Ease of Assembly
Since an improperly assembled bed frame could be noisy and lack support, ease of assembly is a valid consideration. Some companies offer professional delivery and setup. Many models that require assembly are engineered to be put together by one or two people in as little as 20 minutes. However, more complex designs may take significantly longer and require tools.

Noise
A noisy bed can undermine sleep quality, but a well-constructed, secure frame should minimize movement-related noise. Bed frames, especially those of lower quality, often creak as they age. In some cases, you may be able to reduce sounds by ensuring your bed is assembled correctly and components haven’t loosened.

Type
Bed frames are constructed in a range of materials, but most consist of wood, metal, upholstery, or some combination of the three.

Traditionally, bed frames support a box spring or other foundation, which then supports the mattress. However, platform beds are increasingly popular. This design eliminates the need for a box spring by including built-in support.

Canopy, four-poster, sleigh, storage, and adjustable beds are also widely available. A frame with overhanging fabric typically sets canopy beds apart, while four-poster beds have posts in each corner. Sleigh beds are so-named for their resemblance to a sleigh due to their curved headboards and footboards. Storage beds typically use a platform design but have drawers, shelves, or cubbies underneath to store items. Adjustable beds offer tailored comfort since the incline of your upper and/or lower body is customizable.

Frequently Asked Questions About King Size Bed Frames

Can you buy king bed frames online?

King bed frames are widely available online. They may be purchased directly from the manufacturer or through various third-party retailers, including department, mattress, and furniture stores.

What are the dimensions of a king size bed frame?

The average king size bed frame measures approximately .5 to 2 inches wider and longer than the dimensions of a king mattress, which are typically 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. The standard height of a king bed frame is between 16 and 24 inches, though platform beds often have lower profiles.Considering the substantial size of a king size bed, it's helpful to consider the dimensions of your bedroom before setting up a new bed. A king bed in a small room can feel cramped even if it technically fits.

What is the difference between a king and a California king?

Designed for taller individuals, a California king bed traditionally measures 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a standard king bed. Many companies make bed frames specifically for California king mattresses, but some generous standard king frames may also accommodate them.

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Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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