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Best Twin XL Bed Frame
A twin XL bed is 5 inches longer than a standard twin size. Also known as a twin extra long, the twin XL size is popular with taller children, college students, and single adults as it elongates the sleep surface without taking up too much space in the bedroom.
As one of the six standard bed sizes, twin XL bed frames are available in many different styles. To find the most suitable bed frame for your needs, it helps to understand the elements that influence the performance of your twin XL bed frame. These include construction, type and quality of materials, weight capacity, design, price, and ease of assembly.
We’ll break down the important features to look for when choosing a new bed frame, and share our recommendations for the best twin XL bed frames.
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall
Nectar Mattress Foundation
Up to 50% off mattresses + save $100 when you spend $1,000 or more
$549 at Nectar
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Who it’s best for
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Shoppers on a budget
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People who frequently move
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Those who like a versatile bed frame
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Highlights
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Removable legs allow shoppers to adjust the height of their bed frame
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Easy to assemble and disassemble
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Made with durable pine and spruce wood
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The Nectar Mattress Foundation has a sturdy framework built with pine and spruce wood, and slats that provide support without the need for a box spring. The bed is upholstered in gray fabric.
The bed frame is 15 inches tall, but users can adjust the height by adding or removing the legs. With a clip and lock design, the frame does not require tools to set up and may be ideal for people who frequently move.
The price-point for the Nectar Mattress Foundation is slightly lower than the average upholstered wooden bed frame. Discounts and bundle options can further drive down the cost of the foundation.
Nectar offers free shipping and returns in the contiguous U.S., as well as a 50-day sleep trial. The Nectar Mattress Foundation also includes a 3-year warranty.
Best Value
Brooklyn Bedding High Rise Platform Bed
30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30
$179 at Brooklyn Bedding
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Who it’s best for
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People who own exceptionally thick or heavy mattresses
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Those who want a bed frame with simple assembly
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Value seekers
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Highlights
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Durable all-steel construction
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Weight capacity of up to 1,500 pounds
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Optional headboard and footboard brackets
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If you’re in the market for a sturdy, durable twin XL bed frame with a minimalist design and an affordable sticker price, the High Rise Platform from Brooklyn Bedding should meet all of your needs. Constructed from tubular steel, the frame is exceptionally strong with a weight capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. This ensures most people can use the frame regardless of how heavy their mattress is, especially since a box spring is not needed.
The frame has a retractable design and no assembly is required – simply unbox the frame and fold down the sides. Optional headboard and footboard brackets are available for a small extra charge. The frame offers nearly 14 inches of under-bed clearance, creating ample floor space for those with small or cramped bedrooms that offer minimal storage.
Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping for all customers in the contiguous U.S. All sales are final, so the Super Duty High Rise Platform may not be returned for a refund after the purchase has been completed, but each order comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural defects.
Best Design
The Bed by Thuma
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Thuma mattresses
$1,295 at Thuma
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Who it’s best for
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People who prefer furniture with easy assembly
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Those seeking a solid wood bed frame
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Shoppers who prioritize products with low chemical emissions
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Highlights
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Available with upholstered or wooden headboard
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Three color options
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9-inch underbed storage space
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The Bed by Thuma is a wooden bed frame that elevates any bedroom with its stylish, minimalist aesthetic. The frame has a sturdy, durable design that is easy and quick to assemble.
The Bed is composed of solid wood, making it a good option for shoppers who wish to avoid frames containing MDF or wood veneer. The wood’s natural grain gives the frame a nicely textured appearance, and you can choose between natural, walnut, or espresso finishes. The frame is available with a wooden headboard for those who prefer all-wood beds. You may also opt for a PillowBoard option, which is a cozy headboard upholstered with foam and a machine-washable polyester fabric in a linen weave. The PillowBoard is available in three colors — dark charcoal, fog grey, and light linen.
The frame is assembled using an elegant and simple Japanese joinery technique that does not require tools. Our testers set up the bed in less than 10 minutes. The Headboard is 39 inches high while the PillowBoard has a slightly lower 35-inch height. The frame has a low profile but still offers 9 inches of underbed clearance for storage if needed. GREENGUARD Gold certification ensures the frame has met strict standards for low chemical emissions.
Thuma ships the frame for free within the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a 100-night sleep trial to try the frame at home, and a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects.
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Who it’s best for
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Those who prefer bed frames with minimalist designs
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Anyone with a twin, twin XL, full, queen, or king size mattress
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Shoppers seeking a bed frame with a trial period
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Highlights
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Dual-layer slats provide an exceptionally sturdy foundation
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Frame upholstered in durable fabric padded with foam
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Assembly requires no outside tools and takes minutes to complete
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If you’re looking for a bed frame that’s easy to put together, the Emma Upholstered Platform Bed can be fully assembled in a matter of minutes. All tools you’ll need are included with your shipment. Our team successfully set up the frame in about 6 minutes.
The Upholstered Platform Bed is also notable for its dual-slatted design. Thinner slats form the base and thicker slats rest on top, creating an exceptionally sturdy foundation for you and your mattress. The slats are composed of hardwood for added strength and durability.
The frame is upholstered in foam-padded polyester, which softens the edges and protects the wood from scuffs and nicks. You can clean the fabric with water and mild soap if stains occur. Emma suggests using a cloth and wiping in a circular motion. Routine dusting is also recommended.
The Upholstered Platform Bed is available in five sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king. All are competitively priced, and Emma offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a trial that runs for 60 nights. Comparatively, many online brands do not offer any trial whatsoever for bed frames. Should you decide to keep the frame, it’s further backed by a 5-year warranty.
Best Wood Frame
Helix Madison Bed Frame – White
27% off sitewide + 3 FREE products with Luxe or Elite purchase. Use code: SF27
$549 at Helix
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Who it’s best for
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People who own exceptionally heavy mattresses
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Environmentally conscious individuals
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Value seekers
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Highlights
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Composed entirely of durable, sustainably grown Appalachian hardwood
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Finished in a VOC-free stain
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Easy assembly does not require any outside tools
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A wooden bed frame is a solid long-term investment, especially if the design includes hardwood components. The Helix Madison Bed Frame – White utilizes three types of hardwood to create a durable, long-lasting support system. The slats are composed of Southern yellow pine, the legs are Appalachian maple, and the rails are a blend of maple and poplar. All wood for the frame is sustainably sourced from locations certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
The all-hardwood construction ensures the frame is quite sturdy. In a twin XL size, the weight capacity is 500 pounds, allowing most people to use any mattress they prefer – even latex hybrids, high-profile pillow-tops, and other models known for being heavier than average. The white frame is treated with a water-based finish that does not contain any VOCs, eliminating the varnish-like smell that often accompanies new wooden products.
Setting up the frame is a breeze. Instead of requiring metal screws and brackets, the components fit together using Japanese-inspired joinery techniques that also cut down on squeaks and creaks that can occur with older wooden frames. Full assembly with a partner should take no more than 15 minutes.
The Madison Bed Frame is affordably priced, especially given the expected longevity of the design. Helix also offers free ground shipping to all 50 states. Each order includes a 100-night trial period, giving you ample time to test out the frame, and those who keep it also receive a 5-year warranty against structural defects.
How to Choose a Bed Frame
The bed frame is a crucial part of your sleep setup. Durable materials and a thoughtful construction in the base contribute to sleeper support and may help extend the life of the whole bed. Selecting a frame that fits the style of the room is also important if you plan to keep the bed long-term.
What to Look For in a Twin XL Bed Frame
Choosing a bed frame for your new twin XL mattress can be daunting, particularly as not all styles are available in this size. Despite what many companies promise, no bed frame is perfect for every type of shopper. To find the right twin XL bed frame for you, it may help to start by considering the following factors.
Quality Materials
Bed frames made with sturdy, durable materials tend to last longer before needing to be replaced. By contrast, frames constructed with low-quality materials may fail to provide the necessary support. These frames are more susceptible to wear and tear, and they may eventually start sagging or creaking. Most bed frames are made with wood or metal, as these materials generally withstand the test of time.
Weight
Many sleepers prefer a heavier bed frame, as it is less likely to shift. However, a lighter bed frame may be easier to assemble, which is a particularly relevant consideration if you anticipate needing to move the bed to another bedroom or home.
Design
The bed frame is a key component of your bedroom. Understandably, one of the first things most shoppers look at is the design of the bed. While some bed frames are constructed with a minimalist design to suit any aesthetic, others are unique in appearance for specific preferences. If you’re buying the twin XL bed frame for a growing child or teen, you may consider choosing a design that can adapt to their changing tastes as they grow.
Price
Many factors influence the total price of a bed frame, including material quality, style, shipping costs, and proprietary designs. Simple platform beds may cost less than $200, while elaborate canopy bed frames may run in the thousands. When calculating the value of the bed, remember that high-quality designs may be more durable, which can compensate for the extra initial investment.
Ease of Assembly
Most bed frames require at-home assembly, but some are more complicated than others. If ease of assembly is important to you, look for a bed frame with simple setup instructions and no tools required. Bear in mind that heavier bed frames may require two people to set up. If you’d prefer not to set up the frame yourself, some manufacturers offer in-home setup services for an additional charge.
Noise
A noisy bed frame can negatively impact your sleep. Bed frames constructed with high-quality materials are less likely to squeak or creak than lower-quality frames. Solid wood frames are typically quieter than metal frames when bearing weight, but the design and construction can also affect the frame’s noise level. Setting the frame on a level surface and respecting the weight limits can help prevent squeaks and creaks from developing over time.
Type
There are endless types of bed frames that may offer different profiles, more or less storage space, or specialty options like the opportunity to hide the bed when not in use. The vast majority of shoppers tend to gravitate toward several favorites. These include the platform bed, built with slats that eliminate the need for a box spring; and the sleigh bed, which has a headboard and footboard. Shoppers may also be interested in a canopy bed frame, which has four corner posts and a canopy that provides a support beam for curtains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twin XL Bed Frames
Twin XL bed frames range in price from $100 to more than $1,000 depending on the design and the material quality. You may pay more for additional features such as a headboard or built-in storage compartments under the bed.
Manufacturers, department stores, furniture stores, and mattress companies often sell twin XL bed frames through their websites. It's common for bed frames sold online to come with free shipping and a short sleep trial so shoppers can try out the bed before committing to the purchase.
Twin XL bed frames are made to fit twin XL mattresses, which measure 38 inches by 80 inches. As the second-smallest standard bed size, twin XL bed frames are a suitable option for individual sleepers with limited space who still want to sleep comfortably. The height of the bed frame can vary, but most sit between 8 inches and 18 inches in height.
Although twin and twin XL mattresses are identical in width, most twin frames are too short to accommodate the additional 5 inches of a twin XL mattress. If you've recently upgraded to a twin XL mattress, it's best to purchase a twin XL bed frame to avoid leaving a portion of your mattress unsupported.
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