When it comes to finding your perfect bed frame, picking the right size is the easy part. There are so many factors to consider – like the color, material, and style – that you can easily feel overwhelmed.

Do I need a box spring? Is a canopy bed too much? What’s a sleigh bed and is it exclusive to log cabins?

If searching for the perfect bed frame has you ready to take a nap, this bed frame guide is here to help.

We tried on six of the most popular bed frame styles and break down the pros and cons of each. Read on to find out which is right for you.

The Platform Bed

One of the most popular bed frame types, platform beds come in a wide range of styles and offer a sleek, low profile look. You can easily spot a platform bed frame by its flat base – no box spring needed!

The Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Platform beds are generally more affordable as you don’t need to purchase a box spring to go with them.
• Use Any Mattress: You can use any type of mattress with your platform bed. They’re especially perfect for memory foam mattresses.  
• Small Space Friendly: If you’re tight on space in your bedroom, the sleek design of platform beds will take up less floor space and help you minimize clutter.

The Cons:

• Climbing In and Out: Platform beds tend to be low to the ground, so climbing in and out of bed takes getting used to. If you have back or knee problems, consider if this is something you want to daily!
• A Note for Side-Sleepers: Because the mattress sits directly on top of a solid platform or wooden slats, platform beds tend to be firmer. For side-sleepers, a firm mattress can create too much pressure and might become uncomfortable.

What to Look For:

Platform beds are made for comfort across the board, so find a design or style that appeals to you. Many styles also feature interior storage – an added bonus for small-space dwellers!

Perfect For…

Small spaces, such as urban lofts or apartments. They also work well for open floor plans, as platform beds have an industrial look and feel that won’t add visual clutter.

The Upholstered Bed

If it’s luxury you’re looking for, upholstered beds have you covered. These beds are super comfy, bold, and can easily fit into a wide range of spaces.

The Pros:

• Ultra-Comfy: Cushioned support and a soft headboard means you can read and watch TV in bed comfortably.
• Variety: There are tons of pretty fabric, color, and pattern choices, so you’re bound to find a design that works with the rest of your bedroom

The Cons:

• Maintenance: Keep your upholstered bed in tip-top shape with frequent and light vacuuming to keep dust and pet hair at bay. If you’re allergic to dust, an upholstered bed might not be for you.
• Wear and Tear: Because fabric is simply less durable than wood or metal, dents, impressions, and grease spots can develop over time.

What to Look For:

Make sure the bed frames are made of sturdy hardwoods and choose a fabric and color that can stand up to a little wear over time, such as a deep purple, navy, or gray. Check out our guide to upholstered beds for more helpful tips.

Perfect For…

Classic and traditional-style bedrooms. A large master bedroom that needs an infusion of cozy vibes. Guest rooms – even better if you can fit two twin size upholstered beds.

The Storage Bed

Designed to help you maximize storage in the bedroom, the storage bed is the most multipurpose and space-efficient bed frame option.

The Pros:

• Storage (Duh): Storage is designed and built directly into the bed frame, so you’ve got a bed frame that is one cohesive unit stocked with everything you need!
• Sturdy: Many storage beds are made with beautiful woods that give them good looks as well as a sturdy and solid construction.

The Cons:

• Difficult to Move: Because they have all those extra parts and pieces, storage beds are heavy. And since they’re often built as one large piece, they tend to be difficult to move.
• More Expensive: Equally hefty is the price tag on storage beds; they’re more expensive than other beds.
• Maintenance: It’s hard to maintain the hardware and track rollers that are built into the storage units underneath the bed. Over time, these can fall off or become loose and require repair.

What to Look For:

Opt for a platform bed with storage built into the base. This approach guarantees your bed will have firm mattress support given the flat surface, deep storage units, and a stylish streamlined look.

Perfect For…

Modern and eclectic style rooms. A city apartment bedroom where storage is limited; just make sure there’s enough space to fully pull out the underbed compartments. Kids bedrooms where extra and easy storage is always welcome.

The Sleigh Bed

Simply put, the sleigh bed is exactly what it sounds like – a bed that’s shaped like a sleigh with a high back and raised foot board. This type of bed has serious style and works in any setting.

The Pros:

• Slay With Style: Instant statement piece that’s sure to become the focal point in your bedroom. Sleigh beds come in styles ranging from solid wood designs to upholstered versions with more streamlined appeal, so you’ll have endless options to choose from.
• Cozy Vibes: The raised foot base gives the bed an extra cocooning feel and keeps your feet warmly tucked in at night.

The Cons:

• Limited Leg Room: If you’re tall, a sleigh bed with a footboard might not be the best option for you.
• Difficult to Move: Traditional sleigh beds are made entirely from high-quality solid woods so they tend to be heavy. Modern upholstered versions are lighter, but can still be unwieldy to move.  
• More Expensive: Sleigh beds are generally quite expensive given their design and construction.

What to Look For:

If you’re considering an upholstered sleigh bed, make sure the bed frame is made of wood and not metal for durability.

Perfect For…

Grand classic-style rooms and modern, open bedrooms alike. Spaces with distinctive interior architecture, like exposed wood beams or ornate molding.

The Headboard

For a bed that is simple and has classic good looks, a clean-lined headboard is a great choice.  

The Pros:

• Ultra-Comfy: Their solid, cushioned construction gives you added back support, which is great if you like to watch TV or read in bed.
• Cost-Effective: You have the option of getting the headboard alone, which is less of a commitment and more cost-effective. In which case, the standalone headboard works with a range of setups, like a box spring or a metal mattress stand, and still looks super stylish from afar.
• Easy to Move: Freestanding headboards can be easily attached and detached from a bed frame, making them easy to move.

The Cons:

• Maintenance: Stand-alone headboards generally come upholstered in fabric, so you’ll have to follow specific care instructions to maintain them.

What to Look For:

Frames that are made with solid or kiln-dried hardwoods.

Perfect For…

Traditional-style rooms. If you’re looking to upgrade from your IKEA furniture. Guest rooms and kids rooms because they’re simple, clean-lined, cozy, and versatile.

The Canopy Bed

Also known as a four poster, the canopy bed has been gaining popularity in recent years with more streamlined and modern designs cropping up in the marketplace.

The Pros:

• Stylish Statement: It’s difficult for other bed frames to compete against the ultimate stylishness of a canopy bed frame.
• Cozy Vibes: Canopy beds make a room feel immediately cozy thanks to its enveloping design.

The Cons:

• Maintenance: Dust tends to collect at the top, so you’ll want to clean it regularly.
• Size Restrictions: Many of today’s canopy bed designs are built to fit into spaces both large and small, but you’ll still need tall ceilings in order for a canopy bed to work in a room.
• Difficult to Move: Because of their size and construction, canopy beds will require a good amount of assembly to move in and out of your bedroom.

What to Look For:

Consider a modern canopy bed with a built in headboard for a piece that can evolve with your interiors over time – meaning you can redecorate and it will still blend nicely with your decor.

Perfect For…

Classic and modern bedrooms alike. Lofty spaces with lots of space and high ceilings. A master bedroom that gets a lot of light.

The Wrought-Iron Bed

When it comes to longevity, a wrought-iron bed outshines all other bed designs given its strong metal construction. These beds also come in a wide array of styles.

The Pros:

• Low-Maintenance: They’re extra durable since metal doesn’t warp or fade over time. Wrought-iron beds don’t require the same amount of cleaning and care that wood and upholstered bed frames do.
• Durable: Wrought-iron beds can hold a lot of weight, making them great investments since they stay durable for many many years.
• Easier to Move: They’re not as heavy as you might think. In fact, they’re often lighter than other solid wood and platform beds.

The Cons:

• Limited Styles: While there are lots of wrought-iron bed shapes to choose from, these beds have a very distinct look that can be difficult to decorate around if you’re looking to change up your bedroom design in the future.
• More Expensive: Price points vary greatly and wrought-iron beds, in particular, can get super expensive. But that’s because they’re better constructed, meaning the joints are welded perfectly.

What to Look For:

Try wrought-iron beds that have a painted finish to them for a more versatile option, such as bright, antiqued white.

Perfect For…

Elegant and boho spaces alike. Starter apartment bedrooms where you want a bed that lasts. Guest bedrooms and kids rooms where you want a bed that’s durable and low-maintenance.

 

Ready to find a new bed frame?

Whether you need help finding the right style bed frame for your space, or want to see how an option you’ve been eyeing will look and fit in your room, Modsy has you covered with our expert design plans laid out in a lifelike 3D version of your space.

Click here to get started, or if you’re already a Modsy customer, head to your studio and ring the assistance bell to see some new bed frames in your space!