Written by Natalie Grigson, Writer
Maybe you’ve recently moved somewhere new or you’re redecorating. Whatever the reason, you are looking for a new bed frame, and if you are just starting your search, it may feel daunting.
There are different styles, materials, designs, and colors to choose from, but perhaps the most important question you have to answer is whether it’s affordable.
We’ve rounded up a list of bed frames in various styles and designs that are cheaper than comparable frames. We’ll also include some important information on what you need to consider when shopping for a new bed frame.
What We Like to See in an Affordable Bed Frame
Low cost
Although some furniture comes with astronomical price tags, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get high quality bed frames at an affordable cost. To be included on our list, the frame couldn’t just be cheap. It needed to be affordable and meet high quality standards. The frames on our list all under $1,000 when sales are factored in, and two are under $200. We think that there is a style and price point for everyone.
Durability
Budget friendly doesn’t mean cheaply made. To make our list of best affordable bed frames, the frame had to be made with quality materials that are durable. We examined what the frames were made of, the assembly process, the construction involved in manufacturing, and how well they supported a mattress. We’ve selected frames made with steel and wood that are constructed in way that will keep them sturdy for years to come.
Lack of noise
Have you ever been woken up by a squeaky bed frame? Have you ever had a noisy frame alert others of what you up to in the bedroom? If so, you know that a quiet frame can provide you with rest and discretion. We took a look at the materials and how the frames were assembled to gage how well they would keep the noise at bay over the life span, and we think that the ones we’ve selected won’t make you wonder what went squeak in the night.
The Best Cheap Bed Frames for Your Mattress
- Helix White Wood Frame – Editor’s Pick
- Brooklyn Bedding The Frame – Best Affordable Bed Frame That Doesn’t Squeak
- Puffy Bed Frame – Best Affordable Bed Frame with a Headboard
- Avocado City Bed Frame – Best Affordable Platform Bed Frame
- Leesa – Best Affordable Bed Frame with Storage Underneath
Top 5 Best Budget Bed Frames
Editor’s Pick
Helix Natural Wood Frame
Available in white or natural wood hues, this frame is bright, modern, and thoughtfully made.
Best Affordable Bed Frame That Doesn’t Squeak
Brooklyn Bedding The Frame
This frame fits nearly all mattresses and is designed from reclaimed U.S. railroad tracks, making it durable and light.
Best Affordable Bed Frame with a Headboard
Best Affordable Platform Bed Frame
Avocado City Bed Frame
A solid wood bed frame that’s simple to set up and eco-friendly.
Avocado Score
4.50 / 5
Best Affordable Bed Frame with Storage Underneath
Leesa Bed Frame
An affordable bed frame best for sleepers who need stable support for their foundation and for adding extra room for storage space under your bed.
Leesa Score
4.20 / 5
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
To ensure that you have a bed frame that is not only affordable but durable and functional as well, we thoroughly evaluate each frame so that we can provide you with comprehensive overviews of a variety of frames. We assessed the materials, support, durability, assembly, and several other factors so that you could make an informed decision on the bed frame that would work best for your personal needs.
For more on our testing methodology, visit our product review process page.
What to Look For in a Bed Frame
Materials
Bed frames come in all sorts of materials: metal, wood, and fabrics. In general, metal frames tend to be easy to set up, and they are inexpensive and sturdy. Wood options might cost more, but they can be more aesthetically pleasing, depending on what you prefer.
Just be sure you’re getting a good understanding of the cleaning, maintenance, and setup required for the bed frame before you buy it. You can usually find out more information by looking up “set up” or “care” for the bed frame.
Height
Whether you choose a high, medium, or low bed frame will determine the look and practicality of your bed. For example, a low bed frame has a more modern look and is easier to climb into. A lower frame is also more practical for shorter people (including children) or for those who want it to be easier for their four-legged friends to hop on the bed.
A high bed frame might make it easier to store things underneath and can have a more classic look to it. This will be a bit harder to climb into for kids and dogs, though.
Support
When you’re looking at bed frame weight limits, keep in mind that the limit mentioned usually includes people and the mattress, so if you have a dense, thick, and heavy mattress, you’ll want to figure that in.
If you are a heavier individual, or you know your bed frame will be supporting the weight of more than one person, you’ll want to look at bed frames that support more weight.
Durability
You may find it hard to tell if a bed frame is durable when shopping online or even in-store. Unfortunately, it’s one of those things you might not truly find out for a few years.
The best you can do is make sure it is made of quality materials, from a reputable company, and read the reviews. The bed frames we’ve included here are high quality and should be long-lasting but again, always do your own research.
Assembly
Although some manufacturers may offer professional setups with their frames, most of them will have some assembly required. Considering that your bed frame will be supporting you while you’re sleeping, you will want it assembled correctly. You’ll have to consider how long it takes to assemble a given frame, the number of people who may be needed to help, and whether the directions are easy to follow.
Noise
A squeaky bed frame can wake you up if you or your partner moves about during the night, and a frame that makes excessive noise can also garner unwanted awareness during intimacy. Some manufacturers include noise-reducing measures, such as felt-on-felt, that help keep your frame more quiet. Additionally, the materials of the frame and the kind of flooring it will be on can impact the amount of noise a bed frame makes.
Budget
The price of a bed frame can range anywhere from less than 100 dollars to well over 1,000 dollars, depending on the size, the materials used, and where you buy it.
This list includes the best cheap bed frames, with quality still being a top priority. Anything below 100 dollars probably won’t be as well-made, and anything above 1,000 dollars is pretty expensive unless it has added features like adjustability or an elaborate headboard and footboard.
Related: Our Top Cheap Mattresses
Sleep Trial & Warranty
Although sleep trials for bed frames aren’t as prevalent as they are for mattresses, some manufacturers do offer them. Sleep trials are an excellent way to test out your purchase for a month to a year to see if it works for you. In most cases, if it doesn’t, you can return the frame at no charge and receive a full refund.
Additionally, many bed frames will come with a warranty. These vary in the length of coverage, as well as exactly what is covered by the warranty. With sleep trials and warranties, it is important to read the policies and disclosures before you buy.
What Affects the Price of a Bed Frame?
- Design – There are a variety of bed frame designs that range from minimalistic to ornate. Additionally, added design features such as headboards, storage space, and the overall appearance of the frame can also determine how much you will pay for it.
- Size – The size of the bed frame will factor into the cost of the bed. As with mattresses, the higher the size, the higher the price will be since more materials are used.
- Buying online vs. in-store – Retail stores may increase the price of their products, including bed frames, to cover overhead costs. Therefore, buying online could give you access to quality bed frames at a lower price since you’re buying directly from the manufacturer. Additionally, shopping online gives you access to many more bed frame choices than you might find in a traditional brick-and-mortar store.
- Shipping and return policies – You should also look into any shipping costs or return fees if you’re buying a bed frame. Fortunately, many manufacturers offer free shipping and returns, but knowing the shipping and return policies upfront can allow you to determine the total cost of your frame.
Best Affordable Bed Frames FAQs
Is it better to have a higher or lower bed frame?
High and low bed frames both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some may find it easier to get in and out of a tall bed, while shorter people may struggle. Higher beds can also offer storage space, but lower bed frames may take up less space overall.
What is a good bed frame price?
Bed frames range in price depending on the material, size, style, and where you get them. A simple metal frame can cost as little as 100 dollars, whereas something made with wood, upholstery, or adjustable features can cost up to 2,000 dollars. We think a reasonable price for a bed frame is below 1,000 dollars unless it has additional advanced features.
What type of bed frame is most durable?
Metal tends to be the most durable type of bed frame, generally speaking. That’s because they won’t bend or break as easily as wooden ones. This depends, though, on the quality and the manufacturer. All of the bed frames we recommend here should offer good durability.
Another indication of durability is a good warranty, which shows the company stands behind the product. Also, be sure to read multiple reviews before you buy.
Does a box spring make a bed more comfortable?
The point of a box spring is to give your mattress a little more height and support. The springs in the middle of its construction are designed to absorb your body weight. Some types of mattresses will benefit from a box spring, like an innerspring mattress. With latex, hybrid, or memory foam, you probably won’t feel more comfortable because of the added box spring.
Are wooden or metal slats better?
Metal slats are usually more durable than wooden ones, whereas wooden ones tend to be more affordable. Metal slats will also likely be able to handle more weight than wooden ones. Be sure to check if your bed frame has a weight limit, and keep in mind, that this weight limit usually includes the weight of both the people and the mattress. If you have a heavy mattress or are heavy yourself, you might want to go with metal slats.
Is it cheaper to buy a bed frame or make one?
If you have the skill, it might be cheaper to make your own bed frame, depending on the materials you choose. The cost of the supplies can be as minimal as you would like them to be. Just keep in mind the time, mental energy, and labor it will take to design and create your bed frame. If you’re not much of a carpenter, you might do better to just buy a cheap bed frame and save yourself the time and energy.
Natalie Grigson
Writer
About Author
Natalie is a content writer for Sleep Advisor with a deep passion for all things health and a fascination with the mysterious activity that is sleep. Outside of writing about sleep, she is a bestselling author, improviser, and creative writing teacher based out of Austin.
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