Our 7 Highest Rated Metal Bed Frames for 2024

Who Should Consider Buying a Metal Bed Frame?

When there are so many types of metal bed frames to choose from, it helps to gather as much information as possible so that you find the perfect option for you and your sleeping needs.

Can the frame support your choice of mattress? Does it fit your budget? Is it easy to assemble? These are some of the main questions you need to take into consideration. Below, we have put together as much information as possible to help you make a well-informed decision on the best frame for you.

How to Choose a Metal Bed Frame

Support

It’s important that your frame is supportive enough for both you and your mattress, or in the case of couples, it should be supportive enough for two people. Most manufacturers will provide the total weight limit their bed frames can support, but in most cases, this weight limit does include both the mattress and the sleeper(s).

• Platform – Platforms are known for providing a more solid metal bed frame, but if you’re searching for a foundation that gives additional height to your bed while supporting your mattress, a box spring is what you need.
• Box Spring – Box springs consist of a frame with springs in the middle that are covered in cloth. They enhance the support of the mattress and act as a shock absorber to deliver high comfort. However, unless your bed frame still uses slats for support, you don’t really need this.
• Slats – Slats serve a very important purpose of supporting the mattress and providing comfort. Widely distanced slats can cause damage to the mattress in the long term, so it is worthwhile to examine that. Sprung slats add a natural movement but are a little more expensive, whereas flat slats, like steel, help to prevent sagging, increase mattress life, and offer a firmer sleeping experience. You can also find slats with Velcro or tape attached, which aim to keep the mattress securely in place.

Durability

Durability is important because it reflects the quality of the materials used and the expected lifespan of the product. Ideally, you want your metal bed frame to last you a long time. In terms of long-term durability, metal bed frames made of steel should provide with the most durability and strong support.

Ease of Assembly

Imagine ordering your dream bed only to find out you have no idea how to put it together!

Most product descriptions will state the type of assembly required and whether you will need additional tools or not. Customer reviews can also give a clear indication of how difficult users found the task, so they are worth reading through.

Some constructions may be very simple, and others could be complicated and need some extra help. If you are absolutely terrible at anything DIY-related, then we would suggest asking friends or family to help out, hiring a handy person, or looking for bed frames that come ready assembled.

Materials

Obviously, this guide is focused solely on metal mattress bed frames, so it would make sense to look at what types of metal they can be made from. From steel to iron and brass, you may find one is more suitable to your bedroom aesthetic than the others or simply just better for your budget.

• Steel – Steel is man-made from iron and carbon, making it harder and stronger than iron alone. This makes it a great material choice for a very sturdy bed frame that is also long-lasting.
• Iron – A traditional material for a bedframe going back to the 17th century in Italy, iron became popular because it removed the risk of bed bug infestations. Almost all iron beds now have a steel framework so you get both style and strength combined.
• Brass – Originally, brass bedsteads were quite plain in style but have transformed due to Art Deco, Victorian, and Edwardian influences over the years. Brass gives off a “classy” style but tends to look more expensive than it is. You will also find steel frames that come brass coated for the perfect mix of style and durability.

Design

Elements such as headboards and footboards add a lot to the overall look and feel of the bed, but features like rounded edges or height could be designs you prefer purely for safety reasons.

• Headboard – You can either purchase a metal bed frame with headboard already attached or go for an option where you can switch up the look. Some frames come with free brackets included which are compatible with various headboard options. Alternatively, you may be able to buy brackets online which fit your frame.
• Footboard – The footboard was originally used to stop the mattress from slipping; however, with features nowadays such as non-slip slats, it isn’t always necessary and more of an aesthetic thing. Again, brackets are sometimes included with the frame.

Height

The height of your bed frame could be dependent on several factors, such as the height of the user, the depth of the mattress, storage space, user age, and health conditions that can make getting up and down difficult, such as arthritis.

Some people like to flop down onto the bed, and others prefer to climb in. Room size also impacts the height, as low beds can make small rooms feel more spacious, and large rooms may need a grand and tall bed to fill it. It’s completely down to personal preference.

Another height-related consideration is the amount of storage space underneath the bed. Storage dimensions are usually located in the manufacturer’s product description, so users can decide what they can fit under there or utilize space-saver boxes that will easily slide underneath, keeping everything stored neatly out of view.

Noise

If you or your partner is a light sleeper, you’ll want to factor in whether a bed frame is going to be noisy or not. Metal frames aren’t inherently noisy, but one of the more common complaints about them is that they can sometimes become more creaky over time as the joints of the bed experience more wear and tear.

Budget

Of course, the price is one of the main things to take into account. You don’t want to be blowing your whole budget on just the bed frame because there is still the mattress, bedding, and delivery costs to add on.

Metal bed frames, in general, can be found cheaper than their wooden or leather counterparts, and due to the durability of the material, even higher costing metal frames will be worth it for the fact that they won’t need to be replaced as frequently.

Like with most products, you get what you pay for, so if you are after a simple basic metal structure that does the job, you won’t need to part with much money.

Best Metal Bed Frames FAQs

What’s the downside to a metal bed frame?

The downside to metal bed frames is that they may become more noisy over time. That being said, sometimes tightening up the joints of the frame could help with any squeaky sounds that might be disruptive to light sleepers.

Is it good to have a metal bed frame?

This ultimately depends on your own preferences and needs. Metal frames offer lots of durability at a lower cost compared to other frames and bases. However, they may develop more squeakiness over time, and some people may not prefer the look of a metal bed.

What should I look for in a metal bed frame?

Important qualities to look for in a metal bed frame include the specific materials, how supportive it is, durability, assembly, and cost. Additionally, you should see whether the brand offers a trial period and/or warranty for the product, which can give you more ease of mind when making a purchase.

Do you need a box spring with a metal bed frame?

This depends on the specific frame you have. If the metal bed frame is able to fold up, you should get a box spring for added support. If your metal bed frame is not collapsible, then you generally wouldn’t need a box spring since these frames are reinforced with extra metal through the design for support.

Melanie Kassel

Performance Editor

About Author

As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.

Combination Sleeper