8 Best Affordable Bed Frames

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 has a more classic look. This will be a bit harder to climb into for kids and dogs, and depending on what you want, that might be a good thing. 

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, memory foam mattress, you’ll want to figure that in. 

If you are a heavier individual, or you know your bed frame will be supporting a lot of weight (dogs and kids party), you’ll want to look at bed frames that support more weight.

For some, a bed frame is just a utility – a device to lift the mattress off the ground for some elevation or storage space. For others, looks matter. When shopping for a bed frame, keep in mind that some options will and won’t be compatible with a headboard. Additionally, some choices will even come with a headboard connected to the bed frame. Make sure you look into this before making a purchase.

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. 

Bed frames lower to the ground tend to have less storage space, and higher bed frames tend to have more. Some bed frames will even have built-in storage in the design, so all of those boxes and that camping gear won’t be visible beneath your bed. 

If you know you’ll be storing things under your bed, take the amount of space provided and the design in mind before you buy. 

The age-old question: to box spring or not to box spring? If you have a slatted bed frame, you don’t need a box spring. Slatted support usually includes wooden or metal slats across the base so your mattress will be supported. The benefit here is that your mattress will be lower to the ground (a great option for a more modern aesthetic or for practical purposes), and yet you’ll still have plenty of space for storage. Most mattresses these days will get enough support from a slatted bed frame, but some will need something more solid. 

That’s where a box spring would come in. Box springs provide a strong and stable foundation for your mattress, and they also elevate your mattress higher. Many innerspring mattresses need a box spring. You should always make sure your type of mattress is compatible with the bed frame you’re looking at.

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.

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 high-quality. Anything above 1,000 dollars is pretty high, unless it has added features like adjustments or an elaborate headboard and footboard. 

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. 

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 durabilty. Another indidication of durability is a good warranty, which shows the company stands behind the product. Also, be sure to read multiple reviews before you buy.

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. 

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, 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. 

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.