The Definitive Guide to Bed Frame Styles and Types

contempory simple bed with a wood headboard

It’s not always easy to figure out which bed frame is best for you. With so many options in styles, materials (like faux leather), and types of beds, it can be overwhelming to figure out which structure is best for your home based on interior design best practices. This list is here to help you make sense of the bed frame world!

What’s your style? There are so many different bed frames out there and so many different styles within each, that it can be hard to know where to begin. Do you want a storage bed with storage space? Or, does your king-size mattress need to fit down in a king-size bed frame? Even an adjustable bed can be supportive for a double bed or twin xl.

Are you a retro-loving individualist? Or, are you more of a traditionalist? Either way, this list has got you covered. 

Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern to go with your mid-century decor or want something more traditional and classic, this article will provide the support you need. Navigate through the realm of bed frames and get the guidance you need to find the perfect bed frame for your space. Whether it’s a loft bed or platform bed frames, the options are endless.

So let’s head off into dreamland and learn about bedding

BedFrame Styles

When it comes to exploring the world of bed frame styles, there is a lot to offer.
In this section, learn about the seven most common bed frame styles on the market today. 

Woven Frame

Having a woven bed frame in your bedroom gives it a warm, cozy, and country-like look. These frames are lightweight and sturdy, and they’re made from plant-based materials or plastic. 

Woven frames are also often referred to as wicker bed frames or rattan. Wicker furniture is traditional but used more and more in homes and for outdoor recreation. 

The natural materials used to construct these frames are cane, willow, or rush. Cane comes from the stems of the rattan palm (a type of climbing palm). Willow is from the flexible branches of the willow tree, and finally, rush comes from marsh grasses.

A woven bed frame looks natural and fresh like it belongs in a cottage or somewhere with many green plants and sunlight.

Metal BedFrame

If you’re looking for a bed frame that’s affordable, lightweight, and can be easily adjusted to fit different-sized mattresses, then you’re in the right place.

Metal frames are the most common type of bed frame. Many people find them more comfortable than other types because they’re lightweight and easy to move around. However, they lack the charisma of wooden bed frames.

Most metal frames are adjustable, so you can use them with different mattress sizes even if you don’t have a head or footboard-you could have the support base instead. You can also use them without having to buy a box spring. Though if you want to use it with a box spring, that’s no problem either.

Of course, there are some exceptions. For example, if you want to use this type of frame for a bunk bed, it won’t work with a box spring, it will just have bars supporting the mattress instead.

bed with a black metal bed frame

Ornate Frame

If you’re looking for a bed frame that’s both ornate and adjustable, look no further.

Ornate frames are everywhere. You see them in the downtown loft or paired with the headboard of a bed. They have that look-down pat-they know what they’re doing, and they can do it all! But there are also ornate frame styles that are more intimate. Some are used in bedrooms as headboards; others are used as footboards for your mattress.

You can get ornate frames in wood, metal, and wire to suit your decor and material needs. And if you’d prefer something more modern, you can go with a headboard made of mahogany or cherry wood. 

The key to using any ornate bed frame is to choose one that matches or complements your bedroom décor and aesthetic preferences. And don’t forget to adjust the height so you can sleep perfectly on your favorite mattress.

Brass Frame

Ah, brass. So old-fashioned, yet so glamorous.

Brass bed frames are one of the most aesthetically pleasing choices for your bedroom. These frames can be available in various styles with a vintage, old-fashioned look. Some come with headboards and footboards, and some don’t. Many have a vertical bar appearance, but others are rounded at either the head or foot of the bed. They’re usually lightweight and sturdy.

So if you’re looking to add a touch of class to your bedroom? Brass is the way to go!

Wrought Iron Frame

You can’t go wrong with a simple, wrought iron frame. However, when looking for something both classic and durable, a wrought iron frame might be just the thing.

Wrought iron is a classic and straightforward material that will endure everyday life’s bumps and bruises, so you won’t have to worry about it getting dented or scratched as quickly as other materials. It also has a flair, with its ornate scrollwork in the headboards and footboards. These wrought iron frames are pretty heavy but sturdy enough to stand up to the most boisterous sleepers.

Wrought iron bed frames are a great option if you’re looking for something classic yet durable. These frames are typically simple, but they do have some flair.

Wood Frame

Welcome to the club, wood frames!

A wood bed frame is one of the most common building materials for furniture. You can cut, paint, and carve wood to create beautiful pieces. Wood frames are available in several styles, including classic, rustic, country, and cottage. 

Wood frames have a classic look that can fit in with a modern or rustic aesthetic. In addition, these frames are easy to buy with shelves already inside them, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing storage separately. 

Whether you are looking for a wood bed frame to fit your country cottage style or a sleeker design to fit your modern decor, there is a wood frame out there for you.

You may also want to consider the finish you want on your wood frame. Again, several options are unfinished, stained, painted, carved, and more.

large bed with a wooden bed frame

Upholstered Frame

If you’re looking for a genuinely majestic headboard, an upholstered bed frame might be what you’re looking for to make your bedroom better!

Upholstered frames are soft headboards with buttons. The soft headboard can make sitting up to read, watch TV, or eat breakfast more comfortable. Consider an upholstered frame if you’re looking to add a little luxury and decoration to your bedroom.

Upholstered headboards are a great way to put your stamp on your bedroom. They’re available in a wide range of colors and fabrics. Make sure you choose a material that is easy to clean, as the headboard could be pretty close to the bed.

Types of Beds

Keep reading to learn about the 11 most popular types of beds! 

Canopy Bed

The classic canopy bed or canopy frame has posts at each corner of the bed connected with a wooden shelf along the top of the posts. This type is similar to a four-poster bed, but instead of being able to walk around the bases, you will have to duck underneath the top beam to get on and off the bed. Some classic canopies have an additional shelf below this one that acts as a footboard, while others have simple posts without any different brackets.

Another type of canopy bed is known as a “crown” or “crowned” canopy because it features an arched wooden crown along with its top instead of a straight beam. These canopies may also feature small beams that connect each post, but they do not cover the entire top surface of the bed. Therefore, rather than having to duck underneath this type of canopy, there is space between each beam that allows you to walk around the perimeter of your bed with ease.

Canopy beds and a canopy bed frame can be a great option for someone who loves a little drama in their design.

canopy bed with light pink curtains

Folding Bed

If you’re looking for a bed out of the ordinary, look no further than a folding bed.  And, if you’re looking for a bed that will be easily stored or hidden, consider a folding bed. Folding beds are an excellent option for those who have smaller spaces or need a bed that can serve two purposes. 

These beds have a hinged frame, allowing them to fold up into a closet or an enclosure. They’re perfect for studio apartments and guest rooms, where you can fold them out when you’re ready for sleep and fold them back up when company comes over. In addition, these beds can be placed into cupboards, rolled on a wheeled frame, or tucked into different enclosures for display. They even make excellent dorm room guest beds!

Low Poster Bed

The low poster bed is one of the oldest bed types around. People made the earliest beds out of wood and stone! The low poster is a simple and elegant design present in many households today. It has a post on each corner, but they are not very tall. There are many different tops to choose from: round, pointed, square, or other geometric shapes are common. You can also get these with an ornate headboard if you want something more decorative.

Low-poster beds are the most popular of all the bed frame styles. In addition to the four posters, low-poster beds can be further categorized by how they frame the part of the bed where you rest your head. These styles are based on a traditional aesthetic that has been in use for centuries. It is a typical style for royal families to use in their bedrooms and palaces as it presents an aura of class and distinction.

Platform Bed

You can say goodbye to box springs when you switch to a platform bed. Platform beds don’t require bulky box springs because they’re made out of a lattice structure/rows of flexible wooden slats that can support the heaviest of mattresses. 

A platform bed can be the perfect solution to your bedroom setup, whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a style just right for your space. They’re made of a lattice structure/rows of flexible wooden slats.

Their lattice structure and rows of flexible wooden slats eliminate the need for bulky box springs and allow for even weight distribution across the bed for the perfect night’s sleep. 

large modern platform bed

Trundle Bed

Trundle beds are an excellent solution for anyone with limited space! 

A bed on wheels that fits under another, Trundle beds are one of the most popular beds for children and teens. The reason for this is simple: they are two beds in one. You can keep the bottom bed tucked until you need it for a guest. Then, all you’ve got to do is pull the bottom bed out, and it is ready for use. It is not as bulky as a bunk bed, and it’s appropriate for even the smallest spaces.

If your teen has friends visit often, it may be a great option to get them a trundle bed. It will ensure they can easily host sleepovers while also having a comfy place to sleep at night when needed.

Trundle beds are available in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your teenage kid’s bedroom!

Panel Bed

The panel bed is an excellent option for those who need to maximize space; the panel bed is a classic design that offers plenty of room for storage underneath. 

Panel beds are the easiest way to bring warmth and style into your bedroom. Imagine you’re back in the 18th century, where they came from – just swap out the candlelight for a lamp, and you’ll be all set. These beds are made out of decorated, tall, and flat wood panels for the headboard and footboard.

Panel beds are often confused with platform beds, but the difference is that panel beds have side rails that allow using a box spring and mattress.

Day Bed

How often have you struggled to find a place for your guests to sleep? Or maybe you want a bed that’s also a couch. Then, day beds are the answer!

Day beds are popular in guest rooms and other home areas where a person may need to change their position throughout the day. These beds are a hybrid between a chaise lounge, sofa, and bed, giving you as many options for use as possible.

You can sit, lounge on them, recline on them, and even sleep on them. They’re formed like a sofa with an extended back that folds over itself to create a headboard. The bed comprises one or more mattresses that are similar in size to twin mattresses.

nautical themed day bed

Sleigh Bed

Sleigh beds are a popular choice for those who want their bedroom to have a cozy, old-fashioned feel. They’re not just for show, though: these beds are built for comfort and stability.

Their history shows that their name comes from the French word “lit à la Reine,” which translates to “bed of the queen.” Which is precisely what they were! Sleigh beds were initially reserved for royalty, which makes sense given their majestic appearance.

These are exquisite pieces of furniture initially found in the early 19th century American and French Empire period – around 1804 to 1815 – and have remained incredibly popular throughout the years.

Poster Bed

Poster beds make you feel like royalty every time you sleep in one!

Poster beds are iconic for their four vertical columns, one in each corner. The columns can be curved, square, pointed, or whatever shape you dream of. Of course, most people know poster beds for their canopy feature. But poster beds come in various shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect bed to fit your bedroom!

If you love antique furniture, a poster bed might be the perfect fit for your bedroom. These sturdy, stately beds are crafted in an authentic 17th-century style, and they’re sure to help you get a good night’s sleep as if you were sleeping on a cloud!

modern black four poster bed

Futon

You might think the futon is a relic of the past, but in reality, it’s a perfect solution for today’s small space issues. These beds are a bed and a sofa in one, which means that when you’re not using it as a bed, you can fold it up into a couch.

But don’t think of futons as just plain wood frames with thin cushions! Futons are available in various structures, such as wood and metal. You can even get them with different types of padding and shapes to be used as loungers or recliners!

Bunk Bed

Bunk beds are perfect for everyone who likes to share their bedroom with another person.

We know that some people prefer to have a lot of space. For those people, we would recommend the bunk bed. Bunk beds are two twin beds stacked on top of each other with a ladder leading to the top bunk. But, they come in all shapes and sizes, from the classic twin-bed-on-top-of-twin-bed model to lofted beds with desks underneath.

But bunk beds have more than novelty on their side: studies show the dual-decker style helps kids learn to share space with siblings, which makes them better at working on group projects once they reach school age.

Bunk beds also help you save space in your kids’ rooms, so they can fit more bookshelves and toy storage bins!

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