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Types of bed frames

Our site provides descriptions and comparisons of queen bed frame styles on the market today, as well as a roundup of the best retailers on the web. We hope you find everything you need here!

When choosing a style for the centerpiece of your bedroom decor, you have many options available. Understanding the various bed frame types is essential to get the most for your money. Remember, inexpensive doesn’t have to mean cheap (as in poorly made). Here you can learn about the various types to help you make the best decision for your living space and budget.

By far, the two most popular types of bed frames are metal and wood (or wooden bed frames). There are, however, a number of other types of bed frames that deserve mention here.

Metal bed frames usually have the lowest cost because they are the simplest in design. A standard metal bed frame consists of two side rails, two end rails (one at the head of the bed, one at the foot), and at least one cross-bar (between the left-side and the right-side). These offer minimal support but are adequate for typical sleeping requirements.

Wooden bed frames are usually constructed out of high-quality wood like oak or cherry. These frames often include a headboard and/or a footboard. Sturdy construction and solid support are two of the many benefits of this type of frame, but high cost is the main detractor.

Waterbed frames are similar to platform bed frames (discussed below) but waterbed frames are specifically designed to hold a large amount of weight. Waterbed frames sometimes feature drawers or other storage options in the foundation of the frame to maximize usage of space.

Platform bed frames are very similar to waterbed frames. They typically feature a wide base (sometimes with storage options, sometimes without) that supports the mattress fully with a sheet of plywood (or other types of wood) sitting on top of a base. Platform bed frames offer a great amount of support supplied evenly across the mattress. As such, it is common to use a platform bed frame with a mattress only (no box springs required).

*It is worth noting that a platform bed with storage space beneath (whether in the form of drawers or otherwise) is often referred to as a chest bed or captain’s bed). By current definition, platform bed frame is still the correct terminology.

Canopy bed frames typically feature long bed posts at each corner, and these posts may extend 3 or 4 feet (or higher!) above the mattress. As the name implies, canopy bed frames often feature a ceiling of cloth draped over the bed and suspended by the four corner posts, creating a canopy.

A brass bed frame is exactly what the name implies… A bed frame (usually similar to the common metal bed frame) made of brass. Four legs, four posts, typically 2 to 4 cross-bars for additional support of the box springs.

Sleigh beds are almost always made of wood and (in the spirit of their name) look like old-school sleighs. The design is very Victorian in its influence and adds a classical elegance to modern bedrooms. These beds are generally a bit more expensive than standard wooden bed frames.

This page is continuously updated, so if you need more info about any of these types of bed frames or you would like to see a different type of bed frame included here, Please Contact Us!

The video below is just an example of the many types of bed frames that are available. Queen Bed Frames Online is in NO way affiliated with the creator of this video. It is provided for informational purposes only.