Praised for their sturdiness and durability, metal bed frames can be a great choice for a variety of different aesthetics. “They keep a bedroom feeling light and more architectural than something like wood,” says interior designer Lauren Lerner. “Functionally, they resist warping, cracking and shifting.” The best metal bed frames offer reliable longevity and a beautiful appearance, plus they’re easy to assemble at home. After performing extensive research and consulting experts, we ranked the Alcott Hill Leavitt Complete Bed as the best overall, thanks to its versatile design and strong steel build.
Metal bed frames are known for their strength and durability, making them an excellent investment.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
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Why We Named It Best Overall
This metal bed frame has a versatile look that can complement both modern and traditionally designed bedrooms alike, making it a crowd-pleasing pick. It’s also made from durable carbon steel, which multiple experts recommend as a heavy material that’s low maintenance and holds up well over time.
Attractive, Sturdy Design
The Alcott Hill Leavitt Complete Bed Frame features both a headboard and a footboard, with vertical and horizontal lines joined together for a sleek, classic look. The hammered brown finish on the carbon steel metal adds a warm, welcoming feel, making it a versatile and timeless choice. (Though keep in mind that’s the only finish color available.)
This bed frame has earned a 4.7-star rating from thousands of customers who commonly praise its solid quality and likable aesthetic. Most also comment on the ease of assembly, as it comes with all the tools needed to put it together.
Box Spring Required
Keep in mind that a separate box spring is recommended to best support a mattress on this frame. The bottom part doesn’t include any slats—just a singular rod in the middle—which means a structured foundation can help protect the mattress while keeping you comfortable.
Why We Named It Best Value
For a fraction of the price of most metal bed frames on this list, the Zinus SmartBase delivers a dependably stable build in multiple finishes that’s easy to assemble tool-free. Plus, there’s no box spring required, thanks to the vertical and horizontal slats built into the base.
Great For Hosting Guests
I have personally used this bed frame and found it to be a great option for hosting guests intermittently (with something like an added foldable mattress). That’s because assembly is a breeze; the legs snap into place with no tools required, and the whole thing can be folded into a compact shape to stow away when it’s not in use.
Reliably Sturdy Build
It’s made from a durable alloy steel that has both horizontal and vertical slats to hold up to 1,500 pounds at a time. It’s also designed to minimize squeaking, which owners have reported is effective, even over time. Plus, there is 13 inches of clearance space underneath for convenient storage, and it comes with a five-year warranty for peace of mind.
Why We Named It Best Platform
Platform bed frames are great for small or cluttered bedrooms, as they offer extra under-bed storage space for tucking items away. But some only offer a foot (or less) of clearance, which minimizes the type of items you can tuck under there. This Puffy bed frame offers 15 inches of under-bed clearance, which is ideal for stashing storage bins and containers out of sight.
Durable, Non-Slip Slats
This bed frame features both horizontal and vertical slats to support up to 1,000 pounds of weight without a box spring. It also comes with a non-slip pad to help keep the mattress in place without having to readjust it over time. Plus, no tools are required to put the frame together.
Headboard Not Included
This bed frame doesn’t come with a headboard, which could be a downside for some. However, it comes with headboard attachments that can be bolted directly into the frame, so you can purchase one separately and follow included instructions to attach it.
Why We Named It Best Modern
With a minimalist design that carries clean lines from the foot of the bed to the headboard, the AllModern Open-Frame Bed has a sleek look that would work well in a bedroom with a modern aesthetic. It’s made from expert-recommended powder-coated stainless steel, ideal for durability and resistance to corrosion over time. Plus, the included wooden slats replace the need for a box spring.
Easy To Assemble
Most owners report this bed being exceptionally easy to put together, with some saying the full setup takes just minutes. The brand sends all the tools required for assembly, including a rubber mallet to ensure a snug fit with each piece.
Low Profile Throughout
Dimensions are important to consider with this bed frame, as many users reported a lower profile than expected. This seems most relevant with the headboard, which some say makes it difficult to keep pillows on the bed without sliding through the opening. (The headboard is 32 inches tall, while the main frame is 12 inches tall.)
Why We Named It Best Vintage
This stylish frame features an arched headboard and footboard, an aged metal finish and finial-decorated columns and legs, all contributing to an antique look. But unlike an authentic antique, this bed is reliably sturdy, and it’s compatible with adjustable bases to balance vintage style with modern technology. Plus, the six supportive legs and horizontal slats mean a box spring isn’t required (though it may depend on your mattress).
Tall Headboard And Under-Bed Clearance
At 58 inches tall, this headboard is eye-catching and functional; it’s great for comfortably sitting up in bed when padded by pillows, and it adds an elevated design element to the room. Although this isn’t a platform bed, there are just under 10 inches of clearance space underneath, which is great for storing shoes or low-profile storage containers.
Why We Named It Best Canopy
This Kelly Clarkson Home bed frame has a classic look with unique details, thanks to the spindles on the posts, headboard and footboard. It’s available in both black and white finishes to best match the surrounding bedroom, but both are made from powder-coated iron for reliable durability.
Low-Profile With Box Spring Required
This bed offers just over 6 inches of clearance underneath, so it’s recommended for those who prefer a low-profile bed—not anyone looking for ample under-bed storage. Also, keep in mind that a separate box spring is required with this bed frame.
How We Chose The Best Metal Bed Frames
The sleep team at Forbes Vetted is dedicated to helping our readers get better rest by evaluating the top mattresses and sleep products on the market, including bed frames.
- We sought out popular metal bed frames from reputable retailers like Wayfair, AllModern and more that have been recommended by owners.
- When possible, we provided firsthand feedback on products that our team has personally used, like the Zinus SmartBase Metal Bed Frame.
- We interviewed three interior designers for expertise on choosing the best metal bed frames to complement each individual’s space.
- We made sure to include a variety of bed frames to suit different needs, budgets and aesthetics.
- We prioritized models that have been widely praised by owners, only including bed frames with a 4-star rating or higher.
What To Consider With The Best Metal Bed Frames
- Material: Experts often recommend steel as a durable choice for metal bed frames. Lerner recommends powder-coated steel specifically, which can preserve the material while resisting corrosion over time.
- Size: Pay close attention to the dimension of the bed frame, especially when it comes to under-bed clearance and canopy bed posts. “Lower-profile frames work better in condos or apartments where visual openness matters, whereas frames with built-in headboards and under-bed clearance maximize functionality in smaller spaces,” says interior designer Daniel Kocur.
- Assembly: Be sure to look at the assembly required for a bed frame. Some offer a quick, tool-free experience, while others can require several hours and tools. Sometimes, retailers—like Wayfair—offer professional assembly for an added cost.
- Style: Consider the design elements—like a headboard or canopy—as well as color finishes—like brass or matte black—when shopping for a metal bed frame. Modern bedrooms may benefit from clean lines and a matte black finish, while vintage-style bedrooms would be better suited to a brass bed with ornate details on the headboard.
- Weight capacity: Be sure to confirm the bed frame’s weight capacity, keeping your mattress in mind in addition to your own (and your partner’s) weight. For reference, the average queen-size mattress weighs 100 pounds, and this can vary depending on materials.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- Our team has evaluated a wide variety of the best bed frames on the market, including the best wooden bed frames and best adjustable bed frames.
- The author of this article, Monica Petrucci, is a writer who frequently covers sleep topics at Forbes Vetted. She has tested dozens of mattresses and other sleep products.
- Overseeing this guide, Bridget Chapman is the senior mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted. She’s a certified sleep science coach with several years of professional product testing experience, wherein she has tested over 200 mattresses.