Written by Jessica Timmons, Writer
People tend to spend a lot of time researching their mattress purchase, but the bed frame also deserves consideration, too. It’s what offers sufficient support and structure to your mattress, helping it perform at its best.
Bed frames come in lots of styles. You can find a bed frame with or without a headboard and in various heights to suit different preferences. Beyond finding a frame that will accommodate your mattress size, here’s what else to keep in mind as you shop.
Bed Frame Size Chart
| Mattress Dimensions | Bed Frame Dimensions | Room Size Recommended | |
| Twin | 38” x 75” | 40-43” x 77-80” | 7’ x 10’ |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” | 40-43” x 82-85” | 7’ x 10.5’ |
| Full | 54” x 75” | 56-59” x 77-80” | 9.5’ x 10.5’ |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | 62-65” x 82-85” | 10’ x 10’ |
| King | 76” x 80” | 78-81″ x 82-85” | 12’ x 12’ |
| Cal King | 72” x 84” | 74-77” x 86-89” | 12’ x 12’ |
Types of Bed Frames
Finding the right bed frame begins with choosing the right style. Let’s take a look at five of the most common bed frame types.
Platform
Platform bed frames are generally designed without a headboard or a footboard. It’s a modern, minimalist style often available in wood or metal. Unlike other bed frame styles, platform beds serve as the only support for the mattress, with no need for a box spring or a foundation. They’re available in all mattress sizes.
Panel
A panel bed frame is a traditional style that uses railed support on either side, with a headboard and footboard. The mattress is supported with wide slats, on which a foundation or box spring rests. These bed frames are also available in all sizes. They’re sturdy and stable, and they’re often affordably priced.
Sleigh
Sleigh bed frames are generally made of wood (though they can also be upholstered) and feature curved headboards and footboards, with either a panel or platform base. These decorative bed frames are durable, but they’re also heavy. That can make them hard to move. Sleigh frames can accommodate all mattress sizes.
Four-Poster
Four-poster bed frames are a classic style with four posts or pillars on all four corners, along with side panels, and often a headboard and footboard. Four-poster frames are often decorated with canopies or curtains. They have a striking aesthetic, but they take up a lot of room and vertical space.
Adjustable
Adjustable bed frames make it possible to customize the position of your mattress, including raising and lowering the head and foot. They’re generally powered by motors and controlled with wired or wireless remotes. These frames usually come with a range of features and options, but they can be expensive.
Wood vs Metal Bed Frames
The material your bed frame is made of is also important because it can affect.
Metal frames tend to be lightweight, low-maintence, and durable, without the potential for warping that may occur with wooden frames. The weakest points of a metal bed are the welded joints, which could bend or break. They can also be noisy, but tend to be an affordable option.
Wooden frames often have a warmer, more classic aesthetic. They’re also easy to maintain and come in many styles and finishes. They’re also sturdy and offer great support for a mattress. But they can be more expensive and they’re often heavy.
Who May Prefer a Wood Frame?
- Those looking for a classic aesthetic
- Those who want a durable, supportive option
Who May Prefer a Metal Frame?
- Those on a budget
- Those who like to rearrange their bedroom furniture
- Those who like a modern, industrial aesthetic
How to Pick the Right Bed Frame for Your Mattress
Bed frame sizes correspond to mattress sizes, which means you’ll need a Queen-size frame for your Queen-size mattress. Beyond that, choosing the right bed frame comes down to personal preferences, budgetary considerations, and logistics. If space is at a premium, for example, a slimmer bed frame, like a platform bed, is likely a better choice than a four-poster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard bed frame sizes?
Standard bed frame sizes correspond to mattress sizes:
- Twin: 40-43” x 77-80”
- Twin XL: 40-43” x 82-85”
- Full: 56-59” x 77-80”
- Queen: 62-65” x 82-85”
- King: 78-81” x 82-85”
- Cal king: 74-77” x 86-89”
How do you measure bed frames?
Bed frames are measured from head to foot to determine length and side to side to determine width. You can also measure from the floor to the top of the headboard to determine height.
Do you need a bed frame?
Most folks will prefer to have a bed frame. Bed frames support your mattress to ensure it can perform properly. They also raise your bed off the floor, which helps keep it clean and makes it easier to get in and out of bed. Bed frames also add style to your bedroom.
Bottom Line
Bed frames come in all materials, styles, shapes, and sizes. There are pros and cons to different frame styles, and it’s worth considering your options carefully. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your budget, room size, and personal preferences.