The Best Platform Beds Are a Big Boost for Your Sleep Setup

While elaborate sleep setups like romantic canopy beds are back in style, the most streamlined silhouette for your bedroom will always and forever be one of the best platform beds. The elevated, minimal, often headboard-less look is still very in these days, buoyed by the popularity of Japandi-influenced bed frames like the Instagram-beloved Floyd. More and more brands are putting their spin on the genre these days, offering lots of ways to enhance your bedroom aesthetics plus plenty of storage underneath when closet space is sparse. They’re also ready to pair with your mattress, no box spring required, meaning one less thing to buy.

Our Top Picks for the Best Platform Beds

Best Shaker-Style Bed

Article Lenia Panel Bed

Read more

$1,099

Article

Best Budget Choice

George Oliver Hermes Contemporary Modern Wood Platform Bed

Read more

$500 $410 (18% off)

Wayfair

Best for Under-Bed Clearance

Scandinavian Minimalist Birch Platform Bed Frame

Read more

$1,199

Etsy

Our editors and contributors have tested several kinds of platform beds over the years, and have some thoughts on what’s for keeps, and what squeaks enough to do without. Among our top contenders, there are plenty of gorgeous platforms in the mix, from ones made with solid wood to upholstered fabric finishes. Read on to hear more about our favorite platform beds over the years that will raise your bedroom’s profile—along with details on return windows and warranty details should you want to give it the heave-ho after your own round of testing.

Unless otherwise noted, prices reflect queen-size beds. However, most of them are available in additional sizes.

For anyone eyeing a simple, no-frills bed with subtle ornamentation, this Shaker-inspired bed might fit the bill. With gently tapered legs and a panel headboard for propping up your back, it’s a nice option that embodies quiet elegance. Contributor DaVonne Onassis Bacchus tested it for us and had only positives to share, from the delivery and setup to the sturdy, squeak-free silhouette. “Once the mattress was placed on the new queen bed frame, that first lay down was glorious. It was exactly what I wanted: sturdy,” Bacchus says. “My initial impression was the solid construction of the frame; it is well made and it did live up to my expectations.” The only caveat is that, unless you’re willing to shell out $199 for white-glove delivery, the brand estimates your bed assembly will take an hour to put together.

For those on the hunt for an affordable wood platform bed frame that doesn’t skimp on style, this model from Wayfair delivers. It's easy to assemble and unassuming enough that it won’t stick out like a sore thumb in your home. Contributor and tester Yelena Moroz Alpert especially recommends it for anyone who needs a bed for a kids room or guest room. “It’s a solid choice for someone on a budget. It looks substantial enough and is not flimsy upon construction,” she said. “When I was sitting up and reading at night, the headboard did not hit against the wall or feel as if I was pushing it back.” She also notes that despite its mixture of real wood and MDF, all the faux wood parts look real enough to pass muster upon inspection.

After more than a year of hunting high and low for the perfect modern platform bed for her small apartment, our associate commerce director Lori Keong finally chanced upon this Scandi-style option on Etsy from a small woodworking business based in Denver, Colorado. It had less than five reviews at the time, but ended up being a solid, zero-regrets bedding purchase. Everything ships out flat packed, with jigsaw puzzle-like pieces that fit together snugly so you never have to hassle with wooden slats wiggling around and squeaking underneath you. Keong claims that noise has never been an issue for her, either, and that the bed feels as sturdy as the day she put it together (in about 15 minutes, which is a breeze). Another major perk is that the bed is raised nearly a foot off the ground for extra storage space, so she’s been able to squeeze all kinds of containers and bins under there. The only downside is that because this is an Etsy purchase, you won’t find traditional warranty options here.

If you’re anything like commerce market editor Kate McGregor, a closed or hidden bed storage that doesn’t take up extra space is key to maintaining a well-kept New York apartment. Attracted to Saatva’s Halle bed for its minimal silhouette and style agnostic look, McGregor knew the frame would suit her ever-evolving design preferences. “Over the last eight months, this bed has remained sturdy, and without being too dramatic, it has revolutionized my apartment’s storage,” she says. The frame lift mechanisms are notably easy to use and lock while lifted, allowing anyone to maneuver in the storage space without holding the bed up. “This bed is a major investment, but I don’t plan on needing a different bed frame anytime soon (maybe ever), so the longevity is well worth the price point.”

West Elm Simple Bed Frame

$499 $349 (30% off)

West Elm

What this straightforward, traditional bed frame lacks in surprises it makes up for with sturdiness and quality. The solid wood frame is available in white (pictured) or acorn and designed to be paired (if you like) with West Elm headboards. Our tester, contributor Katie Henwood, touted its storage capabilities in our best bed frames round up, saying, “Anyone looking to create more space in their small apartment, this is the bed frame for you. It’s not bulky like some bed frames that come with storage built in, and is simple enough to take with you wherever you go in the future.” Choose from two leg heights, depending on how low to the ground you want your bed to feel.

The Bed by Thuma

$1,195

Thuma

Made of upcycled and repurposed rubber wood, this eco-friendly option from Thuma has a reputation for its Japanese joinery. Pieces easily slide into place so shoppers don’t have to puzzle over an assembly manual. Not only does it come in every size under the sun, you can even order it as a daybed that comes with cushioned, upholstered panels on one of the longer sides, as well. Senior digital design editor Zoë Sessums reported the bed’s assembly as hassle-free, like building with giant Lincoln Logs, and loved how “hefty” the frame looks. “The Japanese craftsman technique was true to the promise of having a quiet, easy-to-put-together setup,” Sessums said. The only thing she didn’t love about the bed was the repurposed wood materials that make up the bed, which she felt had a lower-quality, MDF-looking appearance.

With a midcentury-modern design that nods to vintage silhouettes thanks to its wood spindle headboard, this frame from Zinus marries affordability with sturdiness according to commerce director Rachel Fletcher. It’s got a high-quality, handsome design that’s easy to put together and all for a super affordable cost. “The style of the Linda is pretty agnostic—it’s a little midcentury, a little Scandinavian—so much so that I can imagine it fitting into a host of home decor aesthetics, from a cozy cabin to something more minimalist or beachy or boho,” Fletcher previously explained. “With the Linda, the decor world is your oyster.”

The Floyd Platform Bed

$796

Floyd

There was a time after its release in 2015 when the Floyd bed felt almost ubiquitous. Everyone and their favorite influencer owned or wanted one of these beds. Though their popularity has waned a bit over the years, we’d be remiss to not mention them on this list. Our tester, Sessums, likes that the Floyd is very customizable, whether or not you want a matching headboard or built-in storage drawers tacked. Assembly and hauling the pieces up the stairs of her fourth-floor walkup was a bigger issue, but once you’ve gotten a hang of the setup the process gets easier: “All you need to do is secure the steel brackets to the frame and then tighten the panel to said brackets. It’s a nice addition if you like to sit up to read in bed,” she noted.

Though we haven’t had a chance to conk out on top of any of these bed frames below, we wanted to give you some more stylish options to peruse, along with more affordable options under $1,000.

Castlery Madison Bed

$899

Castlery

For Hotel-Worthy Aesthetics: The Madison is a fully-upholstered platform bed that sets itself apart with its biscuit-tufted headboard that makes it a cozy, soft addition to any bedroom in the house. It comes in both queen and king sizes and is built on sturdy rubber wood legs, which are finished with a classic walnut stain.

Kaisley Platform Bed

$1,698 $1,274 (25% off)

Lulu and Georgia

For Cottagecore Charm: The cheerful patterns on this platform bed feel like something out of a storybook cottage, and will help brighten your day every morning you wake up on it. Short stubby legs and a rounded headboard also amplify the twee appeal of the frame.

Keetsa Gold Brushed Bed Frame

$690

Keetsa

For a Sleek Metallic Finish: Metal bed frames get a bad reputation for how low-budget they can look. This Keetsa option takes the traditional metal frame and elevates it in a brushed finish that would pair well with a sleek Art Deco theme. Laminated birch slats also replace the usual flimsy support bar you’ll find on the cheapest metal bed frames.

Aurora Bed Frame

$525 $349 (34% off)

Nectar

A Sleek and Simple Option: Sometimes, simpler is better. This pine and steel frame is as solid as they come, and available in both walnut and natural, giving you options to pick from whatever best blends in with your bedroom style. It doesn’t have a headboard, making it a little more low profile if you’re working with a smaller space that you don’t want to overwhelm.

West Elm Mid-Century Side Storage Platform Bed

$1,699 $1,499 (12% off)

West Elm

For Built-In Storage: Style and storage come together in this low-profile platform bed with shelves built right in. It eliminates the need for a nightstand, making it an ideal choice for small spaces (we’re looking at you, New York apartment dwellers). The bed frame is made of sustainably sourced, kiln-dried wood and built in a Fair Trade Certified facility. It has solid spruce wood slats, works with queen- and king-size mattresses, and it is available in two colors: pebble gray and chestnut (pictured).

AD-Approved Storage Containers for Platform Beds

We think you can do better than mismatched plastic bins and old cardboard boxes. Here we pulled a few attractive storage options to help you make the most of your extra space.

Article Lenia Underbed Storage Drawer (Set of 2)

$399

Article

These rolling drawers were made to pair with the Lenia frame that contributor DaVonne Onassis Bacchus tested, but we think they’d also make a nice complement to any similar light wood frame (as long as you have more than a seven-inch clearance to work with).

Crate & Barrel Sedona Under Bed Storage Basket

$149

Crate & Barrel

The low profile of these woven rattan baskets make them ideal for discreet storage under a platform bed frame. They’ll fit well with any rustic or coastal aesthetic and they’re just the right size to stow away heavy sweaters during the summer or bathing suits in the winter.

West Elm Foldover Quilted Underbed Storage

$79 $40 (49% off)

West Elm

We love any opportunity for a monogram moment and these fabric storage organizers let you personalize your containers with custom embroidery. Since they have a zipper design, these are a great option for safekeeping delicate textiles like cashmere and wool from hungry moths.

The Twillery Co. Oloran Bin with Bamboo Lid

$30 $17 (43% off)

Wayfair

This bamboo lid storage bin is shallow enough that you should have enough room to stack two (or even three) on top of each other. We like its minimalist design that pairs well with more contemporary home aesthetics, especially if you’re partial to light wood hues.

Here at AD, we test our bed frames the old fashioned way: measuring how long it takes to set them up in our homes, how much they squeak and creak in the night, and if they have the right support necessary to prop up our massive, modern mattresses. We considered all the factors any other shopper might: ease and cost of shipping and handling, whether there’s a returns and warranty process, along with how they felt to sleep on and tried out each bed frame for at least a month (though most our editors and contributors have been sleeping on for years). For more intel on what goes through our minds as we test, read our mega bed frames guide that breaks down the criteria for each option.

Though several beds have passed in and out of our homes, only a select few made this list that we felt combined style chops, sturdiness, durability, and easy assembly to the fullest effect. And because we haven’t had the chance to rest our little heads on every kind of bed out there, we also added in a section of styles that we love for different aesthetics, from cottagecore- to Art Deco–leaning rooms.