Types of bed frames: A guide to the best styles for every bedroom

The bed frame is one of the most eye-catching elements in a bedroom, and its height, silhouette, and material all help set the tone of your space. So many styles exist, from tall, ornate four-poster frames to low, streamlined wood-framed platform beds. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common types of bed frames, how they’re built, and what kinds of rooms (and sleepers) they suit best. 

15 different bed frame styles and their benefits

These different types of bed frames have the power to make a space feel cozy, modern, or dramatic, all while supporting your mattress. 

Here are 15 bed frame types to give your bedroom the perfect look. 

1. Platform bed frame

A platform bed frame is all about simplicity. For bedrooms that lean into feng shui minimalism, clean lines, and no headboard and footboard keep the design understated. No box spring is needed since the mattress sits on a sturdy platform, making this type an easy choice for anyone who loves sleek, functional design. 

2. Panel bed frame

   

A panel bed frame, sometimes referred to as a slat bed, frames the bed and holds up the mattress with a series of evenly spaced wood or metal slats. These slats help with airflow, which can extend the life (and freshness) of your mattress. Panel bed frames are a practical choice that pairs well with other minimalist decor, and often come with a lower price tag. 

3. Canopy bed frame

A canopy bed frame is a dramatic centerpiece to your inner sanctum. Its tall posts and crossbars create a focal point you can dress up with flowing fabrics for a luxurious, dreamy vibe — perfect for a boho, coastal, or maximalist design aesthetic. 

Since a canopy bed is such a statement piece (especially for large bed sizes like a California King), you can keep the rest of the decor subdued.

4. Four-poster bed frame

Similar to a canopy bed frame just without the crossbars, a four-poster bed has four tall, sturdy posts at each corner. The posts can stand alone as the bed’s focal point or be dressed up with draped curtains for a more dramatic look, making a four-poster bed a stylish option that can easily shift from bold to understated. 

Find a dreamy four-poster bed on Onton

5. Sleigh bed frame

A sleigh bed frame brings old school charm with its signature curved head and footboards, often crafted from solid wood. This classic design adds a sophisticated, vintage charm to your room, making it an ideal choice for cottagecore or French country styles. If you’re looking for character, a sleigh bed frame is a great interior design choice for your bedroom. 

6. Trundle bed frame

A clever space-saver, a trundle bed frame tucks a second mattress underneath the main one, ready to roll out when you need it. The top layer can be a standard bed or a daybed that doubles as seating, giving you extra utility. 

Trundle beds are smart solutions for small bedrooms, kids' rooms, or multimedia rooms where flexibility matters. 

7. Loft bed frame

A loft bed lifts the mattress high off the ground, making room for furniture, additional storage, or a cozy reading nook. Typically designed as kids' beds with twin mattresses, these beds are also perfect for shared spaces or studio apartments where square footage matters. Plus, many come equipped with built-in drawers and cubbies, making them ideal for maximizing functionality in tight spaces. 

8. Bookcase bed frame

Book nerds rejoice — there’s a bed frame just for you. A bookcase frame has built-in shelves and storage underneath the bed, plus shelving at the headboard to hold your favorite reads, knick-knacks, and nighttime essentials. It’s a functional, statement-making choice that adds character while helping you stay neat and organized. 

Check out beds with plenty of storage on Onton

9. Bunk bed frames

Another space-saving bed frame is the bunk bed frame, which has two separate beds stacked on top of one another. Ideal for shared rooms or small spaces, this popular design maximizes vertical space, leaving plenty of room for play. Whether for kids or guest rooms, bunk beds are a fun and functional way to optimize sleeping arrangements.

10. Murphy bed frame

A Murphy bed frame is a convertible bed that folds into the wall when not in use, making it perfect for rooms that do double-duty. Whether in a studio apartment, small bedroom-home office, or guest bedroom, it gives you the option to have a cozy bed that disappears when you need extra space. 

11. Waterbed 

Popular in the ’70s and ’80s, waterbeds offer a nostalgic statement perfect for retro or bohemian bedrooms. Modern options include free-flowing or semi-waveless mattresses for more controlled movement. You can also dress it up with different frames, like a chunky sleigh bed frame or sleek platform bed frame, depending on whether you want a minimalist or maximalist design. 

12. Cabin bed frame

Looking to bring the great outdoors indoors? A cabin bed frame makes a big statement with a bold headboard and footboard, often crafted from exposed logs or timber. It’s a great choice for woodsy bedrooms that want to exude rugged camping aesthetics without leaving you feeling like you slept next to a bonfire. 

13. Futon bed frame

    

Need a couch and a bed? Enter the futon. Perfect for smaller spaces and sleepovers, it's a simple solution that gives you both a flexible daybed and a comfortable place to crash. If you’re having a pal stay over for the night and don’t have the space for a larger setup, a futon is the simplest way to help your guest get some shut-eye.

14. Spindle bed frame

Characteristic turned rods give the spindle bed its signature charm — subtle, symmetrical, and full of character. With roots in early American design, it brings a vintage feel that suits cottage, farmhouse, or bohemian bedrooms without feeling heavy or overly ornate. Spindle bed frames typically come in wood or metal, which can add texture as well as make a statement.

15. Floating bed frame

A floating bed frame gives the illusion that your mattress hovers over the ground. Supported by a hidden base, it’s a sleek, modern choice that adds a bit of visual intrigue and makes the room feel more open. Some floating beds even come with underglow lighting for extra effect, leaning into a futuristic vibe. 

How to choose a bed frame for your space

Now that you know the difference between a panel bed versus a platform bed and a canopy versus a four-poster, it’s time to pick the perfect frame: 

• Consider room size and ceiling height: Try to keep 18 to 24 inches of space between the top of a canopy or four-poster bed. This makes the bed feel like a centerpiece, not a squeeze. For lofted beds, you might want closer to 30 inches to keep sleepers from feeling cramped. 

• Prioritize storage and simplicity: If you’re short on space, look for built-in drawers or under-bed clearance. If storage isn’t a concern, a simple, low-profile frame can keep the room feeling airy. 

• Check material and build quality: Solid wood, metal, brass, and iron frames tend to offer better long-term support and durability than cheaper composites. Although it may be a heftier upfront cost, investing in quality can save you from replacing a worn-out frame later on. 

• Account for mattress type: Some beds require box springs. Check compatibility to ensure your mattress gets the right support — and that you’re not stuck buying extra pieces. 

Explore different types of bed frames with Onton

Are you a kitschy cabin bed lover or do you lean more toward clean minimalism? Let Onton’s AI-powered search engine help you figure out the bed frame that makes you want to curl up under the covers. Try a search like “bohemian bed frame” or “Murphy bed for home office” to find the right one. 

Once you find your favorites, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how everything fits together. Upload a picture of your bedroom and experiment with different bed styles — it’s a quick and easy way to design your dream home. 

Dream up your ideal bed frame aesthetic with Onton.