How We Test
Our team of sleep product experts test every bed frame in-house in our Seattle-based sleep lab. We assemble every king size bed frame ourselves and note how easy (or difficult) it was to put together. We also examine the frame’s materials, strength, and connection components because they can affect its durability.
After putting the frame together, we try it out using different mattress constructions to see if it’s better-suited to a particular type. For king size frames in particular, we also look at height and overall size so that you’ll know if it will fit in your bedroom before making a purchase. We think it’s vital to understand how big investments like bed frames hold up over time, so we consult verified customer reviews to learn about their real-world experiences.
How Big Is a King Size Bed Frame?
An average king size bed frame is a couple of inches wider and longer than a king size mattress, which is about 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. The extra width and length generally accommodate small variations in size across different mattress manufacturers.
Bed frame height is more variable. Most frames are between 16 and 24 inches tall, though some low-profile models are closer to 10 or 12 inches. Height isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. An exceptionally tall frame can make getting in and out of bed more challenging, especially for people with limited mobility.
Below are typical dimensions for the larger mattress and bed frame sizes.
Who Should Use a King Size Bed Frame?
King size bed frames are designed to fit king size mattresses. As such, they’re most suitable for people who already have a king size mattress or intend to get one.
A king bed is the widest of the standard bed sizes, so they’re ideal for couples, individuals over 230 pounds, and high-movement sleepers. King beds are also more spacious for those who share the bed with pets and/or children.
If you’re thinking of buying a king size bed, make sure to consider your room’s dimensions. King beds are fairly large and can make smaller rooms feel cramped.
If you’ve got a king size mattress, you’ve probably got the room for a king size frame. That said, look at the frame’s total height and width to make sure you’ve got the space to accommodate design features or under-bed storage.
How Much Does a King Size Bed Frame Cost?
Most bed frames cost between $300 and $1,200, but shoppers can always find exceptions.
Price largely depends on material quality, craftsmanship, and brand reputation. As with mattresses, the cost of a bed frame increases with size. The same pricing structure applies to bedding accessories like sheets and comforters, so shoppers should consider their budget when choosing a bed size.
Can King Size Bed Frames Be Purchased Online?
Shoppers can find a wide array of king size bed frames online. Compared to brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers usually have a greater selection and more competitive pricing. While it can be harder to gauge a bed frame’s quality and appearance online, many retailers offer sleep trials or return policies.
King bed frames ship in sizable boxes that usually require more than one person to maneuver. Most bed frames are fairly easy to assemble at home, but some companies offer professional installation.
Types of Bed Frames
Bed frames come in a variety of styles and materials. Some are more functional, while others have sophisticated features.
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it does cover the most popular bed frames available today.
A platform bed doesn’t require a box spring since it has a slatted framework to support a mattress. Some rest on legs, while others sit directly on the floor.
Platform beds are popular for their simplicity and lower profile. One drawback is they don’t offer much or any underbed storage space.
Storage
Storage beds support a mattress while providing sleepers with drawers or shelves to stash their belongings. Their dual functionality can be useful in tight spaces, like dorm rooms or small apartments.
Storage beds tend to be boxy, so they aren’t the sleekest frame design, and the drawers or shelves may require extra hardware and patience to install.
Sleigh
This style resembles a sleigh because of its curved headboard and footboard. It dates to the 19th century, and while not as popular today, shoppers can still find a number of sleigh beds with different finishes and carvings.
Most sleigh beds are constructed from wood, so they’re usually quite sturdy. They can be a statement piece or complement a vintage interior.
Four-Poster
Four-poster beds have a post on each corner of the frame, which varies in height and thickness. Some feature ornate carvings, while others are more contemporary. Four-poster beds can add some flair to a plain bedroom.
Canopy beds are a whimsical subset of the four-poster frame. They have posts that connect at the top, which can suspend a drape or curtain. Most are made from metal or wood like standard four-poster frames.
Adjustable
Adjustable beds allow users to change the angle of the head or foot of a bed. Some have extra features like massage settings or a zero-gravity position.
Make sure the king size bed frame that you’ve picked out has a weight rating that supports you, anyone you sleep with, and your mattress too.
How to Choose a King Size Bed Frame
The wide selection of bed frames available can be overwhelming, and marketing language often misleads shoppers. Factoring in your mattress style, design preferences, and budget can help you find a compatible bed frame though.
What to Consider in a King Size Bed Frame
While each shopper has different priorities, everyone should consider a bed frame’s materials, style, height, and durability when comparing models. Your mattress size and budget are also top considerations.
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Mattress size: Bed frames are designed to fit the six standard mattress sizes: a king size frame should fit most king mattresses, a queen size frame should work with most queen mattresses, and so forth. It’s best to follow standard sizing guidelines to get the most support from your bed frame.
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Style: Bed frames run the gamut when it comes to style and color. While every frame needs to support a mattress, some are more stylized than others. Shoppers should have no trouble finding a model that matches their aesthetic preferences, whether that’s industrial or vintage-inspired.
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Material quality: A bed frame made with high-quality materials usually lasts longer. Material quality also impacts the appearance and noise level of a frame. Metal and hardwood frames are generally sturdier than engineered wood or plastic. Inferior materials like wood composites often look inexpensive. They also degrade sooner, which can lead to creaking sounds.
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Price: Shoppers can expect to pay between $300 and $1,200 for a quality bed frame. Any model less than $200 likely won’t last long. More complicated designs like canopy and adjustable beds can cost upwards of $2,000 to $3,000.
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Height: A bed frame’s height has both aesthetic and practical considerations. Some people prefer low-profile beds, while others like a more grandiose height. Very short and very tall beds can both be problematic to access, especially for young children and people with mobility concerns.
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Durability: A bed frame made from durable materials can save you money and assembly time by not needing to be replaced so often. Durable frames also help extend the life of your mattress by minimizing sagging.
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Assembly: Most bed frames require in-home assembly, but some are easier to install than others. Models with a lot of hardware are usually a two-person job. Some designs simply lock into place and can be assembled in under 15 minutes.
