Best Platform Bed Frames (2025): Low-Profile Support for Better Sleep

We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs, where we are compensated for items purchased through links from our site. See our disclosure page for more information.

Platform bed frames are ideal for sleepers seeking reliable mattress support without shelling out for a box spring or foundation. They typically offer generous underbed clearance for added storage, which is a bonus for smaller bedrooms or shared spaces. 

Our in-house product testers and certified sleep science coaches evaluated dozens of best sellers to find options that stay sturdy, assemble easily, and elevate your sleep setup without unnecessary bulk.

The best platform bed frames offer excellent support and stability, assemble without hassle, and deliver solid value for the price. After hours of building, testing, and sleeping on the top contenders, we’ve narrowed the list to five standout options that excel across all of our testing categories. 

Read on to discover which platform bed frames made the list.

Clarity’s Clear Winner

The Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame is the best bed frame on our list because it delivers everything you should expect from the best overall platform bed frame: durable materials, straightforward assembly, storage-friendly design, and strong real-world performance—all at a reasonable price. Its standout feature is the tool-free Japanese joinery, which allowed our testers to put the frame together in about 20 minutes.

The Best Platform Bed Frames

How We Tested and Selected the Bed Frames

Materials impact your bed frame’s durability, stability, and long-term performance. During testing, we assessed the strength of the slats, checked the quality of finishes and joinery, and more. For this list, I aimed to include platform bed frames that scored 4/5 or higher in this category.

Our tester assembling a Thuma Classic Bed Frame

The assembly category reflects how easy and intuitive it is to put a platform bed frame together from start to finish. Our testers built each frame using only the included tools and directions, noting how long it took to construct, whether the parts aligned correctly, and how securely the components fastened together. I prioritized platform bed frames that took under 30 minutes to assemble or scored a 4/5 or higher in the assembly category.

Assembling the Silk & Snow Adjustable Bed Enhanced

Perhaps most importantly, overall experience captures how a platform bed frame performs once assembled and in use, focusing on stability, noise control, and day-to-day comfort. A great frame should feel secure, stay quiet through movement, and support different mattress types without shifting or creaking. Frames that remained silent, provided reliable support, and improved the overall sleeping setup during testing earned the strongest ratings. For this list, my fellow product testers and I prioritized platform bed frames that scored a 4/5 or higher in overall experience.

Generating pressure maps of the WinkBed Plus Mattress with our canine assistant

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches selected the best platform bed frames by looking for top performers in the categories above: materials, assembly, and overall experience.

But our full process involves testing several aspects of a bed frame’s performance, including price, noise, and more. Once we have all those scores, we calculate the frame’s overall score using a weighted formula. This overall score is a good indicator of a bed frame’s general quality, and is always a number out of 5.

As we decide which frames to feature on any roundup, we only include those with an overall score of 3 out of 5 or higher. Even if a frame does certain things well, we won’t point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.

Learn more about how we test mattresses at Mattress Clarity.

Our tester takes decibal readings while operating the Helix Adjustable Base

  • 500+ mattresses tested in person
  • 30+ data points collected for each bed
  • 7 Certified Sleep Science Coaches on staff
  • Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM) and our Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Hannah Habeeb (DPT)
  • 40,000+ readers who bought a new bed based on our recommendations

Learn more about Mattress Clarity.

Two people resting on a Nectar Premier Adjustable Base with Nectar Premier Split King Mattresses

Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame Best Overall Platform Bed Frame

Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame

Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame

Nectar’s wooden Bamboo Platform Frame doesn’t require any tools for assembly, simply slot every part together for a seamless, simple yet sturdy bed frame design.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.5 / 5
Check Price
Pros
Tool-free, Japanese-style joinery makes assembly quick and easy
Sturdy bamboo construction with thick, supportive slats
Reasonable price for the quality, plus a 2-year warranty and 60-night trial
Cons
Matching headboard and add-ons are expensive relative to the base frame
Headboard ships separately

The Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed is my top pick because it has all the things you could need from a platform bed frame. At a reasonable price, you get durable materials, straightforward assembly, and plenty of clearance underneath for extra storage. During testing, our in-house team rated this bamboo wood bed frame a 4/5 or higher in the assembly, materials, and price categories.

One of our favorite features of the Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame is its tool-free setup. This bed frame utilizes Japanese-style joinery, making it easy for you to slide each piece together, resulting in a pain-free setup. For this reason, our team gave it a perfect 5/5 in the assembly department.

The bed frame itself took roughly 10 minutes to unbox and 20 minutes to put together with no tools or additional hardware required. Product expert Matt Schickling found the overall setup was simple.

“Putting this thing together was a breeze,” Matt said. “I think one person could do it. However, it may be challenging to balance the legs while putting in the platform boards. The slats were pre-assembled and unfurled seamlessly onto the frame, which was nice.”

Thankfully, easy assembly doesn’t mean flimsy materials. Matt was equally impressed by the Nectar bed frame’s materials, calling them “sturdy and durable” and giving them a materials score of 4.5/5. Despite not having any nuts or bolts for added security, nothing slid or fell out of place.

“We moved the mattress from one location to another, and everything stayed together well,” Matt said. “The slats were also thick, which should help to keep your bed properly supported.”

Matt also thought the bed frame was priced reasonably for its level of quality. Matt also appreciated the 2-year warranty and 60-night sleep trial. That said, he noted that the add-ons were a little steep, which is something to note if you prefer a headboard. 

“It’s only $100 less than the bed itself for the matching wood headboard,” Matt said. “You can also purchase a more affordable fabric headboard with a $199 upcharge.”

The only other drawback to note about the Nectar Bamboo bed frame is that the headboard comes in a separate box if you opt to get one, which makes it a little more cumbersome to carry into the house.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed Frame

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
5
Assembly
4.5
Materials
5
Size
3
Features
4
Experience
4.5
Customer Service

Saatva Santorini Best Luxury Platform Bed Frame

Saatva Santorini Platform Base

Saatva Santorini Platform Base

Saatva’s deceptively simple Santorini Platform Base is covered in soft upholstery, backed by a sturdy wooden frame for a base that speaks to quiet luxury.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.6 / 5
Check Price
Pros
High-end, elegant design with durable materials and thick slats
Straightforward assembly with clear instructions and included tools
Very stable and quiet overall, with a strong long-term feel
Cons
Expensive price point, especially compared to simpler platform beds
Minimal extras included, despite the premium cost

The Saatva Santorini is an excellent platform bed frame for sleepers looking to add a layer of sophistication to their bedroom. Our in-house team praised the Santorini for its understated design, durable materials, and hassle-free assembly. During testing, the Santorini earned 4.5/5 in our materials, assembly, and experience categories.

The Saatva mattress is one of our favorite beds because of its high-quality materials and sturdy craftsmanship. Fortunately, the brand puts the same attention to detail into its bed frames. Product tester Livvi DiCicco was impressed by how substantial and durable the Santorini felt while assembling it, and gave it a 4.5/5 rating in the materials category.

Livvi DiCicco puts together a Saatva Santorini Platform Bed

“Overall, the frame feels really sturdy,” Livvi said. “I like the soft feel of the upholstery, and the wood itself seems rigid and supportive. The slats seem thick and unlikely to move. I can wiggle the headboard a little bit, but it doesn’t feel like it’s at risk of falling off. I think a bed frame like this should last plenty of years.”

Speaking of assembly, Livvi gave the Santorini Platform Bed Frame another 4.5/5 in this category, thanks to its easy build. Livvi noted that it didn’t take long at all for two people to assemble it.

“We didn’t have any noticeable issues setting up this platform bed frame,” Livvi said. “Saatva included all of the necessary tools, and the instructions were clear. The only part that required some finagling was the headboard, but not enough to dock an entire point from the assembly score. Saatva apparently offers in-home setup, but what makes this applicable is unclear, as we had to assemble it ourselves.”

Perhaps most importantly, though, Livvi and her fellow product testers gave the Santorini a 4.5/5 in the overall experience category. In her notes, she stated that the only point of instability was a slight wiggle in the headboard. Aside from that, she was able to move around easily and didn’t hear anything or feel unstable on this sleek and sturdy platform frame.

The only downsides that Livvi pointed out were its price tag and lack of extras included. At $1,595 for a queen-sized frame, the Santorini might not be in many shoppers’ price range. However, if you’re looking for a sleek, long-lasting bed frame to elevate your room for years to come, the Saatva Santorini is a choice worthy of your consideration.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Saatva Santorini

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
4.5
Assembly
4.5
Materials
5
Size
3.5
Features
4.5
Experience
4.5
Customer Service

Bear Summit – Best Platform Bed with a Headboard

Bear Summit Platform Bed With Headboard

Bear Summit Platform Bed With Headboard

The Bear Summit is a premium platform bed frame with a sturdy, quiet headboard and a polished, upscale look. Once assembled, it is impressively solid; however, its higher price tag and more involved assembly process may be drawbacks for some shoppers.

Mattress Clarity Score
3.3 / 5
Check Price
Pros
Exceptionally stable and nearly silent, even with two sleepers
Sturdy, well-secured headboard that doesn’t wobble or creak
Premium feel that enhances the overall bedroom aesthetic
Cons
Its high price may be out of reach for budget-conscious shoppers
More complicated assembly with many parts

Headboards are perfect for sleepers who want their bedrooms to have a more elevated look. However, it can be challenging to find one that doesn’t wobble, creak, or otherwise seem flimsy. Fortunately, the Bear Summit Platform Bed uses high-quality materials that feel sturdy and contribute to the bed frame’s premium appearance. During testing, our in-house team rated it 4/5 or higher in noise and overall experience.

Our product experts praised the stability of the Summit Platform Bed Frame during testing. After placing a mattress on top of it and moving around on the bed, they noted that the frame didn’t shake or shift on the rug. The headboard and its components stayed tightly in place throughout the process.

“The wood slats are stable and don’t move when you do,” our tester said. “I flipped around and moved quite a bit on the mattress and still felt stable and supported.”

A pair of our product testers tossed and turned on a queen-sized mattress together, and they were impressed at how well everything about the Summit bed frame stayed in place, including the headboard. None of the components creaked, and the headboard didn’t bang against the wall at any point. Our testers rated this platform bed 4.5/5 in the noise category.

“The bed frame is nearly silent,” one tester said. “I bounced around on it a little bit, and it didn’t make any noise.”

Unfortunately, the sturdy, quiet headboard comes at a cost. At full price, the durable Summit bed frame costs $1,200, which could exceed many budgets.

It was also more challenging to put together than the other bed frames on our list. In total, it took our team 28 minutes to assemble using power tools not included in the set. There were also many different parts to keep up with, making it tricky to locate things.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Bear Summit

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
2
Price
2.5
Assembly
3.5
Materials
3
Size
2
Features
4.5
Experience
4
Customer Service

KD Nomad – Best Budget Platform Bed Frame

KD Nomad Platform Bed

KD Nomad Platform Bed

The KD Nomad is an easy-to-assemble, American-made wooden platform bed frame that is impressively sturdy, albeit without decorative extras. Although this inexpensive frame’s wooden slats can vary in color, the Nomad stands out as a durable and functional option that is hard to beat at its price point.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.1 / 5
Pros
Excellent value with a very affordable price point
Easy-to-follow assembly with helpful video instructions
Solid, durable wood construction made in the USA
Cons
Wood slats can vary in color
Very minimal design with no headboard or extra features

With their Nomad Platform Bed, KD Frames has crafted an affordable, easy-to-assemble bed frame that exceeds expectations at its price point. The Nomad’s wooden construction impressed my fellow product testers and me during testing, earning a 4/5 or higher in assembly, materials, and price.

Product tester Riley Otis and I built this platform wood frame in our Charlotte, NC, studio, and found the instructions easy to follow. The KD Frames YouTube channel also features an assembly video that breaks down the assembly process to make things even easier. It took us roughly 30 minutes to complete the Nomad bed frame, so we gave it a 4.5/5 in the assembly category.

Despite the straightforward process, its materials felt surprisingly durable. KD Frames makes all of its bed frames here in the United States, and the wood it uses feels sturdy. 

However, some of the wood pieces for this frame vary in hue. Some wooden slats are more tan, while others have a greenish tint. The components don’t feel like they would break easily; however, you may wish to refinish them if you prefer a uniform look. Riley and I gave the Nomad a 4/5 overall in the materials department.

That said, the KD Nomad is incredibly hard to beat at its price. A queen-sized bed frame is $299.00 before any discounts, and is often on sale for $279. Riley and I gave the Nomad a 5/5 in the price category. While it may not be a show-stopping centerpiece with an upholstered headboard and other additional features, it is quiet, durable, and highly functional.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: KD Nomad

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
5
Price
4.5
Assembly
4
Materials
5
Size
1
Features
5
Experience
3
Customer Service

Big Fig Platform Bed – Most Supportive Platform Bed Frame

Big Fig Platform Bed

Big Fig Platform Bed

Big Fig, short for “Bigger Figure,” makes products made for folks with larger bodies—and its Platform Bed should provide sturdy support for these sleepers.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.4 / 5
Check Price
Pros
Extremely supportive and durable, ideal for heavier sleepers
Tool-free or low-tool assembly with secure, locking components
Rock-solid, quiet performance with excellent overall stability
Cons
Very expensive, especially with the optional headboard
No returns allowed if you decide you don’t like the frame

Sleepers who require a supportive platform bed frame that maintains its shape over time will appreciate the sturdy design of the Big Fig Platform Bed. Big Fig is most popular for its durable mattresses tailored for folks with larger bodies. Thankfully, its platform bed frame is just as well-constructed. Our in-house testers loved the Big Fig Platform Bed Frame, awarding it a 4.5/5 or higher in categories such as materials, assembly, and overall experience.

Our testing team was impressed with how sturdy and stable this bed frame felt, especially given its easy assembly process. They gave it a 4.5/5 materials score, noting that its durable wooden construction should last for many years.

“This feels incredibly durable,” said one of our testers. “The wood is pretty solid. Although the bed comes together without any hardware, it seems very sturdy. I love that the slats are actually on the bed.”

Our testers also gave the Big Fig Platform Bed Frame a 4.5/5 in the assembly category. Many of its components lock into place without any tools necessary, meaning it should be a straightforward project for most people.

“There isn’t much hardware or screwing necessary,” said one of our in-house product experts. “There are feet to put on the middle support for the slats that you can drill into the rail with the supplied screws, but that’s it. Otherwise, everything has a slot it slides into without any tools necessary.”

While lying on top of a mattress on this bed frame, our testers found that the Big Fig was as stable and quiet as they come. Two of our mattress testers were able to lie on top of this bed frame without rocking it, feeling unsteady, or making any squeaking noises. They gave it a perfect 5/5 in the overall experience category.

Although it showed an impressive performance, our testers noted two flaws in the Big Fig Platform Bed Frame. The first was its price; a queen-sized Big Fig Platform Bed (with a fabric headboard) is $2,549, which may be steep for some buyers. They also noted that, while it comes with an impressive 20-year warranty, Big Fig doesn’t allow returns if you simply do not like the bed frame.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Big Fig Platform Bed

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
3.5
Price
4
Assembly
5
Materials
5
Size
4
Features
5
Experience
3
Customer Service

Other Bed Frames We Researched

The following platform bed frames didn’t quite make my final list; however, they were still strong options that stood out during our testing.

  • Thuma Classic Bed Frame – The Thuma Classic Bed Frame boasts a minimalist and modern design that impressed our testers across nearly every category during testing. However, nearly $2,000 for a relatively basic wood platform bed may be a bitter pill for many shoppers to swallow.
  • DreamCloud Claremont Bed Frame –  The DreamCloud Claremont is a sleek, high-performing upholstered bed frame that’s perfect for sleepers looking for something beyond your typical wooden or metal bed frame. While our testers appreciated its quality materials and relatively easy setup process. That said, this frame could be particularly difficult for just one person to assemble, which is why I left it off the main list.

How We Tested the Best Platform Bed Frames

To create this list of the best platform bed frames, our team of product testers spent hours assembling, inspecting, and sleeping on each model in our testing studio. We evaluated how well each frame supported different mattress types, how sturdy and comfortable it felt during use, and whether the materials and construction justified the price.

Materials

The materials used in a bed frame significantly impact its performance over time. Our team examined the quality and consistency of every component, from the slats to the legs to the outer construction. Solid wood, hardwood blends, and thick-gauge steel tended to offer the most reliable support, while lower-density woods or thin metal tubing were more prone to flexing, squeaking, or showing early signs of wear.

A hand screws in the Purple Platform bed frame with the plastic attachment.

Assembly

Assembly played a key role in our testing process because a well-designed platform bed frame should be intuitive to put together. For each model, our testers followed the provided instructions and used only the tools provided to assess the user-friendliness of the setup.

Our tester assembling a Thuma Classic Bed Frame

Clear, concise directions, numbered hardware, and pre-drilled or pre-fitted components made assembly much easier and reduced the risk of structural instability. The best frames took 30 minutes or less to assemble, with parts that aligned cleanly and fastened securely.

Overall Experience

After setup, we evaluated how each platform bed frame performed under real-world conditions. Using both foam and hybrid mattresses, we tested how well each frame handled movement, distributed weight, and maintained stability with one or two sleepers. Frames that remained quiet, resisted shifting, and offered consistent support earned higher marks.

Our tester sits on the edge of a Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage.

We also considered additional features, such as underbed storage space, headboards, and footboards. The top-performing platform bed frames felt sturdy, stayed silent throughout our tests, and complemented the mattress rather than detracting from the sleep experience.

What Else Is Important When Buying a Platform Bed Frame?

Beyond style, height, and materials, there are a few practical considerations that can hugely impact how well a platform bed frame performs over time. When shopping for a frame, consider factors like return policies, warranty coverage, and size to ensure your day-to-day comfort.

Return Policy and Warranty

A flexible return policy is a must-have when buying a platform bed frame, especially when shopping online. Assembly, height, or support feel can be challenging to judge from product photos. A generous return window gives you time to evaluate how well the frame works with your mattress and bedroom layout. Look for brands that offer at least 30 days for returns, and make sure you understand whether return shipping or restocking fees apply.

A solid warranty is equally important because it protects your investment over time. Platform bed frames should offer sturdy, reliable support, and a good warranty shows that the manufacturer stands behind its construction. Aim for coverage of at least five years, and confirm whether the warranty includes structural issues (like cracked wood, bent metal, broken slats, or hardware defects).

Your Mattress

Your mattress plays a crucial role in determining the right platform bed frame for your setup. Different mattress types (such as foam, hybrid, or latex) may have specific support needs that can affect both comfort and lifespan.

20241101 133519

“Most modern mattresses today should function well on platform beds, but the spacing and strength of the slats matter,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. “Memory foam and hybrid mattresses typically need slats no more than 3 inches apart to prevent sagging and ensure proper spinal support. A box spring is usually not needed for a platform bed, and in some cases, adding one can change the mattress height or alter how the mattress feels.”

Size and Weight Limit

Always confirm that your platform bed’s size aligns with your mattress. Larger mattresses, including queen, king, and California king sizes, require stronger slats and center support beams to prevent dipping or shifting as you move.

Weight capacity is another key factor, especially for couples, heavier sleepers, or mattress types like hybrids and latex. A frame with a clearly stated weight limit, reinforced legs, and durable slats will offer better long-term stability. When in doubt, choose a platform bed with a higher weight rating to ensure safe, quiet, and reliable support.

“A well-matched frame ensures both comfort and mattress durability, since the right size provides proper support, prevents sagging, and keeps the mattress from shifting or wearing out prematurely,” says Dr. Dasgupta. “It also helps maintain the bed’s overall stability, so you can sleep comfortably without feeling unevenness or movement beneath you.”

Best Platform Bed Frames FAQs

How are platform bed frames and adjustable bases different?

Platform bed frames provide a flat, supportive surface for your mattress, while adjustable bases use motors to raise or lower the head and foot of the bed.

What are the disadvantages of a platform bed?

Many platform beds have a low-profile design, meaning they sit closer to the ground and may feel too close to the floor for some sleepers. Some designs also offer limited underbed storage compared to taller frame styles.

What makes a good platform bed?

A good platform bed frame should feel sturdy, stay quiet during movement, and offer strong slat or panel support that prevents your mattress from sagging over time.

Can a regular mattress go on a platform bed frame?

Yes. Most modern mattresses are designed to sit directly on a platform bed frame because they don’t require a box spring for support. Platform beds provide the consistent, even surface that foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses need to perform properly.

Recap: Best Platform Bed Frames

MattressAward
Nectar Bamboo Platform Bed FrameBest Overall Platform Bed Frame
Saatva Santorini Bed FrameBest Luxury Platform Bed Frame
Bear SummitBest Platform Bed with a Headboard
KD NomadBest Budget Platform Bed Frame
Big Fig Platform BedMost Supportive Platform Bed Frame

Subscribe to Mattress Clarity!

Get special coupons, discounts, and giveaways!

Kenny Timper

Kenny Timper

Staff Writer

About Author

Kenny is a certified sleep science coach and staff writer at Mattress Clarity, where he reviews mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories to help you skip the guesswork and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. He’s been featured as a sleep expert in publications such as Livingetc and U.S. News & World Report. As a natural tinkerer, he enjoys getting hands-on with each product to determine if it truly makes a difference in sleep quality. When he’s not testing out mattresses and other sleep products, you can find him hiking, biking, or trying out new local eats.

Education & Credentials

  • Certified Sleep Science Coach