10 Types of Bed Frames p1 ads 2

The first time I found myself wanting to purchase a new bed I had my worldview thoroughly rearranged.

Why, you ask?

Because while I knew that there was a good selections of mattresses to chose from, I had previously thought that there were maybe a handful of types of bed frames around, and that purchasing a bed was hardly any more than going to a store and pointing at some bed whose look I liked.

And while basically this notion isn’t too far off the truth (always pick a bed whose look appeals to you!), there was a way broader selection of frame types to chose from than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams. 

In order to help you navigate the process of buying a new bed and to allwo you to talk to your salesman on an equal level of knowledge, we have curated a list of the most common types of bed frames for you.

While we are certain we have picked out the major players in the field, there will always be hybrids popping up. Trends, particularly when it comes to beds, tend to come and go, but the selection below should equip you with all the basic knowledge you need to make an informed (and stress-free!) purchase! 

Panel Bed

The panel bed frame gets its name from the “panel” that forms the elevated headboard.

Usually, this type of frame is structurally similar to a platform bed, with the notable distinction of having a headboard.

The headboard itself can be either be done in panels of plain wood, or -in a more contemporary style- come with upholstery. 

Sleigh Bed

Once you have taken a look at the picture above, it’s easy to see where the sleigh bed frame gets its name from.

Typically, the scrolled head and foot boards are made from sturdy wood. These days, however, there also are more modern interpretations done in metal and chromes, or covered with fabric readily available.

The sleigh bed is a very classic type of bed frame, but its unique design has stood the test of time and is sure to stick around for yet a long time to come.

Canopy Bed

Canopy beds are very similar to four poster beds, particularly once you consider poster beds with canopies and/or drapes.

There is, however, a fairly easy way to spot the difference: where poster beds have four separate poles, the canopy bed frame has its poles interconnected by horizontal beams, forming a frame (or canopy).

This frame may be left unadorned, as in our example, but is traditionally used to drape the fabric of the actual canopy across. 

Additionally, you might encounter drapes on canopy beds, which give the bed frame yet another layer of the often coveted fairy-tale (or Harry Potter dorm) look. 

Divan Bed

Divan beds are the perfect solution for small spaces.

Typically, a divan bed frame comes with one or more drawers in the base that offer a lot of additional storage space.

Another plus of the divan bed is its upholstered headboard that allows for incredible comfortable lounging while reading or watching TV. 

Futon Bed

Originating from Japan, the futon bed in its original form actually doesn’t have a bed frame, but basically is a mattress (oftentimes thin enough to be rolled up for storage) placed on the floor.

Western adaptions of this bed, however, do come with a bed frame. Typically, this frame is made out of plain wood and does hardly more than slightly elevate the mattress off the floor. 

In the western version the mattress tends to be a good deal thicker and softer as well, since the futon bed is not targeted at stowing it away throughout the daytime hours when a bed frame is involved.

Ottoman Bed

The ottoman bed is actually very similar to the divan bed, but differs in how to access the storage space.

Where the divan bed comes with drawers, the storage space in the ottoman bed frame is hidden beneath the mattress itself. 

To access the space beneath, you simply lift up the top part of the bed frame that is hinged for ease of use. 

TV Bed

A TV bed frame is characterised by its head- and foot boards. 

While the only notable feature of the headboard is that it typically is upholstered and soft enough to make lounging back against it very comfortable, the footboard is where the magic happens.

The elevated footboard is where the TV bed frame gets its name from – inside the high walls, there is a flat screen hidden.

The TV itself can be elevated upwards and retracted with the press of a button, and many TV bed frames additionally offer storage spaces for DVD players, game consoles and the like. 

Trundle Bed

Trundle bed frames have a second “bed” hidden in a drawer beneath the original mattress.

Usually, trundle beds are a staple of kid’s and teen’s bedrooms, since they allow for two kids to share one room without loosing a lot of playing space for two separate beds, or because they make spontaneous sleepovers so much easier.

However, you should not rule out thinking about getting a trundle bed for the master bedroom, either. Particularly if you have small children, or plan to start a family in the future, it might be a great idea to have a second bed ready at the drop of a hat for when your kids wake up from nightmares or come down with some illness and want to be near you. 

Loft Bed

Loft beds are a great way to make the most of little space, and therefore are a great solution for studio apartments or dorm rooms.

Basically, a loft bed is a bed frame with very high legs. High enough to fit things like desks, sofas, wardrobes, and the like beneath your sleeping space.

Since requirements for a loft bed can differ vastly from one room to the next, there really is no set way of how high up the mattress might be, or how large the bed itself is. 

Adjustable Bed

Adjustable bed frames typically are seen as something for ill or motion challenged people.

That, however, is far from true.

While there definitely are advantages of adjustable beds that benefit people who have to spend a lot of time in bed, or who deal with chronic pain or illnesses that can be helped by sleeping with certain parts of your body being elevated, adjustable bed frames offer just as much comfort for the ‘healthy’ user.

Among others, one of the main benefits of adjustable bed frames is the absolute pleasure of reading or watching TV in bed with the head of your mattress comfortably elevated.