Whether you are buying your first bed or upgrading to a new model, it is important to select the right frame as your base. While your frame is where your mattress will live, it does much more than provide a way to lift your bed off of the floor.
It can serve as an aesthetic complement to the rest of your room, or it can help create more space for storage in your bedroom. Depending on your needs and your goals, you will need to select the right frame to match your personality.
However, you may be wondering if you really need a frame and if so, what size you should select. We are here to answer all of your questions about bed frames, sizes, and much more.
What is a Bed Frame?
The frame of your bed is the support on which your mattress rests. There are a wide variety of frame styles, materials, and sizes to choose from. They can be crafted from metal and be hidden from the eye, or they can be ornate affairs carved out of wood. Some higher-end homes may have stone frames such as marble or other soft options. You can even find frames made from leather or jute.
Regardless of what material a frame is crafted from; its purpose is to house and support the base of a mattress and the mattress itself. A typical bed frame will feature four legs, a foot, a header, and in some cases side rails.
Does a Mattress Need a Frame?
Your bed frame elevates your mattress off of the floor which will help keep it clean and also generate additional support for your back. It is also an easy way to create more storage space in your bedroom or tie in your surrounding decor. While most people think of wooden or metal beds when they think of frames, there are other options you can use to provide a resting place for your mattress.
Bed bases such as platform or bed foundations, for example, can be used in place of a frame. Adjustable bed bases are an option that lets you sit up or lay down while supporting your mattress at the same time. While you can use a mattress without a bed frame, the benefits of using one far outweigh the cost that comes with the purchase of a frame.
What Size Bed Frame Should I Buy?
The size of your bed frame will be slightly larger than the size of your mattress. The frames usually range from 2 inches to 5 inches larger than whatever mattress you select for your room. This allows spacing for supports and rails if needed.
Some bed frames are also used with box springs and the extra space allows for a snug fit. When choosing a bed frame for your room, knowing the exact measurements will help you to pick the correct size for the space you have available. It will also ensure that you are choosing the right size frame for your mattress.
Here are the bed frame dimensions you need to be aware of:
- Full Size Bed Frame: 56″- 59″ x 77″- 80″
- King Size Bed Frame: 78″-81″ x 82″-85″
- Twin Size Bed Frame: 40″-43″ x 77″-80″
- Twin XL Bed Frame: 40″-43″ x 82″-85″
- Queen Size Bed Frame: 62″-65″ x 82″-85″
- Cal King Size Bed Frame: 74″-77″ x 86″-89″
Can You Put a Full-Size Mattress on a Queen Frame?
You should make a point of buying a bed frame that is made for your mattress size. However, if you have a full-size mattress and a queen-size bed frame, you can make it work. The mattress will be a bit smaller than the actual frame, so you will need to use a gap filler like this one to fill up the extra space in the frame and prevent slippage. If you have a metal frame, you can adjust the frame from its larger size to a smaller one in order to accommodate the full-sized mattress.
Can You Put a Queen Mattress on a Full-Frame?
If you have a metal full-sized frame you can adjust it to fit a queen-sized mattress. In a pinch, it is possible to place a queen mattress on a full-sized frame, but the edges of the mattress will spill over creating an uneven surface.
Can You Put a King Size Mattress on a Queen Frame?
A king-size mattress is much larger than a queen-sized mattress. Bed frames are also 2-5 inches larger than the mattresses they are intended to house. Due to the drastic size differences between a king and a king-size mattress, it is not possible to safely house a king-sized mattress on a queen-sized bed frame.
Can You Put a Twin Mattress on a Full-Frame?
A full-size frame is much bigger than a twin-sized frame. Though you technically could use it, the fit would be very awkward even with frame gap fillers. The headboard would also be visually unappealing in such as way that you could tell that the frame and mattress were mismatched.
What Can I Use Instead of a Bed Frame?
Bed frames come in a diverse range of styles, sizes, and materials. If you are not interested in using a bed frame or you just don’t want to invest in one right now, there are other available options.
You can place your mattress directly on top of a box spring that is on the floor. This creates a minimalistic look and is perfect for those who don’t need extra storage. Check out our post “15 Bed On The Floor Ideas You’ve Got To See” for more inspiration.
Captains beds use drawers for storage and instead of being a frame, they are a way to store things that also doubles as a mattress. These tend to be higher up off of the ground than traditional frames so keep that in mind when making a purchase.
Platforms beds are low and flat planks and sit on the floor. Instead of being a traditional frame, these low platforms allow you to place your mattress on top creating the image of a floating bed. There is no storage underneath, but they work as a great alternative for those who tend to fall off or fidget in the middle of the night.
Milk crates and cinderblocks are effective frame alternatives for those who have no budget at all for a bed frame. They can be tied together to prevent slippage through your back may not have the best support possible with these options.
How to Buy a Bed Frame?
Buying a bed frame is much easier than you may realize. If you already have a mattress, half of the work is already done. You just need to make sure that any frame you select is crafted for your mattress size. For those who have yet to purchase a mattress, there are a few more steps to consider.
Start by measuring the size of the room that will house your bed. Sleeping arrangements tend to take up the bulk of the space in any room, so it is important to ensure that the bed frame and size you choose will fit comfortably in the space. Once you have the measurements, you will need to consider your storage needs. For those who want extra space under the bed to store things, you will need to buy a platform frame. If you don’t need space under the bed, you can consider other options.
Next, you will need to decide how high and how bulky you want your bed to be. For minimalists, simple metal or wooden frame with no headboard may be ideal. For those who want to make a statement with their bed, a fancy headboard or even one that features bookshelves may be worth considering. Make sure to match your frame to the aesthetics and colors of your room.
What Type of Frame is Best For a Heavyset User?
Bed frames are meant to hold a lot of weight. If you or a loved one is on the heavier side, there are some frames that will be sturdier than others. Metal and steel frames will offer the best support and maintain their shape for many years.
Platform steel bed frames such as the Hercules Platform Metal Bed is a great option that provides superior support. Metal frames like the No products found. can hold as much as 3,000 lbs of weight. If you really need extra strength support, consider the Knickerbocker Embrace Bed Frame which can handle up to 5,000 lbs. All of these frames are made from sturdy steel or metal which ensures that they can stand the test of time and not bend under pressure.
What is the Best Frame for a King Size Bed?
King-sized mattresses are a luxury to sleep on, but due to their size and weight, it is important to use the right bed frame. The best bed frame for a king-sized mattress is one made out of solid timber such as this one. Pine, oak, ash, walnut, or mahogany are sturdy enough to handle the weight and durable enough to last a lifetime. You can use a metal bed frame, but it will not be as secure as a solid wooden frame.