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Ready to make the leap from a queen bed to a king? Whether it’s because your 80 lb. “lap dog” loves to cuddle in the evenings or you just want more room to stretch out, a king bed can give you the spacious sleeping experience you’re craving. Modern king beds don’t just offer space—they also can bring in major style and (as likely the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom) they can make or break the look of your room decor. We’ve rounded up eight picks featuring both metal and wood options with and without headboards so you can spend wisely and sleep in style. Bonus: some of these beds come in a California king size in case you decide a king doesn’t quite cut it.
Best Overall: Abril Tufted Solid Wood and Upholstered Low Profile Platform Bed
Mid-century style might not be for everyone, but it sure did the thing for the hundreds of reviewers that left 5-star summaries of this upholstered bed frame. We’re willing to bet on this enduring home decor aesthetic and this bed frame that’s just the right mix of current and retro. Because of the well-balanced style and overall highly positive reviews, this modern king-size bed frame is our “Best Overall” pick.
Best Splurge: Mccaskill Solid Wood Low Profile Standard Bed
Expensive but worth it—is what we have to say about this high-end bed from Mercury Row. The extra tall headboard elevates any room, and reviewers simply raved about the quality and overall value of this piece.
Best Budget: ZINUS Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame
Here’s the lowdown on this bed frame: solid wood, less than $200, 4.7/5 stars over nearly 15,000 reviews. If you’re looking for a simple, streamlined bed frame that offers quality with no frills, consider adding this one to your cart.
1. Best Minimalist: Virgilina 14” Steel Bed Frame
Top Features:
- Simple, clean lines
- Sturdy steel construction
- Underbed storage space
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 14” H x 76” W x 80” L
- Under-bed height: 11.25”
- Material: Steel
- Box spring needed: No
- Color(s): White
Sure, it might be more common and traditional, but you don’t need a headboard, especially if you’re going for a pared-back, modern look. But beds without headboards are more than just a step up from a mattress on the floor. Products like this white steel bed frame offer support for your mattress and a versatile, minimal style. This sturdy, easy-to-assemble bed frame is low-profile, though still high enough for under-bed storage with a little over 11 inches of clearance. Reviewers also loved the included mattress securing strips that provide a no-slip experience. While there were a few isolated reports of product breakage or wrong-sized parts, this frame was mostly well-received over 2,300+ ratings.
View Virgilina 14” Steel Bed Frame on Wayfair
2. Best Wood Platform Bed: ZINUS Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame
Top Features:
- Solid wood frame
- Multiple wood finishes
- Supports up to 700 lb.
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 14” H x 75.5” W x 79.5” L
- Under-bed height: 10.4”
- Material: Solid wood, steel, plywood
- Box spring needed: No
- Color(s): Cherry, natural, rustic pine
Beds without a headboard need to pack a lot of style into a streamlined package. We love the way this solid wood contemporary bed frame is both understated and beautifully stylish, great for completing minimal or Scandinavian style rooms. This low-profile bed offers quality at a budget price, and many reviewers were happy with how beautiful, sturdy, and silent the frame was. Any product bought online is bound to have at least a few negative comments though, and a few people thought the bed wasn’t durable enough or had uneven legs.
View ZINUS Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame on Amazon
3. Best Rustic Modern Style Bed: Montauk Solid Wood Standard Bed
Top Features:
- Multiple rustic finishes
- Tall headboard
- Footboard included
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 51” H x 80.1” W x 84.7” L
- Under-bed height: 9”-10”
- Material: Solid wood
- Box spring needed: Yes
- Color(s): Rustic gray, driftwood, rustic walnut, rustic off-white
If shabby chic is your jam, this is the king bed frame for you. Complete with a matching head and footboard, this purposefully distressed bed comes in four different finishes and provides an elevated sleeping experience when you add a box spring as the listing recommends. Though large and heavy, reviewers found the bed easy to assemble and loved the look and performance after multiple years. Note that this bed does sit high, and some preferred to forego a box spring for a lower sleeping experience. This look isn’t for everyone though, and some didn’t like the weathered look of the finish. A few other reviewers experienced product failure, received damaged items, or couldn’t get the supports to fit correctly.
View Montauk Solid Wood Standard Bed on Wayfair
4. Best Upholstered Platform Bed: Emanuell Tufted Upholstered Low Profile Bed
Top Features:
- High-end look velvet upholstery
- Nailhead trim
- No box spring required
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 45.3” H x 78” W x 85.2” L
- Under-bed height: 4.3”
- Material: Manufactured/solid wood, velvet upholstery
- Box spring needed: No
- Color(s): Blue, black, gray
A king-sized upholstered bed frame for less than $500? Does a double take This classy bed, featuring three color options and details like button tufting and nailhead trim, offers style on a budget, plus sturdiness, with 12 supportive slate and a weight limit of 600 lb. Reviewers mentioned the beauty of the frame, the softness of the upholstery, fairly easy (though time-consuming) assembly, and durability. Note that this bed, like many in this list, is a low-profile piece of furniture, with just a 4.3” under-bed clearance. While some people love that look, others might not be a fan. Other negatives included substandard directions and a few reports of parts breaking.
View Emanuell Tufted Upholstered Low Profile Bed on Wayfair
5. Best Metal Platform Bed: Aislinn Platform Bed
Top Features:
- Classic metal look
- Multiple finishes
- Sturdy steel frame
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 41” H x 75.9” W x 80.9” L
- Under-bed height: 12”
- Material: Powder-coated steel
- Box spring needed: No
- Color(s): Gray, black, white
This powder-coated metal bed is stylish in its own right but not so ostentatious that it’ll overshadow the rest of your decor. In addition to the solid steel frame, we love the option of multiple different metal finishes. Most reviewers loved the ease of installation, sturdiness, and overall simple, attractive look of this lightweight, budget-friendly bed. While very few negative comments came up, a few people thought the look of the bed wasn’t up to their standards, found it unstable, or noticed some dents and blemishes in the metal.
View Aislinn Platform Bed on Wayfair
6. Best High-End Bed: Mccaskill Solid Wood Low Profile Standard Bed
Top Features:
- Stunning oversized headboard
- Constructed from solid and manufactured wood
- 500 lb. weight capacity
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 69” H x 81.5” W x 88” L
- Under-bed height: 6”
- Material: Manufactured/solid wood
- Box spring needed: Yes
- Color(s): Wood
Just… wow. This stunner of a modern bed frame delivers the most eye-catching headboard on this list and it’s capable of making your modern bedroom look straight out of a West Elm catalog or a Dwell interior feature. Featuring a nearly 6-foot tall headboard, this bed is made of solid and manufactured wood and does require a box spring for best results. Despite the higher price, reviewers still raved over the jaw-dropping look, ease of assembly, natural appeal of the wood, and matching bedroom furniture (dressers and nightstands available, but not included). For best (and safest!) results, secure the headboard to the wall behind your bed. While not a lot of people had negative things to say about this product, for some, the color and sturdiness were not what they expected. (Currently out of stock, this gorgeous piece is back on the virtual shelves on June 3, according to Wayfair, and we think it’s worth the wait.)
View Mccaskill Solid Wood Low Profile Standard Bed on Wayfair
7. Best Mid-Century Modern: Abril Tufted Solid Wood and Upholstered Low Profile Platform Bed
Top Features:
- Mid-century style
- Multiple upholstery colors
- Tufted detail
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 41.75” H x 79” W x 83.5” L
- Under-bed height: 8”
- Material: Solid wood, polyester upholstery
- Box spring needed: No
- Color(s): Orange, gray, yellow
Mid-century style lovers, stop right here. This unique bed has all the mid-1900s charm you love, paired with sturdy construction and unique color options. Pick the gray upholstered headboard for a more refined look, or go orange for a very time-period-appropriate touch of color. Reviewers loved this compliment-getter of a bed and praised the quiet sturdiness, easy assembly (you’ll need a drill), and overall quality. Some dissenters questioned the claims of solid wood or complained of damages and delivery issues. One person also noted that the dimensions of the bed may not be standard, so make sure to measure before you buy.
View Abril Tufted Solid Wood and Upholstered Low Profile Platform Bed on Wayfair
8. Best Metal and Wood: SHA CERLIN King Platform Bed
Top Features:
- Industrial metal/wood mashup
- No-noise construction
- Curved metal accent
Technical Details:
- Dimensions: 40.7” H x 78.5” W x 83.6” L
- Under-bed height: 10”
- Material: Steel, iron, wood
- Box spring needed: No
- Color(s): Walnut, black
Want industrial style for your bedroom or guest room but don’t want to shell out a ton of cash? This metal and wood bed frame, featuring a curved head and footboard, might be just the thing. According to the product description, there’s no need for a box spring and no need to worry about squeaky metal disturbing your sleep due to a no-slip rubber strip. Reviewers agree that this sturdy, heavy, low-profile bed is a great noise-free choice to complete a bedroom, though some customers mentioned assembly issues, thought the product photos were misleading or received the wrong bed altogether.
View SHA CERLIN King Platform Bed on Amazon
Modern King-Size Bed Frames Comparison Table
| Product name | Dimensions | Under-bed height | Material | Box spring needed | Color(s) |
| Virgilina 14” Steel Bed Frame | 14” H x 76” W x 80” L | 11.25” | Steel | No | White |
| ZINUS Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame | 14” H x 75.5” W x 79.5” L | 10.4” | Solid wood, steel, plywood | No | Cherry, natural, rustic pine |
| Montauk Solid Wood Standard Bed | 51” H x 80.1” W x 84.7” L | 9”-10” | Solid wood | Yes | Rustic gray, driftwood, rustic walnut, rustic off-white |
| Emanuell Tufted Upholstered Low Profile Bed | 45.3” H x 78” W x 85.2” L | 4.3” | Manufactured/solid wood, velvet upholstery | No | Blue, black, gray |
| Aislinn Platform Bed | 41” H x 75.9” W x 80.9” L | 12” | Powder-coated steel | No | Gray, black, white |
| Mccaskill Solid Wood Low Profile Standard Bed | 69” H x 81.5” W x 88” L | 6” | Manufactured/solid wood | Yes | Wood |
| Abril Tufted Solid Wood and Upholstered Low Profile Platform Bed | 41.75” H x 79” W x 83.5” L | 8” | Solid wood, polyester upholstery | No | Orange, gray, yellow |
| SHA CERLIN King Platform Bed | 40.7” H x 78.5” W x 83.6” L | 10” | Steel, iron, wood | No | Walnut, black |
Modern King-Size Bed Frames FAQs
How big are king-size bed frames?
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. Always check the measurements on any king bed frame you buy—especially if you’re upgrading from a smaller queen size bed. While king bed frames share similar dimensions, they’re not identical, and measuring can head off any purchase regret. In this list, most of the bed frames measure about 80 to 90 inches long and 70 to 80 inches wide. Depending on whether a bed has a headboard or not, the height can vary considerably.
Do I need a box spring for a modern king bed frame?
It depends! Some of the bed frames on this list definitely require a box spring, whereas others are constructed to allow the mattress to sit directly on the frame. Just make sure to check the description to see whether you need to buy additional accessories.
Can I store things under my modern king-size bed?
Most modern beds are on the low side, with some having as little as 4 to 6 inches of under-bed clearance. While these heights may prohibit storing all but the thinnest items, beds with 10 to 12 inches of under-bed space do allow for slim boxes to fit underneath. This means you can organize your winter coats even without a storage bed.
Buying Guide: Modern King-Size Bed Frames
Buying a bed, especially one as large and expensive as a king is a considerable purchase and should involve careful consideration and research. Unfortunately, truly digging into all aspects of a bed takes time. In this section, we’ve summarized some important topics that’ll help you decide what type of bed you need and how to style it once you’ve bought it.
Common King Bed Frame Types and Materials
Beds come in all sorts of shapes and materials from velvet to metal to wood. You may have an existing preference for one or the other, but take a moment to consider the pros and cons of multiple bed styles and maybe you’ll find a new option that works for you.
- Metal frame beds — Sometimes maligned for their tendency to squeak, metal beds can be sturdy, beautiful, and silent when constructed out of quality materials. Metal beds can feature ornate scrolling, a traditional spindle design, or a mix of wood and metal. It’s also fairly easy to find a well-made metal frame canopy bed if that’s more your thing.
- Upholstered beds — If hard lines and pared-down silhouettes are less important to you than cushiness, consider an upholstered bed. Often with a cushioned headboard and footboard, upholstered beds can feature soft fabrics and traditional details like nailhead trim and button tufting. One downside of an upholstered bed is you run the risk of staining the upholstery.
- Platform beds — Sleek and modern, a platform bed is one of the simplest options you can get. As the name suggests, these affordable beds consist of a simple platform. Bonus: you won’t need a box spring. The pros and cons of platform beds are often very similar. For example, some love the low-profile and unobtrusive style, whereas it’s simply not dramatic enough for others or too low for comfort.
- Statement headboards — Large headboards are a conversation starter and a piece of art in and of themselves. We love them for the big impact they make in a room, but depending on the size and quality, they can be expensive, and some especially oversized headboards may require additional mounting for security.
Headboard vs. No Headboard
We’ve featured an array of beds with everything from no headboard to very prominent headboards, so as you can see, there’s no shortage of options in any category. Whether you choose a headboard or none is up to you, but these are a few questions that can help you decide.
- What kind of wall art do you already have or want to add to your room? If you choose a bed with no headboard, your art can shine and act as a grounding element behind the bed. On the other hand, a prominent headboard can take the place of additional wall hangings, providing style without extra ornamentation.
- Do you prefer a minimal look or do you want your bed to be a design element in itself? Headboardless beds melt into the background and allow bedding and other furniture to shine, whereas beds with headboards can bring in new patterns, textures, and colors.
- Do you like to sit up and read in bed? Beds with headboards can provide something to prop pillows against besides just the wall, and upholstered headboards may provide even more comfort.
Positioning Your King Bed Frame
If you’ve measured your king bed frame before purchasing (which we strongly suggest), you’ll already know that it fits in your bedroom. With that said, you should also consider where to put it. In general, it’s best to put the head of the bed in the middle of your room’s widest wall. But that’s not the only place you can put it. If your room is large enough, try placing angled outwards from a corner. This will allow your bed to shine but still allow space for nightstands on either side, though it can create an unused corner behind the bed. One way to use and brighten up that corner is to add accent lighting.
