The best bed frames and bases in 2024

The best bed frames and bases include the Emma Divan Bed, pictured here in a sunny bedroom
(Image credit: Emma)

The best bed frames and bases provide a stable and supportive foundation for your mattress, as well as your sleep. Many of the best mattresses of 2024 are compatible with a variety of bed frames, but some mattress types benefit from a specific kind of base. In this guide, we cover bed frames and bases to suit every mattress style and budget.

Choosing the best bed frame or base for your mattress can enhance the support of your sleep set up, as well as increasing the overall durability of your bed. By lifting the mattress off the floor, a bed frame increases airflow and breathability, and also elevates the mattress so it's a comfortable height to climb in and out of.

Our team of sleep experts have used testing experience and review analysis to round up the best bed frames and bases to shop right now. This includes platform beds, ottomans, divans, and adjustable bases with zero gravity presets, from popular sleep brands such as Simba, Emma, and Nectar. Read on to discover this year's best bed frames and mattress — and don't forget to shop the mattress sales for a bed to match.

The best bed frames and bases – rated by experts

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The best bed frame overall

One of the best bed frames is the Simba Sirius Bed Frame

(Image credit: Simba)
The best bed frame overall – practically tool-free building

Specifications

Type: Slatted bed frame
Sizes: Double, king, super king
Materials: 100% recyclable materials; sustainably sourced wood; cotton-rich twill
Colours: Gunmetal, Latte, Peacock (pictured)
Best for: Back support; Those who hate building furniture
Trial period: 1 year
Guarantee: 10 years
User reviews: 5 out of 5

Reasons to buy

+
Fast and easy to build
+
Responsive back support
+
Excellent build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
No storage

From one of the UK’s top hybrid mattress brands, the Simba Sirius Bed Frame is a fabric-covered base made with 100% recycled materials, including sustainably produced birch. The premium finish features a stain-resistant fabric headboard, but it's underneath the material where the real magic happens.

We never thought we’d get excited about bed frame slats, but the Simba Flex technology used here is impressive. It utilises responsive suspension to support your lower back and shoulders, while a mixture of hyper-reactive narrower and wider slats are designed to relieve pressure while boosting support. 

If you own a Simba Hybrid mattress or similar, this bed frame can take your sleep comfort to the next level. It's heavy, so expect to need some help putting it together (although this isn't unusual for a bed frame). The lack of under bed storage space might also be an issue, especially if you have limited room. But overall, the handmade Sirius bed frame is impeccably finished and a sure-fire way to enjoy better, comfier sleep. 

Currently, only refurbished models of the Sirius Bed Frame are available. A refurbished bed frame is one that has been used prior, but has been checked and sanitised to meet the exacting Simba standards (and you still get a 30-day trial and a 1-year guarantee). We will be reviewing another Simba bed frame soon to see if it stand up to the high benchmark of the Sirius, but until then, we still recommend the this bed frame.

Sirius Bed Base (Refurbished):£819.50 at Simba

Sirius Bed Base (Refurbished): from £819.50 at Simba
The Simba Sirius Bed Base pairs a premium finish with an innovative slat design to provide maximum support to you and your mattress. Currently only available as a refurbished model, shop fast before we see the last of this highly-rated bed frame.

The best divan bed for storage

One of the best bed bases is the Emma divan bed

(Image credit: Emma)
The best bed frame for luxury looks and storage

Specifications

Type: Divan bed base
Sizes: Double, king, super king
Materials: Scandinavian softwood; polyester fabric; chrome-look plastic
Colours: Angora (pictured); Dark Grey
Best for: Integrated storage; a taller bed
Trial period: 200 nights
Guarantee: 2 years
User reviews: 4.4 out of 5

Reasons to buy

+
Two storage drawers
+
Relatively easy to build
+
The divan base is sturdy

Reasons to avoid

-
Our headboard wobbled

Created by Emma Sleep, the brand behind one of the best memory foam mattresses, the Emma Divan Bed is a handmade bed base that can provide ample bedroom storage. Available with either two or four drawers (or zero), this is a reliable bed base that will suit anyone who is tired of tripping over mess anytime they pop to the bathroom in the night.

These drawers are the major selling point of the Emma Divan Bed. There's one on either side of the bed that you can position at the top or bottom of the divan to best suit your bedroom layout. These drawers have ample storage room for linens, spare pillows and other bedroom necessities, and are smooth and quiet during opening and closing. 

The overall build quality and look are impressive, giving a premium feel to the Emma Divan Bed. Our review team did, however, notice a few issues. The (optional) headboard looks plush, but we found our tester model was unsteady, and wobbled every time our lead reviewer got in or out of the bed. The temperature regulation could also be improved. Without slats for enhanced airflow, divan bed frames can sleep a little hot. 

Still, if you have no issues with temperature regulation during sleep and you want a good-looking base with built-in storage, the Emma Divan Bed is definitely worth testing - you’ll have 200 nights to trial it at home, plus free shipping. 

Emma Divan Bed: £578 at Emma

Emma Divan Bed: from £578 at Emma
There are plenty of options with the Emma Divan Bed. You can opt for no drawers, two drawers, or four drawers, add a headboard or leave it out, and pick a color. The 2-year guarantee isn't the best for a bed base, but it's not bad, and the 200-night trial is a long time to see if this is the right frame for you. 

The best cheap platform bed

One of the best bed frames is the Nectar Platform Bed

(Image credit: Nectar)
A basic platform bed base that supports all mattresses

Specifications

Type: Platform base
Materials: Polyester, Rubberwood
Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
Colours: Grey
Best for: All mattresses; minimalist bedrooms
Trial period: None
Guarantee: 2 years
User reviews: 4.1 out of 5

Reasons to buy

+
Simple clip and lock frame
+
Supports all mattresses

Reasons to avoid

-
Basic design overall

If you’re looking for a no-frills platform bed to support your memory foam or hybrid mattress, then Nectar Sleep has what you need. The Nectar Platform Bed Frame is nothing particularly exciting to look at – it’s a basic grey square with slats and rubberwood legs. That’s it. But if you like a minimalist aesthetic, this will appeal, and the finish is excellent. 

The Nectar Platform is designed with a simple clip and lock frame, making it one of the fastest bed frames in this guide to fix together – our tester was especially impressed with the speedy build. The use of slats in the base encourages decent airflow, which is essential if you have a dense memory foam mattress prone to overheating. (Check out our Nectar Mattress review for a good temperature-regulating foam bed).

Don’t expect much else from the Nectar Platform Bed Frame though. You won’t get integrated storage or a luxury hotel-style headboard as you will with the Emma, nor the back support and pressure relief magic of the Simba. What you will get is a stripped back yet perfectly adequate base upon which to sit your mattress and pillows. 

The Nectar is available in a single, double, king, and super king size, and it comes with a two year guarantee — but no trial period, unfortunately. You’ll get free shipping, though. Nectar is one of the world’s best mattress in a box brands, so you’re in good hands here.

Nectar Platform Bed Frame: £130 at Nectar
Nectar offers the Platform Bundle set from £652

Nectar Platform Bed Frame: from £130 at Nectar
The Nectar Platform Bed Frame is an affordable choice if you're after simplicity and reliability. A single size is £130, while a double and king are both £140, and a super king £150. If you need a mattress to go with your frame, check out the bundle deals — Nectar offers the Platform Bundle set from £652.

The best adjustable bed

One of the best bed frames is the Sleepmotion 400i Adjustable Platform Bed Frame

(Image credit: Sleepmotion)

4. Sleepmotion 400i Adjustable Platform Bed Frame

The best adjustable bed base for relieving pain during sleep

Specifications

Type: Adjustable bed
Materials: Metal; fabric
Sizes: Single, double, king, super king
Best for: Zero gravity; pressure relief; sleeping propped up
Trial period: None
Guarantee: 1 year
User reviews: 4.8 out of 5

Reasons to buy

+
Wireless remote or app control
+
Zero Gravity preset
+
Integrated massage

Reasons to avoid

-
Two-person build
-
No trial period

While most bed frames keep you lying flat, the Sleepmotion 400i Adjustable Platform Bed Frame allows you to change the angle of your bed with just the press of a button — and the remote's included. The Sleepmotion 400i features head and feet elevation to help relieve pressure at aching joints, and although it doesn’t offer as many features as the premium 800i version, you still get plenty of adjustability for your money.

That includes an integrated massage function to help you physically relax when resting in bed, or to use as part of your calming bedtime routine. There’s also lumbar support, to ensure your spine is aligned when you sleep. But our favourite feature is the zero gravity preset — this creates a weightless feel to quickly soothe pain while reducing pressure on the spine. 

If you’re congested, dealing with heartburn, or struggle with acid reflux, raising the head can ease symptoms and help you drift off easier. It's also a good way to quiet snoring, as elevating the head opens up the airways. The foot of the bed can also be raised to help reduce swelling in the ankles and legs. 

All that adjustability does come at a price though, and the Sleepmotion 400i is a premium base. Plus, it lacks the finish of other bases in this guide (although you can add a headboard for an extra cost). However, the Sleepmotion 400i Adjustable Platform Bed Frame is an excellent choice if you need multiple resting and sleep positions, plus massage at your disposal at night.

Sleepmotion 400i Adjustable Platform Bed Frame: £949 at Dreams

Sleepmotion 400i Adjustable Platform Bed Frame: from £949 at Dreams
The Sleepmotion 400i had three adjustable areas — the head, lumbar, and feet — so you can achieve the most comfortable sleep position possible. The higher price tag isn't unexpected, and £999 for a double is a competitive price for a smart bed.

The best stackable bed

One of the best bed frames is the IKEA UTÅKER Stackable Bed

(Image credit: IKEA)

5. IKEA UTÅKER Stackable Bed

The best bed frame for kids, teens and guest rooms

Specifications

Type: Stackable bed frame
Materials: Pine wood; beech veneer; birch veneer
Sizes: Single (23cm H x 205cm L x 83cm W)
Best for: Rooms with little space; occasional use beds
Trial period: 90 nights
Guarantee: Not stated
User reviews: 4.4 out of 5

Reasons to buy

+
Space-saving bed frames
+
Affordable for two beds

Reasons to avoid

-
Requires two mattresses to stack
-
Not built to last

If you want a space-saving solution for your kids, teenagers or guest bedroom, then IKEA’s stackable bed system could be the answer. Another basic design like the Nectar Platform Bed Frame (see No 3), the IKEA UTÅKER Stackable Bed is two single bed frames designed to sit one on top of the other when the second bed is not in use. 

The bed that sits at the bottom of the stack has purpose-drilled holes, into which the small plastic feet of the top bed fit. Double straps with press studs keep the beds in place when they’re stacked, so they shouldn’t slide around. This is an innovative solution to any room in your home where you’d like to offer guests a place to sleep, yet you don’t have the space or desire to set up a bed full time. 

The IKEA UTÅKER Stackable Bed system is also perfect for kids and teens rooms, as it gives them the option of having a proper bed for friends to sleep in, yet they gain floor space back when the sleepover has ended. The downsides are that you’ll need to buy two mattresses to use with the UTÅKER, but IKEA sells plenty of good quality cheap mattresses to keep the cost down. 

The guarantee is also confusing, as IKEA offers 10 years on some bedroom products but doesn’t disclose the warranty on the UTÅKER. You will get a 90-day trial period though.

IKEA UTÅKER Stackable Bed:  £199 (for two frames) at IKEA
UTÅKER stackable bed with two mattresses is just £359

IKEA UTÅKER Stackable Bed: from £199 (for two frames) at IKEA
The UTÅKER can be two beds, one bed, or a sofa, depending on your storage and sleep needs. This simple stackable design is an affordable solution to a lack of space. And if you need the mattresses to go with it, IKEA offers that as well. The UTÅKER stackable bed with two mattresses is just £359 at IKEA.

How we test bed frames

The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert sleep reviewers test bed frames, bases and divans for ease of setup, comfort, support and quality of build. 

Similar to how we test mattresses, our lead reviewer assembles a testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types, who rate bed frames using a specific set of performance criteria. 

In addition to data extracted from our own experiences, we also analyze user reviews from verified buyers to help us paint a complete picture of how well a bed frame will perform.

Best bed frames and bases: Expert buying advice

What type of bed frames are the best?

The best bed frame for you depends on the mattress you either own or are planning on buying. It's also important to consider how many of you are sharing the bed, and whether you have any sleep challenges, such as overheating, that might affect your choice. With these factors in mind, you can find the perfect base to go under your mattress

Here’s a handy guide to the best bed frames and bases for different sleepers:

Slatted bed bases

This type of bed frame is excellent for hot sleepers as it promotes better air circulation from the base upwards. Slatted bed bases work with a range of different mattress types, but be careful with memory foam - you don’t want to place an all-foam bed on widely spaced slats, otherwise the foam could spill through over time and cause premature sagging.

Best choice for: hot sleepers; hybrid mattress owners

Divan beds

Divans can really increase the height of your bed, especially when compared with a taller than average mattress. Divan beds are popular among tall people who want the extra leg space when getting in and out of bed, but in truth they suit a wide range of sleepers. They do sleep warmer than slatted bases though as air doesn’t circulate as well. The big bonus with divans is that many come with integrated storage. 

Divans also make it hard for bed bugs to hide as there aren't as many nooks and crannies compared to other beds - our feature on how to prevent bed bugs getting into your mattress explains this more.

Best choice for: adding height; integrated storage

Platform beds

This is one of the most basic types of bed frame you’ll come across, yet such a simple solution shouldn’t be disregarded as being too basic to be comfortable. A good platform bed will support your mattress, ensure good airflow and enable you to either ditch the headboard for a minimalist look, or pair it with a custom option unique to your bedroom. Read more in our article: What is a platform bed and do I need one? 

Best choice for: minimalist bedrooms; small budgets

Adjustable beds

Trying to sleep when you’re in pain or experiencing physical discomfort is really hard, but an adjustable bed can make it easier by relieving a lot of pressure on your body. Adjustable beds and bases can usually be elevated at the head and foot, as well as be set into a zero gravity position to create an almost weightless sensation when you’re lying down. Most are controlled with a wireless remote, but we’re seeing more of these smart mattresses and smart beds controlled via app for sheer ease of use.

Best choice for: people who snore or experience physical discomfort

How much is a good quality bed frame?

Just like when you’re shopping for the best mattress for side sleepers, a cooling mattress or even some decent pillows, a good quality bed frame will require a decent investment if you want something that lasts. However, from our testing experience we don’t believe you need to spend a lot to get a decent bed frame. 

Adjustable beds are the exception, as due to the very nature of how much sleep tech they’re packing, they normally cost £800 or more for a good quality one. 

Our top-rated bed frame is the Simba Sleep Sirius and that costs from £737 at Simba Sleep. That’s on the premium side of bed frame prices, while The Nectar Sleep Platform Bed is more reasonably priced from £150 at Nectar. There’s a big difference between those types of beds though, with the Simba offering a groundbreaking slat system that supports your back and also relieves pressure when you sleep. 

Claire Davies
Senior Sleep Editor, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Claire is a fully qualified journalist and Certified Sleep Science Coach with over 15 years’ product review experience. Claire is responsible for all mattress and sleep content published on Tom’s Guide, including our Best Mattress of 2024 buying guide. She is our expert on Saatva, DreamCloud, Nectar and Tempur-Pedic mattresses, and is also our in-house hybrid mattress specialist. Claire is certified to advise people on how to choose a mattress that best suits their sleep, body and budget, as well as helping them to create a nighttime routine and bedroom environment that promote good sleep. As Senior Sleep Editor, Claire takes the lead on developing and overseeing rigorous testing procedures for our mattress reviews, both at home and in our fully equipped Sleep Studio. Claire leads a team of experienced sleep and mattress specialists who report on and test a wide range of mattress and sleep products, and she also writes about all things related to sleep, and has interviewed a wealth of experts including mattress designers and buyers, neuroscientists, and doctors of sleep medicine. 

With contributions from