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12 best bed frames for a comfy night’s sleep, including beds with handy built-in storage

From smart storage solutions to ease-of-build, our experts have tested it all

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best bed frames
Good Housekeeping

There's a lot more to bed frames than whether the headboard complements your chosen colour scheme.

The best bed frames prolong the lifespan of a mattress by providing a solid base and preventing any sagging between slats, giving you the support you need for a comfortable night's sleep. And that's before you even consider the amount of storage they can provide.

Whether you’re looking for simple slatted frame or a stylish ottoman to maximise storage, these are our experts’ top picks at a glance, ranging from £299 up to £1,700. You’ll find their full verdicts below, but these are the top performers at a glance:

Best bed frames 2026

Our Good Housekeeping Institute team asked a panel of weary readers to put a selection of bed frames through their paces in their own homes for at least a month. We looked at all the key things you’d consider before buying – from how easy each bed frame is to assemble, to the level of support it offers and, where relevant, how practical and accessible the storage is. You'll find a full breakdown of our rigorous testing process below.

On a tighter budget? Take a look at our round-up of the best budget bed frames under £250.

All prices quoted are for a UK double.

1
Best bed frame and best ottoman

Dusk Madison Ottoman Storage Bed

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Madison Ottoman Storage Bed
1
Best bed frame and best ottoman

Dusk Madison Ottoman Storage Bed

Score: 96/100

With its tall headboard, this bed frame makes a real statement, but that’s not the only reason it stood out in our tests. In fact, our panellists were impressed from delivery through to bedtime; the customer service was excellent, the bed came with all the necessary tools to build, and the instructions were easy to follow (bar a slight mix-up for one tester), with most of our panel finding it straightforward to put together.

Testers’ mattresses sat neatly on top, and the slatted base supported them well, feeling sturdy at night. The headboard was secure and the storage was a hit – everyone found the ottoman easy to open and close, and liked the depth of the base, which made it easy to pack items in. This design is much more affordable than many ottomans, so it will come as little surprise, then, that everyone would recommend our winner.

Key specifications

SizesDouble, king, super king
BaseWood sprung slats
StorageOttoman
Made fromVelvet or bouclé
Colours availableGrey, ecru, white, ink
GuaranteeUnspecified
DeliveryAssembly not included
2
Best for assembly

Bensons for Beds Snooze Nocturne Ottoman Bed Frame

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Snooze Nocturne Ottoman Bed Frame
2
Best for assembly

Bensons for Beds Snooze Nocturne Ottoman Bed Frame

Score: 95/100

Bensons takes care of the assembly of this bed frame for you (all our testers found them helpful, and they were in and out within half an hour!). This makes it a savvy pick if you don’t like DIY and have no plans to move in the near future. It comes with the necessary tools and detailed, illustrated instructions if you do need to dismantle it down the line too.

Like our winner, this one impressed our testers with its deep storage, and most found it easy to open and close. The bed frame didn’t creak at all and supported mattresses well, although the divan design meant some slipped away from the headboard a tad over time, rather than remaining securely in place. The sleek headboard was comfortable to sit against and testers praised the bed’s luxe feel. Another one that delivered a panel of happy sleepers.

Key specifications

SizesDouble, king, super king
BaseBoarded base
StorageOttoman
Made fromVelvet and woven fabrics
Colours availableSilver, stone, midnight, mink, olive, petrol, platinum, beige, grey
Guarantee5 years
DeliveryFree assembly included
3
Best divan bed frame

Nectar Divan Bed

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Divan Bed
3
Best divan bed frame

Nectar Divan Bed

Score: 93/100

This is our highest scoring divan bed, and you can opt to add two or four sturdy, smooth moving drawers if you want to make the most of the empty space within. Most testers found the frame relatively easy to build, if a little fiddly, in part down to the tools supplied. They liked the fact the frame has wheels though, which helps when putting it into place.

Mattresses fitted well on top, and everyone found it a comfortable design, especially the headboard. Again, it’s a creak-free buy that earned a big thumbs up from all our panellists.

Key specifications

SizesSingle, double, king, super king, small double
BaseDivan
StorageNo, two or four drawers
Made fromWood and upholstered fabric
Colours availableSmoke, coal, biscotti
GuaranteeTwo years
DeliveryAssembly not included
4
Best for customisation

Simba Divan Beds

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Divan Beds
4
Best for customisation

Simba Divan Beds

Score: 90/100

This is part of a made to order (in the UK) range of beds from Simba, and while they all have the same divan base (with the choice between no, two or four drawers), you can select the headboard and colour that best suits your space. Simba assembled these frames for our panel, providing top customer service and leaving them with tools and instructions should they ever need to dismantle and rebuild it themselves.

Everyone found the mattresses fitted snugly, and the headboard was supportive when sitting up in bed. The drawers were accessible, but some felt they could be sturdier as they were told to be careful putting heavy items in them. But all our testers were impressed with the overall quality and if you want more creative control over your bed frame, this is a good route to go down.

We’ve linked to the Camden, but the range also includes the Hoxton, Didsbury, Wilmslow, Ludlow and Melrose beds. Below, we've also reviewed the ottoman frames.

Key specifications

SizesSingle, double, king, super king
BaseDivan
StorageNo, two or four drawers
Made fromWood and woven polyester fabrics
Colours availableGrey, peacock, vanilla, pebble, midnight blue, graphite
Guarantee10 years and 200-night trial
DeliveryOptional assembly available, and old bed and mattress removal for £50
5
Best for style

Dreams Davies Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Davies Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame
5
Best for style

Dreams Davies Upholstered Ottoman Bed Frame

Now 20% Off

Score: 90/100

This aesthetically pleasing Ottoman from Dreams was a big hit with our panellists, with everyone saying they’d happily continue using it and would recommend it to others. It features a plush fluted headboard, generous storage space plus the choice between a slatted or solid base, depending on your needs.

Good looks aside, testers praised the sturdy design – it provided a solid base for their mattresses, there was no creaking, and the upholstered headboard was comfy and supportive to lean against. “I found the support that it gave me comforting and it enabled me to have a better night’s sleep,” said one panel member.

The lifting mechanism was easy to operate, and everyone was pleased with the amount of storage space for bulky items including shoes, books and duvets. The delivery service was excellent, and most testers found the set-up process straightforward, although some felt it was a bit fiddly and time-consuming.

Key specifications

Sizes Single, small double, double, king, super king
Base Sprung slats or solid headboard
Storage Ottomon
Made from Soft-touch woven upholstery
Colours available Dark grey, light grey
Guarantee 1 year
DeliveryOptional assembly available
6
Best slatted bed frame

REM-Fit Essence Bed Frame

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Essence Bed Frame
6
Best slatted bed frame

REM-Fit Essence Bed Frame

Score: 89/100

REM-Fit's slatted bed frames all share the same reinforced base, but there are three sleek colourways and headboard designs for you to choose from. Whichever one you opt for (here are the Signature and Luxe designs to compare), our testers were impressed with the delivery service; all the slats and components arrive packaged within the headboard, so if you aren’t ready to build it straightaway, or you’re moving house, you can store it neatly.

As for the build, testers found it straightforward thanks to clear instructions. In fact, one told us it was the “easiest bed frame I’ve ever put together!” There’s some room below the frame to store odds and ends, and at nighttime, the bed felt sturdy, and most found the headboard secure. It was also quiet if they moved around. In fact, most of our testers would buy the bed again, declaring it a comfortable choice.

Key specifications

Sizes Double, king, super king
Base Reinforced slatted base
Storage None built-in
Made from FSC-certified pine and beech wood, metal, polyester, foam
Colours available Grey
Guarantee 5 years
DeliveryFree within three days
7
Best mattress and divan set

Tuft & Springs™ Ortho Brilliance 2000 Mattress + Premium Divan Bed

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Ortho Brilliance 2000 Mattress + Premium Divan Bed
7
Best mattress and divan set

Tuft & Springs™ Ortho Brilliance 2000 Mattress + Premium Divan Bed

Now 20% Off

Score: 88/100

For a quick bedroom upgrade, this set includes a divan base and a firm pocket sprung mattress in one neat package. It impressed our testers from the outset, with many praising its sturdy, supportive build and clean, neutral look that should work well in most spaces. Set-up was straightforward on the whole, with most finding it easy to assemble, even if the instructions weren’t always clear.

Once set up, the base felt solid and stable, holding the mattress securely with no movement overnight. The mattress itself – which combines 2,000 pocket springs with natural fillings like wool, silk and cashmere to keep things breathable – offered good pressure relief and support, especially for front and back sleepers.

Testers also liked the taller headboard and appreciated the optional storage for practicality. There were occasional issues with fittings and delivery, but overall, this is a reliable all-in-one option.

Key specifications

Sizes Single, double, king, super king
Base Divan
Storage No, two or four drawers
Made from Wood and upholstered fabrics
Colours available Carbon, silver, mink, cream, marine, teal
Guarantee 5 years and 100-night trial
DeliveryFree next-day delivery, depending on postcode
8
Best affordable bed frame

Dunelm Skylar Velvet Pillow Back Bed Frame

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Skylar Velvet Pillow Back Bed Frame
8
Best affordable bed frame

Dunelm Skylar Velvet Pillow Back Bed Frame

Now 25% Off

Score: 88/100

With its sumptuous velvet finish and cushioned headboard (perfect for lazy Sunday mornings), this bed frame is bound to bring a hint of hotel luxury to your bedroom – without breaking the bank! But this isn’t a case of style over substance; once assembled, following the fuss-free instructions, the structure felt solid and well-made, with minimal movement and no noise (even for a restless sleeper tossing and turning through the night).

The frame’s height divided our panel – while most found it comfortable to climb in and out of, one panellist found it a little too low. This also doesn’t allow for underbed storage, which is something to consider if you’re short on space. These were minor drawbacks, however, with an impressive 100% of panellists saying they’d continue to use the frame and recommend it to friends and family.

Key specifications

Sizes Single, double, king, super king
Base Sprung slatted
Storage None
Made from Pine and velvet upholstery
Colours available Olive, navy, orange
Guarantee None
DeliveryAssembly not included
9

Origin Storage Bed Frame

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Storage Bed Frame
9

Origin Storage Bed Frame

Score: 86/100

Blending style with space-saving practicality, the Origin Storage Ottoman Bed Frame delivers a solid night’s sleep with bonus storage hidden below. On the whole, delivery ran smoothly and assembly was straightforward, thanks to well-packaged parts and handy diagrams, though some testers found it a little fiddly to align parts (so it might be worth having two pairs of hands for the job).

Once built, the bed felt stable and supportive, with no creaks or mattress shifting during use. The ottoman mechanism was easy to lift and lower, with our panel loving the ample storage space beneath (ideal for smaller bedrooms and minimising mess). Despite a few minor niggles with delivery and assembly, feedback was positive overall, and the frame impressed on looks, comfort and everyday usability.

Key specifications

Sizes Single, small double, double, king, super king
Base Hydraulic base
Storage Ottoman
Made from Canadian timber
Colours available Grey
Guarantee 5 years
DeliveryFree next day delivery, assembly not included
10

Simba Design Your Own Ottoman Beds

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Design Your Own Ottoman Beds
10

Simba Design Your Own Ottoman Beds

Score: 86/100

These beds are in the same range as the Simba divan frames featured above, which means you can customise the headboard and colour. But given how different the storage mechanism is, we tested the ottoman separately. Everyone praised the amount of storage within the frame and said the bed was generally okay to open and close – although one tester said some force was required to close it, which may not suit everyone.

Our panellists also built the bed themselves, rather than trialling Simba’s delivery service, and found it quick and easy, with detailed instructions included. The bed felt premium and provided a sturdy base for their mattresses. Bedtime was a snuggly affair too, thanks to the comfy, secure headboard.

We’ve linked to the Wilmslow, but the range also includes the Hoxton, Didsbury, Camden, Ludlow and Melrose beds.

Key specifications

SizesSingle, double, king, super king
BaseBoarded base
StorageOttoman
Made fromWood and woven polyester fabrics
Colours availableGrey, peacock, vanilla, pebble, midnight blue, graphite
Guarantee10 years and 200-night trial
DeliveryOptional assembly available, and old bed and mattress removal for £50
11

Origin Timber Wooden Bed Frame

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Timber Wooden Bed Frame
11

Origin Timber Wooden Bed Frame

Score: 85/100

DIY novice? Fret not, for this bed frame offers a no-screw, tool-free assembly, with intuitive instructions and diagrams to keep you on the right track while building. Result.

Panellists agreed the bed frame felt sturdy and secure once assembled, with no creaking or mattress movement to guarantee a good night’s sleep. It’s the “perfect” height for getting in and out of bed, and many highlighted how seamlessly it fits into different interiors – especially minimalist or modern spaces. In other words, if you’re looking for a comfortable and classic wood frame that will outlast fleeting trends, make it this.

Key specifications

Sizes Single, double, king, super king
Base Wood slats
Storage None
Made from Canadian timber
Colours available Wood
Guarantee Five years
DeliveryFree next day delivery, assembly not included
12

La Redoute Matea Solid Oak Bed with Bed Base

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Matea Solid Oak Bed with Bed Base
12

La Redoute Matea Solid Oak Bed with Bed Base

Now 20% Off

Score: 81/100

This Scandi-inspired design from La Redoute was a hit from a style perspective. “The trendy design feels very current and timeless,” said one panellist, while another described it as “very elegant”.

Assembly was also a strong point. Most of our panel found it quick and intuitive to put together, thanks to clear instructions and well-labelled parts – far easier than many flat-pack builds they’d tackled before. Once assembled, it felt solid and stable, with the slatted base providing a supportive foundation for their mattresses.

That said, the European sizing meant UK mattresses didn’t fit perfectly, leaving visible gaps. The low, wraparound headboard also divided opinion, and some found the bed sat lower than expected, so if you struggle to get in and out of lower beds, look to another design.

Key specifications

Sizes Double, king
Base Slatted
Storage None
Made from Solid oak, solid pine
Colours available Oak
Guarantee Not specified
DeliveryAssembly not included

How we test bed frames

best bed frames
Good Housekeeping UK

Each bed frame on our list is tested by three or four different members of our reader panel, so you get a well-rounded view of what it's really like to sleep on.

They receive the bed at home, assemble it and then sleep on it for at least a month. Then they fill in a detailed survey which covers everything you'd want to know before buying, including delivery and customer service to clarity of instructions, the build experience and storage solutions.

Crucially, they also report back on what it's like to sleep on night after night, including whether it creaks or moves. Finally, they tell us if they’d genuinely recommend the bed frame to others.

Back at the Good Housekeeping Institute, our in-house experts bring all this feedback together and award each bed frame an overall score out of 100.

best bed frames

Why you should trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

We’ve tested over 20 different bed frames here at the Good Housekeeping Institute with the help of our at-home testers. Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, and senior sleep and wellness tester, Kim Hawley, led the analysis, carefully reviewing feedback and performance data to score each model.

All the feedback is then passed on to our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, who uses it to shape these clear, easy-to-read reviews. She draws on her in-depth knowledge of the sleep market and keeps a close eye on new launches, so only the options truly worth considering make it into this guide.

best bed frames

What are the different types of bed frame?

From four posters to low platforms, there's a huge variety of bed frame styles to choose from. But when it comes to mattress support, your options are (luckily) more limited.

Always check if there are any recommendations about the best frame for your mattress before you buy. Otherwise, these are the pros and cons for the three base types you’ll find on our list below.

Slatted bed base

The most traditional style, slatted bed frames also tend to be the most affordable. You can choose between sprung slats, which add a slight bounce to your bed, or firm ones. Either way, they sit horizontally across the frame, distributing the weight of your mattress and providing support.

The slats (generally made of wood or metal) should be evenly spaced to avoid any sagging. This should provide good ventilation for your mattress, making them ideal for hot sleepers.

But if you like a firm bed, then a solid surface, like a divan, may suit you better as it will provide maximum support. Similarly, if you've invested in one of the best memory foam mattresses, you’ll need a frame with slats that sit close together; otherwise, there's a risk your mattress will sink into the gaps over time, and you won’t get the support you need.

Finally, the height of the frame will determine whether you’ll get much storage space underneath or not.

Divan bed base

A divan bed base generally comes in two halves that fit together, creating a solid top. You can get some that have springs built in to provide more shock absorption. This may be handy if you’re a fidgeter at night, as it can help extend the lifespan of your mattress, but it does cost more.

Whereas mattresses tend to sit within a slatted bed frame, with divans, they sit directly on top, making them marginally more compact if you’re kitting out a smaller room. And you can often choose to have drawers built into the frame if you want to maximise storage space.

Ottomans

You can actually buy both slatted and divan ottomans, as this style of bed is less about the platform your mattress lies on and all about the savvy storage within. Built-in gas-lift hydraulics mean you can lift up the base (with the mattress, bedding and all!) and access the empty space inside. They keep the bed open and should do most of the hard work when lifting too.

This option offers more flexibility than drawers, as you can access all the space below your mattress. It's also tidier than shoving boxes under a standard bed frame, making it ideal if you live in a smaller home or flat.

However, there may be weight restrictions when it comes to what you can store inside and in terms of the style of mattress the base can support – so check the manufacturer’s guidance before you buy.


How to choose a bed frame

Once you’ve nailed down your base, there are a few other decisions for you to make.

Design and materials

This is the fun bit where you get to play interior designer! Think about the style of headboard you want, so it goes with the rest of your room and you can sit up in bed comfortably.

Also consider the material – a velvet finish, for example, will make for a more sumptuous look (but can be slightly harder to dust!), while a wooden headboard offers an effortlessly timeless look. Or you may even want a four poster, if you’re lucky enough to have the high ceilings for it.

Accessibility

While hydraulics make ottomans easier to use, a divan with drawers may be a better choice if you want to avoid weight-bearing activities.

And make sure to check the height of the bed frame (and factor in your mattress depth too), so you don’t end up with a frame that’s too low or too high for you.

Size

It's also important to consider the proportions of your room. Larger frames can overwhelm a smaller space, while more compact options can look out of place in a bigger bedroom.

It’s worth measuring up before you buy so you can move around comfortably without the bed dominating the room.

Delivery and assembly

Always check that the finished bed frame will fit in the space you have available, so you don’t find it’s too big mid-way through assembly.

Generally speaking (and provided the instructions are clear), putting a bed frame together shouldn’t take you too long, although it's worth setting aside a few hours so you can take your time without feeling under pressure. But if you’re concerned about this, some companies offer assembly as standard (like with the Benson’s Ottoman on our list above).


Do metal or wooden bed frames last longer?

It ultimately comes down to quality rather than material. Metal frames are typically more resistant to everyday wear and wear, making them a low-maintenance option. That said, a well-made wooden frame, especially solid hardwood, can last just as long with proper care.


Should I be using an adjustable bed frame?

Adjustable bed frames are worth considering if have mobility issues or simply want a bit more flexibility. They allow you to change positions in bed, such as raising your head or feet, which can help with circulation, comfort or simply relaxing more easily.

They're not for everyone, though, and tend to cost quite a bit more. If you want to find out more and see if one's right for you, take a look at our best adjustable beds and mattresses buying guide.

The verdict on bed frames

This is an image

If you're after an Ottoman bed frame, our winner, the Dusk Madison Ottoman Storage Bed is a reliable pick. It's easy to assemble, affordable, looks chic and proved extremely supportive during testing. It's a good choice if you're looking to maximise storage, too.

Prefer a classic divan? Nectar's Divan Bed is our top-scorer. It was praised by our panel for comfort, style and performance.

REM-Fit's Slatted Essence Bed Frame is ideal for hot sleepers. It's comes in three colourways, with some room below the base for storage.

best bed frames

More expert-approved sleep buys

If you're looking to upgrade your bedroom set-up, we've also found the best mattress, the best pillows and the best bed sheets and duvet covers, all tested in our lab and loved by readers.

Headshot of Priyankaa Joshi
Priyankaa Joshi
Sleep & Wellness Editor

Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more.   Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills. 

Lettermark
Millie West
Freelance Journalist

Millie is freelance journalist and editor with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends.  
  Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc.  
  Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge, Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).
 

Headshot of Blossom Boothroyd
Tested byBlossom Boothroyd
Homes Testing Manager

Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.  

Headshot of Kim Hawley
Tested byKim Hawley
Senior Health & Fitness Tester

Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.  

With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.

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