If you're looking for a modern bed on a budget, a platform bed is a good bet. You won't have to buy box springs since platforms require a mattress only, and the simplicity of the design means that you can find well-made beds for under $1,000. Click below for our picks...
Top: This Campo Queen Bed is $899 - $999 at Room and Board (full size is $799 - $899). Available in maple, cherry, or walnut, this is a very solid bed.
The Low Platform Bed from West Elm is $469 - $649 and does not include the headboard (sold separately). This low-to-the-ground style would look great in an Asian-inspired bedroom.
The City Block Bed ($599) and Tatami Bamboo Bed ($649) are both from CB2. For reviews of the City Block, click here.
The Mandal Bedframe from IKEA ($299) includes under-the-bed storage. You can also get the slatted headboard for $149. IKEA frames aren't as sturdy as some of the other beds listed here, but the price is very affordable.
The Malm Bedframe from IKEA ($149) has appeared in many AT readers' homes.
The Min Full Bed Frame is on sale for $637.50 at Design Within Reach. Click here for more information and reviews.
The Portica Queen Bed at Room and Board ($999) is sleek and contemporary. The full size is $899.
This Bello Gloss White Queen Bed ($399.95) scored high customer marks on Overstock.com.
The Ellis Bed from Crate & Barrel ($499 - $649) is a simple piece that would fit it with both contemporary and traditional decors.
Give us your recommendations for budget platform beds in the comments below.
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Anybody have any problems with the "less sturdy" IKEA platform beds such as the Malm? Is it the whole construction or just the slats that seem not as solid as more expensive beds.
view beelzabean's profile
Have the Mandal bedframe.
The frame is very sturdy, but assembly takes a while. Drawers aren't amazingly sturdy, but they're fine for light clothes. Wouldn't want to store books, etc in there.
Very good for $300.
view cbc's profile
Where can I find a big bolster - not too expensive - like in the Min Bed photo?
view chairgal's profile
Perspective Bed from Room and Board is great too! I got it last fall and absolutely love it. $500 for full size, $600 for Queen.
view BtotheB's profile
Malm is really sturdy. I've had mine for almost 3 years now i think and I've jumped on it and abused it in many ways. it's still perfect.
view cmschmidt's profile
Any possibility you can source the bed in the post's picture? I don't see it among the choices...and would love to know where it is!
view mr.O's profile
It's sourced, just hard to catch. Right above the second pick--Campos bed from Room and Board.
view BtotheB's profile
we just bought the Bisect platform bed from CB2, it was featured in the AT post (scroll to the very end): http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/beds-mattresses/cb2-bed-roundup-006397
It was very heavy and sturdy, but on the downside it took us 2 hours to put it together. Can't complain though, I love the look and the quality so far.
view aspw's profile
Chairgal - I'll sell you a big bolster that I bought at WestElm a couple years ago. It's currently in dark brown microfiber, but you can cover it with whatever else you want...
view bepsf's profile
i love my Malm! i noticed it got a little rickety, so i used L brackets on all the corners and its been fine ever since.
view jhawley's profile
I have had my Malm for over 2 years. It was bought from a couple grad students. It's great and strudy...and beleive me....it get's put to some good work. I'd replace it for a sleeker bed, but haven't had a need to.
view Keisha Kornbread's profile
@BtotheB: Thanks!
view mr.O's profile
Whee, this is just what I needed. I posted about our clanky West Elm bed at Shelterrific, and we are more than ready to stop sleeping on the floor (West Elm modern canopy bed for sale...!)
http://www.shelterrific.com/2008/01/22/the-saga-of-the-clanky-bed/
-DWF AKA Mary T.
view DWF's profile
Any suggestions on how I can make my inexpensive platform bed sturdier? It's creeky and sags in the middle (even with the slats in place).
view mambastein's profile
I just wanted to add in two more options since I've tried them..
Brocade home - Hand carved bedframe in white http://tinyurl.com/2lh3cc I have this in a guest room. Its fairly sturdy & easy to assemble.
Crate & Barrel - Zen Bed http://tinyurl.com/2zrg5n Incredibly sturdy & WELL worth the price. There's something like 12 slats, two center legs, all steel construction.. I have this in my master bedroom and love it. Its a fantastic buy. http://tinyurl.com/2y9gxv
view imavunderbrah's profile
We have the IKEA Vinstra (minus the crazy, tall headboard) and it's pretty awesome: modern with a low profile like the Min from DWR, but a lot less expensive.
view mlt43's profile
We have an earlier model similar to Ikea Malm. We used it for 10 years in Belgium, and it survived two moves there. Then we shipped it to the US in 2000 and used it as our bed until 2004. We moved again and now use it as a spare bed. 18 years so far. I think Ikea beds are plenty sturdy!
view modernemama's profile
Shortly after I bought my Malm in 2004, some of the slats broke. I finally got out to Schaumburg to replace them early last year, and discovered that they've changed the design to thicker slats.
view Mr Downtown's profile
On overstock.com, the Bello bed in white shown above is now available in cherry. It's beautiful, and I've purchased it. I bought the bed in Queen, and one of the matching side tables. They should be delivered shortly, and I'll take some photos and give a review. We've been looking for an attractive, wooden bed frame for ages, and this is the first one that we could afford, DELIVERED. I have found many beds I love and that are in our price range, but the delivery fees can be absurd. Not to mention the fact that when, on a whim, I asked the overstock rep if I could have an additional 10% discount, they agreed! The bed, side table, delivered: $524.00. Not bad.
view RedEngine88's profile
Looking forward to seeing the pics and review from RedEngine88 on the Cherry Bello Bed.. is the wood natural cherry? or a wood stained cherry???? I have been searching hi and low for a beautiful bed that can function w/traditional OR contemporary furniture..setting...
view gardengirl's profile