We Tested (and Rated!) All the Bed Frames at Ashley — Here Are the Best to Suit Your Style and Space

Written by

Nikol SlatinskaCommerce Shopping Writer
Nikol SlatinskaCommerce Shopping Writer
I write home shopping content for Apartment Therapy. My job entails product testing and reviewing, as well as writing serviceable shopping guides for furniture and home decor. I received my undergraduate journalism degree at the University of Missouri and wrote for local publications in my college town.
published Jan 31, 2025
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Bedroom with the Ashley Cielden Panel Bed and seal in upper right that reads "Apartment Therapy Personal Shopper: Ashley Beds 2025"
Credit: Ashley

The internet might be your main resource for understanding what’s trending in home decor, but as someone who tests furniture for a living, I say don’t underestimate the importance of an old-fashioned store visit. Whether you make an appointment to view sofas or you merely stop by a showroom on your way home from work, nothing beats looking at home goods up close — especially if you’re shopping for your next big-ticket item

But, of course, not everyone has access to every retailer’s brick-and-mortar store, which is why AT’s Personal Shopper series is here to help. The series is essentially a collection of shopping guides for all of your favorite furniture brands, including West Elm, Blu Dot, Pottery Barn, and more. After visiting these brands’ stores to test their furniture and decor, I provide you with a detailed breakdown of which sofa, rug, or desk is best for your space.

Although I visit a lot of trendy home stores, like Burrow and CB2, a tried-and-true retailer that has managed to hold its own among them is Ashley. I’ve already covered all of the sofas worth shopping from Ashley, and recently I went back to look at the brand’s bed frames. Although I wasn’t surprised by the wide variety of styles on display, I was thrilled to see so many models with built-in storage. Suffice it to say, no matter what interior decor scheme or bedroom size you’re working with, there’s something for you at Ashley.

Why Ashley?

Despite a rising number of online DTC competitors in the furniture marketplace, Ashley has held its own as a legacy retailer and continues to produce high-quality pieces at reasonable prices. In addition to offering its signature traditional silhouettes, Ashley also boasts a wide selection of modern bed frames with storage that look right at home in both busy family households and young adults’ apartments.

When you shop online from Ashley, you can expect a seamless experience, complete with years-long protection plans on select pieces, as well as no-hassle or doorstep delivery in a matter of weeks. Returns are also accepted, as long as your item is in new or unused condition with all of the parts it came with.

The Beds

The Criteria

I judged every Ashley bed frame in-store based on the following five criteria, and gave each category an average rating between 1 and 5. These scores helped us determine the circumstance that each bed suits best.

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media
  • Customizability: How many colors, finishes, materials, or sizes is the bed available in? How granular can you get when customizing the bed frame?
  • Space needs: How much space does the bed frame require? Does it have a canopy or need high ceilings? Is it bulky?
  • Platform height: How high off the ground is the bed frame? Would it generally require bending down or reaching up to get in?
  • Storage capacity: Does the bed frame include drawers? Does it have space underneath for under-bed storage? Does its headboard have storage capacity?
  • Appearance: What style of decor does the bed frame suit best? Does its design lean warm and rustic or sleek and modern? Is it classic with upholstery and detailing, or contemporary with clean lines and versatile minimalism?

Every Editor-Tested Bed at Ashley

Best Boho Style: Cielden Panel Bed

What impressed us: The faux cane headboard and pared-back design.

The Cielden bed is somewhat of an optical illusion. At first, I thought I was looking at a bed with a rattan headboard, but when I walked up close and touched it I realized the pattern was a laminate that had been stuck on. Those after a real cane or rattan bed will understandably be disappointed, but I can attest that the decal looks convincingly real from a few feet away; plus, it helps keep the overall price pretty low, which is a win.

The Cielden has tapered legs — the only other notable touch on this otherwise simple design. These features, coupled with the light wood finish, make this model a dream for any boho-lover. Plus, it has decent under-bed storage space, so you could hide some low, flat clothing bins out of sight.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Engineered wood and decorative laminate
  • Available in 3 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring not required

Best for Small Spaces: Isanti Panel Bed

What impressed us: The rustic appearance and decent under-bed storage space.

At under $1,000, the Isanti bed is clearly a more affordable option with a design comparable to more expensive models. Its mango wood construction felt sturdy, and I liked the Isanti’s warm caramel color. Although it has a paneled design, it’s actually smooth to the touch and will prove easier to style than its rustic appearance might initially suggest.

What’s more, this bed has distinctive plank-style legs that match its (faux) paneling and set it apart from the countless platform base models I viewed. If you’re after something simple and easy to take with you between moves, the Isanti is a great choice. It has just the right amount of character without trying to be the main character. 

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Mango wood
  • Available in 3 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring not required

Best Classic: Welltern Panel Bed

What impressed us: The black finish and distinct headboard shape.

Ashley had a handful of traditional bed frames on display that can be best described as “grand,” and the Welltern was one of them. If its headboard looks tall in photos, just know it’s even taller in person. But I appreciated that this model was relatively pared-back excluding that one feature. Its black finish also set it apart from the countless brown and white beds I looked at; plus, it gives the bed a slightly gothic edge.

Other eye-catching details include the front legs, which turn out in a flourish, and the columns running down either side of the headboard. The Welltern is a beauty, and it’s perfect for those looking to add a dash of drama to their bedroom setup.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Hardwood solids, oak veneer, and MDF substrate
  • Available in 3 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring required

Best Statement Maker: Lavinton Poster Bed 

What impressed us: The ornate carvings and tall footboard.

Speaking of gothic, have a look at the Lavinton bed. I can attest that even in-person it looks like an antique in the best possible way. This cherry-toned number boasts ornate carvings along its rounded headboard, as well as fluted columns at the head and foot. The leafy motif is actually made of a metal-like material, adding even more visual interest to the frame.

Although it’s tall at both ends, the overall height of the bed is quite normal, so you won’t have to worry about struggling to climb in and out of it. The Lavinton is certainly a sight to behold, but still practical enough for your day-to-day.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Hardwood, cherry veneer, cast resin components, and metallic accents
  • Available in 3 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring required

Best Rustic Style: Lettner Storage Sleigh Bed

What impressed us: The gray tone and tall platform.

If I’m being honest, I saw so many sleigh beds at Ashley that I left a couple of them out of this list to avoid redundancy. But just know that if you’re into that whimsical silhouette, you have plenty of options. One of them is the Lettner bed, which has a slightly textured finish on its gray-toned frame that made me deem it the best rustic style. Although it has a lot of detail on the headboard, footboard, and feet, this model still looks clean overall, so it won’t prove too busy for a tranquil bedroom environment.

Of course, the star feature of the Lettner is its built-in storage, which comes in the form of two footboard drawers. I found these to be wide, deep, and smooth-gliding — perfect for out-of-season clothes and linens.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Veneers, wood, and engineered wood with silvertone patina hardware
  • Available in 5 sizes and 4 finishes
  • Box spring not required

Best for Reading in Bed: Jorlaina Upholstered Panel Bed

What impressed us: The nailhead trim and tufted headboard.

The Jorlaina bed is cozy in a glam farmhouse sort of way. Its headboard shape reminded me of a fleur-de-lis, but modernized with clean white upholstery and nailhead trim. The fuzzy tufted fabric practically invites you to lean back with a book, and the bed’s tall platform further gives the indication that once you’re sat, you won’t be leaving your spot for a while.

The rest of the Jorlaina bed is made of a cool-toned wood material. And although the platform is a tad taller than normal, short legs prevent this model from looking too lofty. In short, the Jorlaina is quaint, pretty, and a fabulous quick fix for any dull bedroom.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Hardwood solids, oak veneer, MDF substrate, and cast resin components with polyester upholstery
  • Available in 3 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring required

Best Traditional Style: Robbinsdale Storage Panel Bed

What impressed us: The roomy footboard drawers and antique appearance.

The Robbinsdale bed is a lot like the Lettner bed in terms of its sleigh design and built-in storage. This one looks a little more old-fashioned, though, and the top of its headboard flattens out like a shelf. I could imagine casually setting my phone and glasses up there before a nap; it’s a convenient feature to have, especially if you don’t have space for a proper bedside table.

I found the footboard drawers to be spacious but not smooth-gliding, although this won’t be a big problem if you use them to store items you don’t use frequently. The bed also has an okay amount of storage space underneath its platform, and it sports a weathered finish that makes it look like you bought it secondhand. It might not be an heirloom, but it’ll certainly fool people who don’t know any better.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Oak veneer, engineered wood, solid wood components, and cast resin components with bronze-toned hardware
  • Available in 3 sizes and 3 finishes
  • Box spring not required

Best for Apartment Living: Bellaby Storage Platform Bed

What impressed us: The coastal-inspired finish and contrasting silver hardware.

The cool thing about the Bellaby bed is that its grainy, whitewashed finish could lean either coastal or farmhouse. In any case, it’ll instantly add texture and charm to its surroundings. I deemed it the best bed frame for apartment living because it has that built-in drawer storage, but it doesn’t appear quite as bulky or hefty as some of Ashley’s other storage beds.

Indeed, the Bellaby is streamlined in design, meaning it’ll grow with you as you change apartments and interior design aesthetics. And it doesn’t require a box spring! It doesn’t get less fussy than that.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Engineered wood and decorative laminate with silver-toned hardware
  • Available in 2 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring not required

What impressed us: The out-turned legs and curved headboard.

Whereas most sleigh beds look traditional by design, the Trulani is anything but. Its white finish and contrasting silver hardware make it look quite literally dazzling. Additionally, the flared headboard and front legs add some drama without making the bed look outdated. A tall platform makes the frame look cushy and expensive, although you don’t get much space underneath for storage. That’s OK, though  — two capacious front drawers come in clutch for extra blankets, books, and anything else you want to keep concealed but within easy reach.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Hardwood solids and MDF substrates with silver-toned hardware
  • Available in 3 sizes and 2 finishes
  • Box spring not required

Best Storage Bed: Caitbrook Storage Bed

What impressed us: The eight drawers and built-in shelving.

If I was impressed with Ashley’s selection of storage beds, stumbling upon the Caitbrook bed multiplied that feeling tenfold. Not only does it boast four slim footboard drawers, but the frame also features an ultra-deep drawer on each side, as well as two more small drawers and two tall shelves in the headboard. Basically, you don’t even need a nightstand with this thoughtfully designed pick.

Impressive storage features aside, the Caitbrook is great for any young adult who’s still determining their preferred interior decor style. Its gray-toned finish and sleek metal hardware prove at once modern and easy to style. Who knows? You might not even need a dresser after furnishing your room with the Caitbrook.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Wood, veneers, and engineered wood with metal hardware
  • Available in 4 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring not required

What impressed us: The light brown wood and architectural paneling.

Sometimes, when a piece of furniture is described as “versatile,” it means that the design is so basic that it can serve as a blank backdrop for all of your other furniture and decor. The Cabalynn bed might be versatile, but it still has an original design, thanks to its lodge-style paneling and etching. Its headboard is tall, so that alone prevents the frame from fading into the background of your room.

Even though the Cabalynn’s design can match any number of interior decor schemes, from farmhouse to eclectic to Scandinavian, it retains its own character that’ll draw compliments from anyone who sees it. What’s more, I love the warm-toned finish of this bed, as it can lean either traditional or contemporary. And of course, having two drawers on each side of the platform doesn’t hurt. 

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Hardwood solids, hickory veneer, and MDF substrates with pewter-toned hardware
  • Available in 3 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring not required

Best Upholstered Style: Roanhowe Upholstered Bed

What impressed us: The mid-century silhouette and cozy cabin vibes.

Another frame that exemplifies the cabin aesthetic, the Roanhowe is at once mid-century modern and contemporary with its uniquely shaped legs and soft upholstery. Of all the beds I viewed, this is the one I most wanted to climb into for a midday nap. It has a tall headboard and footboard that make you feel enveloped, and the brown tones give off an autumnal vibe no matter the season.

Although its design is technically classified as mid-century, I got a distinct ‘70s vibe from the Roanhowe. It belongs in a luxurious lodge in the middle of the woods far from any city noise, although that certainly shouldn’t stop you from adding it to your bedroom if your space could use some Zen vibes.

How We Rated It:

Credit: Apartment Therapy Media

Specifications:

  • Rubberwood solids, oak veneer, and MDF substrates with polyester upholstery
  • Available in 3 sizes and 1 finish
  • Box spring required