We Tested (and Rated!) Every Bed at Raymour & Flanigan

When it comes to furniture shopping, easier is usually better. While there are plenty of newer retailers to shop at for a new couch, there’s nothing wrong with opting for somewhere familiar and reliable.

That’s why we’re big fans of Raymour & Flanigan, a popular regional furniture chain that specializes in classic high-quality furniture. Not only does Raymour & Flanigan sell all types of furniture and decor at excellent price points, but it also has plenty of locations (nearly 150!) throughout the Northeast, making it easy to shop in person. 

We spent an afternoon at the Raymour & Flanigan store in Fairfield, New Jersey, as part of our Personal Shopper series, where we visit our favorite retailers and test out specific product categories in person. We tested four of the brand’s most popular bed frames (there are well over 700 total) and recorded our thoughts and observations, giving you insight into what’s worth buying and what’s not. 

Raymour & Flanigan was originally founded in 1947, and has a solid reputation for excellent furniture and customer service. It’s based in the Northeast and only delivers regionally, with stores located in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

It’s known for its excellent value, with an inventory of high-quality products coupled with fair prices that are made even better by the range of financing options.You can buy pretty much any type of furniture at Raymour & Flanigan, as well as mattresses, rugs, lighting, and other decor.

This isn’t our first Personal Shopper trip to a Raymour & Flanigan store — we’ve also tested sofas, chairs, and recliners. Our editors and writers have also written about the Raymour & Flanigan products they love (including sofas and storage benches), and included Raymour & Flanigan in “best of” lists for years.

We judged every Raymour & Flanigan bed frame based on the following criteria:

• Customizability: Does it come in different varieties? How many colors, finishes, materials, or sizes is it available in? How granular can you get when customizing the bed frame? Does it require a box spring?
• Space needs: How much space does the bed frame require? Does it have a canopy or an extra-wide frame? Is it particularly bulky or does it stay close to its appointed mattress size?
• Platform height: How high off of the ground is the bed frame? Would it generally require bending down or reaching up to get into?
• 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?
• Sturdiness: Is the frame made from durable, high-quality materials? Does the bed wobble or creak when you’re on it?
• Assembly: Does the bed require tools for assembly? Can it be taken apart and put back together fairly easily?

Each Raymour & Flanigan bed in this article was tested by Charli Penn, Apartment Therapy’s editor-in-chief. Charli oversees all of Apartment Therapy’s editorial content, including design trends, House Tours, shopping ideas, and much more.

She has been with Apartment Therapy since 2022, and was previously the lifestyle director for ESSENCE Magazine and essence.com. You can find Charli giving home advice on the TODAY show and The Design Network.

Charli’s thoughts: The Joy Bed may be Raymour & Flanigan’s newest model, but it’s already become a bestseller due to its distinctive design and affordable price point (it’s the least expensive bed I saw!).

Its main draw is the spindle headboard, which gives it a nostalgic look that still manages to feel modern thanks to the light wood finish. I love that it creates a low-lift design moment, especially if it’s placed in a smaller room that could easily be overwhelmed.

Overall, the vibe is warm and inviting, and I think this bed would definitely add some coziness to a vintage-meets-modern bedroom. I also found it to be very sturdy, which makes sense considering the solid wood construction. It’s a well-made bed for sure, and won’t go out of style anytime soon.

One thing to note is that this bed requires a box spring — or you could buy one of Raymour & Flanigan’s “bunkie boards” to give the mattress support without adding extra height. 

• Sizes: Queen, king
• Headboard Height: 64 inches
• Box Spring: Required

Charli’s thoughts: I was immediately impressed by the Savannah Storage Bed, which perfectly combines style function. Not only does it come with two roomy drawers in the footboard, but it’s also tall enough to fit narrow bins underneath, giving you multiple storage options. Therefore, I think this is an ideal bed for a smaller space, since you can truly maximize the storage potential.

This bed is also just gorgeously crafted, with a natural wood finish, solid wood construction, and stylish legs. The paneled headboard adds even more visual interest, especially since it’s so tall, and I think the look is versatile enough to work with a variety of decor styles.

It’s part of the larger Savannah collection, which includes a matching nightstand and dresser if you need to outfit your entire bedroom. I saw the nightstand during my visit, and loved the look and sturdy build.

• Styles: Also available without storage and in a poster style
• Sizes: Queen, king
• Headboard Height: 56 inches
• Box Spring: Not needed

Charli’s thoughts: For something more traditional, check out Raymour & Flanigan’s number one bestseller. The Westlake Storage Bed has a simple Shaker-inspired style that looks and feels sturdy, making it popular among shoppers who want something functional and durable.

It comes with six storage drawers (three on each side) that were so roomy I felt like I could practically climb inside. Even better: The drawers also come with a felt lining that’s suitable for delicates. (If you don’t need storage, there’s a non-storage version as well.) 

It’s available in both cherry and white finishes, making it more versatile — the cherry is better if you’re going for a traditional look, while the white is a bit fresher and more modern. While the aesthetic might lean a little too traditional for some people, there’s no doubt that this is a reliable option that’s designed to last for many years. 

• Styles: Also available without storage
• Sizes: Queen, king
• Headboard Height: 56 inches
• Box Spring: Not needed

Charli’s thoughts: If you prefer a low-profile look, then the Aversa Bed is for you. It has the lowest headboard height of any Raymour & Flanigan bed, giving it a sleek aesthetic that would work especially well in a mid-century modern bedroom.

The sharp angles and box feet give it even more of an edge, creating an overall striking design that’s easy on the eyes. That boxy frame makes it feel nice and sturdy, and it barely moved at all when I plopped down on it. 

One of the best parts about this bed is that it’s pretty customizable. If you want storage, you can opt for drawers on either one or both sides. Those drawers are also surprisingly discreet — I barely noticed them at all unless I was looking for them.

There are also two finishes available, although they’re fairly similar (dark brown and light cherry). And unlike the other Raymour & Flanigan beds I saw, the Aversa is available in a full size (though not a California king). 

• Styles: Also available with one-sided storage and two-sided storage
• Sizes: Full, queen, king
• Headboard Height: 40 inches
• Box Spring: Not needed