The Bed Frame Face-Off: Upholstered vs Wood vs Metal

You spend nearly a third of your life in bed, so the thing holding it all together? That deserves more than five minutes of decision-making.

The right bed frame does more than hold up your mattress. It sets the tone for the room. It helps you sleep better. It makes late-night reads comfier, lazy Sunday lie-ins more luxurious, and early alarms slightly less tragic.

And, when it comes to the best bed frame material, your top contenders are upholstered, wooden, and metal. Each one has its own quirks and strengths. 

So, how do you pick between a wood bed frame vs metal, or go bold with the cozy curves of upholstery? Here’s how to choose the one that fits you (and your life) best.

Upholstered bed frames: Soft landings and statement style

Upholstered frames are the warm hug of the bed world. Soft, cushioned, and often the focal point of the room, they invite you to sink in and stay awhile. They don’t just fill a space — they soften it.

Consider a low-profile, fully upholstered platform bed. The kind that whispers "cozy" and practically begs for a Sunday sleep-in.

Why you’ll love upholstered beds

• Built-in comfort: A padded headboard = no need for extra cushions when you’re reading, doomscrolling, or binge-watching.
  
  

• Textural warmth: They soften up minimalist spaces and add depth to neutral rooms.
  
  

• Made for you: With endless options in fabrics and shades, you’ll find one that works with your aesthetic, whether you're team oatmeal or charcoal.

Things to keep in mind:

• High-maintenance companions: Fabrics can snag, stain, or show wear if you’re sharing your bed with pets or popcorn bowls. You could opt for performance fabric beds for that peace of mind. 
  
  

• Not-so-lightweight: Can be heavier than metal or wood frames, so moving one is a two-person job.
  
  

• Pricey but plush: Upholstered beds tend to sit at the higher end of the price scale, but you’re paying for comfort, quality, and craft.

In short? If you want your bed to double as a retreat, upholstered might just be your match.

Wood bed frames: Timeless, tactile, and tough

Wood bed frames are the reliable friend who never lets you down. Grounded, characterful, and quietly confident. They bring natural warmth into any room without shouting for attention.

Whether you’re going modern-minimalist or rustic-cozy, a wooden bed adapts to your style and sticks around through life’s changes (and furniture rearrangements).

Why you’ll love wooden bed frames

• Built to last: Solid wood bed frames age gracefully and survive everything from house moves to toddler trampoline sessions.
  
  

• Design chameleons: From blonde oak to rich walnut, wood suits nearly every interior style.
  
  

• Satisfyingly solid: No wobbles or creaks. Just strong, dependable support.

Things to keep in mind:

• Sturdy: Heavier than metal and less forgiving when you're tight on space.
  
  

• Cost can climb: Especially if you're going for sustainably sourced, handcrafted, or hardwood, costs can climb a tad. 
  
  

• Maintenance moments: Wood likes a bit of TLC. A quick polish here, a wipe-down there — nothing major, but still a commitment.

If you’re choosing between a wood and an upholstered bed and lean toward natural materials and long-term value, wood wins on classic appeal.

Metal bed frames: Lightweight, minimal, and mighty underrated

Metal bed frames don’t always get the attention they deserve — but maybe that’s their power move. They’re the quiet achievers: Sleek, simple, and efficient. If your lifestyle is fast-paced or your furniture needs to multitask, a metal platform bed frame might be your best bet.

Why you’ll love metal bed frames

• Featherlight flexibility: Easy to move, disassemble, reassemble. Perfect for renters or if you love rearranging your bedroom layout.
  
  

• Minimalist to the max: Clean lines work well in modern, industrial, or small spaces.
  
  

• Budget-friendly: Usually more affordable without looking like a compromise.
  
  

Things to keep in mind:

• Cool and clean: Metal can feel too cold or impersonal for most people. If you’re getting one and that’s not your aesthetic, layer up your bedding or throws.
  
  

• Not a visual heavyweight: If you want your bed to be the anchor of the room, this might not be your moment.
  
  

• Squeak watch: Over time, metal beds can creak — nothing a quick tighten can’t fix, but still worth knowing.

If your bedroom pulls triple duty — part office, part workout zone, part sleep sanctuary — a lighter frame like metal can make all the moving around easier to manage. Wood bed frames, on the other hand, brings warmth and permanence. 

Upholstered vs wood vs metal: Choosing your bed frames

We’re not here to hand out medals for the best bed frame material — every frame style has its strengths. What matters is how it fits your space, your lifestyle, and your way of winding down.

Pro tip: Always measure. Seriously. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall. Also think storage, layout, and bed height. That dreamy king-size might look amazing — until you can’t open your wardrobe.

Rest on something real

Your bed frame isn’t just background furniture — it’s the thing that holds up your rest, your routines, your reality. Whether you’re drawn to the softness of upholstery, the strength of wood, or the simplicity of metal, the goal is the same: A bed that works with your life.

Because when you find a frame that feels just right? That’s when sleep becomes more than a habit. It becomes a ritual.

Frequently asked questions about upholstered, wood, and metal bed frames

Is a wood or upholstered bed frame better?

It depends on what “better” means to you. If you’re drawn to comfort, texture, and a cocoon-like sleep space, an upholstered bed frame is the answer. If, on the other hand, you prefer the timelessness and quiet confidence of natural materials, a wooden frame might be more your rhythm.

Is a metal bed frame better than wood for Feng Shui?

If you want your bedroom to feel warm and restorative, a wooden frame generally aligns better with traditional Feng Shui principles. But if you’re drawn to simplicity, structure, and minimalism, and those elements make you feel balanced, a metal frame can still support good energy. (After all, the best Feng Shui is the kind that works for your life.)

What material is best for a bed frame?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. The best material is the one that suits your space, your lifestyle, and how you actually use your bed, not just how it looks in the showroom.