Bed Frame Sizes: Dimensions Guide + Sizing Chart

Key Takeaways:

• Standard bed frame sizes come in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. 
• Always purchase the corresponding bed frame size to your mattress size.
• Bed frames generally add 2 to 5 inches to the width and length of the mattress.

A sturdy bed frame is the key to increasing your mattress’s durability and the comfort it provides. Bed frames can also play to your aesthetic preferences and keep your mattress from gathering dirt on the floor. Some may even come with a headboard, footboard, side panels, or other attachments for added comfort and storage.

Bed frame sizes correspond with standard mattress dimensions, which makes picking the right bed frame fairly straightforward. However, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the right bed frame. This guide will give you the appropriate bed frame sizes tips and tricks.

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Bed Frame Size Chart

Standard Bed Frame Sizes

Most bed frame sizes match exactly with the corresponding mattress size, although some may be slightly larger to accommodate the mattress better. Here are standard bed frame sizes available at most furniture stores.

Twin

Dimensions: 40-43 by 77-80 inches

Twin bed frames fit a twin (single) mattress and measure roughly 40-43 by 77-80 inches. These bed frames are easy to move around and fit well in small bedrooms of at least 7-by-10 feet.

Twin size mattresses and frames work best for children in single or shared bedrooms. Some twin bed frames are also available as bunk beds, perfect for two people sharing limited space or in vacation rentals to maximize sleep occupancy.

Twin XL

Dimensions: 40-43 by 82-85 inches

Twin XL bed frames fit twin XL mattresses and measure roughly 40-43 by 82-85 inches. Twin XL bed frames provide more leg room for taller sleepers who don’t require extra width. They are common in standard dormitories, teen bedrooms, or for young adults with limited space. It’s also possible to find bunk bed or loft frames made in twin XL or twin sizes.

While it may seem like no issue, you shouldn’t purchase a twin mattress for a twin XL frame, as the former will be much shorter than the latter. It may be suitable for the mattress’s width, but the 5-inch gap between the headboard and floorboard can cause the mattress to slide.

Full

Dimensions: 56-59 by 77-80 inches

Full-size (double) bed frames match the length of a twin but offer nearly another 1.5 feet in width. They’re perfect for teenagers and single adults who are combination sleepers. You can change sleeping positions on a full-size frame without reaching the edge or dangling from the bed.

If purchasing a full-size bed frame, ensure that your room can accommodate its width, measuring at least 9.5-by-10.5 feet.

Queen

Dimensions: 62-65 by 82-85 inches

Measuring 62-65 by 82-85 inches, queen bed frame dimensions are 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than full-size bed frames. They match the length of twin XL frames but are nearly 2 feet wider.

Queen-size bed frames are the most popular among couples. They’re highly versatile, fit most rooms, and work well in guest rooms. Accessories for queen-size bed frames are also readily available and affordable.

King

Dimensions: 78-81 by 82-85 inches

Although their length matches a queen, king bed frames are double the width of a twin and nearly 1.5 feet wider than a queen. 

A king frame is a popular bed size for couples. King-size frames also suit parents who occasionally co-sleep with children or pets. Adjustable king bed frames that incline at the head and/or feet can fit two separate twin XL mattresses, so each sleeper can fully customize their sleep experience.

Because of their size, king frames require multiple hands to move and a spacious bedroom that measures 12-by-12 feet at minimum.

California King

Dimensions: 74-77 by 86-89 inches

While not larger than a king in terms of surface area, California king mattresses and frames are longer and narrower. When comparing queen vs California King mattresses, California kings offer a significant advantage in width — a full 12 inches more than a queen size.

They’re ideal for tall couples who require extra legroom for themselves or pets at the foot of the bed. 

While this frame is the longest available standard size, many retailers still carry California king frames and bedding making it possible to find accessories in-store. However, similar to kings, California king bed frames require extra large bedrooms.

Oversized Beds

Some mattress manufacturers sell bigger bed sizes much larger than kings and California kings for large families to co-sleep and couples to sprawl out. 

Such oversized beds call for oversized furniture to accommodate them. These bed frames often aren’t readily available and require custom building. Here are the dimensions for oversized mattress bed frames:

• XL family bed: 146-149 by 86-89 inches
• Large family bed: 122-125 by 82-85 inches
• Medium family bed: 110-113 by 82-85 inches
• Alaskan king: 110-113 by 110-113 inches
• Alberta king: 98-101 by 98-101 inches
• Texas king: 82-85 by 100-103 inches
• Wyoming king: 86-89 by 86-89 inches

Bed Frame Styles

While these types of bed frames come in standard sizes, they vary in aesthetics and functionality. Some of these frames are simplistic without too many bells and whistles, while others are more practical. Bed frames can also cover a greater surface area depending on the style and material. Below are a few common kinds of bed frames.

1. Panel

When you think of a traditional bed frame, it’s likely a panel frame. Available in all sizes, panel frames support mattresses and box springs with railed support on the sides and a wide-slatted surface. Panel frames also include a headboard and footboard. They are typically made of wood or metal, are generally affordable, and are very sturdy. 

2. Platform

Unlike panel frames, platform bed frames can support a mattress independently — no box spring or foundation required. Its surface comprises slats between 2 and 2.75 inches apart to help distribute weight evenly and prevent premature sagging.

Most basic platform frames come without a headboard and footboard, are minimalistic with compact legs, and are often made of metal. Other styles feature legless solid blocks or elevated options that look more like a traditional wooden bed frame. Platform frames are available in all mattress sizes.

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3. Four-Poster

A four-poster bed frame is a type of panel or platform frame that features four pillars on each side plus a headboard, footboard, and side panels. Most people decorate four-poster frames with canopies or curtains for added privacy or insulation. Their regal aesthetic and size requires larger bedrooms with tall ceilings, making them a popular choice for primary bedrooms. 

Some Montessori-style floor beds draw inspiration from the four-poster bed frame in designs shaped like houses. This popular choice for children’s bedrooms accommodates smaller bed and room sizes.

4. Sleigh

As their name suggests, sleigh frames are built in the shape of a sleigh and often have curved headboards and footboards. They are also built from a panel or platform base. They are incredibly durable and decorative but also heavy and difficult to move. Sleigh frames are built to accommodate all different mattress sizes.

5. Adjustable

Adjustable bed frames are perhaps the most versatile, but they are most commonly available in larger sizes like queen and king. The best adjustable bed frames come remote-controlled, with under-bed LED lighting and other luxurious features like pillow tilt and lumbar support.

Adjustable beds help resolve health conditions like sleep apnea and back pain. They are also highly customizable for couples with varied sleeping preferences. 

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6. Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are very popular among families with more than one young child. Most standard bunk beds support two separate twin mattresses. A typical frame will include four support pillars and a ladder.

Depending on your needs, you can also purchase bunk beds that support twin XL (common in college dorms), full, or mixed sizes where the top fits a twin mattress but the bottom fits a full. More intricately designed bunk beds can support up to three beds, though this is rare.

7. Loft

Since the rise of space-saving furniture, loft bed frames have grown in popularity. They are a variation of the bunk bed but come with space for other furniture instead of a bottom bunk — often a couch, futon, or desk. It’s common to loft bed frames in college dorms to maximize space.

Loft beds are ideal for single sleepers but also have larger frame variations that can support full mattresses.

8. Trundle 

Trundle bed frames are similar to bunk beds in that they provide two mattresses for two sleepers. However, the second bed is tucked underneath the top bed when not in use and pulls out to provide an extra sleeping space. 

These are great in children’s bedrooms for the occasional sleepover guest, in primary bedrooms as an alternative to co-sleeping, or in small or multiple-purpose guest rooms. Trundle bed frames are most common in smaller sizes, like a twin, but you may be able to find queen or king trundle frames. 

9. Storage 

Storage bed frames are similar to trundles, but instead of an extra mattress, they have drawers underneath for storing clothes, toys, shoes, or other belongings. These bed frames come in most mattress sizes and work well when storage space is limited. It’s worth considering a storage bed frame if your closet is too small (or you don’t have one at all) or if the room is too small to fit a dresser. 

10. Flat Foundation

Mattress foundations are a wood or metal crate covered by fabric to support and lift a mattress. The interior is hollow but may have slats for structural support. They are most similar to a box spring — without the springs. Some flat foundations are built with legs and can be used in place of a traditional bed frame. 

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Common Bed Frame Materials

Bed frames of all sizes are most commonly available in wood or metal. The type and quality of the materials used impact a frame’s durability and aesthetic. 

Wood

Wood is the most popular bed frame material and is typically more expensive than its metal counterparts. Depending on the type of wood used to build a frame, weights and durability may vary.

Most manufacturers use hardwoods, like oak, maple, and walnut, which are the most durable. Pine is also a common choice, but it’s a softwood that may show signs of wear sooner. 

Budget options may use particle board containing pressed wood pieces to create solid boards. These pressed slats are then coated with vinyl to mimic natural wood. Particle board is often very light and portable but more prone to breaking.

Metal

Metal is a popular budget choice, as it is often sturdy and durable — though not quite as long-lasting as wood. Steel and iron are the strongest metal bed frame options, but some manufacturers may also use aluminum. It is also versatile and comes in many different colors and designs. Metal slats are not scratch-proof and often warp over time.

Match Your Mattress to the Right Bed Frame

While you don’t need a highly decorative bed frame or dozens of add-ons to achieve high-quality sleep, even a basic option can provide excellent support for your mattress and improve many health-related obstacles. Make sure to get the right bed frame for your mattress to get optimal sleep!

Purple has a variety of bed frames and bases to match your needs, including:

• Purple Foundation: The Purple Foundation is a stylish yet minimalistic base with optimal support. It features a versatile grey fabric with wooden tapered legs. Setup is simple and takes only minutes. 
• Purple Bed Frame: The Purple Bed Frame is a complete set pairing the Purple Foundation with a matching headboard. Enjoy a great night’s sleep with no creaks or squeaks and lasting durability.
• Purple Premium Smart Base: The Purple Premium Smart Base is an adjustable bed frame designed to improve sleep quality and comfort with head and foot elevation, zero gravity, and anti-snore presets.
• Purple Premium Plus Smart Base: With all the features of the premium version plus more, the Purple Premium Plus Smart Base also features massage settings, enhanced lumbar support, and motion-activated under-bed lighting.
• Purple Platform Bed Frame: The Purple Metal Platform is designed to be sturdy, silent, and a low profile design to fit perfect in any bedroom.