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The best budget bed frames under £250 that don't compromise on support
Our top picks don’t compromise on quality
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
Updating your bed frame or investing in one for your new home can be expensive. If you’ve already splurged on a top-quality mattress and some fancy new bedding, you might not have the funds for a luxury, all-bells-and-whistles bed frame.
But panic not – these days, there are plenty of budget-friendly designs to choose from across the leading brands. To help you find the best cheap bed frames, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts put a range of options through rigorous testing with the help of our panel.
Our top picks don’t skimp on style or support, giving you the best of both words, without spending over the odds.
Which are the best budget bed frames?
These are our experts’ favourites at a glance, but keep scrolling for our full reviews, plus advice on how to choose the right bed frame for you.
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Whether you’re looking for a simple metal frame or an aesthetically pleasing divan base, we have a range of great-value options under £250. If your budget stretches and you want to invest in a pricier design, take a look at our main best bed frames round-up, which includes premium picks up to £1,700.
All prices quoted are for a UK double.
Score: 90/100
This minimalist wooden frame has sprung slats and comes in an array of shades, from black or white to sage green, making it a box ticker for both style and substance. Overall, everyone found the flatpack design easy to build thanks to the clear instructions. Some said the tools provided weren’t the most user-friendly and it was a little fiddly getting the slats in place, but those are minor niggles.
Testers liked its height, which has ample room for storage underneath, and found their mattresses fitted well and felt supported. Despite its lower price tag, it was sturdy enough for everyone. As it’s wooden, the headboard obviously wasn’t as comfortable as a cushioned design, but in our book, that's the perfect excuse to use some of the money saved on the frame to invest in some statement cushions!
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, double, small double, king, super king, |
|---|---|
| Base | Sprung slatted base |
| Storage | None |
| Delivery | Assembly not included |
Score: 85/100
This sleek metal bed frame from Birlea ticked several boxes for our testers. They praised the “modern and stylish” design and said it was relatively easy to construct. “I was able to put it together all by myself!” said one proud panellist.
Crucially, it was comfy to sleep on, with testers saying it supported their mattresses well and didn’t creak or shift with movement – even for the most fidgety sleepers. Most liked the under-bed space for storage and easy cleaning, but some felt stashing their bits and bobs underneath looked a little untidy. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
The compact build means it’s ideal for small spaces and rooms with low ceilings, but it does lack a headboard to sit against for comfort. It's also a low-to-the-ground design, so it may not be suitable if you have mobility issues.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, small double, double, king |
|---|---|
| Base | Metal slatted base |
| Storage | No |
| Delivery | Assembly not included |
Score: 82/100
This Dreams design proves you don’t need to spend over the odds on a good quality divan. It comes in a range of fabric finishes to match your interior style plus you can add two or four drawers to maximise storage space.
Those with questionable DIY skills will be pleased to know that assembly is straightforward, with clear, step-by-step instructions and minimal effort required. “It couldn’t have been easier!” said one tester. They also rated the overall look and feel – panellists described the soft brush fabric as “high quality” and noted it was easy to keep clean.
Everyone agreed the bed frame was sturdy and solid as they snoozed, and no one reported any unwanted shifting or creaking. Some would have preferred a headboard for comfort and style, but you can purchase one for an additional cost at checkout, with prices starting from £99.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Small single, single, small double, double, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Base | Divan |
| Storage | No, two or four drawers |
| Delivery | Assembly not included |
Score: 81/100
All our testers said they’d recommend this simple Argos design to others. It has a modern metal frame (you can choose from sleek black or classic white) and provides 28cm of space underneath for stashing storage containers, shoes or suitcases – handy if you’re short on space.
According to our panellists, it’s easy to put together – all the instructions, tools and parts are clearly marked – but you'll need to rope in a friend or family member to help you out. Once assembled, testers confirmed their mattresses sat neatly on top and the slatted metal base supported them well.
Some slight creaking was noted overnight, but it wouldn’t stop our panellists from using the bed frame. For the price, it's hard to find fault.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, small double, double |
|---|---|
| Base | Metal slats |
| Storage | None |
| Delivery | Assembly not included |
Score: 76/100
Ikea's Malm Bed Frame combines a sleek design with roomy built-in storage drawers – perfect for keeping your bedroom clutter-free. Delivery was smooth and everything arrived as expected, with easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams to make quick work of assembly (though testers recommend roping in an extra pair of hands to help align parts).
Once assembled, panellists found the bed frame true to its online listing in terms of both colour and size. It supported their mattresses well, offering a stable base with minimal noise for most – though one panellist did report some squeaking from the slats.
Some panellists also said they bumped their shins and knees on the the hard, angular corners of the frame — particularly in tighter spaces. Still, they rated its overall durability and clean Scandinavian design.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Double, king, super king |
|---|---|
| Base | Divan |
| Storage | Two drawers |
| Delivery | Assembly not included |
Score: 75/100
This simple wooden frame, crafted from high-quality pine and MDF, has sprung slats and is designed to “ensure reliable support for a restful sleep”. Sure enough, 100% of testers were satisfied with the back support and no one reported any creaking or squeaking overnight, either.
Feedback on assembly was mixed. Some found it simple enough, while others said it was a lengthy process and would have preferred more detailed instructions to make it smoother. Once put together, though, testers confirmed their mattresses fitted well on top and the frame added some extra comfort. “It’s a quality bed frame,” said one tester. “It's very sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.”
Just note, some testers found the frame a bit low and found it awkward to climb in and out of bed.
Key specifications
| Sizes | Single, small double, double, king |
|---|---|
| Base | Wood sprung slats |
| Storage | No |
| Delivery | Assembly not included |
How we test bed frames
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we do some of the most rigorous sleep testing on the market. We enlist a panel of at-home testers to trial each bed frame for at least six weeks, judging them on a range of criteria, from comfort to how easy it was to set up.
Once the testing period is complete, each tester fills in a detailed survey on everything from delivery and customer service (if required) to assembly, design and storage solutions.
Crucially, they also tell us what it’s like to sleep on at night, including whether it feels supportive and if it creaks or moves. Finally, they let us know if they’d continue using the bed frame after the trial period and whether they’d recommend it to others.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
In our quest to nail the perfect sleep set-up, we tested 20 different bed frames with the help of over 60 at-home testers.
Blossom Boothroyd, the homes testing manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, led our bed frame tests. She developed strict testing protocols to measure each product against, ensuring a level playing field.
Having reviewed everything from mattresses to sleep gadgets, our sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi, is something of an expert when it comes to finding the very best buys for your bedroom. She took all the feedback and data from our testers, bearing in mind shoppers' most common questions, to create the most user-friendly reviews.
What to consider when choosing a bed frame
Should you go for a basic metal frame, or do you want a divan for maximum support and added storage? When it comes to choosing the right bed frame, there’s much to consider.
Space: First up, check the dimensions of your room. You want to make sure that there's enough room to move around it freely once assembled.
Base style: If you’re a hot sleeper, consider a wooden or metal slatted base. The slats encourage air flow from the base upwards – just make sure the slats are evenly spaced to prevent sagging
For those who prefer a firmer base with maximum support, a divan – which generally come in two halves that fit together – may be the best choice. Divans offer a flat, solid platform for your mattress, without the risk of sagging through the slats. Plus, they often come with built-in drawers for storage.
Accessibility: Bed frames can really increase the height of your bed, especially if you’ve got a deep mattress. So, check the height of the bed frame before you buy – you don’t want to end up with a frame that’s too high for you. Equally, those with limited mobility or joint issues should avoid a bed frame that’s too low.
Style: Practically aside, you want a bed frame that complements your decor. A wooden frame is a classic choice and can add some warmth to your room, while a metal base is a good pick if you’re seeking something sleek and contemporary. Upholstered frames will help create a more cosy, sumptuous look, but they can be harder to clean.
Note, it’s always worth checking if there are any recommendations about the best bed frame for your mattress before you buy.
More expert-approved sleep buys
Whether you’re decorating the guest bedroom or redoing your boudoir, we’ve also tested the best best mattress, the best duvets and the best pillows.
The verdict on budget bed frames
If you're after a chic wooden design, then our winner, the Dunelm Lynton Bed Frame is hard to fault. Testers found it easy to assemble and said it supported their mattresses extremely well.
Prefer a simple metal design? The Birlea Soho Metal Bed is your perfect match. Available for less than £90 right now, it's a total steal.
And if you're dreaming of a divan, we recommend the Dreams Workshop Divan Bed Base. It's easy to assemble, looks great and pleased our panel.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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