Our beds are important for so many reasons: It's where we retreat after a long day to relax, catch up on our rest, and get comfortable with a movie or good book. If you're in the market for a new bed frame, you know there are several modern bed designs to choose from. To keep things simple, we've outlined different types of modern bed designs, types of bed frames, added features, and box-spring info to help you choose which bed is right for you.

Modern Bed Designs

Panel Beds

Panel beds have a flat panel headboard and two side panels that act as a bed frame. Some may have a flat panel footboard as well. A panel bed is like a four-wall frame for your mattress. Panel beds are strong and sturdy, so they are able to hold both box springs and heavier mattresses. Panel beds come in a variety of bed styles and colors; some are upholstered beds and some are made from wood. Because of their versatility, a panel bed can fit in seamlessly with different types of design. Just add a memory foam mattress and you'll be set for a good night's rest.

Wingback Beds

Wingback beds have two decorative side panels that extend from either side of the headboard. This extra design detail creates a bit of a luxurious atmosphere. Wingback beds are large in size and have a unique shape which can often make these beds the focal point of the bedroom. Make sure to choose a wingback bed with a headboard in a color that can be the core of your room's color scheme. Wingback beds can fit into a retro-style bedroom; or if they have simple, neutral-toned upholstery, you could place this bed in a minimalist bedroom. Wingback bed frames also add a nice touch to guest rooms.

Slat Beds

Slat beds have a headboard – and sometimes a footboard, too – with vertical or horizontal slats or rails. This type of bed frame is sometimes called mission style, a type of furniture design known for its clean lines, flat surfaces, and masculine appearance. Wood slat beds are made from strong, long-lasting woods like pine or beech. These no-frills bed frames fit in seamlessly with a mid-century modern, bohemian, or Scandi bedroom. Occasionally, you'll see a metal frames on slat beds; metal frames have a more industrial appearance.

Beds With Storage

There are two different types of storage beds. Either the storage is underneath the bed, where you'll find deep, wide drawers. These types of bed frames are great for smaller living spaces, because you can store extra clothing under the bed but still have easy access to it. Alternatively, some storage beds feature storage space in the headboard. There will either be small cubbies built in behind the headboard, or the headboard will feature shelving. These small shelves are great for setting down a glass of water or placing a lamp, but they are not ideal for creating long-term storage space.

Other Bed Features

Tufted Beds

Tufted platform beds, or upholstered beds, have a similar appearance to the tufted sofas you know and love. While some tufted beds have long rectangular tufts, others will have square or rounded tufts. The tufts are created by buttons or stitching. While most tufted beds featured just a tufted headboard, others have a tufted footboard and sideboards, too. Tufted beds are great for a contemporary bed styles because their modern bed design looks posh and feels sophisticated.

Compatible With an Adjustable Mattress

Bed frames that are made to be compatible with adjustable mattresses have a series of joints along the frame. These joints are made to be adjusted based on what you need the mattress to do. If you want to prop yourself up in bed to watch a movie, you can elevate the top part of the adjustable bed to keep you upright. If you've had a long day on your feet and want to elevate them, you can raise the lower half of the adjustable bed to prop your feet up above your heart.

Types of Bed Frames + Box-Spring Requirements

One last important thing to consider while looking at types of bed frames and mattresses is whether or not the bed frame requires a box spring.

Platform Beds

Platform beds are the most popular type of modern bed frame due to their low-profile design. With a platform bed, you would be placing the mattress directly onto the bed frame. It's important to note that platform beds tend to be a bit firmer than box-spring beds. For back and stomach sleepers, this isn't a problem, but a platform bed may put added pressure on your hips and shoulders if you are a side sleeper.

Standard Beds

A standard bed is made to hold both a mattress and a box spring. The box spring consists of coils and a fabric covering which creates a bit of bounce when they are placed underneath a mattress. Box springs are breathable, which can be great for warm sleepers. However, they can be a bit noisy if you tend to move around a lot during the night.

Ready to browse our modern bed frames?