Adding a bed frame and headboard to a mattress and box spring adds more than just aesthetic value: it also adds an element of safety and cleanliness, since the mattress will be kept off the floor. Choosing the best bed frame and headboard starts with determining the proper size. You will need to know which size mattress you already have or intend to buy. If you are buying new, consider how many people will sleep in the bed at one time, as well as how much space that person or people will need to sleep comfortably.
Once you have determined what size mattress you have or will buy, you will need to buy a bed frame and headboard designed for that specific size. The most common sizes are twin, full, queen, and king, though other sizes do exist. A frame that is intended for one specific size generally will not accommodate a mattress of a different size, so be sure to consider this step carefully. After you have figured out the proper size, you will need to consider the materials, style, and cost of the bed frame and headboard you want.
Perhaps the most common materials for a bed frame and headboard include hardwoods and steel. Various types of wood fall into the hardwood category, and the defining characteristics of this category include durability, strength, prominent grains and beautiful appearances. Hardwoods tend to be quite heavy, as well as more expensive than other material options, but the bed frame is likely to last a long time and stay in style during that time. Softwoods such as pine are also available for frame material, and while these woods can also be quite attractive, they are more susceptible to damage and rot. They will be considerably less expensive than hardwoods, however, so for the budget-conscious buyer, these woods could be a good option.
Metal frames and headboards are also available. Steel is the most common metal used for a bed frame and headboard because it is durable and can be quite attractive. Steel can be expensive, especially for thicker gauge steel, though it will generally be less expensive than hardwood frames. Like hardwoods, steel can be fairly heavy, but as long as you choose a headboard that is not overly large, the weight of the bed frame and headboard should be manageable. Be careful with steel frames if you intend to place them on hardwood floors, as scratching can occur.