Transforming your bedroom doesn’t have to entail a complete design overhaul. Instead, achieve a more lavish look with the addition of a canopy bed. The best canopy beds serve as a bedroom’s focal point and feel inherently regal, likely thanks to their origins as the preferred bed frame of the wealthy and nobility. Canopy beds have since evolved, and while traditional styles tend to prevail, there are also upholstered, metal and architectural options to suit most aesthetics. After extensive research and consulting interior design experts, we chose the as the best overall: it has timeless appeal, is made from sturdy stainless steel and is easy to put together.
Why We Named It Best Overall
Despite this bed frame’s grand stature, it’s fairly easy to put together, requiring only an hour or so of assembly. The frame is crafted from stainless steel and features a padded, upholstered headboard for a finished back that’s comfortable to rest against. Details like notched corners on the headboard and round finials on each post create a classic silhouette that’s elevated, and adds a touch of antique style at a relatively inexpensive price. There are three finishes to choose from, although some customers note the colors appear darker in person.
Who Might Not Like It
Keep in mind that this bed frame doesn’t use slats, and instead has a single beam in the middle and four center support legs, meaning a box spring is required to provide the necessary support for your mattress. It also isn’t available in a twin or full size.
Why We Named It Best Value
We frequently recommend Zinus for budget-conscious shoppers, and the Patricia frame is a sturdy option that’s a fraction of the price of most competitors on our list. The frame is made entirely from solid alloy steel, including the supportive horizontal slats that eliminate the need for a box spring, and the metal reduces squeaking, which customers report is accurate. All the tools required for assembly are included (everything arrives in one box), and assembling it is quick, easy and can be completed by one person. Beneath the bed is more than 12 inches of clearance space for ample storage, and the frame is backed by a five-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Who Might Not Like It
This matte frame has a pared back and minimalist design. While some might appreciate its simplicity, others might find it too plain for their tastes, especially for a canopy bed. Still, the bed can easily be elevated with the addition of curtains or draped fabric.
Why We Named It Best Luxury
The Ravello model from Serena & Lily uses premium materials, including a solid hardwood frame and a headboard made with the brand’s Perennials Performance Basketweave: a water-repelling fabric that’s resistant to mold, mildew, stains and fading. Choose between two colors, Salt and Antique Honey, and both are outfitted with a subtle bamboo effect for a bohemian, coastal design. The legs have a 6-inch clearance and feature adjustable levelers to better work with varying floors. Part of the bed’s luxuriousness includes white glove service, which entails delivery of the frame to your room of choice, plus assembly and removal of all packaging materials.
Who Might Not Like It
With the frame comes a one-year warranty, which is comparable to most of the options on this list. However, at nearly $5,000 for a queen size, it wouldn’t be unusual to expect, or prefer, a longer warranty like others we name. And for those with a full-size mattress, you have to consider another choice.
Why We Named It Best Wooden
Crate & Barrel’s Keane Bed Frame has been a long-time bestseller. This is largely thanks to its classic canopy shape with a modern twist via its subtly tapered posts, plus a high-quality construction that customers praise as sturdy and well-made. The bed is constructed from sustainably sourced FSC-certified mahogany wood, Meranti veneer (a cost-effective alternative to mahogany) and engineered wood, and it’s approved for contract-grade use, a testament to its strength and durability. The frame’s available in three different colors and each has a weathered finish that brings out the grain of the wood and imbues it with warmth. If you prefer the rest of your furniture to match your bed, you can shop the entire which includes , and more.
Who Might Not Like It
While engineered woods and wood veneers are frequently used in furniture for increased strength and resistance to moisture, solid wood pieces, like the , are generally considered to be higher quality and have better long-term value. At the same time, furniture made entirely from solid wood tends to require greater maintenance as it’s more susceptible to sun and water damage.
Why We Named It Best Metal
This bed has the whimsy and charm of a vintage or antique piece, just with more thoughtful design details and sans annoying squeaking. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a canopy bed, the curved portion included with the Whitby frame is removable, so you can change styles as you please and essentially enjoy two beds for the price of one. The headboard and footboard upholstered in ivory linen nicely contrast the brass-colored iron frame, and adds a touch of softness not only visually but physically, thanks to the high-density foam fill.
Who Might Not Like It
At nearly 96 inches tall, this is the tallest bed frame on our list, and it’s likely better suited to spaces with higher ceilings. It’s also important to note that the bed is designed to be used alongside a box spring.
Why We Named It Best Upholstered
Several options on this list include upholstered headboards or footboards, but this canopy bed from Birch Lane is upholstered in its entirety. The bed is available in a linen-textured or velvet-like fabric, although there are more colors for the “linen” fabric. Plywood and eucalyptus wood make up the bones of the frame and the fabric is filled with foam for a plush look and feel. While most canopy beds are typically only available in queen or king sizes, and occasionally full, this frame is also offered in a twin size, perfect if you’re working with smaller space like a child’s bedroom. Reviews vary in regards to the bed’s ease of assembly, but you can opt for professional assembly for an additional fee.
Who Might Not Like It
Birch Lane allows most items to be returned within 30 days, but this particular frame doesn’t come with a warranty. Instead, a three or five-year Allstate Protection Plan can be purchased separately to cover accidental damage like spills or dents, plus product failures.
Why We Named It Best Modern
From Crate & Barrel’s contemporary sister brand comes this canopy bed designed in collaboration with designer, artist and founder of Evan Jerry. The curved corners and fluting throughout reflect Jerry’s sculptural and architectural approach to design, and incorporate Afrocentric elements that are a nod to his Caribbean roots. Made from FSC-certified New Zealand pine and poplar woods, the variations in the materials, including tone, natural knots and markings, ensures no two frames are alike. Levelers are hidden beneath the bed to keep it stable and to better support the frame’s nearly 330 pounds. If assembly seems too daunting, CB2 offers in-home delivery and assembly, though it costs extra.
Who Might Not Like It
Because of the sheer size of the frame, it might prove too overbearing for a small spaces, especially since it’s only available in a queen or king. CB2 also doesn’t offer formal written warranties, but they encourage customers reach out if they run into any issues with their purchases, so they can assess the situation to try and help.
How We Chose The Best Canopy Beds
- We considered the most popular canopy beds that are currently on the market, prioritizing beds from reputable brands.
- We considered canopy frames across a range of styles and materials, including wood, metal and upholstered beds.
- We paid close attention to dimensions and sizes, as well as warranty information.
- We pored through customer reviews when applicable to gather knowledge on how each bed performs, only including beds with a rating of at least 4 stars or higher.
What To Look For In The Best Canopy Beds
- Size: Pay attention to the dimensions of a canopy bed so you’re aware of just how much space it takes up, which can change the entire look and feel of a room. “A canopy [bed] can either cocoon a smaller room or add a sense of grandeur to a larger space,” says Phoebe Hollond, creative director and owner of Studio Hollond. Height in particular is important, as you want to ensure a room’s ceilings can comfortably accommodate the canopy.
- Material: The materials used for a canopy bed can influence the look of a room, with wood frames offering a more classic appearance and many metal frames leaning more vintage-inspired. Ultimately, your choice of material comes down to personal preference and what you think works best in your space.
- Style: Because canopy beds are such prominent fixtures in a room, choosing a style that aligns with your current furniture and room design is key for creating a cohesive space.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- Our sleep team has researched and tested a variety of bed frames, including the best metal bed frames and the best bed frames with storage.
- Lee Cutlip is an editorial assistant at Forbes Vetted supporting the gear, sleep, tech and baby and kids verticals. She frequently covers topics for the sleep category, including the best Egyptian cotton sheets and the best blackout curtains.
- McKenzie Dillon is the Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor and a certified sleep science coach. She has more than seven years of experience professionally testing sleep products.
Our Experts
- , owner and creative director of , a London-based boutique design studio specializing in residential and commercial interiors.