To better understand what makes a bed frame sustainable and how to choose the best one, we spoke with experts and researched the most popular options. Below, find our picks for the best sustainable bed frames of 2023—so you can rest easy knowing you’re reducing your impact on the environment, without sacrificing sleep quality. If you do prefer to purchase something brand-new, it’s important to consider the frame’s longevity, materials, production location, and company’s sustainability practices. Some brands will also take and recycle your old bed frame for you at no added cost, which is a great perk. On the downside, the frame arrives in one long box that’s quite heavy. We do not recommend attempting to move it around without at least one extra set of hands. Once you get the bed into your desired room, however, assembling this minimalist bed that uses the Japanese joinery technique is easy. You won’t even need tools. You’ll enjoy a restful night’s sleep on this bed frame that’s sturdy and built to last. Just add the proper foundation and nontoxic mattress, and you’re good to go! Plus, even if you’re an active sleeper, this frame won’t squeak. The bed frame ships with well-designed recyclable packaging that provides you with just enough of what you need. Since Avocado is a carbon-negative company, it offsets more than 100% of emissions from resource extraction to shipping. People rave about this Avocado bed frame, with an average 4.8-star rating out of 5, based on 217 reviews. Customers say it is easy to assemble and of excellent quality, but there does seem to be a bit of confusion around who is responsible for assembly. Reviewers say this bed is high quality, easy to assemble, and lasts for a long time. One parent writes, “I introduced this to my daughter when she was 14 mo and it has been a hit ever since. I love ALL Sprout Kids furniture and this bed is no exception! This is beautifully made, easy to put together, and looks beautiful. In hindsight I wish I vetoed a crib altogether and went with a floor bed from the start!” What truly makes this bed frame unique is the fact that it’s adjustable. If you need a bigger bed, simply order an expansion piece and a mattress to fit the new size. The frame arrives in recyclable cardboard and paper-based packaging. You’ll find that it’s easy to put together, and is assembled using nylon ratchet straps—so there’s no need for tools or screws. With over 1,000 ratings, this bed frame has a perfect 5-star rating overall. Reviewers rave about its sturdiness and quality, with one writing, “The perfect bed. This bed is excellent and sturdier than any other bed I’ve owned. The build quality is good, and assembly is easy." Some people do complain that the colors do not match what appears in the images. For delivery, choose from self assembly or white glove delivery for an additional $175. With white glove delivery, the brand will send a team to hand deliver and assemble your bed in the room of your choice. With only five customer reviews, there is not a ton of feedback on this bed. That said, each one of these customers gave the frame a perfect five-star rating. Reviewers comment on the great quality and love the fact that it is non-toxic. One person mentions that there are no installation or assembly instructions included. If you’re hesitant about putting together a bed on your own, put those concerns aside. This bed frame can be easily assembled without any tools at all, using the Japanese joinery technique (clearly outlined in the accompanying instructions). The bed frame will arrive in 3 narrow boxes with no excess packaging. The small boxes are easy to maneuver, and buyers rave about the packaging, calling it “nothing short of perfect.” The bed frame itself has over 12,000 reviews and still maintains a 4.9 out of 5-star rating overall. Customers refer to the frame as “beautiful and amazing,” and many say they wish they purchased it sooner. One says it is “art piece quality and a miracle of ease in assembly.” You’ll be glad to hear this brand offers free set-up and installation by a white glove delivery crew. All you have to do is tell the company where to set up, and they’ll handle the rest from there. This eco-friendly bed frame only has a couple reviews so far, but both come with perfect five-star ratings. “It’s better than my expectations and very easy to assemble,” one person writes. Material: Look for a bed without chemicals, vinyl, or plastic. If you’re seeking a wooden bed, try to find one made using wood from a sustainably managed and certified forest. Lifespan: McGrady recommends staying within your budget but opting for the best quality you can find so you can feel confident about your purchase. Consider speaking with an expert or a representative from the brand to determine how long the frame would take to decompose in a landfill. Manufacturing location: The closer the item is to you during production, the less the environmental impact it typically has. That’s why products produced in the United States are your best bet. If a brand’s factories are overseas, there will likely be increased greenhouse gas emissions needed to get the bed frame from the factory to the store or to your front door. Working conditions: Is the brand known for providing a safe working environment without exposure to toxic chemicals or harmful conditions? These are important things to consider when determining which brands to shop with.
