9 Sustainable Bed Frames To Fit Your Style & Budget

Are you in the market for a new bed frame? Whether you're looking for a contemporary, minimalist design or something more traditional, finding a bed frame that fits your style and needs can be challenging.

But did you know that your bed frame choice can also impact the environment? By choosing a sustainable bed frame, you can improve the look of your bedroom and positively impact the environment.

This guide will explore the benefits of sustainable bed frames and provide tips on choosing one that meets your needs.

Best Eco-Friendly Bed Frames To Tuck Yourself Into

Sustainable bed frames are bed frames that are made from environmentally friendly materials and are designed to minimize their impact on the environment, but before you doze off, head on down to the bottom of this article to read more on how we chose these bed frames and what to be on the lookout for when you shop, including certifications, toxins and, fabric and materials.

1. Savvy Rest

An adjustable bed frame from Savvy Rest. 
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Image: Savvy Rest

Sizes: Twin XL, queen, king, split king
Price: $2,499 - $3,999

Savvy Rest is dedicated to creating safe and eco-friendly bed frames, mattresses, bedding, and furniture.

Their adjustable bed frame offers customization options, including headboard and footboard additions and a range of finishes. The adjustable features include a foldable design with head and foot adjustment, zero gravity position, a 9-button wireless remote, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4 USB charging port.

They offer a variety of frames, including a simple platform bed frame and a customizable one with a headboard. They also provide a space-saving, non-toxic bed frame perfect for guest or kids' rooms. All furniture is free from harmful chemicals that cause VOCs.

Savvy Rest's fabrics and materials

Their bed frames are crafted in Virginia using sustainable maple, poplar, oak wood, and non-toxic finishes. Savvy Rest's organic mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers are certified by GREENGUARD GOLD.

This certification requires low chemical emissions into indoor air and has higher standards for vulnerable populations, such as children and seniors.

Savvy Rest's ethical sourcing

Their furniture is crafted from sustainably harvested and locally sourced maple and poplar wood, certified by Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. They prioritize natural materials and responsible sourcing and production.

Savvy Rest and its three production facilities are certified to the stringent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Savvy Rest's corporate responsibility

Their natural Talalay has received Cradle-to-Cradle GOLD certification. As a B Corporation, they meet specific standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

2. Medley

2 sustainable bed frames from Medley.  Pin
Image: Medley

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal. King
Price: $2,550–$5,295

Medley offers minimalist, eco-friendly bed frames with storage for those who need a bit more space.

Their bed frames are made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo and recycled metal, and are designed to minimize their environmental impact.

The Palder Bed has an angled headboard supported by an all-wood frame. The Buden Bed Base features open, built-in shelving with a handy push-activated drawer, while the Buden Bed has open shelving and convenient push-activated drawers at its side.

Medley's fabric and materials

For your bed frame needs, you have two choices of solid wood: American Walnut and Hard White Maple. The upholstered bed frames are crafted with care using American Alder hardwood, kiln-dried, and FSC certified.

Comfort is key, and the bed frames are either cushioned with high-grade foam certified by CertiPUR-US or organic latex wrapped in wool certified by OEKO-Tex.

Medley considers the environment, using only non-toxic adhesives and finishes and avoiding harmful substances such as fire retardants, heavy metals, ozone depleters, carcinogens, and phthalates. The bed frames are made with eco-friendly water-based glues that emit zero VOCs.

For upholstery, choose from various environmentally certified options or materials made from organic materials.

OEKO-Tex 100-certified polyester is tested for harmful substances and meets strict standards, while Greenguard-certified recycled poly blend has low chemical emissions. A blend of GOTS-certified organic linen and cotton is also available.

Medley's ethical sourcing

All of their furniture is handmade in the USA in their California factory. All of the wood comes from FSC-certified forests grown domestically in the US.

Medley's corporate responsibility

Medley's bed frames can be disassembled and recycled at the end of their lifecycle, reducing waste sent to landfills. For every tree used to bring their pieces to life, they plant 3x the number of trees in partnership with the National Forest Foundation. 

3. VivaTerra

Gustavian Vintage Fir Bed from VivaTerra.Pin
Image: VivaTerra

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal. King
Price: $739 - $3,899

VivaTerra, a favorite retailer for eco-friendly living, offers a range of handmade Vintage Fir bed collections made from reclaimed wood in California.

Choose from various styles and finishes, including a gorgeous canopy bed. All are made using water-based, non-toxic stains. VivaTerra also offers coordinating bedside tables, dressers, storage chests, and even sustainable couches to furnish your sustainable bedroom.

This sustainable wooden bed frame boasts a unique blend of neoclassical design and modern flair, making it a perfect fit for any decor style.

VivaTerra's fabrics and materials

The bed is made from 100% reclaimed California Fir and is crafted by experienced furniture artisans in the USA. The salvaged wood (from raised buildings) has a warm, rich hue and a tight grain pattern.

VivaTerra's ethical sourcing

Made in the USA with reclaimed wood. The bed is finished with a rich, water-based, non-toxic stain to preserve its natural beauty and is handmade in California.

VivaTerra's corporate responsibility

VivaTerra works with artisans worldwide but prioritizes domestic production by making many items in the USA. This helps to reduce transportation needs and conserve energy and natural resources. Buying domestically made products can also be a more eco-conscious choice.

4. Quagga Designs

2 sustainable bed frames from Quagga.Pin
Image: Quagga Designs

Sizes: Double, queen, king
Price: $429–$934

Quagga Designs bed frames boast a cutting-edge, modern design that sets them apart from the rest. They take pride in offering products that are not only stylish but also highly functional.

Assembly is a breeze, requiring just a few minutes of your time. These eco-friendly bed frames are designed with versatility in mind.

Some of their beds can be expanded to accommodate different mattresses, making them adaptable to your changing needs. And when it's time to move or store, their easy-to-stack design makes the process a breeze.

You've got a range of frames to explore, including The Rustic, Flex, No Fuss Plus, and Tic Tac Toe. These are by far the most affordable sustainable bed frames.

Quagga Designs' fabrics and materials

Made in Canada, these bed frames and headboards are stylish, environmentally conscious, and safe for you and your family. Using FSC-certified birch and water-based glue, along with certifications such as CertiPUR-US and CARB P2, highlights their commitment to sustainability and product safety.

You also won't find any formaldehyde, lead, or heavy metals. 

Quagga Designs' ethical sourcing

Their manufacturing process places a strong emphasis on the ethical treatment of workers. Through in-depth research, they ensure that the individuals producing our products are treated fairly and respectfully. They also collaborate closely with factory workers to maintain these standards.

Quagga Designs' corporate responsibility

Quagga believes that everyone deserves a comfortable and supportive bed. They partner with charitable organizations throughout Canada to ensure high-quality bed frames are accessible to those in need. They only use recyclable cardboard in our packaging.

5. My Green Mattress

A sustainable bed frame from My Green Mattress.Pin
Image: My Green Mattress

Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king
Price: $419–$579

Along with some of the best non-toxic mattresses, sheets, and mattress toppers, you'll find a fabulous sustainable, non-toxic platform bed frame.

This eco-conscious platform bed offers a sleek, straightforward design while providing proper support for your mattress without using a box spring.

My Green Mattress fabrics and materials

Made with untreated American-grown Poplar wood, it is free from harmful adhesives, stains, and toxic materials. Sleep soundly, knowing your bed is stylish and safe for you and the environment.

My Green Mattress ethical sourcing

They take great pride in hand-making all of their mattresses at their family-owned factory, which has received GOTS and GOLS Organic Factory Certification from the Control Union. This certification is a testament to their commitment to producing high-quality organic products and upholding the highest standards in the industry.

My Green Mattress corporate responsibility

Made in the USA, which supports the local economy.

6. Saatva

A sustainable bed frame from Saatva.Pin
Image: Saatva

Sizes: Queen, king, Cal. King
Price: $895–$3,095

At Saatva, you'll find a collection of elegant and modern bedding products, including organic comforters and premium mattresses.

They offer a variety of bed frames, including platform and upholstered styles with legs, designed to meet your needs and enhance the look of your bedroom. These bed frames come with built-in sustainable platforms, eliminating the need for a box spring.

Choose from models with fully upholstered headboards and enjoy compatibility with adjustable bases for added comfort and customization.

Saatva fabrics and materials

The bed frame is made with sustainably sourced hardwood, kiln-dried for stability, and reinforced with premium plywood slats for additional support.

The upholstery is a blend of cotton and polyester, and natural linen.

Saatva ethical sourcing

Saatva produces its bedding in a certified fair trade factory in India and its mattresses and organic comforters in the US.

Saatva corporate responsibility

What sets Saatva's beds apart is their commitment to quality and proper support. Customers can try the beds for 180 days, and if unsatisfied, they can return the bed. Additionally, the beds come with a lifetime warranty, which is a rare offering compared to most big box furniture stores.

7. Masaya & Co.

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Image: Masaya & Co.

Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king
Price: $1,800–$3,200

Masaya & Co.'s sustainable natural wood bed frames are what dreams are made of. They are simply stunning, you can choose between a solid wood frame with a headboard or a solid wood frame with a fabric headboard made from polyester.

Reforestation is the top priority for Masaya & Co. not only with you find beautifully created bed frames but also chairs, floating sofas, barstools, nightstands, TV consoles, coffee tables, ottomans, rocking chairs, dressers, desks, benches, and media consoles.

Masaya & Co.'s fabrics and materials

The fabric is made handmade using 100% Polyester manila cord. All the wood used is sustainably sourced, harvested, and finished with a low-VOC natural oil.

Masaya & Co.'s ethical sourcing

Masaya & Co. combats deforestation in Nicaragua by planting 100 trees for every product sold. They have planted over 900,000 trees and sustainably employ 150 local artisans.

Masaya & Co.'s corporate responsibility

For every purchase made, 100 trees are planted in Nicaragua. So far, 1 million trees have been planted.

8. Thuma

2 sustainable beds from Thuma.Pin
Image: Thuma

Sizes: Daybed, Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price: $795 - $2,065

"I love assembling furniture with lots of parts," SAID NO ONE EVER! Assembly required; we're out! LOL! It's why we love Thuma's Japanese Joinery. This traditional craftsmanship technique from Japan simplifies assembly, eliminating the need for excess metal hardware.

It's also made from repurposed wood (hello upcycling) and designed to last a lifetime. These products aim to reduce furniture waste by offering a lifetime warranty, which is fantastic! You can choose two types of headboards: fabric and wood.

Three finishes are available: walnut, natural, and espresso; for the fabric, dark charcoal or light linen.

Thuma's fabrics and materials

Thuma's beds are made with upcycled rubberwood, while the fabric headboard called the Pillowboard is made out of CertiPUR-US® certified foam (meaning its free from certain toxins) with a 100% polyester pebbled linen-weave cover.

The bed is GREENGUARD Certified, assuring that its low chemical emissions have been tested, despite using some synthetic materials. The linen cover is also convenient, as it's interchangeable and washable.

Thuma's ethical sourcing

The Bed, The Headboard, The Nightstand, and The Dresser are made of upcycled rubberwood.

Thuma's corporate responsibility

They donate one tree for every bed and nightstand sold through One Tree Planted. They've planted over 150k worldwide to date.

9. Avocado Mattress

2 sustainable beds from Avocado.Pin
Image: Avocado

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price: $900–$3,399

We never met an Avocado we didn't love! But in all seriousness, Avocado is a fantastic choice for non-toxic metal frames. ZERO assembly is required, and it is self-proclaimed to be "squeak-free" and works with any foundation. You can also pair it with their Green Mattress Foundation for an extra cost.

If you are in the market for a non-toxic wooden bed frame, look at the City Bed Frame, it's a sleek modern design. And if you are in the market for a headboard, the Mid Century Modern Bed Frame is an excellent choice.

Avocado fabrics and materials

The metal bed frame is made from durable reclaimed steel. The natural wood bed frames, free of toxic materials, are handcrafted in a Los Angeles woodshop certified by FSC® using sustainably sourced American timber.

They apply non-toxic, eco-friendly ECOS stains (available in dark or light) and Titebond® wood glues, which are safe and emit no harmful fumes (zero VOC). As members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, they refrain from using any formaldehyde-containing MDF or toxic substances.

Avocado's ethical sourcing

Avocado handcrafts its mattresses in Los Angeles using premium, non-toxic, certified organic materials sourced domestically and from their farms in India and Guatemala.

Avocado's corporate responsibility

This Certified B-Corp is striving to become the world's first mattress factory with zero-waste certification. Since 2019, they've offset over 53,700 tonnes of CO2, resulting in net-zero carbon emissions throughout their supply chain, making the company carbon neutral.

Why consider a non-toxic, sustainable bed frame?

  1. Health: Non-toxic bed frames are free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and fire retardants that can emit toxic fumes and harm human health.
  2. Environment: Non-toxic bed frames are typically made from environmentally friendly materials that don't contribute to environmental pollution.
  3. Comfort: Some toxic materials used in conventional bed frames can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other health problems, while non-toxic bed frames provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment.
  4. Sustainability: Non-toxic bed frames often have a longer lifespan and are more durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and reducing waste.

What contributes to the Toxicity of a Bed Frame?

The types of toxic chemicals used in most conventional bed frames will give you nightmares. Many of them give off VOCs, or volatile organic compounds.

VOCs can have negative impacts on both human health and the environment. They can emit fumes that are harmful to breathe and contribute to air pollution.

They also contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can harm respiratory health. They have been linked to various health problems, such as headaches, dizziness, and eye, nose, and throat irritation.

VOCs are commonly found in everyday products like paints, resins, wood stains, glues, adhesives, and varnishes.

Is Formaldehyde Present in Bed Frames?

Unfortunately, yes! If your bed frame is made from particle board, MDF, or plywood, odds are there's Formaldehyde hiding in it. When these types of furnishing are manufactured, they use glue and adhesives to hold all the wood together, and most of those chemicals contain formaldehyde.

In some cases, brands use veneers; these are a little better, but only as long as they come from FSC-certified North American sources and the MDF behind them is formaldehyde-free and made with non-virgin wood sources.

The FSC label on these kinds of products doesn't guarantee that 100% of the wood is FSC-certified. If it's labeled "FSC Mixed Source," only 70% of the wood is FSC-certified. This is one reason why it's best to double-check with the brand.

Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in many building materials and household products, including bed frames. However, it can be harmful to human health and the environment in several ways:

  1. Health concerns: Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, and exposure to high levels of it can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and other health problems.
  2. Poor indoor air quality: Formaldehyde can emit fumes, reducing indoor air quality and potentially affecting people's health.
  3. Environmental impact: Formaldehyde is a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) that contributes to air pollution and harms the environment.

What are the best fabrics and materials to consider when buying a non-toxic, sustainable bed frame?

We talk a lot about fabrics and materials here on the Eco Hub, and just like ethical fashion, the best ones are always the most natural ones, and like your non-toxic shower curtain, your bed should be free of harmful nasties. I mean, who wants to sleep with those?

Wood

Solid wood that's sustainably sourced is by far the best option. I mentioned particle board, MDF, and plywood a little earlier. You'll want to avoid these. They are cheap and contribute to our problem with fast furniture.

Sustainable woods we can get into bed with include alder, birch, cherry, maple, oak, walnut, poplar, and Southern Yellow Pine. Most of these are sourced from FSC-certified forests in the U.S. 

For obvious reasons, we love reclaimed wood like douglas fir, rubberwood, and in some cases, bamboo. You have to be cautious with bamboo. Although it grows in abundance, it does come with some harsh realities—first, deforestation. According to the UN and International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, up to a third of the world's 1,200 bamboo species are on the brink of extinction.

Ten years ago, bamboo was THE go-to green wood, but thanks to that demand, diversity-rich forests were chopped down to make way for monoculture bamboo plantation. This is threatening local farmers and animals - like the giant Panda.

The other issue is cheap bamboo products are manufactured the same way as particle board, MDF, and plywood containing...you guessed it...formaldehyde. Not to mention bamboo travels over 10,000 miles from China to get here!

Metal

Metal is a good option if it's salvaged from scraps. You typically won't find glues and adhesives, so you won't have to worry about VOCs, but keep this in mind:

  1. Resource depletion: Extracting metal ores from the earth requires energy and resources.
  2. Pollution: Metal production processes can emit pollutants into the air and water, including particulate matter, greenhouse gases, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, leading to environmental degradation and negative impacts on human health.
  3. Waste: Metal production generates large amounts of solid and hazardous waste, which can harm the environment if not properly managed.
  4. Land degradation: Surface mining and open pit mining operations can lead to land degradation and deforestation, causing harm to wildlife and the ecosystem.
  5. Climate change: The energy-intensive nature of metal production, combined with fossil fuels, contributes to climate change and global warming.

Fabrics

For fabrics or upholstery, look for organic cotton (a vegan fabric) linen, or recycled materials like polyester or nylon. Certifications include:

Glues, Adhesives, and Finishes

Look for low-VOC oils, paints, or finishes like beeswax and linseed; water-based glues are best. Certifications include Greenguard GoldCertiPUR-USOEKO-TEX® 100FSCCA Proposition 65.

For "veneer" or "plywood," look for the  TSCA Title VI certification.

TSCA Title VI is the formaldehyde standards regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, amended in 2016 to address the safety of consumer products.

TSCA Title VI limits the amount of formaldehyde emitted from composite wood products, such as particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and hardwood plywood, used in products such as flooring, cabinetry, and furniture.

The purpose of TSCA Title VI is to reduce exposure to formaldehyde. Manufacturers of composite wood products must demonstrate compliance with the standards through third-party testing and certification.

Some final factors to consider when choosing a sustainable bed frame:

Sustainable home decor has never been easier with these fantastic brands, making sustainable living a breeze.

  1. Materials: Look for bed frames made from sustainable materials.
  2. Consider the production process of the bed frame and look for manufacturers that use environmentally friendly methods and materials, such as non-toxic adhesives and coatings.
  3. Look for bed frames certified by organizations such as Ecocert or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which have strict environmental and social criteria for certifying sustainable products.
  4. Choose a bed frame that is energy efficient and uses low-emission materials, such as LED lighting or energy-efficient bedside lamps.
  5. A sustainable bed frame should be durable and made to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and reducing waste.
  6. Consider the end-of-life process for the bed frame. Choose a bed frame that can be disassembled and recycled, reducing waste sent to landfills.
  7. Consider buying your bed frame secondhand.

And we think you will enjoy this article on sustainable interior design.

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