Spending a fortune on a bed frame isn’t necessary for achieving restful sleep since the mattress handles most of the comfort requirements.
While budget-friendly options are readily available, a few savvy shopping strategies can uncover sturdy, long-lasting frames that won’t strain your purse.
Here’s how to buy a bed frame on the cheap:
Purchasing new
The benefits of metal frames
Victorian charm meets practical durability in metal bed frames, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking longevity. 
Most metal beds arrive flat-packed for straightforward self-assembly, with sturdy double frames typically available for less than £120.
Consider a basic divan
Stripping away fancy extras like headboards and storage drawers allows divan bases to deliver excellent mattress support at remarkably low prices.
Setting aside £250 for a double divan base opens up numerous possibilities, with the flexibility to add a headboard when finances improve.
Affordable wooden options
Pine beds’ natural wood beauty perfectly complements their affordability, though certain MDF alternatives might cost even less for those with strict budgets.
Investing in a wooden bed under £200 for a double typically delivers better long-term value than manufactured wood alternatives.
Pictured: Julian Bowen Sami Double Wooden Bed Frame. Priced £175, available from Bedstar.
Smart storage solutions
Finding clever storage solutions doesn’t require spending extra money, especially when choosing a bed frame for a tight budget.
High side rails make perfect sense for sliding boxes underneath, while drawer-equipped designs cost less than fancy ottoman storage systems.
Going for pre-loved
Support your local charity shops
Quality second-hand bed frames often sell for remarkable prices in charity shops, and purchases directly support vital community initiatives.
British Heart Foundation furniture stores consistently stock pre-checked, clean bed frames ready for immediate use.
Check online marketplaces
Substantial discounts on nearly new bed frames regularly appear through local marketplace listings, offering significant savings compared to retail prices.
Searching within a few-mile radius proves most effective, as sellers generally prefer collection only, enabling proper inspection before purchase.
Ask your neighbours
Your neighbours could have the perfect bed frame tucked away in a garage or spare room, forgotten about behind boxes and belongings.
Popping a friendly note through letterboxes or posting on community boards helps uncover hidden bargains, with most people happy to accept £20.
Ensuring your bed frame is suitable
Read through overviews
Reading recent reviews from verified buyers helps identify which budget bed frames consistently deliver value after months of actual use.
Looking for comments about squeaking, stability, and assembly provides real-world insights that marketing descriptions often gloss over.
Check your measurements
Taking measurements of doorways, stairs, and tight corners prevents costly returns and frustrating delivery day disappointments.
Drawing a quick floor plan ensures enough space for bedside tables and comfortable walking around the bed.
Factor in the full costs
Delivery charges can add to seemingly budget-friendly bed frames, especially for weekend or room-of-choice services.
Assembly services often cost extra but could save hours of frustration, while some retailers charge for removing old bed frames.
Look into warranties
Budget bed frames often come with basic 12-month guarantees, though reading the small print reveals details about coverage.
Manufacturing defects typically get covered, while accidental damage and normal wear remain excluded from most warranty policies.
Pictured: Julian Bowen Pickwick 4FT Small Double Pine Bed Frame. Priced £223, available from Bedstar.
Summing up
Getting a good deal on a bed frame means thinking ahead about practical needs without overspending just because something looks fancy. 
Reputable online retailers are the best places to look for new beds. Filter by ‘low to high’ to see their cheapest beds.
Plenty of bargains hide in charity shops and local listings, and a bit of extra legwork makes second-hand hunting worthwhile. With careful planning and smart shopping, a solid bed frame for under £250 sits well within reach.