Zinus Bed Frame Review: Detailed Examination Of The Top 3

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Zinus Bed Frame Review:Let’s take a detailed look at the three best Zinus bedframes. Zinus are massively popular, with their huge range of affordable products. I’ve narrowed down the best for you.

A Zinus bed frame is a great choice if you:

  • Want to ditch your old mattress base or box spring
  • Need some storage space underneath your mattress
  • Need a light frame that’s easy to move and assemble
  • Are looking for a new bed frame for a guest or kids room

Short on time? Read no further! Go straight to my top choice:

Sale
ZINUS Joseph Metal Platforma Bed Frame / Mattress Foundation / Wood Slat Support / No Box Spring Needed / Sturdy Steel Structure, King
  • GO MINIMALIST - Less is more, especially with this modern and structurally sound foundation that lends both strength and understated sophistication to your bedroom - two qualities that never go out of style
  • Product Dimensions :79.5 x 75.5 x 14.0 inches.Maximum Weight Recommendation : 750 Pounds
  • UNDERBED CLEARANCE - A 14 inch platform features 11.8 inches of underbed space perfect for storing extra odds and ends; twin size supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs, while all other sizes can support up to 700 lbs.NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Reliable wood slats are designed to support and extend the life of your latex, memory foam or spring mattress without the need for a box spring; slats are spaced 3 - 3.4 inches apart
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - All parts, tools and instructions are shipped straight to your door in one efficiently packed box for simple set-up that takes less than hour with a friend’s help
  • Worry-free 5 year limited warranty included; mattress sold separately

Still Reading? Here Are The 3 Bed Frames I’ll Cover:

1. The Zinus Shawn 14 Inch Smartbase Mattress Foundation (the Zinus top seller by a long, long way)

2. The Zinus Yelena 14 Inch and Van 16 Inch Classic Metal Platform Bed Frame with Steel Slat Support (reviewed together as they are listed together on Amazon)

3. The Zinus Joseph Modern Studio Platforma Low Profile Bed Frame

At the end of the post I’ll give you my own opinion of these Zinus bed frames.

Zinus Shawn 14 Inch Smartbase Mattress Foundation

ZINUS SmartBase Tool-Free Assembly Mattress Foundation / 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame / No Box Spring Needed / Sturdy Steel Frame / Underbed Storage, King
  • A ONE-AND-DONE SOLUTION - Why buy both a bed frame and box spring for your mattress? Our sturdy steel SmartBase lets you enjoy the benefits of both; and fear not - this hardworking frame only requires opposable thumbs to set-up.Maximum weight recommendation:1500 pounds
  • NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Platform is made with heavy steel that replaces your box spring, allowing you to rest your memory foam or spring mattress directly on top; legs have plastic caps to protect your floors
  • UNDERBED STORAGE - Total of 13 inches of clearance space under the frame provides valuable storage room for extra odds and ends
  • QUICK, TOOL-FREE SETUP - Shipped in one compact box and with intuitive and tool-free one touch setup; rest your mattress directly on top of the platform; single frame sizes support a maximum weight capacity of 750 lbs, while other sizes up to 1500 lbs
  • Worry-free 5 year limited warranty included; mattress sold separately

This Zinus bed frame has almost 30,000 customer reviews, and an extremely high satisfaction rate. It sure is one massively popular bed frame!

Features

  • Steel construction with a grid layout: queen sizes and up are made from two pieces that join together in the center to properly support your mattress
  • 14 Inch height: this gives you 13 inches of storage space underneath the base
  • Available in standard or deluxe (as far as I can tell, the deluxe is sturdier)
  • Color options of black or beige
  • Can be folded up for easy storage
  • Reinforced edges
  • Plastic caps on the feet to protect your floors
  • 5 Year warranty

This Zinus bed frame could be a good option for you if you’re short on storage space in your house. You can stash multiple boxes underneath this frame.

It’s also a good option for people who might want to move the bed around a fair bit, or store it when it’s not in use. It’s light weight and folding construction make it simple to store.

Why is it so popular?

Zinus makes loads of bed frames that are cheap, easy to assemble, and eliminate the need for a box spring. Why does this one outsell the others by so much? I think there are four reasons:

  1. It’s one of the lightest Zinus bed frames
  2. It’s the easiest to store with its folded construction
  3. It’s the easiest to assemble (no tools required, it just snaps into place
  4. Two color options
  5. cheap, sturdy, easy to assemble. eliminates need for box spring, can be used with any mattress type. a good “no frills” option. lightest, easiest to store, easiest to assemble?

Zinus does a big range of Smartbase configuration bed frames as well as the Shawn, and they are all very popular. You can view them here.

Zinus Yelena and Van Classic Metal Platform Bed Frame

Sale
ZINUS Yelena 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame / Steel Slat Support / No Box Spring Needed / Easy Assembly, King
  • PRACTICAL AND RELIABLE DESIGN - With an ultra-durable metal structure and over a foot of under bed clearance space for storing odds and ends, this metal foundation is an understated solution built for more than just great sleep.Maximum weight recommendation:700 pounds
  • HEADBOARD COMPATIBLE - Easily attach this frame to your own standard-sized headboard using the predrilled holes in two of the legs; headboard not included
  • NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Durable steel slats support and extend the life of your latex, memory foam or spring mattress without the need for a box spring; twin size supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs, while all other sizes can support up to 700 lbs
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - Everything you need is efficiently packed into one box and shipped straight to your door; all parts, tools and instructions are included for easy, two-person assembly in under an hour
  • Worry-free 5-year limited warranty included; mattress sold separately

The Yelena and Van are very similar in their construction and function, and I’m guessing that’s the reason why they are listed together along with their star ratings being together on Amazon. If you decide to purchase one or the other of these, make sure you’ve clicked the right one!

Features

  • Steel construction with steel slats as the support, slats are 7.5 inches apart
  • Unlike the Shawn above, these Zinus bed frames are not two pieces joined in the middle, it is one continuous unit so it cannot be folded for storage
  • Yelena has a 14 inch height with 12 inches of storage space
  • Van has a 16 inch height with 14 inches of storage space
  • Yelena has square corners, Van has rounded corners and is slightly heavier (the king size Van is 3lb heavier than the king size Yelena)
  • Plastic caps on the feet to protect your floors
  • 5 Year warranty

These frames have a sleeker, slightly more elegant look than the Shawn Smartbase above. There is slightly more assembly work to do as you must place the slats inside the frame, but it is still an easy job and Zinus gives you everything you need to get it done quickly.

Zinus Joseph Modern Studio Platforma Low Profile Bed Frame

ZINUS SmartBase Tool-Free Assembly Mattress Foundation / 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame / No Box Spring Needed / Sturdy Steel Frame / Underbed Storage, King
  • A ONE-AND-DONE SOLUTION - Why buy both a bed frame and box spring for your mattress? Our sturdy steel SmartBase lets you enjoy the benefits of both; and fear not - this hardworking frame only requires opposable thumbs to set-up.Maximum weight recommendation:1500 pounds
  • NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Platform is made with heavy steel that replaces your box spring, allowing you to rest your memory foam or spring mattress directly on top; legs have plastic caps to protect your floors
  • UNDERBED STORAGE - Total of 13 inches of clearance space under the frame provides valuable storage room for extra odds and ends
  • QUICK, TOOL-FREE SETUP - Shipped in one compact box and with intuitive and tool-free one touch setup; rest your mattress directly on top of the platform; single frame sizes support a maximum weight capacity of 750 lbs, while other sizes up to 1500 lbs
  • Worry-free 5 year limited warranty included; mattress sold separately

This Zinus bed frame is quite different to the other two above. It has a totally different look with its metal runners right around the edge for a square “framed” look (which you might love or hate, I quite like it myself). It also has wooden slats as the mattress support instead of steel slats or grid.

Features

  • Steel framework with wooden slats, slats are approximately 3 inches apart
  • Available in a variety of heights, pick the one that suits your storage needs: 6 inch, 10 inch, 14 inch, 18 inch
  • Comes with padded tape which goes on the steel edges to prevent noise and tape to put on the slats to prevent your mattress from sliding around
  • Easy to assemble
  • 5 Year warranty

Of the three bed frames I’ve included in this review, I think this one looks the nicest and has the most choices for height. Zinus says the metal runners should not scuff your floors, but other customers have recommended putting a rug or some other floor protection down if you’re not using this bed frame on carpet.

Note that there is no place to attach a headboard to this bed frame.

Zinus Bed Frame Review – Final Verdict

My analysis of the reviews these bed frames get on Amazon (good and bad)

These bed frames all get thousands of positive reviews, but they also have their share of bad reviews. Interestingly, customers had very similar comments for all three bed frames.

The good: people found that as described, the frames were easy to assemble, were great for storage, and looked nice. It appeared that a significant proportion of the good reviews were left early on in the customer’s ownership of the bed frame, so the good comments did not tend to be about durability or longevity.

The bad: there were way too many people who reported their Zinus bed frame broke after about 6 months. There were complaints that the welding looked cheap and that they were not sturdy at all. Negative reviews tended to be left after a longer ownership period than the positive reviews. I think durability is a real question for these bed frames: can they properly support you in the long run? However, all the issues that people encountered WOULD be covered by the five year warranty so if you do go ahead and purchase one regardless, make sure you use your warranty if you need it!

It is interesting that in the questions and answers, the weight limit for the queen size and up is 500lb excluding the mattress weight. Zinus claims that their frames are suited to all mattress types (memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, latex), but these can vary greatly in weight, from around 70lb to more than 140lb! I wonder if using a heavier mattress on the frame contributes to it breaking down sooner.

Another thing customers noted as a negative but has a potentially very simple fix is squeakiness. There were many who reported the bed frames to be noisy. If this happens to you, check the bolts on the frame. if they have loosened, that can cause the squeakiness and you may need to tighten them again.

Would I buy a Zinus bed frame?

The answer is, like many things in life, a little bit complicated. I really don’t think these bed frames sound like they are going to be sturdy or last a long time, which would be my priority when choosing a bed frame. Yours might be different! I would only buy one in certain situations:

  • for a guest room where it isn’t being used much
  • for a child’s bed where the weight the bed must support is lower
  • if I was a college student, I’d consider it as a cheap option to last maybe a couple years while being easy to move and store

For my every day bed at home, I’d be wanting something a little more solid and sturdy, which of course would mean more money. I think you’re getting what you pay for here.

Another reason I probably wouldn’t buy one for my own bed is the distance between the slats or grids on the first two frames. Many modern mattresses, if used on a slat or grid frame, stipulate that the slats must not be wider than 3 inches apart. Any wider, and the mattress might sag. Worse, you could void your warranty. So before you buy a Zinus bed frame, check if there are any such requirements for the mattress you are intending to use with it. The good news is that if you are using a Zinus mattress, there are no rules about slat distances: they only require a flat and secure foundation.

If so, which one is best?

I think the Joseph (the third frame with the wooden slats and square appearance) is best.

It gives you the widest options for storage by giving you a choice of height.

It has slats that are close enough together to allow you to use most mattresses with it.

It has a sleek design.

If I were to purchase a Zinus bed frame, the Joseph  would be my first choice, even though the Shawn Smartbase outsells it enormously.

See All The Best Selling Bed Frames Amazon Has To Offer:

SaleBestseller No. 1
Best Price Mattress 14-Inch Metal Platform Beds w/ Heavy Duty Steel Slat Mattress Foundation (No Box Spring Needed), Black
  • Metal platform bed with steel slat support, no box spring needed
  • Heavy Duty steel 6-leg and center bar support
  • Additional legs and center bar increase points of contact to the ground for sturdy support
  • 12" vertical clearance for convenient under bed storage space
  • Easy assembly in minutes with no additional tools required
SaleBestseller No. 2
ZINUS Abel Metal Platform Bed Frame / Mattress Foundation with Steel Slat Support / No Box Spring Needed / Easy Assembly, Queen
  • GO MINIMALIST - Less is more, especially with this modern and boldly outlined foundation that lends both strength and understated sophistication to your bedroom - two qualities that never go out of style.Maximum weight recommendation:700 pounds
  • NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Reliable metal slats are designed to support and extend the life of your latex, memory foam or spring mattress without the need for a box spring
  • RECESSED LEGS AND UNDER BED STORAGE SPACE - A 14 inch platform features recessed side legs for even better support with no stubbed toes, and its 12 inches of under bed space is perfect for storing extra odds and ends
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - Metal slats are secured with fewer bolts to save you time and hassle; all parts, tools and instructions are shipped straight to your door in one efficiently packed box; set-up takes less than hour with a friend’s help
  • Worry-free 5 year limited warranty included; mattress sold separately; twin size supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs, while all other sizes can support up to 700 lbs
SaleBestseller No. 3
ZINUS Van 16 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame / Steel Slat Support / No Box Spring Needed / Easy Assembly, Queen
  • PRACTICAL AND RELIABLE DESIGN - With an ultra-durable metal structure and over a foot of under bed clearance space for storing odds and ends, this metal foundation is an understated solution built for more than just great sleep.Maximum weight recommendation:350 pounds
  • NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Durable steel slats support and extend the life of your latex,memory foam or spring mattress without the need for a box spring; twin size supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs, while all other sizes can support up to 700 lbs
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - Everything you need is efficiently packed into one box and shipped straight to your door; all parts, tools and instructions are included for easy, two-person assembly in under an hour
  • Worry-free 5-year limited warranty included; mattress sold separately
SaleBestseller No. 4
ZINUS Vivek Deluxe Wood Platform Bed Frame with Headboard / Wood Slat Support / No Box Spring Needed / Easy Assembly, Queen
  • NATURAL BEAUTY, QUALITY DESIGN - Natural wood grain detail meets impressive structure in this solid wood foundation in an antique espresso finish that is every bit as remarkable as its clean-lined, durable framework
  • NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Reliable and closely spaced wood slats are designed to support and extend the life of your latex, memory foam or spring mattress without the need for a box spring
  • DURABLE DESIGN - A thick and sturdy solid wood frame is constructed with steel interior framework for longevity; twin size supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs, while all other sizes can support up to 700 lbs
  • EASY ASSEMBLY - All parts, tools and instructions are shipped straight to your door in one efficiently packed box for simple set-up that takes less than an hour with a friend’s help
  • Worry-free 5-year limited warranty included; mattress sold separately
SaleBestseller No. 5
Allewie Upholstered Queen Size Platform Bed Frame with 4 Storage Drawers and Headboard, Diamond Stitched Button Tufted Mattress Foundation with Wooden Slats Support, No Box Spring Needed, Dark Grey
  • All-in-One Package: This storage bed frame comes in only one box with the complete accessories you need to assemble now.
  • Space-saving Functionality: With four storage drawers underneath, this platform bed frame offers perfect storage space for bed sheets, accessories, off-season clothing, etc.
  • Lavish & Modern: Upholstered in linen fabric with a button-tufted and square-stitched surface, this deluxe platform bed will add sophisticated style to any bedroom.
  • Adjustable Headboard: The headboard can be adjusted to 38 or 40.2 inches in height, suitable for a 6-12 inches mattress.
  • No box spring needed: Designed with strong wood slats support, it does not require a box spring or any other additional foundations.

Last update on 2022-12-10 at 17:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

AUTHOR

Emily Johnstone

Emily is the creator and owner of bestmattressforyou.com. Emily's scientific background gives her an analytical, critical, and discerning eye to bring unbiased, thorough, and helpful content to the site. Your good sleep is her top priority. Find out more about Emily and bestmattressforyou.com here.