7 Budget Friendly Alternatives to The “Thuma” Bed Frame
If you’re in the market for a new bed frame, you may have come across the brand name Thuma.
This company makes a modern bed frame that offers a variety of different headboard and wooden frame colors/finishes. Thuma has aimed to create designs and products that are solid, high-quality, and environmentally friendly.
Thuma is undoubtedly one of the leading names in the market for online bed frames but this quality comes with a high price point.
For many people, Thuma bed frames are out of their budget range but that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise and settle for frames of lower quality and with fewer features.
There are many bed frames on the market that are similar to Thuma frames but don’t have the high price tag. In this article, we will introduce you to some of these options so that you can choose the bed frame that suits your needs the best.
NOTE: Thuma is a platform style bed. This means it uses slats for support and you DO NOT need to use a box spring. If this is what you love about Thuma, then check out our other post for 25 bed frames that do not require a box spring!
About Thuma Beds
Main Features of Thuma
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring (put your mattress directly on it!)
- Modern, simple design with fabric and wood
- Slips together without any tools
Before we look at alternatives for Thuma bed frames, let’s take a closer look at Thuma and why their bed frames are so popular.
Thuma launched in San Francisco in 2018 with the aim of making bed frames less of an afterthought when it comes to buying new beds.
Often, purchasers concentrate on mattresses and bedding more than the solid frame that is the foundation of the bed. Their frames are simple and understated but offer a level of comfort and luxury that is noticeable from the start.
Thuma takes inspiration from Japanese craftsmanship to make frames that can be easily self-assembled at home while not sacrificing strength or quality.
They use recycled wood and upcycled wood and are also GREENGUARD Gold certified so you can be sure that their bed frames are eco-friendly and safe from harmful chemicals. Thuma has also partnered with One Tree Planted so that for every bed sold, a new tree is planted.
You can purchase a Thuma bed frame in several different sizes ranging from Twin to Cali King. Three different wood finishes are available (walnut, natural, and espresso) and the beds can have either pillow boards or headboards.
The various options have a great effect on the price, but the bed frames typically range from around $800 to $2000.
Top 7 Budget Friendly Alternatives To The “Thuma Bed”
Now that we know why Thuma wooden bed frames are popular, let’s look at some great alternatives that won’t break the bank.
1. The Platform Bed (w/ Headboard) by Birchboards
How its similar to Thuma
- Japanese Joinery style snap together joints for easy assembly
- Simple modern wooden design
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring
How its different from Thuma
- Less expensive (about half the price)
- Only 2 color options
- Wooden headboard but no upholstered headboard option (you could simply add 2 oversized fabric pillows or cushions for an upholstered feel)
What our testers are saying:
The BirchBoards Solid Wood Platform Bed is an elegantly designed, minimalist bed frame that combines style with functionality. Crafted from high-quality solid wood, this platform bed showcases a modern, streamlined look with a robust headboard, blending seamlessly into any bedroom decor. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, and its easy assembly makes it perfect for those seeking convenience without compromising on aesthetics.
Comparison to the Thuma Bed Frame:
The Birchboard Solid Wood Platform Bed offers a very similar aesthetic and build quality to the Thuma bed frame (we actually think its a higher quality build with a sturdier feel). The significant difference? Birchboard offers this bed at a more affordable price. If you’ve been admiring the Thuma bed but seeking a lower cost alternative, the Birchboards bed frame is our team’s favorite alternative, granting you the same minimalist, luxurious feel for about half the price.
2. The Upholstered Bed (Optional Headboard)
Supports over 1000lbs
How its similar to Thuma
- Modern Fabric Headboard similar to the fabric headboard Thuma offers
- Minimalist sleek low profile design
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring
How its different from Thuma
- Less expensive (about half the price)
- Only 1 color available
- All fabric design rather than wood
What our testers are saying:
This headboard on this bed is very similar in design to that of the upholstered headboard on the Thuma bed but this one is actually attached to the frame, making it sturdier.
The strength and sturdiness of this bed are noteworthy. With its solid wood legs and metal center supports, it easily handles weight up to 1000lbs, making it a great choice for those seeking a durable option. We’ve had our fair share of beds, but this one truly stands out in terms of stability.
The aesthetic appeal is another win. The linen-blend fabric on the headboard not only feels premium but also adds a touch of sophistication to any room. The woven fabric details are subtle yet impactful and comfortable to rest against when reading or watching tv in bed.
The headboard is solid and doesn’t shake, move or squeak under pressure. We also loved the fact that you can adjust the headboard’s height, ensuring it looked just right against the wall and fits with any thickness of mattress.
In conclusion, our experience with this bed has been nothing short of fantastic. It’s a blend of durability and design, making it an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a new durable bed that can hold heavier weight loads without moving, shaking or squeaking.
3. Natural Wood Frame By Birch Living
How its similar to Thuma
- Japanese Joinery style construction
- No tools required for assembly
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring
How its different from Thuma
- Less expensive
- Only 2 color options
- No headboard option (but you could simply add large fabric pillows or cushions of your own)
What our testers are saying:
Our first option is this beautiful but simple wooden frame by Birch. It features a more traditional design than the Thuma bed frames but is just as sturdy.
Like the Thuma frames, this bed frame features Japanese joinery and is easy to slot together when received. You won’t need any tools!
The bed has several wooden slats running across the width of the bed to support your mattress and four solid legs to keep it around eight inches from the ground.
The wood used for the bed is sustainable and only comes from forests that are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified locations. This means that the wood is collected by sustainable methods and has a low carbon footprint.
You can choose from several different sizes ranging from Twin to Cali King and there are two different color finishes available. The finishes are water-based and do not use harsh chemicals, making the bed frame non-toxic.
When you purchase a bed frame from Birch you receive a 100-night trial, free shipping, and a five-year warranty. The prices for the bed frames range from $499 to $699.
4. The Emery Bed by Acacia
How its similar to Thuma
- Very similar look to the wooden headboard Thuma offers
- Variety of different wood finishes to choose from
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring
How its different from Thuma
- Less expensive
- Requires some tools for assembly
What our testers are saying:
This frame looks very similar to the Thuma bed when utilizing their newer wooden headboard attachment but comes at a much more affordable price point. The wooden frame looks both classic and modern at the same time and comes in a variety of colors.
The legs allow the bed to sit 14 inches off the ground, giving enough clearance to store smaller items underneath
The Emery is easy to assemble and there are minimal tools required. The frames are made from solid sustainably sourced acacia wood and have slats spaced four inches apart to securely support your mattress without the need for a box spring.
Each bed frame features free delivery, a 50-night home trial, three years warranty, and free Amazon returns if necessary.
You can choose from two different sizes (Queen and King)
5. The Luella Frame By Modway
How its similar to Thuma
- Very similar look with the fabric headboard and wood frame
- Variety of different color combinations to choose from
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring
How its different from Thuma
- Less expensive
- Requires some tools for assembly
- Only available in a queen size right now
What our testers are saying:
The Luella is probably most similar in terms of look when it comes to Thuma alternatives. This bed comes in a variety of different colors and offers a variety of different fabric headboard colors as well.
It’s somewhat more difficult to put together than the Thuma and does require some tools, but the frame comes with all the tools you need. It’s easy to maintain and clean and is sure to look as good as new for years to come.
The bed is a platform bed just like the Thuma so you can easily put your mattress directly on the frame without the need for a box spring.
When you order this bed frame you will get free shipping and if needed, free returns. It also comes with a 50-night home trial and a three-year warranty.
6. The Solid Wood Platform Bed by Birchboards (Variety of colors)
How its similar to Thuma
- Simple minimalist design. Similar look without the headboard (you could add your own fabric pillows or cushions as a headboard.)
- Made from natural materials
- Variety of different wood finishes to choose from
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring
How its different from Thuma
- Less expensive
- Requires some tools for assembly
- No headboard option
What our testers are saying:
If you’re looking for a solid wooden bed that can take a lot of weight, then the Platform Bed by Bear might be what you’re looking for. The bed frames are all rated to support weights of up to 900 pounds.
The bed frame is easily assembled and only takes a few minutes to secure together.
It does require the use of some tools but these are provided with the bed itself so you don’t need to worry about finding the right tools yourself. Once assembled, the bed has a clearance of six and a half inches.
The frames are made from all-natural pine wood and all of the glue used in the manufacturing process is water-based and solvent free. The staining used to color the wood is also safe and free of formaldehyde.
This bed frame is available in sizes ranging from Queen to Cali King and in a variety of different finishes: natural, walnut, almond, white wash, black, gray.
You receive free shipping but there is no trial period. The prices range from $795 to $995.
7. The Soloman Bed by DG Casa
How its similar to Thuma
- Same style with the combination of fabric and wood
- Variety of different color combinations to choose from
- Platform bed that does not require a box spring
How its different from Thuma
- Less expensive
- Requires some tools for assembly
- More Mid-Century modern is style
What our testers are saying:
This bed frame combines wood and fabric to create a modern yet comforting style, just like the Thuma aims to do. The bed leans a little more towards a mid-century modern style and we love it.
You can choose from a variety of wood and fabric combinations to meet your bedroom decor and they even offer some statement colors of yellow and orange if you really want to tap into the mid-century vibe.
This bed does require some tools for set up but itsnt too challenging and could be a great alternative to Thuma if you are looking to save a little money and don’t mind a little assembly.
Just like the Thuma, this bed is a platform style which means it has built in bed slats that do not require you to use a box spring (Put your mattress directly on the frame!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve introduced our five alternatives for Thuma beds, let’s answer some lingering questions.
Is It Possible To Buy A Thuma Bed For Less?
Like many companies, Thuma does hold time-limited sales occasionally. We would recommend checking their site or social media for these and also signing up for their newsletter. Any special offers will be notified to customers via these methods.
You also have the option of purchasing second-hand, if you’re lucky enough to find any. Check online sales sites such as eBay and local selling groups on Facebook and you may be able to find a bargain.
Make sure you are able to fully check what you’re buying before spending any money though!
Why Should I Invest So Much Money In A Bed Frame?
So many people invest large amounts of money into high-quality mattresses and often neglect their bed frames. In our opinion, this is a mistake. Your bed frame is just as important as your mattress as the frame gives the mattress the support it needs in order to support you.
By spending a decent amount of money on the right bed frame, you will have a frame that can last you for decades.
A good bed frame will help you sleep soundly for years as it will support your body the way it should be supported. Although it may be a large expense now, a solid bed frame will pay for itself through a better night’s sleep and how long it can last.
Plus, a stylish bed frame can really make your bedroom look and feel more modern and comfortable!
Final Thoughts
In this article, we introduced Thuma bed frames and explained why they’ve become so popular.
As they can be too expensive for many budgets, we also took this opportunity to recommend five alternatives that share many of the same features but for a fraction of the price.
If you’re looking for a high-quality wooden bed frame that is similar to those offered by Thuma, we hope you found our list useful!
