At a Glance:
8 Favorite Styles of California King Beds
Featured California King Bed Frame Styles
How to Choose a Stylish California King Bed
Maybe you’ve heard of a California king bed but have never known how it differs from a king. It’s a longer and narrower bed size that’s perfect for taller individuals. They’re also an ideal solution for how to fit a large mattress into a narrow room. They typically cost the same as a king size mattress or bed frame, and they offer an equally luxurious feel. You can find a California King bed frame in every style, from panel to platform or upholstered to suit modern, traditional, and eclectic spaces.
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Shop Bed StylesWondering what bed frame is right for your bedroom refresh? Here, we’ll talk about the pros of California king beds and the different bed frame styles you can choose from. Then, we’ll recommend our 7 favorite California king bed frames from Idler’s.
About California King Beds
While the origin of the California king bed is unknown, one story popularized the rumor that a Californian invented the California king bed size in 1982 because they wanted a mattress that better fit their uncommonly long legs. Some say the California king was developed as a super-sized mattress for Hollywood stars in the 1920s and ‘30s, while others say it was created post-World War II, and others claim it was developed in the 1960s for the large mansions of LA.
However it came to be, the California king size has gained popularity thanks to its unique dimensions, which are ideal for taller individuals and those looking for a more luxurious sleeping experience. In 1960s LA, the mattress’s extra length combined with its sleek, narrower width, fit well into the large, modern master bedrooms becoming popular at the time. As a result, the California king quickly became a symbol of luxury and status, leading to its widespread adoption and enduring popularity in the high-end mattress market.
Explore California King Beds
California King Bed Dimensions
California king bed dimensions measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. They're longer but narrower than king beds, which measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, so they aren't actually bigger. That's a common misconception. In fact, a king size mattress has roughly 32 square inches more surface area than a Cal king.
8 Favorite Styles of California King Beds
If you decide to go with a California king mattress, you need a California king size bed frame as well. Your new mattress won’t fit on a king size bed frame—it will be too narrow and too long. This opens up the possibility of finding a stylish bed frame that acts as a focal point in your bedroom. You can choose from a myriad of bed frame styles from a dramatic poster bed to a practical bookcase bed or a minimalist, low-profile platform bed.
Let’s take a look at 8 popular California king bed frame styles and how they can transform your space.
Poster Bed Frames
Poster bed frames feature four tall posts at each corner of the bed, often topped with decorative finials or finial-like ornaments. These posts can be simple and straight for a transitional look or elaborately carved, adding a sense of height and grandeur to the bed for a traditional design. California king poster bed frames are versatile and can suit a range of design styles, from traditional and rustic to transitional and eclectic. They serve as a focal point in the bedroom, commanding attention with their vertical presence and architectural detailing.
Canopy Bed Frames
Canopy bed frames feature four tall posts, like poster beds, but they are usually connected by a frame at the top, with fabric or drapery suspended overhead. This style adds drama and elegance to the bedroom. Canopy beds are ideal for traditional, romantic, or eclectic design styles, transforming the bed into a luxurious sanctuary and creating a cozy, cocoon-like atmosphere. While providing a striking visual focal point, canopy beds can also offer privacy and a sense of enclosure, especially when draped with sheer fabrics or curtains.
Sleigh Bed Frames
Sleigh bed frames are characterized by their distinctive curved headboard and footboard, reminiscent of a traditional sleigh or sled. This style exudes elegance and sophistication, making it suitable for classic, formal, or romantic bedroom designs. Sleigh beds often serve as a focal point in the room, commanding attention with their graceful curves and ornate detailing. While they may not offer storage options like some other styles, sleigh beds add a touch of luxury and timeless appeal to any bedroom.
→ Learn more: 4 Awesome Sleigh Beds Under $1000
Platform Bed Frames
Platform bed frames feature a low-profile design with a solid base, eliminating the need for a box spring. This style is versatile and suits a range of design aesthetics, including modern, minimalist, and contemporary. A California king platform bed frame can serve as a focal point in the bedroom with its sleek, clean lines, making it ideal for minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Panel Bed Frames
Panel bed frames are characterized by their classic headboard and footboard panels, which can feature various designs such as raised panels, recessed panels, or decorative molding. This style offers a timeless aesthetic, and the headboard designs can vary, adapting to traditional, farmhouse, or cottage-inspired interiors. Panel beds provide a sturdy and substantial presence in the room, serving as a versatile backdrop for bedding and decor. Depending on the design, panel beds can range from simple and understated to ornate and embellished—it’s up to you.
Upholstered Bed Frames
Upholstered bed frames feature padded fabric or leather upholstery on the headboard and sometimes the footboard and sides, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to the bedroom. These frames come in various styles, from classic tufted designs to sleek, contemporary silhouettes. Upholstered bed frames are best suited for bedrooms aiming for a cozy, inviting atmosphere, such as traditional, transitional, or contemporary spaces. Button tufting or velvet upholstery is perfect for a glam design. Overall, they serve as a comfortable and stylish focal point, providing a soft surface for leaning back while reading or watching TV.
Storage Bed Frames
Storage bed frames are designed with built-in drawers, shelves, or compartments, maximizing space efficiency and organization in the bedroom. What bedroom doesn’t need more storage? This bed frame enables you to maximize storage in a small space or achieve a clutter-free look in any bedroom. Storage beds come in various designs, including platform, upholstered, or traditional styles. They serve as both a stylish focal point and a functional solution for storing extra linens, clothing, or other items.
Bookcase Bed Frames
Bookcase bed frames integrate shelving units or bookcases into the headboard or footboard, providing convenient storage space for books, decorative items, or personal belongings. They’re similar to storage bed frames, but they offer open shelving rather than drawer storage. This style is practical for bedrooms with limited floor space or for individuals who enjoy having easy access to their favorite reads. It also gives you a place to display and showcase art, books, candles, and other favorite items. Bookcase beds are versatile and can complement various design styles, including modern, transitional, or eclectic.
→ Learn more: Best Upholstered Headboard Styles Fit for a Queen
Featured California King Bed Frame Styles
Keep reading for our top California king bed frames from Idler’s.
Palliser Furniture Customizable Lurre Upholstered Panel Bed
This upholstered California king bed frame with headboard infuses a fun punch of color into your bedroom. This almost navy blue is the perfect balance between colorful and neutral—or you can customize it and choose any fabric or leather upholstery. The simple silhouette is perfect for a modern, contemporary, or transitional bedroom design. You could pair it with white furniture or a wide variety of wood tones. For a touch of luxury and a comfy spot to lean against to read or watch TV, this upholstered bed is an excellent choice.
Kincaid Plank Road Charcoal Eastburn Sleigh Bed
This California king sleigh bed frame has a planked headboard with a charcoal finish. The simplicity and depth of this piece give it a calming feel. It would work well in a contemporary or Japandi design, or with more ornate furniture pieces, it would work in a traditional space. If you’re updating your whole bedroom, the matching bureau, chest of drawers, and nightstands feature the same charcoal finish with contrasting stone tops.
American Drew Lenox Oak Siena Upholstered Bed
This upholstered bed is a creamy and elegant bed from the channel tufted headboard to the paneled sides and footboard. We love the combination of ivory upholstery and a light oak finish frame. You could create a calming neutral bedroom or accent it with your favorite colors. This California king bed frame is perfect for a coastal, farmhouse, or transitional design.
Signature Design by Ashley Ashbryn White Storage Bed
This California king bed frame with storage makes an impact by contrasting black and white. The white bed frame features a black framed cutout and black drawer pulls. Two drawers at the end of the bed easily slide open to stow away blankets or off-season clothes without having to go to the attic. The simple silhouette and high-contrast color combo are perfect for a contemporary design.
Kincaide Modern Forge Sandy Brown Longview Upholstered Bed
We love the mix of materials used in this California king bed frame. The headboard is upholstered with premium weather while the rest of the frame is made of solid wood. The vertical stitching on the headboard draws the eye up while the framing on the footboard makes the bed look even more luxe. Depending on how you accessorize it, this bed could work in an organic modern design, a rustic space, or a boho bedroom.
Signature Design by Ashley Cabalynn Light Brown Storage Panel Bed
This storage bed features storage drawers on the side so that the footboard can have a seamless appearance. The headboard features a vertical design with a curved border, perfect for a mid-century modern or eclectic bedroom. The warm wood tone is inviting while the storage is practical and subtle. This is the perfect bed frame for a California casual, mid-century modern, eclectic, or transitional bedroom design.
How to Choose a Stylish California King Bed
Once you know you want to switch to a California king size bed or find a new frame for your current California king mattress, the question is how to choose a stylish bed frame that complements your room’s aesthetics and meets your needs. Comfort might be at the top of your list, or perhaps you’re looking for creative storage solutions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing a California king bed frame:
- Assess your room's style and decor theme. Or, take this opportunity to choose a new one and transform your space. Whether your space exudes modern minimalism, rustic charm, or classic elegance, choose a bed frame style that harmonizes with these elements. For instance, a sleek, minimalist frame may suit contemporary interiors, while a wooden or wrought iron frame could enhance a rustic or vintage-inspired room.
- Determine the features you require in a bed frame. Are you looking for extra storage options, such as under-bed drawers or shelves? Or perhaps you prefer a simpler, platform-style frame for a clean look? Consider your lifestyle and storage needs to select a frame with the appropriate features that enhance functionality without compromising style.
- Research options online to see what colors, materials, or wood tones you gravitate toward. Looking at online retailers or searching for bed frames on Pinterest can be a great way to gauge what styles you’re drawn to. This will help you narrow your search. During this step, you can look at styles outside of your budget, as long as you don’t get too attached.
- Set a budget. There are countless California king bed frames to choose from, so one wise way to narrow your search is to set a budget. This will help you get an idea of what you can get in your price range and help you plan your budget as a whole if you’re updating all your bedroom furniture.
- Stop by a local furniture store to browse options in person. It can be hard to tell the quality of a piece without seeing it in person first. California shoppers can visit an Idler’s Home locations to compare California king bed frame styles to truly get an idea of what they’ll look like in their space.
Whether you’re looking to create a coastal retreat or a retro mid-century modern design, a California king bed frame can become the focal point of your bedroom. You can choose from dramatic poster beds, luxurious upholstered beds, and practical storage beds to complete your space. With a stylish and diverse selection, Idler’s is the best place to shop for California king bed frames in California. Come in and browse bed frames in person today.
→ Learn more: Wooden Bed Frame Buying Guide
FAQ
How big is a California king bed?
A California king bed measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
Does a California king mattress fit a king bed frame?
No, a California king mattress won’t fit on a king bed frame. It’s too long and too narrow. You need a bed frame specifically designed for a California king mattress. Shop our stylish selection at Idler’s.
Where to buy a California king bed near me?
California shoppers can shop for a California king bed at Idler’s in modern, contemporary, farmhouse, and traditional styles.
Why Trust Idler’s Home?
At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to helping you make the vision you have for your home a reality.
Shop California King Bed Frames at Idler’s
Envision the possibilities for your home and shop California king bed frames online at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you find the right style bed frame for your space — whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!
→ Learn more: 7 Queen Bed Frame Looks You’ll Love