Whether you’re moving into a new home or redecorating your current one, choosing the right bed frame can make or break your entire space. But furniture shopping can seem like a tremendous task, so much so that it sits on your to-do list, day after day.
Maybe to offset some of the overwhelm, you decide that you’re going to check online to see what options larger retailers have available. But while the selection seems broad, everything looks great in the professional photographs, you still wonder what it’s really like.
We’ll you’re in luck because I’m about to save you a lot of time and frustration!
Founded in 1932, Ethan Allen has produced and sold high-end, high-quality American style furniture. With showrooms and design centers throughout North America, they are one of the most popular furniture retailers. Ethan Allen specializes in custom made furniture, using high-quality materials and professional techniques, to craft one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture for your home. They also employ trained Interior Designers, who will work with you to create the space of your dreams – including any existing furniture you may have!
While in Austin, Texas, I headed to the local design center to bring you an epic Ethan Allen bedframe review, so you can learn what these bedframes are really like in person before you step foot in the store.
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Methodology
Ethan Allen specializes in custom made pieces. As such, the majority of their furniture collections can be customized with a variety of different options. They focus on creating what works for the client, not trying to make the client fit. For this review, I’ve looked at the sample models on the design center floor, and noted which have options that I noticed. However, if you like a piece and are curious about additional customizations that you don’t see, definitely reach out to a designer from Ethan Allen!
My trip to the Ethan Allen showroom and design center focused on taking pictures of all the bedframes they had on display. If you’ve never been to an Ethan Allen showroom, they’re set up in wholly designed spaces. This helps inspire consumers in how a piece can work in a room. It’s a fantastic idea, and it really helped me get my creativity flowing!
As with any review you find on the internet, it really all comes down to another person’s opinion. In the case of this Ethan Allen bed frame review, it’s mine. But to be as transparent as possible, I want to reveal my priorities, biases, and style preferences when looking for bedroom furniture. And to offset my bias, I did try to imagine a space where a particular piece would work even if it didn’t go with my particular aesthetic.
For the perspective of this review, I’m in Ethan Allen looking for a bed frame to work with my existing furniture in my primary bedroom. Our current furniture is cherry mahogany and includes two nightstands and vanity. They’re neoclassical styled with turned spindle legs, giving it an antiqued look.
For the style of our bedroom, we’re going for a rustic look with bohemian influences, like gold and brass accents with vibrant, saturated colors and mixed textures. I like the idea of wood because it matches our existing furniture, which is stained rather than painted. However, I could be persuaded to paint it for the right reason! The overall vibe I’d like to create is a free-spirited, calm, meditative feeling when sitting there.
Now, onto the Ethan Allen bed frame reviews!
Ethan Allen Bed Frame Reviews
Huntsville
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Headboard Height: 44.25”
- Footboard Height:: 12”
- Underbed Space: 6”
- Available sizes: Full, Queen, King
- Available Finishes: 3
Overall Impression: The Huntsville is a modern take on the traditional Parsons, with wide horizontal slats creating clean lines across the headboard. Except for the headboard, the frame is the same height around the bed, so there’s no distinguishable footboard. I usually like a footboard because it gives a cleaner look, and I can drape throw blankets over it!
I do like that as a platform bed, you can use a foundation with a mattress or go without. However, you should note that if you do go without, the bed is quite low to the ground. There isn’t much under-bed space at all, which is a problem for us since our dog likes to sleep underneath the bed. He’d need to be able to get under there quickly, and I need to get underneath to clean. This would be problematic with the Huntsville.
Another thing I’m a bit disappointed with is that the lower horizontal beam on the headboard isn’t low enough to stop a pillow from falling behind the bed. That’s probably one of my biggest pet peeves with a bed frame. If you’re like me and dread losing your pillows down the back, a word of caution before falling in love with Huntsville: you may lose your pillows.
The bed frame’s clean lines work with a variety of modern stylings – you can go mid-century or contemporary, it’s totally up to you!
Emmett
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Headboard Height: 53.1”
- Footboard Height:: 17.6”
- Underbed Space: 9”
- Available sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King
- Available Finishes: 2
- Additional details: requires foundation and mattress, sold separately
Overall Impression: Oh! I like this, especially in the brass! The Emmett reminds me of a turn-of-the-century bed, turned upside down for a modern or industrial styled room! I love how statement-making this is, and how it can really work in a variety of different styles!
The classic slatted design is breathtaking, and it is nicely complemented by the low-profile, single bar footboard. It’s immaculate and minimalist, while also evoking elements of 19th-century iron design.
There is quite a lot of under bead space here, and I can definitely get underneath the bed to clean out the fur balls left behind by my beloved pooch! The structure is solid, made of steel, and there are central supports in the middle of the bed on larger sizes for reinforcement.
All in all, it’s a lovely bed of high-quality construction. I don’t see a lot of metal frame beds like these anymore in retailers. I really love that Ethan Allen has this model, and though updated, it still feels like it could go back in time and work in the rooms of the 19th century! And, personally, the vintage brass finish just really does it for me!
Landsdale
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Headboard Height: 44.25”
- Footboard Height:: 12”
- Underbed Space: 6”
- Available sizes: Full, Queen, King
- Available Finishes: 2
- Additional details: Can be used with or without foundation.
Overall Impression: The Landsdale is an exciting take on the Parsons design by using mixed media to create a piece that is both distinctive and modern. By combining the Danish paper cord weaving and the mahogany wood, it melds together natural elements with unique construction.
The paper cord is unusual. The rush-style pattern is actually woven by hand by artisans, and each one is unique since they’re custom made to order. You really will get a one of a kind piece for your home.
I’m not a big fan of clean lines since they really don’t flow well in my space, especially considering the furniture I already have. And, in general, I don’t really like a lot of modern styled pieces in my home at all. They seem too stuffy and structured for the space that I feel most comfortable in.
However, I think the Landsdale poses an exciting proposition, where you can really bring together the curved organic lines of natural elements, and the rigid, geometric lines of additional modern furnishings. This bed really does a beautiful job bringing those supposedly contrasting styles side by side to create a cohesive space.
Functionally, the bed frame is much too low for us. Even without foundation, there’s not much in the way of under-bed space. Plus, both my wife and I have bad backs, so trying to get into the upright position in the morning could be challenging when you’re that low to the ground.
Lincoln
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Headboard Height: 58”
- Footboard Height:: 16.5”
- Underbed Space: 7.5”
- Available sizes: Queen, King, California King
- Available headboard options: solid oak or upholstered: 26 fabric, or 4 leather
- Additional options: Also available as a four-post bed frame
Overall Impression: I like that the Lincoln has a variety of options, but my favorite one is by far the solid oak. I’m not an upholstered headboard girl, so give me wood all day, every day!
I like how the oak is mixed with the metal tubing that makes up the rest of the bedframe. It creates a really cool mix of materials that lends it to a variety of different stylings. You can totally pull off an industrial rustic styled room with this bedframe!
However, it also works really well in a variety of both traditional and contemporary spaces, or even in a relaxed, cottage space. There are a ton of options that you can do with this one-bed frame that makes it a significant investment, especially if you’re one that likes to change things up a lot (guilty!).
While there’s a bit more room underneath the bed on the Lincoln than the platform beds I’ve looked at, it’s still a tight squeeze. On top of that, the steel doesn’t really work with our particular styled space right now, but I’d love to put this in an area for someone else! I’m very inspired by how many different stylings you could actually create with this one piece!
Quincy
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Footboard Height:: 30”
- Underbed Space: 10”
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Available Finishes: 8+
Overall Impression: I can’t express to you how much I love this Quincy bed! It combines two of the things I love most in this world: boldness and drama! The Sheraton-style headboard is to die for, and the hand-turned spindles and posts are exquisite! It’s chic and classic, and I’m obsessed with how many different finishes you can put on it!
I think what I love most about this bed is the fact that it takes really well to a bold finish, like black or yellow! You could really get dramatic with this design, and create a fantastic room that meets pretty much any variety of traditionally inspired styles. Keep it natural with a beautiful cherry or oak, and put it in a sweet cottage guest room or traditionally designed primary. Liven it up with distressed pastels for that delightful country cottage or chic farmhouse vibe. Or go bold and graphic with charcoal or fuschia, to create the statement you want in your space.
With a wide variety of sizes to choose from, this would also make an epic bed frame for a kid’s room, especially if you wanted to go with the colorful, bold colors!
As far as what I’m looking for, it’s pretty much perfect. There’s a ton of under bed space for the dog’s bed and for us to clean. I love the solid wood construction, and maple is one of my favorite woods to work with, too. The turned posts and design of the headboard also work incredibly well with our current furniture, too! This is definitely the bed frame in the lead!
Colton
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Headboard options: 3 heights
- Underbed Space: 5.25”
- Available sizes: Queen, King, California King
- Available Upholstery: 45 fabric, 10 leather
- Optional tufting
- Available as storage platform with drawers or platform frame; can also purchase headboard only
Overall Impression: Well, this bedframe certainly makes a statement! It’s exceptionally tall, though there are other shorter options as well. The Colton isn’t the type of bed frame that’s going to blend into space, that’s for sure. It’s fully upholstered, so you can choose whichever leather or fabric works with your space and style.
The showroom version of the Colton is definitely all about elegance and luxury. It’s very regal with its height, and the tufting gives it that luxe feeling along with the leather upholstery. I think that you’d definitely have to choose upholstery that adds texture to your space, whether a chenille or velvet. The slim tuxedo wings enclose the headboard nicely, adding a stateliness to it.
Personally, I don’t usually like upholstered bed frames. They’re too easily damaged in my house because there’s a lot of traffic, plus dogs. I’d definitely have to get this in velvet, and my dog’s fur would be the added accessory I never wanted.
Charlton
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Headboard height: 61.25”
- Underbed Space: 6.75”
- Available sizes: Queen, King, California King
- Available Finishes: 6
- Available upholstery: 26 fabric, 4 leather
Overall Impression: While I don’t like upholstered headboards, I do like how the Charleton has both upholstery and wood elements in it. The camelbacked headboard is a traditional style but brings a certain amount of elegance and grandeur.
Unlike the other upholstered bed frames I’ve looked at, I do like that this isn’t fully upholstered. The structure itself is of solid wood, with excellent joinery. There was no give on the showroom floor model, and everything seemed to be of high-quality construction. While this shouldn’t be a surprise, since Ethan Allen is known for high quality, it’s probably important to point that out.
I really think that this bed frame serves as a perfect backdrop for having fun with your bedding options and other upholstery in the room. Up the luxe of your room with satin or velvet bedding, or mixing a variety of different throw pillows. Put down a shag rug and some mirrored furniture, and you have quite the chic, cool boudoir!
I think the perfect way to use the Charlton is to choose upholstery and finish that works in a variety of different styles, and use that to change it up every once in a while. If you’re looking for classic and timeless, but like to play with trends of the moment, the Charlton is a good grounding piece for your flights of design fancy!
Chloe
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Headboard Height: 51.5”
- Footboard Height:: 25.5”
- Underbed Space: 6.5”
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Available Finishes: 4
Overall Impression: I have a special place in my heart for sleigh beds! They remind me of romantic cozy cabins in the woods, a quiet retreat where I can relax and unwind. It’s probably no surprise that the majority of bed frames I’ve owned in my life were of the sleigh bed variety.
Chloe is Ethan Allen’s scaled-down version of the traditional sleigh bed. I say scaled-down because the hallmark curves aren’t as pronounced as on a traditional sleigh bed design, and the footboard is virtually nonexistent. It’s there, but I’m used to the sleigh bed’s footboard to be significantly higher than the bottom of the bed. It’s actually one of the top reasons why I love the style so much.
Because Chloe is missing that key element of the design I love, I’m less in love with this version of a sleigh bed. However, That doesn’t mean I’m totally turned off of it.
I like sleigh beds because they work in a variety of traditional styles that I like to play with, including bohemian, vintage, rustic, cottage-chic, and farmhouse. That said, The Chloe can really work with all those spaces as well.
Unfortunately, however, there’s not much in under bed storage here. I was actually really disappointed at how low to the floor the bed actually is. I think I’d definitely need to get a thicker mattress to really feel comfortable on this bed. But it’s solidly created, and I’m especially impressed by how EA has worked on creating these beds in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. The curves are made in Chloe by using a traditional steam bending technique that reduces the use of glue and creates a lot less waste.
Kingston
Details:
- Dimensions:
- Footboard Height:: 27.5”
- Underbed Space: 8.25”
- Available sizes: Queen, King, California King
- Available Finishes: 5
Overall Impression: Not your average sleigh bed, the Kingston follows its own path, literally, creating a frame that is both loyal to the serpentine silhouette, but takes on a more casual appeal with the louvered headboard.
I really love the way the headboard curves away from the wall creating an elongated S-shape, and the carved rounded details on the headboard match the footboard to bring it all together. The frame itself is high, really enclosing the box spring foundation and elevating the mattress, so you sort of having to jump into bed, which I also really like! I like feeling like a princess high above the ground! Plus, there’s actually a decent amount of under bed space on the Kingston – enough for the dog and for cleaning.
Unfortunately, the louvered styled headboard doesn’t really work with my style. If it was flat wood, it would be a different story, especially since the turned spindle legs nearly perfectly match the furniture I already have in my bedroom! The headboard definitely brings the sleigh bed style into the casual, island-style vibes that you’d find in a vacation home or mixed with a lot of natural elements. It’s a solid choice, should you find it works with your styling preferences!
Ethan Allen Bed Frame Round-Up Winner
Choosing my favorite bed frame for our bedroom is actually a hard decision. There were two that really inspired my vision and made me do a double-take. That’s the thing about purchasing furniture, at least for me – for me to make an investment like that, I need to really love something. It can’t just be a “meh” or “it’ll work.” I need to really fall in love with the piece.
There are two that stand out: the Emmett and the Quincy. I love the iron spindles of the antiqued brass in the Emmett, and can really see how it would bring out the Bohemian stylings that we’re trying to go for. I’d love to mix it with some really luxurious bedding in a variety of textures and accents around the room with more antique brass to bring it all together. I already have brass hardware on my other furniture pieces, so this would work perfectly.
However, as I may have mentioned, I like to change up my styles often. I’m a free-spirit and sometimes need a fresh start, and one of the ways I do that is by redecorating my spaces. That said, it’s really not feasible to buy a new piece of furniture on a whim.
Since my style does lean much more towards the wood, antique, rustic vibe in general, and I tend to lean more towards creating traditionally inspired lines in my spaces, the Quincy is the winner for me. The turned wood and curved edges of the headboard really compliment the details on my existing hardwood furniture. The cherry finish works great with my current furniture and creates a luxurious vibe within the room that I can play up with, adding bold, jewel-tone linens and brass and gold accents.
Which bed frame works best for your style?