Hollywood bed frame – what is it?

“Hollywood” is a brand name for a metal frame system with legs on which a box spring can be placed and to which a headboard can be attached. Hollywood Bed Frame Company began producing solid angle iron frame systems for box springs in 1925. Like the Kleenex brand, it is synonymous with facial tissues; many people came to associate the box spring frames with the Hollywood-based company, simply calling them “Hollywood” frames. You may also hear this bed support system called “Harvard Frame”. Again, this is a case where the product manufacturer’s name became a household name. Harvard Manufacturing was a manufacturer of this type of bed in the 1950’s, but I don’t think this company is still in business. However, the brand name still persists.

A wide variety of frames are available; you can find ones that raise your bed offering storage space and ones that can lower your bed, if your mattress set is too high. Since 1925, this style of metal bed frame has become a staple of many American homes. Compared to wooden box springs, these are generally much less expensive and offer superior support for today’s ultra-thick and often luxurious mattress sets. Mattress frames of this type can usually be found for less than $100. Additionally, frames of this type are generally easy to assemble, easy to transport, and extremely versatile. In fact, you can buy styles that adjust in width to work with all mattress sizes.

You’d be hard (or impossible) to find a wood set for a comparable price with that kind of versatility. The Hollywood Company is still in business in Commerce, CA, but today many companies produce similar items from strong, durable angle iron. Several manufacturers with comparable products include Leggett and Platt, Mantua, Knickerbocker, and Glideaway, all with manufacturing facilities located largely in the US. This is a product where importing is not as attractive as other items due to cost. of shipping such heavy and bulky objects from abroad.