She saw a bed frame posted on Craigslist for $50. The assortment of images online spoke to her. Also, it had drawers. The drawers pushed this from just a purchase to an investment in her happiness.

The frame is more than sturdy enough for a 100-plus-pound queen mattress—and a cat or two. Arthur Gies/NYT Wirecutter. The Thuma Classic Bed arrived in a few boxes, which, while heavy, were ...