Mattresses

Published January 27, 2022

15 min

What is a Platform Bed?

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

So, What Is a Platform Bed?Platform Bed Frame Sizes and DimensionsTypes of Platform BedsTypes of Platform Bed SurfacesPros and Cons of a Platform BedPlatform Bed vs. Box SpringDo You Need a Box Spring With a Platform Bed?Platform Bed vs. Panel BedPlatform Bed vs. SlatsPlatform Bed vs. Panel BedFrequently Asked Questions

With the growing demand for steady and sturdy beds, platform beds have become a popular choice for many sleepers. Platform beds offer numerous advantages over traditional beds, such as high compatibility and low prices. This guide will begin with what is a platform bed and cover everything you need to know about it.

So, What Is a Platform Bed?

A platform bed is a low-profile bed that provides a firm and sturdy sleeping foundation. The average height of a platform bed is between 5 and 12 inches. These come in different shapes and sizes. Unlike the traditional beds, platform beds are more modern and sleek, enhancing the room’s aesthetics. More and more people are replacing their panel beds with platform beds as these offer a simple frame foundation which makes them usable without a box spring. They support all types of mattresses like memory foam, latex, foam, etc. Here’s a classic yet modern platform bed you may like. Some of the key features of platform bed frames are:

Raised and leveled the rectangular frame
Bed Frames mostly between 6 and 18 inches
Leg-less or with small legs
Can be used without a box spring

Platform Bed Frame Sizes and Dimensions

Platform bed frames come in a lot of sizes and can fit almost every apartment room or house. Below are five common platform bed sizes for the frames.

Platform Bed Frame Size	Dimensions (in inches)	Dimensions (in cm)
California King	72 by 84	183 by 213.5
King	76 by 80	193 by 203.5
Queen	60 by 80	152.5 by 203.5
Full	54 by 75	134.5 by 190.5
Twin	39 by 75	99.06 by 190.5

Types of Platform Beds

Platform beds are available in a variety of types and styles. We’ve listed six common platform beds for you to pick yours based on your requirements.

Wooden

A classic wooden platform bed is made up of a structure of wood, MDF, or board and is without a headboard and footboard. It is suitable for smaller rooms owing to its size.

Upholstered

Unlike wooden platform beds, upholstered platform beds are more modern and contemporary. They come in a variety of colors, from subtle to vibrant. You can also pair up a well-coordinated headboard to enhance its look.

Metal

Metallic platform beds are either made up of wrought iron or steel, making them more durable than wooden beds. However, metal rails might cause foam mattresses to sag due to high pressure. So, if you have a bed with box springs, you can go for a metallic bed.

Headboard & Footboard

With the increasing popularity of platform beds, platform beds are now available with headboards and footboards. These add to the aesthetics of the bedroom by making them look larger.

Storage Space

A lot of platform beds come with in-built storage. But if you have a smaller room, you might opt for a platform bed with storage facilities like drawers. It is supported by a structure in the center that is rectangular in shape.

Floating Surface

A floating platform bed has a hidden support structure made using wood, board, or MDF, which gives you an impression of a floating surface.

Types of Platform Bed Surfaces

Although a mattress can be directly placed over a platform bed, you can add a box spring or an extra foundation if you wish to increase its height. Below are three types of bed frames for platform beds: slatted and metallic.

Solid surface

Solid surfaces are made of wood, MDF or a board with small holes. These holes promote easy airflow under the mattress. Platform beds with solid surfaces are usually firmer. The closer these are placed, the stronger the bed would be.

Slatted surface

Slatted surfaces are made up of wood, board, MDF, or plastic which are placed 2 - 2.75 inches apart. Closely-spaced slats promote better airflow. However, rigid slats are stronger and more straight. You can also find flexed slats in wooden frames.

Metallic surface

Metallic surfaces give a utilitarian look to the bed but are not suitable for foam mattresses as the rails put pressure on the foam, which might cause it to sag. So, if you have a foam mattress, avoid going for a metallic surface. The metallic surface is the strongest and the one with the least amount of resistance. Although not required, metallic platform beds can be used with box springs too.

Pros and Cons of a Platform Bed

Like any other bed, a platform bed has its own pros and cons.So, here’s what are some of the advantages of platform beds along with disadvantages to help you make a wise choice.Pros:

Don’t require a box spring
Cost-effective
Versatile (suitable for almost all mattresses)
Come in a variety of designs
Keep you cool by offering optimal airflow and preventing moisture
Metal beds are more durable
Perfect for memory foam mattresses
Offer extra storage options

Cons:

Not suitable for people with mobility disabilities due to low height
Challenging to move after installation
Wood platform beds can deteriorate over time due to heavy weight

Now that it is clear that the benefits of a platform bed outweigh its limitations. So, let us move on to some comparisons.

Platform Bed vs. Box Spring

Although both box springs and platform beds provide a strong foundation for the mattress, they have some notable differences.Refer to the chart below:

Basis	Platform Beds	Box Springs
Dimensions	About 18’’ height, heavier	About 25’’, lighter
Price	Affordable	Expensive
Comfort	Provide adequate air circulation	Provide minimal air circulation
Storage space	Extra storage facilities like drawers or boxes	Little to no storage available under the bed
Compatibility	Ideal for memory foam mattresses	Not suitable for memory foam mattresses

Also, check out Platform Bed vs. Box Spring to know more about the difference between the two.

Do You Need a Box Spring With a Platform Bed?

A platform bed doesn’t need a boxspring. It has a supportive base, which is low to the ground. This base eliminates the need for a box spring. But, a box spring on a platform bed may be a requirement laid by some brands and mattresses. For instance, innerspring mattresses require the support of a box spring. Hence, it’s important to check it with the manufacturers before making a purchase.

Platform Bed vs. Panel Bed

Panel beds or box spring beds use wood slats or metal bars to support mattresses. Most of them also have side railings, footboards, and headboards. They are higher in height and offer increased breathability. Here are a few points on how Platform Bed differs from Panel bed.

Price

Although you can get a variety of models at different prices in both types of bed. Panel beds are generally priced higher than platform beds because they offer additional decorative features.

Size & Space

Platform beds lie low on the ground, and panel beds are higher in height. In case you’re looking for more height in a platform bed, it is possible to increase its height. Irrespective of the bed you choose, make sure it fits your room.

Comfort

Comfort depends upon numerous factors, and it differs based on how you feel about it. Below are two key factors:

Panel beds provide more airflow, thereby providing a cooler experience. Platform beds, on the other hand, retain more heat.
Panel beds offer more bounce and flexibility. Platform beds are more firm.

Design

Panel bed is a clear winner here.It comes with more intricate designs & decorative features like headboards, footboards, railings, etc.

Platform Bed vs. Slats

Slats are strips of wood or metal used to support the mattress. Although platform beds don’t necessarily need them because some are designed with a solid base, a solid base platform bed can provide extra support but reduce the breathability. Hence, the slats have to be placed at a specific distance. Platform beds are a popular choice today due to their affordable pricing, availability of different platform bed styles, additional storage facilities, and compatibility with all kinds of mattresses. Make sure you choose your type of platform bed surface carefully, based on your requirements.

Platform Bed vs. Panel Bed

Panel beds or box spring beds use wood slats or metal bars to support mattresses. Most of them also have side railings, footboards, and headboards. They are higher in height and offer increased breathability.Here are a few points on how Platform Bed differs from Panel bed.

Price

Although you can get a variety of models at different prices in both types of bed. Panel beds are generally priced higher than platform beds because they offer additional decorative features.

Size & Space

Comfort

Comfort depends upon numerous factors, and it differs based on how you feel about it. Below are two key factors:

Panel beds provide more airflow, thereby providing a cooler experience. Platform beds, on the other hand, retain more heat.
Panel beds offer more bounce and flexibility. Platform beds are more firm.

Design

Panel bed is a clear winner here.It comes with more intricate designs & decorative features like headboards, footboards, railings, etc.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a regular bed and a platform bed? The primary difference between a platform bed and a standard bed is that a platform bed can be used without a box spring, unlike a regular bed. Also, it is low on the ground. Do platform beds squeak? No, platform beds don’t squeak when you sleep or get in or out of bed. These are good for your back. How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed? The exact thickness of the mattress would depend upon the number of layers. However, a minimum of 12 inches is the least recommended thickness. A 14-inch mattress would be more suitable, though. How to raise a platform bed? Although platform beds lie low on the ground, you can elevate it by adding wheels or legs, bed risers, or mattress toppers. Are platform beds comfortable? Platform beds aren’t just attractive but also comfortable. Are platform beds bad for your back? No, platform beds aren’t bad for your back. They support your mattress and thus indirectly support your back. What is the best mattress for a platform bed? The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is the best mattress for your platform bed. These have a height of 12’’ with five layers that keep you cool. What type of mattress is best for a platform bed? Memory Foam Mattresses are the most suitable for platform beds. However, almost every type of mattress can be used on a platform bed. What is a low-profile platform bed? A low profile platform bed sits close to the ground i.e., the distance between the frame of the bed and the floor is less. Are platform beds sturdy? Not all platform beds are sturdy. In general, wood tends to deteriorate over time. However, metallic beds are durable and robust. What is the difference between a platform bed and a panel bed? Platform beds don’t require box springs and usually lie low on the ground. On the other hand, panel beds aren’t close to the ground and require springs.

What is a Platform Bed?

So, What Is a Platform Bed?

Platform Bed Frame Sizes and Dimensions

Types of Platform Beds

Types of Platform Bed Surfaces

Pros and Cons of a Platform Bed

Platform Bed vs. Box Spring

Do You Need a Box Spring With a Platform Bed?

Platform Bed vs. Panel Bed

Platform Bed vs. Slats

Platform Bed vs. Panel Bed

Frequently Asked Questions

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