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
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.
