Platform beds have a low profile bed frame and a strong base (either solid, metal, or slatted) that supports the mattress. The absence of a box spring is what distinguishes a platform bed from other types of beds. So, once you buy it, it’s already set up and you don’t need to buy any additional accessories. In addition to a mattress foundation or box spring, other traditional bed frames, such as four-poster beds or canopy beds, would also require one.
Box springs have been replaced by platform beds, which are more contemporary and come in a range of designs from sleek to upholstered bed frames. To make them ideal for studio apartments or small apartments, some platform beds even have storage options.
What Is A Platform Bed?
A platform bed is a type of bed with a big, strong base made to hold a mattress and doesn’t need a box spring or other mattress foundation for additional support. Many platform beds have a slightly lower profile than other bed types. Although a mattress foundation is not necessary for a platform bed, it is perfectly acceptable to use one to increase the height of a platform bed.
While more conventional platform beds have a sleek, minimalistic appearance without a headboard or footboard, modern platform beds today incorporate a variety of style and design elements (including both headboards and footboards).
Features Of A Platform Bed Frame
A platform bed is a straightforward, low-raised bed frame with a slatted wood, solid wood, or metal surface, doing away with the need for a box spring or foundation. Without having to purchase an additional support system, you can keep your mattress directly on a platform bed.
Your bed’s height is decreased when a foundation or box spring are excluded from the equation. Usually between 6 and 18 inches tall, platform beds are more low-profile than other bed frames.
Platform beds can have short legs and a flat, solid or slatted surface, or they can be a legless, solid block that is raised slightly off the ground.
Because they work with nearly every type of mattress, platform beds are adaptable. In the absence of the necessary support, foam mattresses often decompress more quickly. Platform bed frames with their solid or slatted surface offer the ideal amount of support needed for any mattress type.
What Is A Panel Bed?
A panel bed has rails along its sides and is made to hold and support both a mattress and a mattress foundation. A substantial headboard made of a solid wood or metal panel is a common feature of panel beds. Often, the surface of the base of panel beds (on which you would place a mattress and foundation) is made up of slatted panels of wood boards to increase breathability under the mattress foundation and help to extend the life of both the mattress and mattress foundation.
Platform Bed Benefits
There are many advantages that platform beds can provide for sleepers. First and foremost, platform beds are more ergonomic and affordable than other types of beds. Additionally, they are fairly small, making them perfect for apartments or small bedrooms with little room for storage.
Platform beds with slats allow for flexible comfort customization because the slats can be moved to better suit different sleeping preferences. Better mattress breathability and airflow are also made possible by the same slats. Solid platform beds, on the other hand, are preferable for supporting sleepers who are heavier than average.
What Is A Box Spring?
An actual box with springs inside is what is meant by the term “box spring.” Usually made of wood or metal, box springs have coils of metal inside. Some kind of breathable fabric can be found on top.
To act as a barrier between the mattress and the bed, a box spring is necessary. By lessening some of the typical shock that a mattress experiences, this can help the mattress last longer.
Box springs typically last ten years, similar to mattresses. Additionally, box springs give your mattress more support and can significantly heighten your bed.
Consult with the manufacturer of your mattress to find out if a box spring is necessary. You ought to purchase one if they advise doing so for the mattress you purchased. Depending on the style you want, there are various box spring types that differ in height.
Can You Use A Standard Mattress On A Platform Bed?
On a platform bed, any kind of mattress will work. Platform and panel beds can both be made of memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, plush, firm, or medium. It is acceptable to put any type of regular mattress on a platform (or panel) bed as long as the size is correct (King mattress for King bed, etc.), and the mattress has a base designed for full mattress support (typically this means five or more slats).
Platform Bed Drawbacks
Platform beds might not be the best option for seniors or those who have asthma because of how close to the ground they are. Platform beds may not be the best choice for people who move frequently or like to rearrange their bedrooms frequently because they are typically heavier and more difficult to move than other types of beds.
In general, platform beds might be too firm for people who prefer a soft, contouring sleeping surface. Additionally, since solid platform beds don’t allow much airflow beneath the mattress, they might make it too warm for some people to sleep in.
How A Slatted Base Can Lead To Cooler Sleep
Slatted bases may be the solution for a cooler night’s sleep if you typically sleep hot.
Because they are designed to perform the function of both bed and foundation, some platform bed designs will feature a solid base – without slats. This kind of base works particularly hard to offer additional support, but it can also make it challenging for the mattress to breathe.
Fortunately, sleeping too hot because of a stuffy bed base is a simple fix thanks to a mattress foundation. (A solid platform bed does not require a foundation, but it also won’t hurt if you do use one.) To ensure a more breathable sleep, look for one made of slats (with space between each slat). Place it between the bed base and your mattress.
For those who want the extra boost in breathability, without the “bulk” that can come from a box spring, a bunky board is the way to go. A bunky board is constructed with slats that are spaced apart for ventilation, similar to a box spring. A bunky board is extra-slim, as opposed to a box spring, for a sleeker appearance and feel.
Which Kind Of Bed Is More Supportive: Panel Or Platform?
Platform beds, as opposed to panel beds, are made to replace a mattress foundation (allowing you to place a mattress directly on a platform bed), while panel beds are made to support a mattress and a mattress foundation. Because of this, a panel bed (by itself) won’t support a mattress as thoroughly as a platform bed (by itself), and it is not advisable to place a mattress directly on a panel bed without any additional support. As a general rule, a bed that has fewer than four bed slats (slats = those horizontal boards you see connecting the bed’s sides, where the mattress goes) does need a box spring or foundation; a bed that has five or more bed slats does not need a box spring or foundation. Platform beds fall into the second category, while panel beds fall into the first.
Conclusion
Platform beds are great because, unlike other conventional bed frames, they don’t need a box spring. Slatted platform beds offer increased comfort flexibility, but the solid and metal versions are better for heavier sleepers who need a strong base. They’re a great option for smaller apartments and studios with limited storage space. Choosing the best platform bed for you and your partner will ensure a better night’s sleep if you’re in the market for a new bed.