Best Platform Beds

A platform bed is a frame with a flat, even surface that eliminates the need for a box spring. Doubling as a bed frame and a built-in foundation, a platform bed is an affordable option for shoppers who don’t want to purchase multiple structures.

Platform beds offer several potential perks for shoppers. Most designs are sleek, modern, and fit well with virtually any bedroom decor. They can also be more breathable than traditional box springs, particularly if they have a slatted or a metal grid platform. Some include under-bed storage, such as drawers.

However, price and quality vary. Some materials, like solid wood and metal, tend to last longer than those constructed with plastic or composite materials. The number of legs, the type of platform, and the construction of the joints and side rails also influence how well the bed performs for different types of sleepers. These beds also usually require assembly and often sit quite close to the ground.

We’ll delve deeper into the construction, quality, and value of different platform beds to help you decide what’s best for you.

In-Depth Reviews

What Is a Platform Bed?

A platform bed is a bed frame with a flat surface that provides an even foundation for a mattress. Unlike traditional frames, platform beds can support a mattress without a box spring.

Most platform beds are constructed with wood or metal for strength and durability, but plastic and composite materials are also commonly used.

Platform beds are typically set low to the ground for stability. They can’t sit flush against the ground, so most contain a minimum of four legs for support. Some platform beds also have a fifth leg in the center of the structure for extra reinforcement. Finding a platform bed with supportive components is essential for avoiding sagging in the center of your mattress.

Another element that can affect the foundation of the bed is the platform itself. Solid, slatted, latticed, and metal grid platforms all have pros and cons that can affect the lifespan of your bed. This is an especially notable factor to consider for your mattress, and warranties frequently require appropriate support.

All mattresses need ample support around the perimeter and the center to limit sagging, but this is particularly important with heavier models, like innerspring and latex options. A slatted platform may not be sturdy enough to provide long-term stability for some mattresses. Meanwhile, all-foam models tend to trap heat, so the breathability of a slatted platform can promote cooling airflow.

Platform beds are versatile in both support and style. Some high-rise options offer extra space between the floor and the platform, while others are constructed with built-in storage and drawers. Floating platform beds obscure their supportive legs to give the illusion that the platform is hovering above the floor.

Headboards and footboards are optional add-ons that can adjust the look of the bed. They also help prevent pillows and blankets from falling off. Some platform beds are compatible with headboards and/or footboards, while others are designed to be used without them.

Shoppers should take every element of a platform bed into account to determine which type best suits their needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of Platform Beds

Pros

Cons

Platform beds are often more affordable than traditional beds because they don’t need a box spring to support a mattress. Many platform beds contain built-in storage, such as drawers, which can help save space in small apartments. Most platform beds have contemporary designs that can complement modern homes. Some platform beds allow more air circulation than box springs, which helps prevent mold growth and reduce heat retention. Platform beds are constructed with a variety of materials to suit different preferences and aesthetics. The low profile of most platform beds is less bulky than a bed frame with a box spring.

Since most platform beds sit low to the ground, there isn’t much space left under the bed for storage. The low profile of some platform beds can make getting out of bed difficult for individuals with mobility issues. Platform beds with slats may not be sturdy enough to support heavy weight, while a solid platform can restrict airflow. While platform beds come in many different designs, the majority are distinctly modern. Assembly is generally required, though some manufacturers offer in-home setup. Once assembled, platform beds can be difficult to move. Heavy latex and innerspring mattresses aren’t compatible with some slatted platform beds.

How to Choose a Platform Bed

Platform beds offer a flat, supportive foundation for sleepers who don’t want to deal with the hassle of purchasing a bed frame and a box spring separately. Available in a broad range of styles and materials, these modern beds can suit nearly any shopper’s needs.

However, not all platform beds are created equal. These beds vary widely in terms of construction, quality, price, and other factors, so it’s helpful to compare different models before purchasing one.

What to Look For in a Platform Bed

Platform beds have many features that are likely to appeal to shoppers, but understanding your unique needs and preferences can help you choose one that fits your lifestyle and budget.

The quality of materials, size options, ease of assembly, and more can all affect the feel and performance of a platform bed. Different platform styles can also influence the lifespan of your bed as a whole.

Quality Materials
Platform beds are constructed with many different types of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, or a combination. The quality of materials is often just as important as the type. Low-quality materials can negatively impact the lifespan and noise level of a platform bed.

Style
While platform beds come in a variety of styles, most are minimalist. Few include intricate designs or fabrications, so they’re best for shoppers who like contemporary styles. Platform beds also frequently have a low profile. Some include storage, such as drawers, which helps save space in small bedrooms. However, because they sit low to the ground, platform beds may not be ideal for individuals with mobility issues.

Price
Platform beds vary widely in price due to differences in materials, construction, and sizing. In general, a solid wood frame is more expensive than a metal or particle board bed. It’s also highly durable, which may justify the higher cost for some shoppers. Other features that can influence the price of a platform bed include the quality of materials, number or type of legs, and platform construction. Certain add-ons, such as a headboard, also drive up the cost.

Ease of Assembly
Most platform beds require at-home assembly, but some are easier to set up than others. Shoppers should take note of the assembly instructions before purchasing a platform bed. Some brands include video instructions online to help you gauge the ease of setup. A heavy, solid wood frame may be more difficult to assemble than a platform bed constructed with lighter materials, like plastic.

Platform Style 
The style of the platform is crucial for its durability and breathability. Most solid wood platforms are extremely durable, but they can limit airflow through your mattress. Individuals who sleep hot may feel cooler on top of a slatted, metal grid, or lattice platform. Slatted platforms, which are often included in wood beds, typically don’t offer as much support as solid platforms.

Noise
The construction of the platform bed greatly influences its noise level. Noise is usually the result of friction between components, so beds with quality materials and construction should be virtually silent. Ample support, such as extra legs in the center of the platform, can also inhibit unwanted movement that could cause squeaking. Models with a solid base are also less likely to make noise than slatted platforms.

Size Options
Always check the dimensions of your mattress and the manufacturer’s suggested support options before purchasing a platform bed. Most mattresses work well with platform beds, but some brands recommend pairing specific models with box springs. Because platform beds replace your box spring, also make sure that your mattress will be high enough for you without one.

Headboard
Some platform beds either include a headboard or have add-on options for an extra cost. Headboards can elevate both the style and price of a bed, particularly if they’re tufted or made of solid wood. However, a headboard may add another step to the setup process.

Types of Platform Beds

The type of platform bed you choose influences the style, cost, and performance of the bed as a whole. Each option has potential pros and cons that may make it better suited for some sleepers. While there are many types of platform beds available, the most popular are wooden, metal, upholstered, solid, and slatted.

Wooden Platform Beds

Wood is one of the most popular materials used in platform beds. Quality solid wood options tend to be more expensive but also highly durable. Wooden platform beds are popular with those who want to invest in a long-lasting bed frame. However, the sturdy construction can add weight.

Different stains and types of wood can significantly affect the appearance of the bed, varying between classic, modern, minimalist, and rustic.

Metal Platform Beds

Metal platform beds may appeal to shoppers concerned with the setup process. Since these options are usually lighter than all-wood beds, many people find them easier to assemble. They typically contain metal or wood slats or a metal grid platform. The overall durability varies depending on the quality and the type of materials.

Upholstered Platform Beds

Upholstered frames can add cushioning, comfort, and color to platform beds. These beds are constructed with fabric around the frame. Most also contain additional padding underneath the fabric for extra plushness.

Many upholstered platform beds include headboards, which can make it more comfortable to sit up in bed and help prevent pillows from falling off if the bed isn’t flush against the wall.

Upholstered beds come in a variety of materials, styles, and colors. They typically offer more design options than wooden or metal platform beds. However, they may also be more difficult to clean thoroughly.

Slatted vs. Solid Platform Bed Frames

Slatted and solid platforms are two of the most popular constructions for these types of beds. Each has advantages and disadvantages that shoppers should consider.

Slats are rows of individual planks across the bed frame that are designed to support the weight of the mattress. They can be used to construct the platform of wood, metal, and upholstered beds. Slatted platform beds promote airflow better than solid options. However, they’re typically not as durable. Sleepers over 230 pounds and individuals with heavy latex or innerspring mattresses may find that they need more support.

Solid platforms are popular for their unmatched durability. Available in a variety of materials, these platforms are sturdy and can typically bear more weight than slatted platforms. They’re also less likely to make noise. Without slats, though, air can’t circulate through your mattress very well, so it may retain heat. While this type of platform is less common than slats, you can achieve a similar effect by using a bunkie board on a slatted model.