What is a Platform Bed?

Just like there are different mattresses for different people, there are also different types of beds. Some beds are just metal frames – which might or might not have a headboard – that holds box springs and a mattress. Some beds might be a little fancier, but still have a similar set up for box springs and a mattress. Then there are platform beds, which can completely change your bedroom.

Platform beds can provide you with a lot of different options, including additional storage space. But what exactly is a platform bed and how do you know if it’s a good choice for you?

What is a Platform Bed Frame?

As mentioned above, many bed frames are just that – metal frames that are low to the floor and hold a box spring and a mattress. A platform bed doesn’t use a metal frame. Instead, there are a few different types of platform beds including solid, slats, and metal.

While a solid platform bed typically uses a flat, hard surface – such as a Bunkie board – a metal bed consists of one solid piece that features metal bars that hold up the mattress.

The most common type of platform bed, however, involves slats. These slats rest across the width from the head to the foot of the bed and are usually made of wood that can be bound together or laid across the bed separately.

Once the slats are laid out correctly, you don’t need to use box springs. Since the slats (or Bunkie board or metal bars) are distributed all along the bed, they provide enough support that you can simply put your mattress on top of them.

Keep in mind, though, that some manufacturers have specific guidelines that you must follow to keep from voiding your mattress warranty. Be sure to check with the company before assuming that any mattress does not need a box spring.

Benefits of Platform Beds

There are several benefits of platforms beds, including helping you feng shui your bedroom. There’s also the benefit of not having to pay extra for box springs since you won’t need them.

One of the biggest benefits, however, is having additional storage space in your bedroom. One type of solid platform bed actually has drawers that fit underneath your mattress.

Even if you go with a metal bed or use slats, you still have the ability to add clothes, purses, or other items in long, flat totes that you can buy in most stores. These totes easily slide under your bed, giving you additional storage.

What Kind of Mattress is Best for a Platform Bed?

Most any mattress can be used with a platform bed, but the best option might be a memory foam mattress, such as a Tempur-Pedic, Casper, Nectar, or SomosBeds.

Memory foam mattresses are generally lighter than a typical coiled mattress, which means there isn’t as much stress on platform slats. With solid and metal platform beds, the weight issue isn’t as much of a concern.

Regardless of the platform bed you purchase, you’ll need to have the mattress that’s right for you. That’s why Mattress Warehouse uses bedMATCH®, our patented diagnostic sleep system. bedMATCH® uses science to determine a handful of mattresses that would be ideal for you. This way, you don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out which mattress to buy.

Visit any Mattress Warehouse location to take the quick and easy bedMATCH® test, or try it online, so you can get your best night’s sleep!