When choosing a bed, you might want to opt for a platform one. From this article, you’ll get to know all the necessary information about this type of furniture.
Platform beds look stylish and can nicely fit the interior of any design. They are famous for their flexibility and support and they provide excellent ventilation for the mattress. From this article, you’ll get to know the characteristic features of this type of furniture. You’ll learn about the pros and cons of platform beds and will be able to select the type of bed that suits you best.
What Is a Platform Bed?
This term is synonymous with “cabin bed”. It’s a low-profile, raised frame that supports a mattress. Normally, such a bed would be between 5 to 12 inches in height. Compared to most traditional bed frames and box springs, a platform bed typically sits lower to the ground. Such a bed should be able to accommodate most common mattress sizes. You’ll be able to sleep comfortably on the mattress without using a box spring or separate foundation.
Consumers sometimes ask whether they can pair a box spring with a platform bed to make the latter higher. Yes, it’s possible with certain types of beds. Make sure to read the instruction for your furniture item to check whether it’s compatible with a box spring. However, that would be an unusual approach. Box springs and platform beds are typically not paired together because they serve a similar purpose.
Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses are much better suited for beds that utilize a solid base. Such mattresses require sturdy support that a platform bed can easily provide.
A platform bed resembles a futon to a certain extent. However, the former is not foldable and can serve you strictly as a bed. The latter is fully foldable and can double as a bed and a couch.
Besides, a platform bed shares a lot in common with a mattress foundation. The latter consists of a wooden box with a slatted frame for enhanced firmness and sturdy support. Normally, it is covered with a breathable fabric and can accommodate most mattress types. A mattress foundation lacks a headboard, a footboard and storage compartments while in the case of a platform bed, all these components can be present. Storage drawers are generally placed either under the bed or at the foot of the bed.
The largest demand for such beds comes from people who have compact bedrooms. A platform bed occupies minimum space. It looks minimalistic and helps to visually add a bit more air and light into the room.
Types of Platform Beds
Slatted
Such a bed lacks a solid surface foundation. It consists of a frame with side rails to support multiple slats that provide the base for the mattress. Most likely, you’ll be able to adjust the slats to make the bed more comfortable. To increase the firmness and support of the mattress, you might want to move the slats closer together. To increase the give and softness of your bed, you can try to move the slats farther apart.
You might want to choose a slatted platform bed over any other type for the following reasons:
- Its price tag should be very affordable
- It will ensure a comfortable and cool sleep environment
- You’ll appreciate excellent air circulation for your mattress
On the flip side, such a bed might be compatible only with selected types of mattresses.
Sometimes, you might come across the “euro-style slat” term. It characterizes the layout of slats in a bed. There will be dual-sided, flexible wooden slats and a wooden frame. When you change your body position, flexible slats will rotate under pressure to provide you with greater comfort.
Metal
The bed consists of a metal frame with rigid secondary steel and support wire that form a grid-like layout to support the mattress.
Here are the main advantages of metal platform beds:
- Last longer, compared to their slatted counterparts
- Provide better resistance to everyday wear and tear
- Offer additional support for the mattress
- Are compatible with traditional box springs
At the same time, a metal platform bed will be probably the most expensive one because it is made of stronger materials.
Solid
Such a furniture item consists of a solid, flat surface that supports the mattress. The surface is most often made of laminate or wood. Such a bed lacks slats. Compared to the two above-mentioned types of platform beds, this one sits lower to the ground. You shouldn’t expect it to provide as much air circulation beneath the mattress as the other two types of beds, so it might get uncomfortably hot in summer. Solid platform beds are ideal for accommodating sleepers with heavier bodyweight.
The Pros and Cons of a Platform Bed
Consumers love platform beds for the following reasons:
- Affordable prices
- Superb ergonomics
- Compact size
- Flexible comfort adjustment
- Excellent airflow and breathability of the mattress
The primary shortcomings of this type of furniture consist in the following:
- Since platform beds are lower to the ground, seniors or people with asthma might want to avoid them
- Compared to other beds, they are heavier and harder to move, relocate or reconfigure
- They might be too firm for sleepers who prefer a soft, contouring sleeping surface
Platform beds are available in an extensive range of sizes, styles and colors. It should be easy for you to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you found this article informative and now you better understand why you might want to purchase a modern platform bed for your house or apartment. This type of furniture is a popular choice among people who don’t like their sleeping places to be too soft. They are ideal for compact bedrooms since they occupy little space and provide extra storage. Platform beds are available in three main varieties: slatted, metal and solid. Unlike traditional bed frames, none of them requires the use of a box spring. A solid platform bed should come in handy for heavier sleepers who need a strong base. Their slatted counterparts offer enhanced comfort flexibility while the metal ones are the most long-lasting and the most expensive.
