What is a platform bed? Everything you need to know about this stylish mattress support

What is a platform bed, and is it right for you? If you’re keen to learn all about this popular type of bed frame and why you should (or shouldn’t) buy one, you’ll find everything you need to know right here in this article.

When it comes to finding ways to improve your sleep, so much emphasis is (rightfully) placed on finding the best mattress. However, it’s crucial to know how to find the best type of bed frame to pair with it. A major advantage of a platform bed is that it can be used with any mattress type, with little modification needed – but it can also result in a firmer sleep surface that’s unyielding for side sleepers who require enough give to relieve key pressure points.

Platform beds are a great choice for most people who want a supportive, stylish, and even functional piece of furniture. That said, they’re not the ideal choice for every sleeper. Keep reading to find out why.

What is a platform bed?

A platform bed is a wood, metal, or upholstered bed frame with wooden slats or a solid platform upon which you can place your mattress. This integrated support means you don’t have to buy a separate box spring or foundation, as you would with a traditional bed frame. 

Although a platform bed usually comes without a footboard or a headboard, there are plenty of styles that include one or both of these components – or you can purchase them separately to create a bed that matches your aesthetic. Moreover, many platform beds include built-in drawers so they’re popular among those who live in cramped quarters.

A platform bed typically sits 18 inches off the ground with a mattress; by comparison a standard bed frame plus mattress measures about 25 inches tall. The low profile of a platform bed may look sleek and create the illusion of more space, but it’s not always the most practical choice for people with mobility issues.  

Platform bed frames range in price from under $100 to over $2,000, with the final cost depending on the complexity of the design and the quality of the materials. They’re generally a more economical choice than traditional bed frames since they don’t require you to purchase separate parts during the set-up process.

Platform beds are also quite sturdy. Unless you intend to upend the aesthetic of your bedroom, a platform bed frame can last you many years with proper care.

What are the pros of a platform bed?

Should you buy a platform bed? Here are five reasons why you should add this bed type to your bedroom: 

1. You can pair it with any mattress

Today’s memory foam and hybrid mattresses are sturdy enough to use without a frame. Although there are pros and cons to putting a mattress directly on the floor, a platform bed frame will provide modern mattresses with plenty of stability and support while keeping them elevated high enough off the ground to limit a buildup of mildew and dust.

There is one caveat – you’ll need to add a box spring to your platform bed if you have a traditional innerspring mattress. This is because innerspring mattresses benefit from a foundational frame of fabric and coils for shock absorption and contouring, which a platform bed can’t offer alone.

2. There’s no shortage of design choices

No matter how you plan to style your bedroom, you’ll find a platform bed frame to match. Options range from basic metal or wooden frames to understated upholstered designs. For added functionality, many platform beds include built-in drawers to prevent a messy bedroom from affecting sleep. 

Meanwhile, if you want a platform bed that resembles a traditional bed frame, you’ll find styles with headboards and footboards attached. There are also modular designs that allow you to add or remove these elements so you can switch up the look of your room on the fly.

3. It provides robust support for larger bodies

As we noted in point number one, platform bed frames are well-equipped to handle most modern mattresses, which can tip the scales at a max of 165 lbs. This translates to being able to comfortably accommodate sleepers of all builds, including those who are heavier in weight.

Thresholds will vary by individual build, but platform beds can hold up to 1,500 lbs. For maximum support, opt for a platform bed frame with a solid base. Slats can also work, provided you can adjust them to your desired level of support.

4. You’ll enjoy cooler, healthier sleep

Sleeping on a cooling mattress will help keep night sweats at bay, but the bed frame you choose plays a role here, too. A platform bed with slats offers ample airflow. Even a platform bed with a solid foundation can help you sleep cooler, provided it has holes drilled into it.

This ventilation will not only keep you cool, but it’ll limit the growth of mold and mildew, as well – that way, you’re not waking up with watery eyes and enduring daily sneezing fits. Add a serviceable mattress protector to further safeguard it from moisture, stains, and bed bugs.

5. It’s more cost-effective in the long-term

Platform bed frames can cost anywhere from $100 or less to over $2,000. This reflects the broad array of designs on offer, making it possible to find an option that’s within your budget. Better yet, the integrated support of a platform bed eliminates the need for a separate box spring or foundation, saving you an average of $200 to $400.

Also, consider the long-term benefits. Most platform beds are built with durability in mind and compatible with just about any mattress type, so you won’t have to purchase a new bed frame every time you replace your mattress unless you want to.

What are the cons of a platform bed?

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to bed frames. Below are three scenarios where a platform bed may not be the best fit:

1. It could make your mattress too firm

A trade-off for the impeccable support of a platform bed frame is a lack of give, resulting in a firmer sleep surface. For side sleepers seeking pressure relief around the hips and shoulders, this could lead to joint and back discomfort. Meanwhile, sleepers with smaller frames might find the feel of a platform bed too unyielding.

There are a couple of solutions to this issue. First, look for a platform bed with slats, as you’ll be able to space them according to your preferred level of firmness. Meanwhile, a plush mattress topper or a softer side sleeper mattress could help you sleep more soundly on a platform bed.

2. It’s impractical if you have mobility issues

Taking into account the height of the mattress, a standard bed frame measures 25 inches from the ground, whereas a platform bed stands at 18 inches. The stylish, low-profile design of platform beds might not be the most practical choice for those who physically struggle with getting in and out of bed. However, you can mitigate this issue by selecting a thicker mattress, adding a mattress topper, or using bed risers to boost the height.

3. It’s too bulky to move

Whether you’re frequently on the move or feel inclined to rearrange your bedroom when the mood strikes, it's important to note that platform beds can be quite heavy, weighing up to a couple of hundred pounds. Unless you’re willing to seek help from friends, family, or professional movers, going for a lightweight bed frame is a more practical choice in either scenario.

Best platform beds

Best mattresses for platform beds

Platform bed FAQs

So all in all we would say the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to platform beds. They are very on-trend right now, and ideal if you are looking for a bed frame that fits with a simple, minimalist aesthetic. They also work with any mattress so you wouldn't need to worry about changing mattresses, and can provide extra support for both you and your mattress.