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You're probably looking to renovate your bedroom. Or change things up a bit with a new piece of furniture. Considering the primary function of the bedroom, your bed is an excellent place to start. Platform bed frames are versatile design pieces. And with a low center of gravity, they offer great stability for any mattress type.
However, with all its perks come several factors you must consider when choosing a platform bed. For a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right one, keep reading!
What are Platform Bed Frames?
These are simple bed frames with a sturdy base that provides adequate support for your mattress without the need for a box spring. Unlike traditional bed frames, platform beds are low-raised, ranging from 5 to 12 inches above the ground. However, there are different designs you can incorporate to increase its height.
Platform beds can handle any mattress weight because of their thick and low base. In addition, it is designed with spaces on its surface and between slats to allow for air circulation. This way, you can keep your mattress cool and dry.
They’re made of different materials—for example, wood, metal, etc. Metal platform beds’ design consists of metal grids at the surface. This may not be good for some mattress types as too much pressure could cause early degeneration. That said, some platform beds come with storage drawers. This makes them an excellent option for rooms with limited spaces. For example, studio apartments.
What’s more, they are not limited to a particular design. From headboards and footboards to upholstered, there are a plethora of designs you can choose from to improve your room decor.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Platform Bed?
To know if a bed frame is the best fit, you need to weigh its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
-
Affordable
Due to the absence of box springs, the price of platform beds is relatively on the low side. Therefore, a tight budget won’t deter you from getting your bed frame.
- Comfortable
The low base and sturdy frame of a platform bed make it extremely comfortable. Its flat surface, together with its frame, holds your mattress firmly in place. This way, you can prevent your bedding from sagging or wearing. In addition, platform bed frames keep the whole piece stable even when you’re on your bed.
This frame type supports any mattress type, including memory foam mattresses, foams, latex, and so on. Therefore, you can use your preferred mattress for maximum comfort.
- Available in Different Designs
When adding a new piece of furniture, homeowners are often worried about maintaining their overall design. With platform beds, there’s a style for whatever room decor you’re rocking. Whether you’re looking to mix and match or maintain uniformity. For example, a mid-century platform bed frame will complement your modern bedroom.
- Additional Features
Some platform beds come with extra storage spaces, headboards, and/or footboards. This way, your bed frame can serve more than one function. For starters, you can store valuable items. Also, you can use the headboard for support when sitting upright on your bed. Lastly, you can use your footboard as a sofa in the bedroom.
Cons
- Very Low Profile
One of the main features of platform beds is their low height. Because of this, it may not be the best option for some, especially those with knee and back problems. In this case, do well to contact your doctor about the best bed setup for you.
- Moving Might be Difficult
While its sturdy base is great for the stability and support it provides, it weighs a lot. Therefore, moving to a new home can be an overly tedious process. Also, if you're one to switch things up now and again, a platform bed frame might not be what you need. Its solid, non-folding structure makes it challenging to move around.
Steps to Choose a Platform Bed Frame
When looking to choose a platform bed frame, you must consider a few factors to aid your research. Some of which include:
- Mattress size
- Room size
- Current interior design
- Size of the bed frame
After solving these points, you'll have an image of your ideal platform bed frame. Follow the steps below to bring it to reality.
1. Decide on What Type of Platform Bed Frame
Based on the design, there are different types of platform bed frames. Here's a list of some of them.
- Classic Wood Platform Bed
This is a typical platform bed frame. One of the first designs to hit the market. Compact and straightforward, with no headboards or footboards but a solid frame and surface. They consist of one of the following:
- Wood
- Medium-density fiber (MDF)
- Particleboard
Classic wood platform beds are most suitable for rooms with limited space. For example, studio apartments.
- Headboard and Footboard Platform Bed
As the name implies, these are platform beds with headboards and footboards. This design combines the sturdiness of a solid base with the aesthetics of headboards and footboards to form a masterpiece. For a fancier look, you can opt for stylish wooden head and foot pieces.
That said, this platform bed type best suits rooms with large spaces.
- Upholstered Platform Bed
This design consists of a modern or contemporary platform bed frame with upholstery. They come in different styles and colors. For example, grey, blue, pink, and so on.
For a regal look, you can opt for an upholstered headboard or footboard to complement your platform bed. This bed type best suits the children's room, especially when it's a colorful and stylish piece.
- Storage Platform Bed
These are platform beds that come with extra storage spaces. Its design is such that the overall structure and sturdiness of a platform bed remain intact. This style fixes drawers discreetly as part of the bed frame.
Therefore, if you're looking for extra storage space without adding another piece of furniture, change for a storage platform bed.
- Floating Surface Platform Bed
This is a simple yet sophisticated platform bed design. It replaces visible legs with a rectangular center structure. This structure carries a base made of wood, medium density fiber (MDF), or particleboard to support your mattress.
As the name implies, this setup gives the illusion of a floating mattress. Lastly, for a modern minimalist look, choose the floating surface platform bed frame.
- Metal Platform Bed
These are simple bed types with a solid wrought iron or steel frame and a metallic grid surface. Regarding durability, metal platform beds outperform their wooden counterpart. However, the metal frame might not be suitable for some mattress types. For example, foam mattresses.
- Solid or No Clearance Platform Bed
These are platform beds that sit directly on the floor. This design takes up space but provides maximum stability. In this case, most homeowners choose this frame type because of its aesthetics.
2. Decide on the Surface of Your Platform Bed
Next up, you need to consider the surface construction of your bed frame. Here are the most common types you might come across.
- Solid Surface
This design consists of holes or channels to promote airflow. Hence, keeping your bed cool and dry. Without the allowance for air circulation, mold or mildew can grow in the space between your mattress and bed.
Therefore, if you're going for a solid surface, ensure it has holes for ventilation. In addition, this surface type is firmer than others. Especially its slatted counterpart.
- Slatted Surface
Slatted surfaces are made of wood, particleboard, medium density fiber, or plastic. Its design consists of slats arranged with spaces between them. Some vendors allow you to customize the space between your slats depending on your mattress support. However, the convention for the distance between slats is 2 to 3 inches.
This way, you can have a firm bed surface with proper ventilation. They're often rigid structures. However, some designers flex them a bit to balance the weight of the mattress and sleeper. Slatted surfaces are suitable for foam mattresses.
- Metallic Surface
These are metallic grid surfaces for firmer beds. They work well with traditional mattresses. However, a metal surface can damage foam mattresses. That said, if you want to raise your bed with a box spring, this surface type is a great option.
- Cross-sectional Slats
This is similar to the metal surface. But this time, it's either made of wood, particleboard, medium density fiber, or plastic. They're probably the least durable piece you'd come across.
3. Decide on the Material of your Platform Bed
After choosing your frame and surface, next, is what type of material you'd want? The answer to this question depends on the following:
- Your current interior design, and
- What you're looking to achieve.
For example, you might want to mix and match different materials or maintain uniformity with one type of material. Here are common types of platform bed materials.
Metal
Metals are solid and the most durable of all platform bed materials. While it has its shortcomings with some mattress types, it is a great option to complement a modern or industrial design. In addition, neither do metals stain nor fade over time.
Upholstered
Upholstery makes for a luxurious design and cozy bedroom feel. An upholstered platform bed and headboard will greatly improve your room design if you have a large space. However, depending on its color, it can grab stains easily.
Wood
Wooden platform beds are the most common. Its versatility in style makes it a good option for any room decor. They're durable and can add style to your bedroom. For example, you can mix and match your wooden platform bed with other materials for an eclectic look.
That said, they weigh the highest compared to other materials. And lighter wood shades can attract stains.
Other Types of Bed Frames
Suppose the platform bed frame doesn't suit you. Or, you probably want to diversify for another room. Here are other types you can consider.
1. Mattress Foundation
This bed base design consists of a wooden box with slats and a breathable fabric over it. Its rigid slats provide mattress support. Also, its ventilation design (fabric and slats) ensures moisture and heat escape.
Essentially, these are slatted platform beds without storage, headboards, or footboards. A mattress foundation is a versatile piece of furniture. Depending on your height preference, you can place this foundation on the floor or a bed frame. Lastly, they're suitable for all mattress types. For example, foam, latex, memory foam mattress, and so on.
2. Adjustable Frame
These are bed frames that allow you to adjust the head or feet to your desired angle. This can be manual or via a remote.
FAQS
1. Why Keep your Mattress on a Bed Frame?
The floor may be too low for sleeping comfort. Also, there are no holes to facilitate ventilation. Therefore, you might end up trapping moisture and heat, especially during the summer. This can result in the growth of mold or mildew between the floor and your bed.
Also, placing your bed on the floor might exert too much pressure on your bed. This may lead to decompression and early degeneration.
2. Should I pick a platform bed over a box spring?
Both bed frames provide a base for your mattress. However, certain features are unique to platform beds. For example, some designs include extra storage, holes, or channels for proper airflow. Box spring, on the other hand, adheres to the mattress, denying ventilation.
That said, your mattress type has a lot to say about your answer to this question. For an innerspring mattress, a box spring is the better option. But for other mattress types, for example, foam, latex, etc., choose a platform bed.
Conclusion
As with anything else, it is important to do your research before choosing a platform bed. However, by following the steps in this article, you'll end up with the best fit for your bedroom.
Platform bed frames are versatile pieces that can complement any design. For example, this mid-century modern piece can complement a contemporary design.
