17 Things to Know About Platform Beds

A platform frame consists of a solid flat surface, with or without a series of slats underneath, that a mattress sits on top of.  The best positioning for slats is two to three inches apart so that there’s no mattress sinking or wrinkling, and to let the air circulate nicely so your mattress can breathe.

The flat surface a platform bed provides offers enough support that you don’t have to use a box spring. This flat surface works exceptionally well with memory foam mattresses and a solid platform is best to use with a latex mattress. While a platform offers good support, the bed itself will not affect back pain. That job goes to the mattress. The platform, with its smooth flat surface, however, offers excellent support for the mattress and will help it to last a long time.

While the platform bed offers maximum support, it’s the mattress that offers the added comfort for side sleepers.

While you’ll still lay out funds for a platform bed, you save money not needing to purchase a box spring.

Indeed there are a variety of designs to choose from, including rustic looks to minimal contemporary designs. Platforms lean a little more toward a contemporary look since no box spring usually offers a more traditional look.

The platform frame with its solid surface offers strength and support for additional weight. A good mattress choice will also be important– with a firmer mattress recommended to handle extra weight. In addition, many platforms sit lower to the ground, making them a little easier to get out of. (It’s important to note, however, that the lower height can be harder for older folks to get in and out of.)

Yes, you can. A platform storage bed offers built-in storage beneath the bed. The absence of a box spring provides more room under the bed to work with.

Some sit lower to the floor, and this can make them harder to get in and out of. They are not easy to move around and are not readily available in many traditional styles.

In order for a platform bed to accommodate an adjustable mattress, some adjustments would need to be made to the bed frame. This is because the slats normally sit on cleats for reinforcement, and the cleats would be in the way of the adjustable mattress. The bed would likely require some custom work to re-work the frame, reinforce it, and secure the slats.

*Good air circulation and support for the mattress
*Room for additional storage under bed
*Cost less since there’s no need for a box spring
*Available in contemporary styles
*Lower height adds to the stability

The bed usually sits down 1 ½” to 2” below the top of the siderail.

Many of our beds are available in both standard and platform. However, not all beds can be converted to a platform bed. We recommend checking to see if the option is offered and speaking with a furniture specialist.

That depends on the size of the bed. For example, twin-size beds will only have drawers on one side because of the smaller width.

On average, around 10 slats, depending on the builder.

Yes, you can sometimes have a “kitty” door added, or you can lift off the mattress to access it.

The side rails are the same height, but the mattress will likely sit in a different place.

If the bed comes with storage rails, the platform will be stained. If it is a platform on top of slats, it will not be stained.

On average it can be ½” to ¾” thick, depending on the builder.