Platform Beds for Every Style
Buh-bye box spring: New mattresses and frames make platform beds work for all
If the thought of a platform bed conjures up images of wide, low-slung beds suitable for contemporary spaces, well, you'd be right — but only part of the time. Crawling out of a bed only 12 inches above the floor isn't everyone's cup of tea, but there are lots of new styles that offer a much higher profile. They also fit into any type of decor, so no matter what your style, you can enjoy a platform bed.
Platform vs. box spring: It used to be that the box spring was an integral part of the mattress system absorbing shock as you got in and out of bed so it didn't feel too hard. The box spring also raises the height of the mattress so that it is easier to get in and out of bed. Oh, and it kept your mattress from falling on the floor.
But mattress construction has improved greatly over the past several years. Also, the increasing height of mattresses with their pillow tops has made it less necessary to have a 9-inch high box spring underneath. Today, with few exceptions, the box spring now just holds your mattress at the right height and provides a base for it to sit on inside the bed frame. You can even buy 2-inch thick "bunky boards" to take the place of a 9-inch-high box spring.
The curved slats in platform beds have enough give to provide the shock absorption the box spring used to handle. The open slats allow your mattress to have ventilation. All you need is the right bed frame to give you the height you prefer. And if you have a memory-foam mattress, they perform better on a wood support rather than any type of box spring.
So, enjoy this parade of platform bed styles. I predict that eventually the box spring will be a thing of the past. See what you think:
Platform vs. box spring: It used to be that the box spring was an integral part of the mattress system absorbing shock as you got in and out of bed so it didn't feel too hard. The box spring also raises the height of the mattress so that it is easier to get in and out of bed. Oh, and it kept your mattress from falling on the floor.
But mattress construction has improved greatly over the past several years. Also, the increasing height of mattresses with their pillow tops has made it less necessary to have a 9-inch high box spring underneath. Today, with few exceptions, the box spring now just holds your mattress at the right height and provides a base for it to sit on inside the bed frame. You can even buy 2-inch thick "bunky boards" to take the place of a 9-inch-high box spring.
The curved slats in platform beds have enough give to provide the shock absorption the box spring used to handle. The open slats allow your mattress to have ventilation. All you need is the right bed frame to give you the height you prefer. And if you have a memory-foam mattress, they perform better on a wood support rather than any type of box spring.
So, enjoy this parade of platform bed styles. I predict that eventually the box spring will be a thing of the past. See what you think:
This first bed represents what many people imagine when they think of a platform bed. It is very low to the ground, and the platform extends out to the sides beyond the mattress. This mattress sits down inside the frame for a very low profile. I love that this one is fully upholstered, making it nice and soft around the edges — comfortable when getting in and out of bed.
Perhaps you'd like something much higher so it is easier to sit on the edge of the bed? This platform bed also has a fully upholstered frame. In this case, the frame and platform fill in the same height that used to be taken up by a traditional bed frame and box spring. Notice that the bed cover is sewn on the corner to create a fitted cover, creating a sleek and tailored look.
One really nice feature of the platform bed is that it doesn't have to be very thick. This allows you to put the mattress at the height of a traditional bed and have a good amount of space under the bed. Anytime you can use furniture pieces with a taller leg so you can see partway under the furniture, it will take up less visual space and make your room seem larger.
Notice that this platform bed has a cushioned platform base that you can see under the mattress. Very attractive and luxurious looking. I think this is my favorite bed of all the ones in this ideabook. Love the two-tone wood frame!
Notice that this platform bed has a cushioned platform base that you can see under the mattress. Very attractive and luxurious looking. I think this is my favorite bed of all the ones in this ideabook. Love the two-tone wood frame!
This bed also has the posts and canopy frame around it, with a heavier looking base. Despite the clean, contemporary lines, the draped colorful fabric gives it a romantic feel.
This is an interesting style that would work well in traditional décor. It has beautiful, ornate headboard and graceful turned legs, but still feels light and airy.
The very traditional style of this upholstered headboard is complemented beautifully by the fully upholstered frame. Instead of a light and airy look, this bed is given a large and substantial feel from a frame upholstered all the way down to the floor.
I think this platform bed is truly unique with its floor-to-ceiling turned-wood corner posts.
Another thing to love about platform beds: the space you gain underneath by getting rid of the box spring. My own platform bed has storage drawers like this one. The choice of wood and hardware in this bed blends with the room's Asian décor.
If you love the super low-slung look of a futon, then using a low platform bed with a futon on top could work for you. Beautiful in this Japanese-style bedroom with its low tea table.
Platform beds can have the effect of floating in their space. This would definitely not work with a mattress and box spring.
This bed is attached at the head to the wall and supported by a leg in the middle. Cool!
Just for fun, here are a few more platform beds that appear to float ...
... and float ...
... and float ...
... and float.
Viewed from a lower angle, you can see that although these beds can appear to float, they have substantial support underneath. It is just pulled back from the edges, hiding them from view.
Small spaces can really benefit from a platform bed. It is that open space underneath that keeps it from visually filling up a room.
If you have a large room and want a big focal point that has some weight to it, you can still do that with a platform bed. This tall, tufted headboard and fully upholstered base command attention.
The large legs and wide wood frame give this bed plenty of visual presence.
This fully upholstered frame with matching bedding gives a very solid feel to this bed. The mattress is recessed down into the frame, making it easy to tuck the bedding down the side for a very neat appearance.
Do you have a mattress and box spring you're thinking of trading out for a platform bed? Did you find a style here that would work for you?
More: Loft Style: How to Float a Bed
Bed Style: Tailored and Tucked-In
Browse photos of platform beds in design
Do you have a mattress and box spring you're thinking of trading out for a platform bed? Did you find a style here that would work for you?
More: Loft Style: How to Float a Bed
Bed Style: Tailored and Tucked-In
Browse photos of platform beds in design