The Best Platform Beds
The platform bed has become the go-to style, especially for young people and couples buying their first bed. Platform beds differ from traditional beds in that they don't require a box spring to support the mattress; rather, they consist of a bed frame and box spring all in one. Your mattress lies directly on top of the platform, providing support through wood or metal slats that line the frame. Platform beds also provide a sleek, contemporary look to your decor. Like any home furnishing, the type of platform bed you choose will depend on your personal sense of style, as well as the size of the mattress you use. Keeping style, functionality, and durability in mind, we rounded up a few of the best platform beds.
Zinus Shalini Upholstered Platform Bed
Sweet dreams
Durability, quality, and beautiful craftsmanship come together to create this platform bed from Zinus. It features an elegant diamond pattern stitching to instantly add sophistication to the bedroom. With an interior steel framework complete with dense foam padding, it’s as durable as it is lovely to look at. Everything you need to assemble it comes taped to the headboard, so you can easily put your new bed together in under an hour. All you have to do is place your favorite memory foam or spring mattress right on top of the durable wood slat supports and enjoy. After assembly, there are still almost seven inches underneath for storage, too.
Pros:
- Velvet fabric upholstery
- Sturdy construction
- Close slats prevent sagging
Cons:
- May sometimes creak
- Wood slats can become splintery over time
Zinus Joseph Platform
The right side of the bed
For those who don’t want a platform bed with all the bells and whistles, Zinus provides a minimalistic look that will satisfy. The steel frame provides security for mattresses thanks to the surrounding foam padded tape. This ensures there are no noisy nuisances or slippage, nor will it move if you toss and turn at night. Standing 14 inches tall, this steel bed has plenty of space underneath for storing personal items. Plus, it’s a cinch to assemble with all required tools included. Just keep in mind that this platform bed is not designed to be compatible with headboards or footboards.
Pros:
- Works with memory foam, spring, and hybrid mattresses
- Three- to five-inch space between slats
- Modern design
Cons:
- Can be challenging to assemble
- Paint can scrape off
Mellow Marley Wood Platform Bed
Who wood-n't?
The classic wooden design of this bed creates a suave ambiance to any room it adorns. Made with real acacia wood with an ebony finish, it’s as gorgeous as it is stable and reliable. To ensure added security, these wooden platform beds come with additional steel legs along the center, so you don’t have to fear sagging or discomfort. On the interior, velvet padding combines with non-slip tape along the wooden slats. This combination provides a noise-free and stable solution for sleeping. This bed is also designed with an impressive ten inches of storage space underneath.
Pros:
- Natural open grain
- Easy assembly
- Paneled headboard
Cons:
- Somewhat easy to mark up
- Some legs can be longer than others
Zinus Kellen Upholstered Platform Bed Frame
Bed head
Those who want their platform bed to be the focal point of their bedroom need a headboard that can be a showstopper. This platform bed promotes big style thanks to a large yet charming button-tufting headboard that instantly takes over the room. Below the scalloped headboard, there’s a durable steel framework coated with dense foam padding. These two materials work to provide stability for sleepers and comfortable, long-lasting support from your mattress. Simply stack the mattress on top of the wood slats and enjoy.
Pros:
- Easy to ssemble
- Over six-inch clearance underneath
- Trendy gray color
Cons:
- Not for deep mattresses
- Short headboard
- California King may hang off the sides and front
Amolife Queen Size Platform Bed Frame
More in store
Anyone that needs a hefty amount of bedroom storage should consider this platform bed from Amolife. It comes complete with plenty of extra space, including four storage drawers (two on each side). Here, you can store your essentials like clothes, blankets, board games, books, and more. Aside from the impressive amount of storage space, this platform bed also comes with a sleek and snazzy appearance thanks to the faux leather upholstery complete with button-tufted diamond detailing. Crafted with a headboard and footboard, this platform bed mimics the “real deal” for a fraction of the price and hassle.
Pros:
- Ships in two boxes to minimize damage
- Drawers are on wheels for easy access
- Metal side rails/legs
Cons:
- Awkward wheel placement on drawers
- Assembly can be challenging
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my platform bed will fit the size of the mattress I own?
Unlike some traditional bed frames, platform beds are not adjustable, so you need to buy a platform bed that fits the type of mattress you own. Fortunately, most styles come in multiple sizes.
Are wooden slats better than metal ones for support?
There’s a lot of give-and-take here. Over time, wood slats can bend, buckle, and even break. However, wood slats generally have more “give” than metal and provide better support. That said, thin metal slats can bend and buckle as well, and the thinner the metal, the worse the support.
Can I put a box spring on a platform bed anyway?
Absolutely. However, it’s not required. If you would like to add a little more height to your bed, go ahead and place a box spring at the bottom of your platform bed. Just make sure the platform bed is equipped to handle the extra weight.