Platform Bed Pros and Cons, Types of Platform Beds – In Depth Guide
After reading this article, you will know more about platform bed pros and cons and where to purchase them. Make sure to check out this comprehensive guide to platform beds for 30 pages of information, tips, and tricks for all your questions. However, in this article, we will cover the following topics:
- What Is a Platform Bed?
- Platform Bed Pros and Cons
- Platform Beds vs. Box Springs
- Platform Beds with Flat Solid Surfaces vs. Platform Beds with Slats
- Where to Purchase a Platform Bed
- How to Return a Platform Bed to Amazon or Another Online Store
What Is a Platform Bed?
A platform bed is a simple frame constructed from various materials that offers a foundation for any mattress without the need for a box spring. Wood platform beds employ a solid wooden surface with holes or a series of wooden slats, such as in this wood platform bed, to provide airflow, promote breathability, and support the mattress. Metal platform beds are usually more durable and secure, as they utilize a metal frame with several steel slats. Leather platform beds deliver a safer and more aesthetically pleasing surface compared to other materials.
Platform beds provide a more modern appearance and a lower profile than bulky traditional beds that require a box spring. A low-profile platform bed typically stands at 6 inches, whereas a high-profile platform bed can be as high as 18 inches from the ground.
Every day manufacturers are introducing new designs to meet people’s specific tastes and preferences. Some platform beds include headboards to give your bed a more prominent and outstanding posture, while others embrace minimalism. This platform bed includes a headboard to add appeal, while this model provides an optional footboard as well.
Some frames offer extra storage space under the bed for functionality. Regardless of their individualized features, each platform bed provides a firm and sturdy sleeping foundation. Take a look at this highly rated platform bed that features storage underneath and a headboard.
Platform Bed Pros and Cons
There are numerous platform bed pros and cons that you should consider when investing in a platform bed. Here are a few advantages you will gain when purchasing a platform bed.
First, they do not require a box spring under the mattress. The money you save by not buying a box spring can go to purchasing a high-quality mattress. Look here to see how expensive a box spring can be. Second, platform beds come in a variety of contemporary designs to give your bedroom a more modern look. Third, most of these beds have underneath storage options in the form of drawers, shelves, and cabinets. Finally, they offer optimal airflow to your mattress to keep you cool for a restful sleep. Moreover, they prevent moisture from remaining trapped inside the mattress, which can cause degradation and mold. Platform beds are perfect surfaces for memory foam mattresses for this reason.
However, there are some drawbacks to having a platform bed. They sit closer to the floor, making them inconvenient for people with debilitating physical conditions, such as back or knee problems. Platform beds are difficult to move around, as a headboard or footboard requires additional disassembly to transfer the bed into other spaces. Also, wood platform beds can decay and deteriorate over time, especially when enduring heavyweight sleepers. On the other hand, metal platform beds are more durable because they don’t bend or wear over time, and they can withstand the weight of more demanding loads.
| Platform Bed Pros | Platform Bed Cons |
| Does not require a box spring | Is not practical for people with mobility disabilities due to its lower height |
| Comes in a variety of contemporary designs | Is problematic to move around once installed |
| Ideal for memory foam mattresses | Wood platform beds are prone to fracturing over time and do not withstand heavyweight sleepers |
| Offers extra storage options | |
| Provides optimal air circulation |
You may enjoy this article on different types of mattresses for platform beds to maximize comfort and you may find useful information in our step by step guide on how to move a platform bed as well.
Platform Bed vs. Box Springs
Both platform beds and box springs provide a robust foundation for the mattress. However, there are some significant differences between the two options.
While platform beds offer extra storage options, box springs provide little to no space under the bed. Box springs adhere to the surface of the mattress, allowing minimal air circulation. In contrast, platform beds with slats placed 2 to 3 inches apart provide exceptional air circulation for the mattress, preventing moisture and heat from being trapped inside.
Metal platform beds don’t bend or wear over time, offering superb durability. On the other hand, box springs lose sturdiness and support over time. They are also not a suitable surface for memory foam mattresses because the springs tend to compress when they receive pressure, making it annoying when changing sleeping positions. This memory foam mattress pairs excellently with a platform bed.
Platform beds are generally affordable, whereas box spring beds are expensive because you have to buy the box spring and bed frame separately. Consider the price of this box spring alongside the bed frame. Platform beds sit lower to the ground than box spring beds, which can make them problematic for older people and people with mobility disabilities when transitioning in and out of bed.
| Platform Bed Pros | Comparable Box Spring Feature |
| Offer extra storage space in the form of drawers and cabinets | Offer little to no space for storage under the bed |
| Provide incomparable air circulation for the mattress | Provide minimal air circulation |
| Durable if made of metal | Lose support over time and require replacement due to reduced longevity |
| Ideal for memory foam mattresses | Not recommended for memory foam mattresses |
| Generally affordable | Cost extra money |
| Platform Bed Cons | Comparable Box Spring Feature |
| Sit low to the ground and require extra effort getting in and out of the bed | Elevate the height of the mattress |
Platform Beds with Flat Solid Surfaces vs. Slats
Platform beds offer two types of support surfaces, a flat solid surface and slats, each possessing unique benefits. Both models are cost-effective, light, and thin. They sit low to the ground, support the mattress, and provide extra storage space under the bed. Also, they offer excellent airflow that prevents moisture and allergens from accumulating.
Flat solid bases provide a firm and sturdy foundation to your mattress, whereas slats are more prone to break under cumbersome weight, as they are not well-suited for hefty and dense mattresses. This flat solid base platform bed offers a fantastic foundation for most mattresses. However, slats distribute weight and pressure to the mattress, unlike flat solid bases.
Slats must be between 2 and 3 inches apart and appropriately secured by a center rail support to function effectively. Here is an example of a platform bed with the appropriate slat specifications. Lastly, flat solid bases disrupt airflow, subjecting the sleeper to allergens and moisture, while slats allow free air circulation.
| Flat Solid Surface Pros | Comparable Slats Feature |
| Deliver unmatched durability | Are prone to breaking under heavy weight |
| Provide extra storage space | Offer equivalent storage space |
| Flat Solid Surface Cons | Comparable Slats Feature |
| Doesn’t help distribute weight and pressure to the mattress | Are well suited for any mattress type |
| May cause moisture and allergens to build up beneath the mattress | Provide optimal airflow through the mattress |
Where to Purchase a Platform Bed
There is a wide selection of platform beds online. Amazon, IKEA, and Wayfair are just a few of the well-known online shops where you can find a diverse assortment of platform beds.
The best way to determine which platform bed is right for you is by reading reviews from other customers. Here you can check the top-rated platform beds on Amazon.
How to Return a Platform Bed to Amazon or Another Online Store
Large and heavy items like platform beds do not typically ship in one piece. The bed’s headboard and footboard, if part of the platform bed, ship separately from the main frame within one or many large boxes. This headboard is a good example of a situation where you would have to return it separately. Here's a table of headboard sizes which may help you determine the right way to return them.
This organization will make carrying and moving the disassembled furniture less challenging and complicated. Once delivered at your door, you can either move the boxes inside yourself or use Amazon’s “in-home” delivery service for help.
If you receive a defective product or if you are unsatisfied with your purchase, you may want to return it. First, you need to inform the seller about the reason for the item’s return. Then, you need to package your item back into the original packaging or buy similar packing materials from Amazon or a local store.
Amazon offers different return methods for heavy and large items. Drop-off services from UPS, DHL, and FedEx all allow you to deliver the item at convenient locations.
Amazon also offers pick-up services, such as UPS pickup. This option sends a team to pick up your platform bed from the original shipping address and allows you to track the package on its way back to the seller. Even an ornate platform bed, such as this one, can be returned back to Amazon.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article and now understand platform bed pros and cons compared to box springs and the difference between platform bed with flat surfaces vs. platform beds with slats. You’ve also learned where to buy a platform bed. If you’re interested, you can find our favorite platform beds in this article.
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