HomeA platform bed is exactly what the name implies – a simple wooden or metal platform on which a mattress is placed. A platform bed can be described as a “minimalist” bed, ideal for people who prefer spacious but simple rooms.
WHAT IS A PLATFORM BED?
A Platform Bed is a simple raised, flat, hard, wooden or a metal platform for the mattress to be mounted on it. There is no box spring and in many cases, no head or foot board. Because there is no box spring, a platform bed is usually very low set. However, it is sometimes raised on legs in order to provide some under bed storage and make best use of available space.
A low set platform bed without storage.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PLATFORM BEDS?
Contemporary Platform Bed:
A contemporary platform bed has low features with straight bold lines and colour contrasts that give a dramatic effect to the room as a whole. A latest addition in modern platform beds is the inclusion of microfiber and leather padding on the headboard to provide backrest to the user, while sitting in bed.
Japanese or Asian:
Though platform beds are mostly designed in the European style, some also draw inspiration from the Asian style. For instance, there are beds similar to the traditional Japanese tatami mats.
A Platform bed with tatami mats and half-slats
Traditional and Transitional:
For people who are fond of the traditional look, there are traditional types of platform beds. In this type, the headboard is designed in such a way that it looks traditional, yet contemporary. Reflecting the art and craft era, these beds beautifully infuse the traditional and conventional aspect of designing, in a contemporary platform bed.
Storage Platform Beds:
Platform beds with storage space underneath the frame are also common. The storage drawers may be located beneath the side rails or maybe incorporated into the footboard of the bed. In other types, a retractable storage headboard offers a deep storage within.
Storage drawers below the side rails and the footboard.
WHY ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A PLATFORM BED?
People buy platform beds for a variety of reasons:
Design: The sleek, minimalist design which works well with both a traditional Zen or Japanese theme as well as with a more modern, contemporary look. In fact, the platform bed can be successfully incorporated into a variety of themes, everything from stark white to black leather!
Light: They are less bulky and therefore often easier to move around than some traditional beds of the same size. Moreover, the addition of storage drawers is an important consideration for some people.
Comfort: er the users a comfortable good night’s sleep, without them ending up with back pains or numb muscles in the morning.
Stability: The sturdy platforms of the platform beds also make the beds more stable. This means that a platform bed would be more secure to sleep on and will be less likely to collapse, than its counterparts.
Do-it-yourself: Platform beds are also popular with ‘do-it yourself’ enthusiasts. For people with practical skills, assembling or building a platform bed is not too difficult a project as, so many kits and plans are available online.
A Platform bed can easily be assembled by yourself.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF A PLATFORM BED?
Structure: A Platform bed comprises of a raised, flat, hard, horizontal surface, meant to support just a mattress. The platform is raised on legs or a support structure and does not contain any springs because the adequate support from slats or solid panelling of the platform bed provides firm cushioning, eliminating the need for a box spring or a mattress foundation.
Material: Platform beds are made from different materials such as wood and metal and can range from being extremely simple to a complex bed.
Attachments: While the simple platform beds are mainly comprised of the bed, the complex ones have additions such as headboards, footboards, canopies, extra flourishes and storage units. The storage area can either be in unison with the bed frame or can have rolling drawers attached to it, supported by castors.
The headboard is an attachment to the basic platform bed.
SINCE A PLATFORM BED IS SO BASIC, HOW IS IT AN IMPROVEMENT TO SLEEPING ON THE FLOOR?
The answer is that most modern platform beds don’t simply consist of a solid slab of wood or metal. Usually there are a number of individual slats criss-crossing between the edges of the outer frame. This can help to reduce the weight of the bed and also gives it a small degree of “springiness” that can make it a more comfortable piece of bedroom furniture than you might expect.
A platform bed is often used with a simple high quality futon mattress and for extra comfort, a modern foam mattress can be used. However you should be aware that some mattresses can be used only on a solid plank and a slatted surface might not be acceptable. Always check with the store where you buy or with the manufacturer for full details.
For information on other Bed Types, go to:
