Simple Platform Beds

Buying Guide

In the past decade, simple platform beds have stolen the show as they combine convenience and comfort that a futon offers with a regular bed frame. A platform bed has a design that's deceptively simple and it often comes without a footboard or headboard.

To select the bed that fits your room perfectly, here are general tips you need to remember:

What are the standard measurements of different types of beds?

A twin bed or a single bed is 75 inches long and 39 inches wide. A twin bed is a popular choice as it furnishes guest rooms and children's rooms. An extra long twin bed is a variation on a regular single. It has the same exact width with 5 more inches in its length. With the additional length, it makes a good choice for a teenager.
A double bed or a full bed is 75 inches long and 54 inches wide. For two people, the sleeping space is 27 inches per person. It's popular for a couple or a single person furnishing a small-sized bedroom. A double platform bed can accommodate a queen-sized mattress.
A queen bed has measurements of 80 x 60 inches. There are manufacturers that produce "Olympic" queen beds which are larger than a standard queen bed's dimensions. An Olympic is often considered as a custom size. It's popular for those who are in need of more sleeping area. A queen bed's sleeping area is 30 inches per person.
A standard king bed or eastern king is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. The sleeping area of a king bed is a twin bed's dimensions per person.
A California king bed or a western king measures 84 inches in length and 72 inches in width. It's the longest standard-sized bed that's currently available. The total sleeping area it offers is 36 inches per person.

Almost all manufacturers conform to the standard measurements of beds, but they can also offer custom sizes which are ones that are smaller or larger compared to the industry standards. It is important that you ensure you'll be able to get the mattress that fits perfectly with the platform bed you'll be buying before you make a final decision.

What are simple platform beds typically crafted from?

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) - Also known as engineered wood, MDF is made by sticking wooden fibers together with the use of heat and pressure. It's an affordable material as it's made out of recycled materials. Although it's cheaper than solid wood, it's as durable and strong.
Laminates - Laminates are created by pressing layers upon layers of metal, wood or plastic together. A laminate's surface is then sealed using a thermosetting resin. A laminate is often utilized as a furnishing's finish because of its durability. It's also easy to maintain and economical. You can find a laminate surface with a simulated grain of wood or a solid color.

So, that's everything you need to know when buying a simple platform bed. Now go get the bed that best suits your living space!

If you're in the market for a new bed, it can seem like a straightforward process. You go to the store and pick a frame you like and a mattress that seems comfortable. What many people might not consider are platform beds. Below we'll look in-depth at what they are, why you'd want one and how to pick the best one for your situation.

What Are Platform Beds and What Are their Benefits?

Platform beds are simply beds that are missing the box spring. Thin wood pieces are placed under the mattress, imparting some of the give that a more traditional box spring would.

There are a few reasons to forgo a box spring. You might have a low ceiling and want more space above the bed. Another reason might be wanting a bed surface that's lower to the ground and easier to get into. A lower bed can be good for people with mobility issues, children or small pets.

Platform beds can also be useful for mattress styles that are higher or if you have a mattress topper, and you want to keep the height of the bed more reasonable.

Another reason people choose platform beds is that you can save money by not buying a box spring. Box springs are surprisingly expensive, since they often add around $200 to the price of your sleeping arrangements.

How to Choose the Right Type of Platform Bed?

Platform beds come in a few major types based on size:

Twin: These are meant to fit a twin mattress. They work best for solitary sleepers. They can also work well in small bedrooms.
Queen: This is a standard bed size for two people and fills out a larger master bedroom quite well.
King: For even more space, choose a king bed. These types of beds are good for two people who want the most space, especially if they toss and turn. They can also be good if you have kids or pets in bed with you at night. These sizes also fill out the largest bedroom spaces well.

You also have a few options when it comes to the style of the platform bed itself.

Headboard: These provide a solid backing up by where you put the pillows. Choose a solid headboard if you tend to sit up in bed reading, as that can act as something of a backrest. Headboards can also prevent your pillows from falling between the bedand wall at night. Choose a slatted headboard if looks and keeping your pillow in place are more important than something you'd lean against.
Headboard and footboard: Many styles also have both a headboard and footboard. Footboards give you something extra to tuck the blankets into at the edge of the bed and can help keep blankets in place at night. However, footboards are mainly there to match the aesthetic of the headboard.
Tufted: Many headboards will have a tufted design. This is where fabric is sewn with batting inside and small buttons are set into the fabric for texture. If you tend to sit up in bed, this can add comfort as you lean against the headboard. Tufting also creates both a classic and timeless aesthetic.
Open: This type of platform bed is simply open on all sides. Choose this style if you want a minimalistic-looking bedroom space.

How to Choose the Materials in Platform Beds?

Platform beds also come in several types of materials, all of which are very durable. Some of the main types are:

Wood: Wood is a classic for any type of furniture. It's common to see platform beds made out of pine. This type of wood imparts a rich grain texture. Some styles get quite decorative, with boards that are arranged in a herringbone pattern or an eclectic combination of differently colored boards. Choose wood for rustic, rustic chic or classic home styles.
Metal: Metal is another bedframe favorite. These tend to be made out of steel or iron. They are often in very austere styles, usually with bars placed far apart. For a modern or industrial look, choose a metal frame that has little ornamentation. Some metal beds have curving romanticstyles that look best in classic home styles, like Victorian looks.
Upholstered: Another option is to choose from platform beds that are upholstered. The frame of the bed is usually made of wood. The fabric itself comes in a wide variety of options, but polyester and faux leather are the most common options for affordability.
Many platform beds have foam under the upholstery to add a uniform texture and comfort on the headboard. Choose upholstered beds if you're going for a timeless style and max design cohesion, as these beds tend to fit in with other furniture in the space.

Quick Tips

Below are some tips to keep in mind for finding the right bed.

Decide if platform beds are right for you. If you prefer a shorter bed or have a taller mattress, these are good space-saving options. You might also be able to save money by not purchasing a box spring this way.
To select the type, assess which type of mattress you have or want from the twin, king or queen sizes. Then, decide on the headboard and footboard style by assessing your sleeping style.
If you read in bed often, get a flat and comfortable headboard for support.
If you toss and turn and end up with pillows and blankets everywhere, a headboard and possibly a footboard can keep blankets and pillows in place better.
Also, keep in mind that headboards and footboards give a more traditional aesthetic, whereas an open style looks modern and minimalistic.
When it comes to materials, your main choices are wood, metal and upholstered. Choose upholstered for classic or timeless styles and to match other furniture, choose metal for more austere or classic looks and choose wood for rustic or classic looks.