Worth Japanese Style Platform Bed

Eliza Bush Interior Design Expert

Eliza is a creative interior designer who swears by the power of sleek interiors and quality furniture to transform daily personal and professional life. With a B.Sc. in interior design from Philadelphia University and a well trained eye for craftsmanship, she offers unparalleled advice on how to arrange your space to make it sophisticated, comfortable, and functional, whether it’s the office or bedroom.

Updated 29/03/2021

A Japanese style platform bed might be the option you're looking for when you want a bed that's lower to the ground. Some people have trouble climbing into traditional beds because they're too tall. Japanese platform beds are only a few inches from the ground. And they're quite stylish and well made. Take a look at this extensive collection and see what we mean.

Buying Guide

Japanese architecture and furniture draw inspiration from the Zen philosophies of simplicity, openness and minimalism. And there’s no better crossover example than the worth Japanese styled platform bed.

These low profile beds that traditionally used straw mats in place of a plush mattress are widely used by interior designers for their modern, contemporary décor themes that use minimalism to create an illusion of grandeur.

Irrespective of whether you live in a small apartment or a sprawling home, the platform bed easily fits into it. If you are looking to add one to your home, then here are some of the factors that you must consider before making the purchase.

What are the characteristic features of a Japanese style platform bed?

Authentic Japanese styled platform beds do not have a headboard or a footboard. It’s just a platform made of solid wood or one with a slatted design, that’s elevated around 6 inches above the floor. However, there are numerous spin offs of this popular design, each one with its own added feature set. There are beds with upholstered headboards, ones with a storage compartment (under bed) and even ones with a footboard these days.

The advantage of a Japanese style platform bed is that there are no box springs or screws or joinery. So, there’s very little chance of it starting to squeak or the structure getting weakened.

In a slatted design, the slats do tend to sag, especially if there’s no central support system that runs across the length of the bed. In such situations, you might consider placing a box spring on the slats before you place a mattress or if you wish to use a memory foam mattress which needs a solid surface.

How to get the right size Japanese style platform bed?

Platform beds these days are available in standard sizes like Single, Twin, California King and Queen making it easier for you to get an accurate measurement of the room needed to place it.

However, Japanese styled beds have an extension, somewhat like a ledge, that extends for 6-9 inches beyond the dimensions of the mattress and the bed frame. So, when you measure the room, factor in the extra width needed for the bed.

If you are looking for a bed with storage, then you will need at least two feet of room on the sides to open and close the drawers freely.

What are Japanese platform beds made of?

Japanese platform beds are traditionally made of solid wood. These last for years and have a high maximum weight bearing capacity as compared to slatted models. The only possible downside is that the price tag can be steep.
If you’d like something cheaper without compromising too much on the aesthetics, then you can consider laminated MDF. These are not half as durable as solid wood mind you.
Reclaimed wood, with their vintage charm and knots and imperfections are extremely popular these days.
Metal beds can be a cheaper alternative. So is concrete. It can be painted to mimic solid wood and can last for years. You can always replenish the look with a coat of fresh paint. The caveat is that it will mostly be a permanent installation.