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Best Platform Beds
A platform bed is a frame with a flat, even surface that eliminates the need for a box spring. Doubling as a bed frame and a built-in foundation, a platform bed is an affordable option for shoppers who don’t want to purchase multiple structures.
Platform beds offer several potential perks for shoppers. Most designs are sleek, modern, and fit well with virtually any bedroom decor. They can also be more breathable than traditional box springs, particularly if they have a slatted or a metal grid platform. Some include under-bed storage, such as drawers.
However, price and quality vary. Some materials, like solid wood and metal, tend to last longer than those constructed with plastic or composite materials. The number of legs, the type of platform, and the construction of the joints and side rails also influence how well the bed performs for different types of sleepers. These beds also usually require assembly and often sit quite close to the ground.
We’ll delve deeper into the construction, quality, and value of different platform beds to help you decide what’s best for you.
Best Platform Beds
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Best Overall
Saatva Santorini
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Best Value
Nectar Platform Bed
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Best Design
The Bed and Pillowboard by Thuma
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Best Wood Frame
Birch Madison Bed Frame – White
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Best Upholstered Frame
DreamCloud Bed Frame with Headboard
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Best Storage
Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage
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Easiest Assembly
Layla Platform Bed
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In-Depth Reviews
Price
$1,495
The Saatva Santorini is an upholstered platform bed encased in velvet or linen. The bed comes in three neutral colors that can complement nearly any bedroom decor.
Designed to resist twisting and warping, the bed is constructed with kiln-dried hardwood. Its slats are engineered with high-quality plywood for durability. The Saatva Santorini is crafted with strong mortise and tenon joinery that connects each piece of wood at a right angle.
The platform bed includes a fully upholstered headboard that allows you to place the Saatva Santorini anywhere in your bedroom. The edges of the headboard are plush and slightly rounded. With velvet upholstery, the Santorini is matte with a slight sheen that’s designed to resist stains. The linen option is natural, durable, and subtly textured.
Three standard sizes are available: queen, king, and California king. It can be paired with Saatva’s adjustable base, which allows you to elevate the head and feet.
Saatva includes a 365-night sleep trial with this platform bed. The company also offers free White Glove delivery within the contiguous United States, so customers do not have to set up their bed themselves. The Saatva Santorini comes with a lifetime warranty that covers defects in the materials and workmanship of the bed. However, issues with the upholstery fabric are not covered.
Price
$799
The Nectar Platform Bed proves you don’t need to shell out a lot of money for a high-quality bed frame. A sturdy all-wood design with a weight capacity of up to 700 pounds ensures excellent overall support, while stylishly beveled legs and a slim profile give the frame a sleek modern aesthetic. You can choose from white, black, or oak stains to complement your bedroom decor.
Assembly is a breeze. All tools and hardware are included with your order, and full setup can be completed in a matter of minutes. The frame offers 10 inches of under-bed clearance, which can come in handy if your bedroom is short on storage space. Full, queen, and king sizes are available.
Nectar offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Each Platform Bed Frame purchase comes with a sleep trial that runs for 50 nights. Comparatively, many brands do not provide any trial period whatsoever for bed frames. Should you decide to keep the frame, it’s further backed by a 3-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Design
The Bed and Pillowboard by Thuma
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Thuma mattresses
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Price
$1,195
Natural reclaimed wood and traditional Japanese joinery techniques set The Bed by Thuma apart from the crowd. Careful handcrafting and high-quality materials make this frame ultra-durable and practical, making it a great choice for shoppers who value both form and function.
Buyers can choose between two stains for the wood base and two colors for The Pillowboard, Thuma’s proprietary foam headboard. The Pillowboard features a 100% polyester linen-weave cover, which is removable and can be washed separately. The wooden base is assembled using Japanese joinery techniques that don’t rely on metal hardware.
Each wooden slat in this frame is lined with felt, and they are spaced evenly to promote airflow. Felt lining made from recycled plastic works to reduce noise and keep the mattress from shifting. With a 9-inch clearance, this frame offers sleepers plenty of underbed storage.
Thuma provides free shipping to customers in the contiguous United States, and The Bed will arrive in three separate boxes that are easier to carry into your home. Assembly generally takes one person around 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Each purchase includes a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
Price
$549
The Birch Madison Bed Frame’s minimal aesthetic and ease of assembly make it an appealing option for shoppers who want a versatile platform bed.
Its plywood rails include a combination of Appalachian industrial veneer core hardwoods to enhance the frame’s durability. The platform gets its strength from Southern yellow pine slats, which is a dense and durable type of softwood. Maple legs in each corner of the frame stabilize the bed. Water-based and UV finishes give the bed a raw look without adding formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Shoppers looking for an easy-to-assemble platform bed are likely to appreciate the frame’s design. Putting together the bed requires no tools, making assembly simple. The bed’s minimalist design is not compatible with a headboard. All standard mattress sizes are available, including twin XL and California king. The frame measures 13 inches in height, which is taller than many competing platform beds.
Birch offers a 100-night sleep trial on the Madison Bed Frame. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Best Upholstered Frame
DreamCloud Bed Frame with Headboard
Up to 50% off at DreamCloud
$600 at DreamCloud
Price
$600
The DreamCloud Bed Frame with Headboard offers the practicality of a sturdy platform frame and a chic modern aesthetic complete with a tall headboard, modern legs, and soft upholstery. Clean lines and a slim profile add to the stylish look, while the wood construction ensures excellent longevity and strong overall support.
You can choose from grey or linen colors for the upholstery fabric. Since all necessary tools and hardware are included with your shipment, setup is a quick and easy process. The bed stands 8 inches above the floor when fully assembled. This makes the frame a solid choice for anyone who needs extra storage space in their bedroom. Twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes are available. If stains occur, spot clean the fabric with a moist cloth.
DreamCloud offers free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and backs each order with a 50-night trial period. Should you decide to keep the frame, you’ll also receive a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty against structural and material defects.
Price
$700
If you’re someone who relies on bed frames to eke out a bit of extra storage in your bedroom, the Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage should be right up your alley. This stylish frame offers ample storage for stowing sheets, blankets, or clothes.
The bed is constructed with a frame made of iron and engineered wood. The poplar wood slats measure 2.4 inches wide, conferring durability and sturdy support for your mattress. The frame comes with a headboard and is upholstered throughout in a polyester fabric. A storage drawer pulls out from the base of the bed on castor wheels. Unlike many competing bed frames with storage, the drawer on this model is concealed.
Shoppers can choose between three neutral colors for the upholstery – pebble, oatmeal, and granite, all of which should complement most color schemes. The frame is available in full, queen, and king sizes. The frame’s platform sits 2.5 inches above the ground and the headboard measures 41.7 inches high.
Silk & Snow offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and all Canadian provinces. The frame comes with a 30-night trial as well as a 5-year warranty.
Price
$424
The Layla Platform Bed is made from SPF, or spruce-pine-fir, an amalgam of three exceptionally strong hardwood varieties. Rubber wood legs and a tough upholstery fabric lengthen the lifespan of the frame. Setup is very straightforward and should only take you and your assembly partner a few minutes.
The bed is available in sizes that correspond with standard mattress dimensions, including twin and twin XL designs – both of which are somewhat rare for a bed frame. The frame weighs between 44 and 74 pounds depending on the size, making it fairly lightweight and easy to lift for two or three people. Meanwhile, a weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds also ensures you’ll be able to use any mattress with the frame, including latex hybrids, high-profile pillow-tops, and other mattress types known to be relatively heavy.
The platform bed cannot accommodate a headboard of any kind, so sleepers who need one to feel comfortable may need to shop elsewhere. An approachable price-point makes this frame a great option for shoppers on a budget. Layla ships free of charge within the contiguous U.S., and each purchase comes with a 120-night sleep trial and 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What Is a Platform Bed?
A platform bed is a bed frame with a flat surface that provides an even foundation for a mattress. Unlike traditional frames, platform beds can support a mattress without a box spring.
Most platform beds are constructed with wood or metal for strength and durability, but plastic and composite materials are also commonly used.
Platform beds are typically set low to the ground for stability. They can’t sit flush against the ground, so most contain a minimum of four legs for support. Some platform beds also have a fifth leg in the center of the structure for extra reinforcement. Finding a platform bed with supportive components is essential for avoiding sagging in the center of your mattress.
Another element that can affect the foundation of the bed is the platform itself. Solid, slatted, latticed, and metal grid platforms all have pros and cons that can affect the lifespan of your bed. This is an especially notable factor to consider for your mattress, and warranties frequently require appropriate support.
All mattresses need ample support around the perimeter and the center to limit sagging, but this is particularly important with heavier models, like innerspring and latex options. A slatted platform may not be sturdy enough to provide long-term stability for some mattresses. Meanwhile, all-foam models tend to trap heat, so the breathability of a slatted platform can promote cooling airflow.
Platform beds are versatile in both support and style. Some high-rise options offer extra space between the floor and the platform, while others are constructed with built-in storage and drawers. Floating platform beds obscure their supportive legs to give the illusion that the platform is hovering above the floor.
Headboards and footboards are optional add-ons that can adjust the look of the bed. They also help prevent pillows and blankets from falling off. Some platform beds are compatible with headboards and/or footboards, while others are designed to be used without them.
Shoppers should take every element of a platform bed into account to determine which type best suits their needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Platform Beds
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How to Choose a Platform Bed
Platform beds offer a flat, supportive foundation for sleepers who don’t want to deal with the hassle of purchasing a bed frame and a box spring separately. Available in a broad range of styles and materials, these modern beds can suit nearly any shopper’s needs.
However, not all platform beds are created equal. These beds vary widely in terms of construction, quality, price, and other factors, so it’s helpful to compare different models before purchasing one.
What to Look For in a Platform Bed
Platform beds have many features that are likely to appeal to shoppers, but understanding your unique needs and preferences can help you choose one that fits your lifestyle and budget.
The quality of materials, size options, ease of assembly, and more can all affect the feel and performance of a platform bed. Different platform styles can also influence the lifespan of your bed as a whole.
Quality Materials
Platform beds are constructed with many different types of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, or a combination. The quality of materials is often just as important as the type. Low-quality materials can negatively impact the lifespan and noise level of a platform bed.
Style
While platform beds come in a variety of styles, most are minimalist. Few include intricate designs or fabrications, so they’re best for shoppers who like contemporary styles. Platform beds also frequently have a low profile. Some include storage, such as drawers, which helps save space in small bedrooms. However, because they sit low to the ground, platform beds may not be ideal for individuals with mobility issues.
Price
Platform beds vary widely in price due to differences in materials, construction, and sizing. In general, a solid wood frame is more expensive than a metal or particle board bed. It’s also highly durable, which may justify the higher cost for some shoppers. Other features that can influence the price of a platform bed include the quality of materials, number or type of legs, and platform construction. Certain add-ons, such as a headboard, also drive up the cost.
Ease of Assembly
Most platform beds require at-home assembly, but some are easier to set up than others. Shoppers should take note of the assembly instructions before purchasing a platform bed. Some brands include video instructions online to help you gauge the ease of setup. A heavy, solid wood frame may be more difficult to assemble than a platform bed constructed with lighter materials, like plastic.
Platform Style
The style of the platform is crucial for its durability and breathability. Most solid wood platforms are extremely durable, but they can limit airflow through your mattress. Individuals who sleep hot may feel cooler on top of a slatted, metal grid, or lattice platform. Slatted platforms, which are often included in wood beds, typically don’t offer as much support as solid platforms.
Noise
The construction of the platform bed greatly influences its noise level. Noise is usually the result of friction between components, so beds with quality materials and construction should be virtually silent. Ample support, such as extra legs in the center of the platform, can also inhibit unwanted movement that could cause squeaking. Models with a solid base are also less likely to make noise than slatted platforms.
Size Options
Always check the dimensions of your mattress and the manufacturer’s suggested support options before purchasing a platform bed. Most mattresses work well with platform beds, but some brands recommend pairing specific models with box springs. Because platform beds replace your box spring, also make sure that your mattress will be high enough for you without one.
Headboard
Some platform beds either include a headboard or have add-on options for an extra cost. Headboards can elevate both the style and price of a bed, particularly if they’re tufted or made of solid wood. However, a headboard may add another step to the setup process.
Types of Platform Beds
The type of platform bed you choose influences the style, cost, and performance of the bed as a whole. Each option has potential pros and cons that may make it better suited for some sleepers. While there are many types of platform beds available, the most popular are wooden, metal, upholstered, solid, and slatted.
Wooden Platform Beds
Wood is one of the most popular materials used in platform beds. Quality solid wood options tend to be more expensive but also highly durable. Wooden platform beds are popular with those who want to invest in a long-lasting bed frame. However, the sturdy construction can add weight.
Different stains and types of wood can significantly affect the appearance of the bed, varying between classic, modern, minimalist, and rustic.
Metal Platform Beds
Metal platform beds may appeal to shoppers concerned with the setup process. Since these options are usually lighter than all-wood beds, many people find them easier to assemble. They typically contain metal or wood slats or a metal grid platform. The overall durability varies depending on the quality and the type of materials.
Upholstered Platform Beds
Upholstered frames can add cushioning, comfort, and color to platform beds. These beds are constructed with fabric around the frame. Most also contain additional padding underneath the fabric for extra plushness.
Many upholstered platform beds include headboards, which can make it more comfortable to sit up in bed and help prevent pillows from falling off if the bed isn’t flush against the wall.
Upholstered beds come in a variety of materials, styles, and colors. They typically offer more design options than wooden or metal platform beds. However, they may also be more difficult to clean thoroughly.
Slatted vs. Solid Platform Bed Frames
Slatted and solid platforms are two of the most popular constructions for these types of beds. Each has advantages and disadvantages that shoppers should consider.
Slats are rows of individual planks across the bed frame that are designed to support the weight of the mattress. They can be used to construct the platform of wood, metal, and upholstered beds. Slatted platform beds promote airflow better than solid options. However, they’re typically not as durable. Sleepers over 230 pounds and individuals with heavy latex or innerspring mattresses may find that they need more support.
Solid platforms are popular for their unmatched durability. Available in a variety of materials, these platforms are sturdy and can typically bear more weight than slatted platforms. They’re also less likely to make noise. Without slats, though, air can’t circulate through your mattress very well, so it may retain heat. While this type of platform is less common than slats, you can achieve a similar effect by using a bunkie board on a slatted model.
Frequently Asked Questions About Platform Beds
Platform beds range in price from around $75 to over $1,000, but most cost between $200 and $500. The price varies depending on their materials and construction. Solid wood platform beds typically cost more than those constructed with simple metal frames. Other features that can drive up the cost are storage under the bed, headboards, and upholstered frames with extra padding.
A platform bed frame doesn't require a box spring to support a mattress. Those who don't want to pay extra for a separate box spring are likely to enjoy this feature. Keep in mind that platform beds usually have low profiles, so your mattress may rest lower to the ground than it does with a box spring.
Platform beds can provide comfort and support depending on the quality of their materials and construction. Lower-quality materials, like some types of plastic, are more likely to degrade. A bed designed without long-term durability and stability in mind can create an uneven foundation and jeopardize the lifespan of your mattress.
Another factor that can interfere with your bed’s comfort is the platform’s construction. Slatted platform beds are more breathable than solid foundations, but they may be more likely to deteriorate from heavy pressure. Meanwhile, solid frames are often more durable but tend to trap heat.
Whether or not a platform bed is better than a box spring will depend on your personal preferences.
Shoppers often feel that a platform bed is more convenient than a box spring and bed frame since it requires just one purchase. However, most platform beds sit low to the ground. While their low profile can look stylish and modern, those who prefer a higher sleep surface may appreciate the extra lift of a
A foundation is a solid structure that provides support between the mattress and the bed frame, while a platform bed acts alone without the need for a separate foundation and frame.
Generally made out of wood, a foundation is meant to take the place of a box spring and offer greater support, allowing them to accommodate heavy mattresses. A foundation can help preserve the life of the mattress, but it may increase its firmness.
Platform beds include a built-in support system designed to replace a box spring. This may include a slatted, lattice, metal grid, or solid platform.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
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