What are Platform Beds?

Platform beds can be defined as beds that have their own foundation built into them for use with only a mattress. This simple definition pretty much sums up this sub-category of beds. Much like wall beds, waterbeds, futons, daybeds and other types of bedroom furniture, platform beds have carved out their own unique niche with no signs of slowing. In this article we’ll examine the different types of platform beds that are available and the types of foundations that they use.

Platform beds will typically be offered in either wood or metal. The wood beds will incorporate wood side rails that are then mounted to a wooden headboard and footboard. Steel hardware is used and these will mount together in any number of ways. Wood platform beds typically will have a shelf or ledge built into the side rails. This allows a foundation to be incorporated into the bed’s design. Metal platform beds are just that, they’re made from steel or metal. They will use steel rails that then mount to a steel headboard and footboard. Steel hardware is then used to connect these together most often with a design that allows for quick connection.

The foundations of platform beds vary greatly. Typically however you’re going to have two different types of foundation. The two systems are a slat support system or a solid panel system. The slat support system will consist of any number of wood slats that are banded together with a polypropylene material which correctly spaces out the slats. The slats are connected to the wood ledge of the side rail with wood screws. If the bed is using a solid panel system, these panels will be mounted down to the ledges of the bed much in the same way that the wood slats are. The advantage of having solid panels however is certain mattress manufacturers require that their mattress be on a solid foundation and if your bed is using a panel system you’ll meet those requirements. Most mattresses however work just fine on a slat system.

Metal platform beds may use a combination of the above mentioned foundations. Or they may use a variation of the above mentioned foundation systems. They may use steel crossbars which would represent the slats of a wooden bed and then have panels placed in over the top of those steel cross bars. Another method might be to use a steel outside frame and then incorporate European style slats into the metal frame. Either method will provide great support.

The idea of the platform bed is to get you into a piece of bedroom furniture that presents a more open look beneath the bed without having to incorporate large bulky box spring units beneath your mattress. These beds are designed to work with most mattresses and eliminate the need for a box spring. The look of platform bed frames is centered most often around the headboard and side rail designs. While many platform beds are open beneath them, there are other platform beds which incorporate storage units or under bed drawers into their design making them great for storage in any bedroom setting.

In this article we took a look at platform beds and the different types of foundations used on these beds. We also examined why it isn’t necessary to use a box spring with platform beds and how these beds are ready to go for most mattresses. If you’re shopping for a bed and are looking for something that can provide a more open look or additional storage below, a platform bed may be what you’re looking for.

About the Author:
Phil Pendleton is a furniture professional with over 15 years experience in the furniture industry. He has been involved in furniture production, distribution and sales. He continues to work with other furniture professionals in promoting new trends in bamboo beds and other other newer furniture offerings.