Platform Bed – A Buyer’s Guide
A platform bed is a great option to add style and class to any bedroom, whether for children or adults. These contemporary beds come in all sizes ranging from twin to California king, and they are made from several types of materials, making this bedroom furniture both stylish and affordable. From standard beds to elegant canopy beds, platform beds are becoming more popular all over the country. This guide will provide you the information on choosing the right platform bed that fits the needs and budget.
What is a Platform Bed?
Slightly different from a traditional frame-and-headboard bed that calls for both box springs and a mattress, a platform bed frame is solid and rectangular. These beds often have wooden slats across the top that are meant to support only a mattress. Box springs are not necessary with this type of bed because of the way the platform frame is designed.
Platform beds can include under-bed storage options, ranging from several drawers to just one large drawer on either side. A platform bed with storage is a great choice for smaller bedrooms or for children.
Benefits of a Platform Bed
Platform beds offer a few benefits that traditional beds do not. For one, these beds provide an excellent level of support. Because of this, buying a new mattress does not have to be a costly undertaking anymore. Another benefit of platform beds is that they are firm by nature. Many people experience back problems from sleeping on beds with sagging mattresses due to broken or inferior box springs. These issues do not occur with platform beds, and they are known to be extremely firm–even with the softest, plushest mattresses on the market. Even memory foam mattresses can get a boost of firmness from a platform bed frame.
Platform Beds with Storage
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this type of bed is the option to have built-in under-the-bed storage. This is a great option when there is limited bedroom space. Under-bed drawers are a great place to store clothes, blankets, or even toys. Platform beds with storage are even more customizable because the drawer pulls can be changed randomly. For children, this can provide a sense of independence and comfort. Some storage platform beds include only one large drawer on each side. These are great places to store extra blankets, pillows, or even a large shoe or handbag collection.
Installation and Cleaning
Depending on where the bed was purchased, home delivery is usually an option. Most home delivery services can include set-up at a small additional fee, and this can be a lifesaver. Constructing a platform bed generally involves using a screwdriver to install brackets and then screwing one panel to another until the frame is built. The wooden slats that support the mattress are not physically attached to the frame; they simply lay across the top and are completely moveable. Cleaning a platform bed is fairly simple, but it is important to consider the material from which the frame was made before using any kind of cleaning product or water. Solid wood beds are normally pre-finished and can be cared using the right household wood polish.
Metal vs. Wooden
American metal platform beds are generally made from cold rolled steel in order to enhance durability. They are available in a number of finishes, including some that are slightly transparent. A standard metal finish provides a somewhat industrial feel, while other finishes are meant to be painted to correspond with the room’s décor. Solid wood platform beds are also very popular, and these can be made from either hardwoods or softwoods. Common hardwoods include maple, cherry, mahogany and oak, while common softwoods include pine and aspen. Softwoods are often less expensive than hardwoods because they are not as durable, but can be stained according to the customer’s wishes.
In the U.S., the popular finishes for platform beds are espresso, honey and antique walnut. For instance, an espresso platform bed is a great color choice that brings classic and elegant look to the room.
Sizes
Platform beds come in the same sizes as traditional beds. These are twin, full, queen, standard (or Eastern) king, and California king. Twin and full beds generally sleep one person, while a queen platform bed is designed for two people to sleep comfortably. For those who like a little extra room when sleeping, a king platform bed is the best bet. California king beds are great for those who have longer legs. They are four inches narrow than a standard king-size bed, but provide four inches of extra length for taller people who really like to stretch out in bed. No matter what size platform bed is selected, customers can feel confident in their purchase.
For comparison, below are the popular mattress sizes in the U.S.:
- Twin mattress size – 39” (W) x 75” (L)
- Twin Extra Large (XL) size – 39” (W) x 80” (L)
- Full mattress size – 54” (W) x 75” (L)
- Queen mattress size – 60” (W) x 80” (L)
- Standard or Eastern King mattress size – 76” (W) x 80” (L)
- California King mattress size – 72” (W) x 84” (L)
Where to Buy
Platform beds are available from most furniture retailers nationwide, including large chain stores. They are not as common as traditional beds, so the number of manufacturers is somewhat limited when compared to standard beds. Furniture stores sell both metal and wooden beds, and the wooden beds come in all kinds of different designs. They may be covered in fabric or leather of any color or pattern. Some stores may even give customers the option to custom-build a platform bed that fits their needs. Because they come in standard sizes, consumers are free to purchase the mattress brand and bedding type of their choice.
Online vs. Offline Purchase
While most furniture purchases are made in bricks-and-mortar stores, platform beds can also be purchased online. The best way to purchase a platform bed online is from a large company that does not normally stock the beds in their stores. The primary reason for this is to save on shipping charges. Many large furniture stores offer customers the option to order their bed online and have it shipped to their local store for free. Then, consumers can either pick up the item from the store, or schedule to have it delivered and assembled at an additional price.
Cost of Platform Beds
Platform beds vary in price depending on size and the material from which they are constructed. Of course, twin size beds are less expensive than their king size counterparts because more material is used to construct them. As mentioned previously, softwood beds are less expensive than hardwood beds because of their durability, and metal beds are often on the lower end of the price scale. Twin platform beds range anywhere between $200 and $700, while king-size beds can cost well over $2,000 depending on the materials used. It is important to remember that platform beds are very durable, and when cared for properly they can last a lifetime. Some finishes may even have warranty options to help customers get the most from their money.
Platform beds are a very modern solution to an out-of-date frame and headboard/footboard combination. Available in nearly any style, color, fabric and wood imaginable, a platform bed can add an air of elegance and style to any bedroom.