The 10 Best Platform Bed Frames (2023)

Platform bed frames are a modern alternative to traditional bed frames that eliminates the need for a bulky box spring. We’ve found the 10 best platform beds available in 2023, followed by a guide to help you understand if a platform bed is right for you.

Best Platform Beds (2023)

Bed Frame	Accolade
Nectar Mattress Foundation	Editor’s Pick
Zinus Lottie Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed	Best Platform Bed with Headboard
Olee Sleep 18 Inch Tall Heavy Duty Steel Slat	Best Metal Bed Frame
Nomad Plus Platform Bed	Best for Heavy People
Sleep Master Smartbase Elite	Best Storage Platform Bed
AmazonBasics Foldable Platform Bed Frame	Best Affordable Platform Bed
Zinus 12 Inch Deluxe Wood Platform	Best Wood Platform Bed
Classic Brands Adjustable Base	Best Adjustable Bed Frame
DHP Tufted Upholstered Button Platform Bed	Best for Foam Mattresses
Zinus Jade Faux Leather Upholstered Platform Bed	Best King Size Bed Frame

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What Is a Platform Bed?

Platform beds are standalone bed frames. Unlike traditional bed trames that require a box spring, platform beds use slats or a solid surface to provide a stable surface for your mattress. Because platform beds do not require a box spring, they are comparatively affordable and confer a minimal bedroom aesthetic.

Read More: What is a Platform Bed?

Types of Platform Beds

Solid vs Slats

Most platform beds support mattresses by using a slatted foundation. Along the bottom of the bed frame, slats made from metal, wood, plastic, or wood composite are evenly spaced to distribute a mattress’s weight without the need for a box spring. 

Unlike slatted platform beds, solid platform beds have a solid base on which the mattress lies. Most solid foundation platform beds are made entirely of wood. 

Slatted beds have the benefit of increased air circulation. Increased air circulation can help a mattress sleep cooler and also protect the bottom of the mattress from excess moisture buildup. As such, a slatted base is an excellent choice for those who sleep hot or anyone who lives in a humid environment. 

Solid platform beds offer reliable mattress support. Mattresses on solid platforms are less prone to sagging thanks to the uniform support. On top of this, a solid platform is that it’s comfortable when used alongside a thin mattress.

Slatted vs Solid Bed
Slatted Platform Bed	Solid Platform Bed
Sleeps cooler	Increases mattress firmness
Keeps bottom of the mattress dry	Best for use with thin mattresses
Relatively lightweight	Most supportive and sturdy base

 

Metal Bed Frame

A metal platform bed is one whose structure is made from metal (typically an iron or steel frame). Metal platform beds have built-in metal slats or grids for mattress support. 

Ranging from simplistic to modern, metal bed frames are lightweight, relatively easy to assemble, and inexpensive. They allow for ample air circulation, helping hot sleepers stay cool.

One negative that comes with a metal frame is a tendency to squeak, especially following years of regular use. If you move around a lot at night or are easily disturbed by squeaking, a metal bed frame may not be the best option for you.  

Wood Bed Frame

A wood platform bed is one made using either wooden slats, solid, or composite wood (various types of wood and other materials glued together). Wood bed frames can add to many interior styles, from rustic to classic to children’s rooms. 

When you buy a solid wood bed frame, you are making an investment that can easily last 10, 20, or 30 years. This is because solid wood is a reliable material that can be fixed and adjusted more easily than composite wood or metal frames. Wood frames are usually quiet, making them a good choice for those who toss and turn and for sleepers who wake up easily. 

One detriment to wooden frames is that they’re heavy and bulky. Their heft can make them hard to move around the house or from one home to another. 

Related: Best Mattress for a Platform Bed

Upholstered Bed Frame

An upholstered bed frame is one that’s covered in fabric, including the headboard and footboard. The ideal upholstery fabric is one that is durable yet attractive. Common fabrics used to upholster bed frames include

• Leather 
• Faux leather
• Suede
• Velvet
• Cotton 
• Polyester

Most upholstered beds have a layer of cushion between the metal or wood frame and the fabric. Cushioned headboards are more comfortable to lean up against when reading or watching television. The padding also protects your head from painfully bumping into wood or metal. 

The way that the fabric and cushion are connected to the headboard influences the bed’s aesthetic appeal. Most cushioned headboards are

• Tufted: A tufted headboard is one whose cushion and fabric are attached to the solid headboard in a way that creates a dimpled pattern. The indentations can be left as simple fabric, visible nail heads, or stylish buttons. The visual appeal matches classic or elegant bedroom decor. 
• Smooth: Upholstered headboards that are smooth offer a more simple feel to your bedroom.   

Platform Bed Features

Underbed Storage

There are platform beds that come with built-in underbed storage drawers. Not only is bed storage convenient, but drawers that go all the way to the floor can give your bed frame a modern look. 

Platform storage beds are more expensive than their storage-free counterparts. Furthermore, the additional materials makes them heavier and more challenging to assemble. If you would prefer an affordable storage alternative, opt for a medium-to-high clearance platform bed frame and use storage bins underneath.  

Trundle Bed

Trundle beds are a stylish alternative to bunk beds. Rather than stacking one bed on top of another, a trundle bed is a bed that is stored underneath a normal bed. Trundle beds are often on wheels, although some have a wooden or metal base without wheels. 

There are platform bed frames that come with an optional trundle designed to match the original frame. Trundle platform beds offer additional sleeping space in guest rooms and children’s bedrooms. 

Headboard and Footboard

Many platform beds are supportive frames that lift a mattress off of the ground. Outside of the perimeter and the legs, these beds have no design features to set them apart. But there are platform beds with built-in headboards and footboards or those are designed to go with an optional headboard or footboard. 

In comparison to the simplicity of the traditional platform bed, those with headboards and footboards tend to be heavier, more expensive, and take up more space. However, a headboard can be comfortable for laying against and it can add to your interior decor.

Low Profile Bed Frame 

For those who like a modern style, the low profile platform bed is a popular option. Low profile platform beds are those with around 5 inches of clearance or less. 

A bedroom setup with a high-quality platform bed with little-to-no-clearance creates a classy, modern look. Floating platform beds are one of our favorites for those who desire an elegant modern design. These platform beds have a large solid surface, typically wood, that comes out further than the support below. 

There are some downsides to low profile beds. The primary downfall is that they have minimal-to-no storage space underneath, which is particularly troublesome if you live in a small space. Additionally, these beds sit low to the floor, making them hard for the elderly to get in and out of bed. 

Adjustable Platform Bed 

Adjustable smart beds are created for every type of sleeper. These frames are most widely known for their versatile head and foot positioning that allow you to watch TV from bed, easily get in and out of bed, relieve acid reflux and snoring, or take pressure off of your feet after a long day at work. 

But there are many other perks that some smart beds have

• Gentle under-bed lighting
• Full-body massage
• Foot heating
• USB ports

The perks and comfort of adjustable platform bed frames are a good fit for making your bedroom even more comfortable and convenient. 

Warranty

While most shoppers know to look for a long mattress warranty, fewer consider the warranty on their bed frame. Some frames come with no warranty, while others offer a 5-year warranty or greater.

Longer warranties are a sign that the manufacturer believes that their bed frames are built well and will stand the test of time. A robust warranty further signals that a company values the customer experience and is dedicated to providing long-term customer service. 

FAQs

How do I choose a platform bed?

First, decide if you want a slatted or solid platform bed. Next, ask yourself if you like the look of wood, metal, or fabric. Lastly, decide if there are any features that you want, such as under bed storage or a headboard. 

What mattresses work best on a platform bed?

Memory foam mattresses and latex mattresses work best on platform bed frames. Some innerspring mattresses and hybrids will work with them as well, but be sure to check the warranty. Some manufacturers require their innerspring beds to be used with a box spring to stay covered under the warranty. 

Should anyone not use a platform bed?

Platform beds are typically lower to the ground than traditional bed frames because they do not require a box spring. A traditional frame with box spring may be a better fit for anyone who struggles to get in or out of bed.

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Summary

The right bed frame completes a bedroom’s decor and supports a mattress for a good night’s sleep. Platform bed frames are designed for mattresses that don’t need a box spring, such as memory foam and latex beds. 

We hope our top picks have helped you find the best platform bed for your style. Just remember to check that your mattress doesn’t require a box spring!