10 Best Platform Beds 2024 in the US

A platform bed is usually a mattress supported by a special type of metal or wooden bed frame. It's not as bulky as a bed with a box spring. A box spring is intended to protect the mattress from deforming over long periods of use. You don't need a box spring here, because there are enough wooden or metal slats in the frame to support the mattress without worrying about deformations. You just fit the mattress of the desired size into the frame. Some models also allow you storage space in the platform, underneath the mattress. It's good to get familiar with some of the options available. Here is a guide to some of the best platform beds on the market. 

We can distinguish between the types of platform beds by their style:

• Asian: These imitate the Japanese style of architecture. They will typically have a low platform frame that is wider than the mattress, so that there is a border around the mattress.

• Modern: These feature European-style architecture, with thick, decorative wood or iron.

• Storage: There are platform beds that have a series of drawers underneath, for additional storage space. For example, the Coaster Queen Size Bookcase Chest Bed has a special headrest which serves as a bookcase. And there are storage drawers on either side underneath the mattress.

• Traditional: These are made to resemble classic American furniture.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• What mattress thickness is recommended: You want a thick mattress, so that you won't feel the supporting slats of the frame. But if it's too thick, it might make it difficult to get into bed. Customers suggest a 10” thick mattress. Adding two mattresses might be too much for the slats in some cases. For example, the DHP Dakota Faux Leather Platform Bed has problems where the slats come out of their supports when too much weight is applied. Also, people noticed that the center slats of the King-size Greatime B1142 Modern Platform Bed were not able to withstand the size of the frame, without providing additional support.

• Check for good instructions: The Prepac Espresso Platform Bed has a lot of drawers for storage space, but buyers were disappointed by the lack of good assembly instructions. Also, if the holes are not aligned properly, you'll have to drill holes to even begin assembly. So that's something to consider when trying to save money with DIY kits. The Baxton Studio BBT6386 Modern Bed was a much better investment—although more expensive (almost twice the price of the Prepac version), the quality of the parts and ease of construction made it well-worth it.

• Lower cost: Since you don't have to worry about box springs or a bed skirt, you can set up a platform bed at less cost than a typical bed.

• Frame style: The platform frame can come in the form of a flat board, or in the form of slats. Slats are preferred, because they allow air to reach the underside of your mattress. That prevents buildup of dust and mildew. But if you use a mattress from memory foam, you might have to employ a bunkie board, to keep the foam from deforming.

• Upholstered platform frames: There are also upholstered versions, like the Zinus Deluxe Faux Leather Platform Bed, which has a padded headrest and footrest.

• Sizes: The sizes of platform bed frames are made to match the mattress sizes. The standard dimensions of mattresses are as follows (in inches):

  • Twin: 38" x 74"

  • Twin Extra Long (XL): 38" x 80"

  • Full: 54" x 74"

  • Queen: 60" x 80"

  • King: 76" x 80"

  • California King: 72" x 84"

• Wooden frames: Some frames use particleboard, which is recycled wood ground up and pressed into form. That will tend to not be as strong as natural wood.

• Do-it-yourself assembly: Prepac sells beds that must be assembled by the customer. So it's best to invest in a electric screwdriver to insert all those screws—that will cut down on your assembly time significantly.

Zinus—are makers of compressed and rolled mattresses. They were founded in 1996, and are located in San Leandro, California. They make mattresses, bed frames, headboards, box springs, pillows and bed protectors, and more.

Prepac—is a designer and manufacturer of ready to assemble home furniture, located in Delta, British Columbia. They make furniture for the bedroom, office, living room, and for utility storage.

DHP stands for "Dorel Home Products", a division of Dorel Industries, Inc. They make furniture for the living room, dining room, and bedroom, as well as mattresses. Their business is located in Montreal, Quebec. They make a wide variety of beds: loft beds, bunk beds, canopy beds, and more.

Coaster Home Furniture—are makers of bedroom, dining room, living room, and home office furniture. They were founded in 1996, and have branches in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and more.