{"id":18946,"date":"2022-02-24T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-24T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=18946"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:50:43","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:50:43","slug":"10-questions-about-platform-beds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/10-questions-about-platform-beds\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Things to Know About Platform Beds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Those attractive beds make a splash in bedrooms<\/a> everywhere and don’t require a box spring<\/a> to provide you with a good night\u2019s sleep. What are they exactly? How supportive are they? And how can they save you money? We\u2019re getting into 10 questions about platform beds<\/a> right here, so rest easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions About Platform Beds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is a platform bed frame?<\/h3>
A platform frame consists of a solid flat surface, with or without a series of slats underneath, on which a mattress sits.\u00a0 The best positioning for slats is 2-3 inches apart so that there\u2019s no mattress sinking or wrinkling, and to let the air circulate nicely so your mattress can breathe.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

They come in three styles: full platform, Bunkie board, and a platform with drawers. The full platform<\/strong> is the simplest. It\u2019s cut to size and supports your mattress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A bunkie board<\/strong> is a solid platform that\u2019s covered in fabric and sits on top of slats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A platform with drawers<\/strong> consists of a solid platform placed on top of storage drawers. The under-bed storage platforms are storage drawers that connect to form a solid platform.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish<\/a>
Amish Clintonian Mid-Century Modern Bed Frame without Headboard – DutchCrafters Exclusive<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Are platform beds good for back pain?<\/h3>
The flat surface a platform bed<\/a> provides offers enough support that you don\u2019t have to use a box spring. This flat surface works exceptionally well with memory foam mattresses, and a solid platform is best to use with a latex mattress. While a platform offers good support, the bed\u00a0itself will not affect back pain. That job goes to the mattress. The platform, with its smooth flat surface, however, offers excellent support for the mattress and will help it to last a long time.<\/div><\/div>

Is a platform bed a better choice for side sleepers?<\/h3>
While the platform bed offers maximum support, it\u2019s the mattress that offers the added comfort for side sleepers.<\/div><\/div>

How does a platform bed save you money?<\/h3>
While you\u2019ll still lay out funds for a platform bed, you save money not needing to purchase a box spring.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Edinburgh<\/a>
Edinburgh Mid Century Modern Platform Frame with no Headboard<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Do platform beds come in a variety of designs?<\/h3>
Indeed there are a variety of designs to choose from, including rustic looks to minimal contemporary designs. Platforms lean a little more toward a contemporary look since no box spring usually offers a more traditional look.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Sullivan<\/a>
Cumulus Lake MCM Bedroom Set<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

How are platform beds good for heavier people?<\/h3>
The platform frame with its solid surface offers strength and support for additional weight. A good mattress choice will also be important– with a firmer mattress recommended to handle extra weight. In addition, many platforms sit lower to the ground, making them a little easier to get out of. (It\u2019s important to note, however, that the\u00a0lower height can be harder for older folks to get in and out of.)<\/div><\/div>

Can I add storage to a platform bed?<\/h3>
Yes, you can. A platform storage bed offers built-in storage beneath the bed. The absence of a box spring provides more room under the bed to work with.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Amish<\/a>
No box spring leaves room for storage drawers underneath the Williamsport Platform Panel Bed.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Are there any drawbacks to having a platform bed?<\/h3>
Some sit lower to the floor, and this can make them harder to get in and out of. They are not easy to move around and are not readily available in many traditional styles.<\/div><\/div>

Can you use an adjustable mattress with a platform bed?<\/h3>
In order for a platform bed to accommodate an adjustable mattress, some adjustments would need to be made to the bed frame. This is because the slats normally sit on cleats for reinforcement, and the cleats would be in the way of the adjustable mattress. The bed would likely require some custom work to re-work the frame, reinforce it, and secure the slats.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Cleats\"
The wood running along the side of the bed that the end of the slat sits on is called a cleat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What are the benefits of wooden platform beds?<\/h3>
*Good air circulation and support for the mattress
*Room for additional storage under bed
*Cost less since there\u2019s no need for a box spring
*Available in contemporary styles
*Lower height adds to the stability<\/div><\/div>

How far down does the mattress sit in a platform bed?<\/strong><\/h3>
The bed usually sits down 1 \u00bd\u201d to 2\u201d below the top of the siderail.<\/div><\/div>

Can any bed be converted to a platform bed? <\/strong><\/h3>
Many of our beds are available in both standard and platform. However, not all beds can be converted to a platform bed. We recommend checking to see if the option is offered and speaking with a furniture specialist.<\/div><\/div>

Are there drawers on both sides of a platform bed with storage drawers?<\/strong><\/h3>
That depends on the size of the bed. For example, twin-size beds will only have drawers on one side because of the smaller width.<\/div><\/div>

How many slats are under the platform?<\/strong><\/h3>
On average, around 10 slats, depending on the builder.<\/div><\/div>

Can I access the space in the middle of the bed between the drawers?<\/strong> <\/h3>
Yes, you can sometimes have a \u201ckitty\u201d door added, or you can lift off the mattress to access it. <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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\"Amish<\/a>
Amish Mars Slat Bed with Drawers<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Is the height of the platform bed the same as a standard bed frame?<\/strong><\/h3>
The side rails are the same height, but the mattress will likely sit in a different place.<\/div><\/div>

Is the platform stained to match the rest of the bed?<\/strong><\/h3>
If the bed comes with storage rails, the platform will be stained. If it is a platform on top of slats, it will not be stained.<\/div><\/div>

How thick is the platform?<\/strong><\/h3>
<\/strong>On average it can be \u00bd\u201d to \u00be\u201d thick, depending on the builder.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A stylish, money-saving, supportive choice, the platform bed works well for rooms with low ceilings. They\u2019re great for smaller bedrooms, kid\u2019s rooms, and even college dorms. With either a slatted or solid flat surface, a platform frame allows additional storage and takes center stage with attractive styles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have more questions about this style of bed, please leave them for us in the comments below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Platform Bed Frame Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n