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Platform beds have several advantages over boxspring bases: They’re generally less expensive, they often provide storage space, and they tend to last longer, to name just a few. If you’re looking to update your bedroom, check out our list of the best platform bed frames to find your ideal new sleeping spot.
What to consider when buying a platform bed frame
Appearance
“Platform beds are a modern and versatile type of bed that come in a variety of styles,” says Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva (a brand that made our lists of the best places to buy a mattress and best places to buy bedding). “Due to their contemporary, low-profile look, platform beds have become increasingly popular. They have a sleek, minimalist appearance and are designed to sit closer to the ground than regular bed types. In addition, they often come with storage space underneath the base.”
Maintenance
“Platform beds are low-maintenance, but if you opt for an upholstered one, it’s recommended to clean it occasionally to maintain its condition,” says Golub. “You’ll need to vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to treat stains.”
Lifestyle
Platform beds may have a stylishly modern look, but it may not be a great fit for everyone. For one, they tend to be a bit low. So, if you have mobility issues, you may want to consider an adjustable bed frame instead. Second, if you use your under bed space for storage, know that most platform beds will put everything on display (unless you use a dust ruffle, which may not work with the aforementioned modern look).
Our picks for best platform bed frames
Best budget platform bed frame: Mercury Row Hegg Tufted Upholstered Platform Bed
When looking for affordable bed frames, Mercury Row is a great starting point, particularly their upholstered platform bed. “This platform bed is a good value for the quality as it’s sturdy and provides support,” says Jamie Mitri, interior design expert and founder and CEO of Moss Pure. “It’s also easy to assemble and has a nice stylish look to it.”
Specifications:
- Material: Interior steel framework, linen upholstery
- Sizes: Full, queen, king
- Weight capacity: 800 pounds
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $509.99 - $609.99
What we like:
- Classic look
- Durable
What we don’t like:
- A few customer reviews mention getting incorrect parts, making assembly difficult
The bottom line:
A classic-looking platform bed with comfortable upholstery.
Mercury Row Hegg Tufted Upholstered Platform Bed
Best wooden platform bed frame: Thuma The Bed
There are a ton of wooden platform bed frames out there, but Mitri’s pick for the best is this elegantly simple one from Thuma (who made our lists for the best wooden bed frames and also the best linen sheets). “This bed frame combines contemporary design, sustainability, and quality all in one,” she enthuses. “You cannot go wrong with this bed frame—there are several color options to choose from, all which accent your style and space.”
Specifications:
- Material: Upcycled solid rubberwood
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
- Weight capacity: Not listed
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $795 - $1,195
What we like:
- Available in four colors
- Supportive
- Easy to assemble
What we don’t like:
- A few customers who bought it with the pillow board add-on express concerns about keeping the pillow board upright
The bottom line:
An elegant and sustainable platform bed frame that will go with any room.
Thuma The Bed
Best metal platform bed frame: Zinus Trisha Metal Platform Bed Frame with Headboard
For a more industrial or simply less rustic look, a metal bed frame could be the right move. Mitri recommends checking out the super-minimalist Trisha frame, saying that, “This metal platform bed by Zinus is simple, yet supportive and sturdy, all while keeping a high-quality aesthetic for any space.” It’s also refreshingly inexpensive, which is always a bonus. Shopping tip: Zinus also made our lists for the best mattress-in-a-box, best queen mattresses, and best king mattresses, in case you’re looking to complete your bed upgrade.
Specifications:
- Material: Steel frame, wooden slats
- Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king
- Weight capacity: 350 - 700 pounds, depending on bed size
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $239.99 - $319.99
What we like:
- Straightforward
- Minimalist
What we don’t like:
- Might be too functional-looking for some
The bottom line:
A no-nonsense metal frame for those who like to keep it simple.
Zinus Trisha Metal Platform Bed Frame with Headboard
Best platform bed frame with storage: Design Within Reach Matera Bed High Headboard
While virtually all platform beds offer storage space underneath, simply by virtue of there being empty space down there (as long as you don’t mind your stuff being on display), this Design Within Reach bed takes it a step further and adds several roomy, built-in drawers. “The Matera bed has six full-extension, soft-closing drawers, perfect for a lot of storage,” says Mitri. For other options to help hold your things, consider our list of the best storage beds.
Specifications:
- Material: Oak or walnut
- Sizes: Full, queen, king, California king
- Weight capacity: 750 pounds
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $5,495 - $7,845, depending on size and wood choice
What we like:
- Great storage space
- Simple, elegant design
What we don’t like:
- Very expensive
The bottom line:
A platform bed that takes storage seriously, but comes with a serious price tag.
Design Within Reach Matera Bed High Headboard
Best platform bed frame with canopy: Arhaus Bodhi Queen Canopy Storage Bed
If you want to sleep like a princess, then a canopy bed is the way to go. In terms of which to buy, “The Bodhi Queen Canopy Storage Bed is a no-brainer,” says Mitri. “This is a rustic yet contemporary piece that’s stunning in any space. There is also plenty of storage, with drawers on both sides of the bed, adding a functional aspect to this elegant piece.”
Specifications:
- Material: Solid white oak
- Sizes: Queen, king
- Weight capacity: Not listed
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $5,999 - $6,399
What we like:
- Lots of storage space
- Two color options (ebony or oat)
What we don’t like:
- Very expensive
The bottom line:
A huge, sturdy bed with built-in storage and a regal appearance.
Arhaus Bodhi Queen Canopy Storage Bed
Best platform bed frame with headboard: Modloft Worth Bed
For a low-to-the-ground option, look no further than this Japanese-inspired bed from Modloft, which admittedly sacrifices underbed storage, but makes up for it with its stylish, built-in side tables. “Modloft’s Japanese-style Worth Bed is perfect both in terms of aesthetics and function,” says Mitri. “There are plenty of color options to choose from, too.”
Specifications:
- Material: Pine frame
- Sizes: Queen, king
- Weight capacity: Not listed
- Underbed space: No
- Price at publish: $2,299 - $2,499
What we like:
- Built-in side tables
- Five color options
What we don’t like:
- No storage space
The bottom line:
A ground-level bed that sacrifices storage space but makes up for it with style.
Modloft Worth Bed
Best adjustable platform bed frame: DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame
The best adjustable beds can make a huge difference to your sleep quality, enabling you to shift into—and maintain—a comfortable position for a more restful night. For a platform option, Mitri recommends this model from DreamCloud. “This adjustable bed frame comes with a programmable memory button and one-touch buttons for zero gravity, anti-snore, and watching TV,” she says. “Assembly is an easy process with no tools needed. The quality and price make it great value as well.”
Specifications:
- Material: Not listed
- Sizes: Twin XL, full, queen, king, split king
- Weight capacity: Not listed
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $1,398 - $2,796
What we like:
- Adjustable
- Relatively inexpensive for an adjustable bed
- Four built-in USB ports
- Easy assembly
What we don’t like:
- Some customers complain of issues with customer service
The bottom line:
The convenience of a platform bed, with all the features and functions of a fully adjustable bed.
DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame
Best Amazon platform bed frame: Lifeand Upholstered Platform Bed with Classic Headboard
Getting a new bed is nice—getting a new bed delivered right to your door is even nicer. For the convenient option, try this bed frame from Lifeand. “This frame is chic and trendy, while being functional at the same time,” says Mitri. “There’s plenty of storage space—four large drawers—and a classic headboard. You’re getting great value for the price with the look and function of this bed frame.”
Specifications:
- Material: MDF and particle board frame, foam-filled polyester padding
- Sizes: Twin, queen
- Weight capacity: 600 pounds
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $289.99 - $299.99
What we like:
- Built-in storage drawers
- Inexpensive
What we don’t like:
- Not many size options
The bottom line:
An inexpensive and convenient option with good underbed storage.
Lifeand Queen Size Upholstered Platform Bed with Classic Headboard and 4 Drawers, No Box Spring Needed, Linen Fabric,Beige
Best folding platform bed frame: KD Frames Fold Platform Bed
If you’re looking for a bed you can store away when not in use, then a folding bed is obviously ideal. (It’s also a great alternative to a futon or sleeper sofa.) You don’t want to sacrifice functionality for compactness, though, which is why this sturdy platform is a good investment. “The Fold Platform Bed by KD Frames can support up to 600 pounds,” says Mitri. “The simple aesthetic gives the appearance of a floating bed, and it’s made in the USA.”
Specifications:
- Material: Wood
- Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen
- Weight capacity: 600 pounds
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $169 - $209
What we like:
- Sturdy
- Foldable
What we don’t like:
- A few customer reviews complain that the bed squeaks a little
The bottom line:
A convenient, foldable option for people looking to save a little space between guest visits.
KD Frames Fold Platform Bed - Full
Best platform bed frame for kids: West Elm Quinn Storage Bed
Are your kids looking for a new trampoline, uh, bed? West Elm’s Quinn storage bed is an ideal platform bed for kiddos, and it’s stylish enough to last them into their teenage years. “This bed frame is covered in child-safe finishes with plenty of storage for toys and clothes,” says Mitri. “The low profile makes it easier to climb in and out of the bed.”
Specifications:
- Material: Kiln-dried solid and engineered wood
- Sizes: Full, queen
- Weight capacity: 500 pounds
- Underbed space: Yes
- Price at publish: $1,999 - $2,199
What we like:
- Four gliding drawers
- Four open storage cubbies
- Greenguard Gold certified
What we don’t like:
- Expensive for a kid’s bed
The bottom line:
A child-friendly option, but not so kiddy that it can’t last them well into their tweens and teens.
West Elm Quinn Storage Bed
Best places to buy platform bed frames
“Platform beds can be found anywhere, and within any price range!” says Mitri. “You can get them from Amazon, Wayfair, Casper, or any of your local and regional furniture stores.”
How we chose the best platform bed frames to recommend
All of our selections were based on the advice of our experts, as well as our own personal experience. We also conducted extensive research to check that all of our picks were rated highly for customer satisfaction, especially in terms of comfort, durability, and value for money.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best material for a platform bed?
“Platform beds can be made in different materials, with wood and metal being the most popular,” says Mitri. “Wood is the best material to go with, as certain metals may rust over time. If you’re going with wood, make sure it’s a heavier and high-quality wood to ensure product quality.”
Can a mattress go directly on a platform bed?
“Yes, a mattress can go directly on a platform bed,” confirms Mitri. “Traditional beds need box springs to create a foundation for your mattress. Platform beds don’t need box springs and provide a support base for your mattress within the product design. Platform beds consist of a foundation in a rectangular frame with slats across for support. Platform beds are most compatible with memory foam mattresses.”
Is a platform bed comfortable?
“Platform beds are comfortable, but they tend to me more firm than traditional beds,” warns Mitri. “That’s because traditional beds have box springs that add a cushion. Because platform beds don’t have box springs and contain a strong foundation for your mattress, they’re firmer than the traditional bed frame.”
For more firm bed advice, check our guide to the best mattresses for back pain.
What are the pros and cons of a platform bed?
Per Mitri, the pros and cons of platform beds are as follows:
Pros
- Affordable
- Low height
- Simple design
- Sturdy
Cons
- Can be firmer than traditional beds
- Metal beds can squeak due to rust
- Not as many design options as traditional panel beds
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