Complete Your Bedroom with the Best Platform Bed Frames

Things to Consider when Choosing a Platform Bed Frame

To choose the best platform bed frame, there are several things you should consider to make choosing the right product easier. See our recommendations below.

Size

Choose a bed frame that matches the size of your mattress and the available space. Platform bed frames are available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king sizes. This is essential to double-check before you buy a bed frame.

Height

Do you want to store items under your bed? If you do, you will need a bed frame that is tall enough to allow this. Platform bed frames range in height from five to 18 inches. Many frames have heights around 12, 14, or even 16 inches, which allows you to store quite a but under the bed.

Space between the slats

The space between the slats in a platform bed frame is usually between two and 3 inches apart. The smaller the space between the slats, the more support your mattress will receive. The larger the gap between the slats, the more airflow circulated around your mattress. This will reduce the risk of mold and mildew formation.

Rigidity of slats

Some slats are flexible and bow upwards, pushing against the mattress and your weight. Others are stiff and rigid, creating a firmer hold with less flexibility.

Material

Platform beds are made from various materials. These include steel or wrought iron with metal grids or wooden slats. Some bed frames can apply too much pressure on a memory foam mattress and reduce the life of your mattress. Check with the manufacturer to make sure your bed frame is compatible with your mattress.

Some platform bed frames are made from composite wood or particleboard. If you want a durable platform bed frame, opt for a more durable hardwood frame. However, if you are on a low budget and want a temporary bed frame, particleboard or composite wood frame will be suitable.

Legs

When choosing a bed frame, make sure the legs have glides or covers. These will protect your carpet, laminate, or wooden floor.

Headboard

Some platform bed frames come with a headboard. Headboards add to the decor of your bedroom. It will also help your pillow remain in place and prevent any marks on the wall. They are also useful for back support if you sit up and read in bed.

Footboard

You may also like a small footboard at the end of your bed. A footboard looks stylish and will make you feel a little more enclosed. Some people prefer to have the end of their mattress open, so having a footboard really comes down to stylistic and personal preferences.

Foldable

If you are looking for a bed frame for a guest bedroom, you may purchase a foldable platform bed frame. These are great space savers. In addition, when you are not using these bed frames, you can fold them up neatly for storage. These are especially helpful if you move often or are moving soon, as you won't have to fully disassemble the bed frame when it is time to pack up.

Easy assembly

Assembling a bed frame can feel like a difficult task. Some seem straightforward, and others feel like you need an engineering degree to piece them together. Choose a bed frame with clear assembly instructions and included hardware, like screws and hex keys.

Color

If you choose a metal bed frame, the colors they come in are usually either black or white. If you have dark wood closets and bedside tables, choose a black frame, and if you have light wood furniture, opt for a white bed frame.

If you want a wooden bed frame, you can usually only choose from different shades of brown. However, there will be some exceptions to the rule. Bed frames covers in fabric come in various colors, and you will be able to find one to match the style of your bedroom.

Weight capacity

Check your future bed frames weight capacity. The weight capacity of the frame should be more than double your weight plus the weight of your mattress. You won't want your bed to collapse to the ground due to a miscalculated purchase.

Mattress included

Many platform bed frames can be bought as a set with a mattress included. You can often choose between memory foam, pocket sprung, continuous coil, open coil, and latex mattresses. If you need to choose between two similar platform bed frames, you may choose based on the mattresses available.

Memory foam mattresses mold around your body, offering good support while feeling soft. However, they are not great if you feel warm at night.

Pocket sprung mattresses do not mold around your body but will still provide great support. In addition, these types of mattresses will keep you cooler at night.

If you are on a tight budget, a continuous or open coil mattress is the cheapest type of mattress. If you are choosing between several bed frames at the same price, and one set features a coil mattress, be wary of the seller who is selling a cheaper mattress for the same price.

Latex mattresses are rare and more expensive, but they are resilient and can keep their shape for a long time.

Customer reviews

When you have found a product that you like, read the customer reviews. Look for any recurring issues with the product. With so many platform bed frames on the market, you want to make sure you are investing in quality. Customer reviews offer honest thoughts on a product after purchasing that are usually unbiased and worth taking into consideration.

Warranty

Whether you choose a product with positive reviews or not, buy a bed frame with a warranty of at least 12 months. A retailer should have enough confidence in their product to offer a refund if it does not meet your standards. If you are unhappy with your purchase and have a warranty, you'll be fine.

How We Choose the Best Platform Bed Frames

To choose the best platform bed frame, we consider the size, height, and durability. We also consider how suportive it is to mattresses and how easy it is to assemble. We read many customer reviews and only recommend tried and tested products with plenty of positive reviews. Finally, we consider every item we recommend to be great value for money.

Platform Bed Frame Price Range

For a good-quality bed frame, you should budget between $200 and $600. If you have a lower budget, plenty of options are still available from $100.

Platform Bed Frame FAQ

Q: How often should I replace my bed frame?

A: Ideally, a bed frame should be replaced every 10 years. However, you should change your bed frame sooner if you notice your mattress is at an uneven angle or the frame is rusting or split. Most people change their bed frame every 15 to 20 years.

Q: What are some other types of bed frames?

A: There are many different types of beds, including upholstered beds, rocking beds, hanging beds, panel beds, round beds, murphy beds, waterbeds, futons, and daybeds. This list contains some unusual beds that you might like to look at, but most people agree that you can’t go wrong with a good quality platform bed frame.

Q: Can I sleep on a mattress on the floor?

A: You could sleep on a mattress on the floor, but doing so won’t feel as comfortable as sleeping on a mattress on a supportive bed frame. A mattress on a floor also means you don’t get any under-bed storage. If you choose to sleep on a mattress directly on the floor, you should flip it often because it will not be subject to any airflow and may get moldy.