Platform Bed Guide
When it comes to platform beds, you'll find that there is an almost endless choice in the variety of these beds. There are different styles, colors, materials, sizes and of course prices. This guide will help you pick out the best platform beds for your money.
Platform Bed Overview
Platform beds have been around for quite some time, but they are basically a more stylish version of loft beds. Many are low profile and can be customized by a range of finishes, colors and materials.
You'll find that there are many styles to choose from, including the canopy, sleigh and Japanese platform beds. For further customization, you can even create to your own style and preferences by building a platform bed yourself.
Platform Bed Designs
Size
Depending on the size of the bedroom you're buying a platform bed for, or whether it is for a single person or partners, you'll of course need to buy the right size bed.
- Twin Platform Bed - Ideal for teens or young kids, Usually simple and basic models, twin size platform beds are available with or without headboards.
- Full Platform Bed - Ideal for dorm rooms and teenagers. Full size platform beds can sleep two adults but won't take up too much space in smaller sized rooms.
- Queen Platform Bed - Often the most popular size of platform beds, because they leave space in the bedroom, but can sleep two adults comfortably.
- King Platform Bed - King size platform beds are luxurious and can easily sleep two adults with space to spare. Ideal for larger bedrooms with a lot of floor space.
- Cal King Platform Bed - The largest size available for platform beds. Longer, but shorter, than a king size platform bed. Requires a Cal King mattress to fit the bed properly.
Style
There is a style of platform bed to match almost any room decor. Among the most popular styles include the minimalistic Scandinavian platform beds, panel platform beds that fit well in country homes with their chunky wood style, basic low profile beds and contemporary platform beds that come in just about every type of finish from wood to metal.
Sleigh platform beds are also highly popular. Their distinctive curved wooden headboard and footboard design makes them a real focal point in the master bedroom.
There are many other styles also. Finding a design to match your home decor or suit your style should be pretty straightforward if you spend a bit of time browsing the internet. What you also have a lot of choice with is the finish of the platform bed.
Finish
A lot of people are unsure about which finish will suit their home. Despite some colors seeming too bold to blend in to a bedroom, like black platform beds, they can in fact really enhance the room by creating a focal point from what usually is the largest item of furniture in the bedroom.
However, you will probably have your own preference when it comes to color and finish. Among the available options include cherry, espresso, maple, oak and plain white finishes.
Material
Certain materials suit certain rooms. If you already have a dominant material used in other furniture in your bedroom, you'll also most likely want the same or similar material for your platform bed.
Wood Platform Beds
Wood is one of the warmest types of construction for platform beds. You'll find a wide range of designs with wood, especially when searching online. There are also some great independent manufactures that sell unique wooden platform beds from cherry, oak and other wood, which are well worth looking for.
Metal Platform Beds
Metal doesn't suit some styles of bedrooms, but when it does it can really be a great material to use for a platform bed. Metal is sturdy and very sleek in design, and like wood can be manufactured into many different shapes and styles.
Upholstered Platform Beds
Like wood, upholstered beds have a very warm feel. These beds can be made from fabrics, suede and leather, which not only looks great but also looks expensive and stylish.
Extra Features
Although there are a variety of platform beds to choose from, you might find that you need extra storage space. Storage platform beds are available which have pull-out drawers and under-bed storage.
Furthermore, if you need extra sleeping space, then a trundle platform bed with a pull-out drawer with twin-sized bed is ideal.
Price
Like most furniture like sofas and mattresses, platform beds cost anywhere from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars. Some of the cheap platform beds will offer the most basic designs, whereas as the price increases, you'll find there are some really stylish designs that make the bed the focal point of the bedroom.
You can often buy platform bed models from furniture stores, but we often recommend checking out the variety of these beds available online. Not only is there a wider choice than any offline store can stock, but you'll probably find discount offers and cheaper prices by buying online.