- Platform beds support an innerspring or futon mattress without the use of a box spring. However, some platform beds are low enough to accommodate a box spring beneath the mattress, if desired. Most platform beds use slats to support the mattress, although some may use a solid piece of plywood or fiberboard. Some mattresses, such as memory foam mattresses and waterbeds, may require the use of a solid platform bed, or an extra foundation for support.
- Some platform beds include a headboard and/or footboard, while others simply use a platform. The headboard and footboard may be purely decorative, or the platform bed may use a bookcase headboard for extra storage. Some platform beds come with built-in storage drawers below the platform, while others have room for optional storage bins or accessories underneath. Some platform beds are very low, with the mattress only a few inches off the floor, while others are raised enough to accommodate two rows of drawers underneath.
- Platform beds come in a wide variety of styles and colors, and suit many types of decor. Platform beds may be made of wood, generally oak or maple, or metal. Platform beds may use minimalist, traditional, Arts and Crafts, or modern styles, and are often influenced by Scandinavian or Asian designs. Wood platform beds may include just a simple platform, a canopy bed, a Mission style headboard with slats, or a sleigh style bed. Metal platform beds may use straight, bold lines or delicate scrollwork.
- Platform beds are available for most standard mattress sizes. Twin platform beds are about 43 inches wide by 79 inches long, and accommodate a 39 by 75 inch mattress. Full platform beds, about 58 inches wide by 79 inches long, fit a 54 by 75 inch mattress. Extra-long twin or full beds extend about 5 inches longer. Queen platform beds measure about 64 inches wide by 84 inches long, for a 60 by 80 inch mattress. King sized platform beds, about 82 inches wide by 84 inches long, hold a 78 by 80 inch mattress. California King platform beds are narrower but longer, about 74 inches wide by 89 inches long for a 72 by 85 inch mattress.
- Since platform beds do not require a box spring, using a platform bed may save money by allowing the owner to purchase just a mattress. Platform beds, especially children's beds, often come with extra storage space, such as a bookcase headboard and storage drawers, which can eliminate the need to take up room with a separate dresser. Platform beds with storage drawers underneath can also eliminate the need to vacuum beneath the bed, making cleaning easier.
