Where Can I Buy A Platform Bed?

When looking to purchase a Platform Bed, having a game plan is not only a good idea, but will save you time and money. Below are a few pointers that will help you to narrow down the perfect platform bed for you. You will need to know the size, the color, the construction, and the material of the platform bed. Knowing these 4 main aspects will help you identify your platform bed.

Size - Knowing the size of the Platform Bed you need is the most important factor when looking for a new platform bed. Most Platform Beds conform to standard sizes, which are listed below:

What Are The Different Platform Bed Sizes?

Single - 32" x 75"
Twin - 39" x 75"
Extra Long Twin - 39" x 80"
Full/Double - 54" x 75"
Queen - 60" x 80"
Eastern King - 76" x 80"
California King - 72" x 84"

Type - There are several types of platform beds available ranging from a simple wood pallet, elegantly curved sleigh beds, storage and captains platform beds, all the way to full enclosed 4 poster Canopy beds for the truly extravagant. The basic platform bed is one that is low profile and generally does not have a headboard or footboard. Platform bunk beds and captains beds are ideal for children's rooms, or rooms where floor space may be an issue.

Color - Knowing what colors you are trying to match ahead of time will save time. Are you trying to match wood accents in your room, or existing furniture? Is your room color lighter or darker? Larger, bulkier platform bed frames can make a room appear darker if in a dark finish, but can complement a room with lighter carpets or curtains. The opposite is true for lighter color frames as well. If you have darker carpets or darker curtains, consider a lighter color frame to brighten the room.

Material - Platform bed frames are generally made from metal, wood, or wood composites, i.e. laminates. Solid wood platform beds are the most popular, however, they can be the most expensive as well. There is good reason for this however. A solid wood platform bed can last decades if properly cared for. They generally contain less offgassing materials as solid wood frames generally do not use glue. Wood composites or pressboard frames are very common and relatively inexpensive, however, they can be very brittle at their joints and typically contain higher amounts of VOC's, than either metal or solid wood platform beds. Ideally, a solid wood platform bed with a natural finish, such as linseed, or a water based finish, will provide you with a healthy, long lasting sleeping surface that is not prone to breaking. Some examples of solid wood frames would be solid Oak or Cherry Wood, or the durable Asian Hardwoods.

Construction - When purchasing a platform bed frame it is important to know what kind of mattress you will be using with it. If you are using your mattress in combination with a boxspring foundation, the support structure is less crucial than if you are not using a boxspring. If you will be using your platform bed with a futon mattress or mattress without a foundation, ventilation is key. Without adequate ventilation underneath your mattress, you risk severely cutting the lifespan of mattress due to mildew and mold growth as well as rapid compression and dipping. The ideal support structure for futons or mattresses that do not use a foundation is the slatted system. Look for a sturdy slat system with slats that are spaced between 2"-3" apart. Try to avoid press board slats. For larger platform beds, make sure there is a center support bar with support legs to support not only the weight of the mattress, but your weight as well.

Keeping these key points in mind will save you both time and money.

Which Is Better Platform Beds Vs Boxspring Beds