What To Look For in a Full Size Platform Bed and Our Picks

Modern loft bedroom with nature view 3d rendering image Furnished with Black steel furniture has white brick walls and large windows look out to nature

Are you bored of your traditional bed frame? Have you considered getting a full-size platform bed? You’ll learn more about them, their different types, and what to look for when buying a platform bed in this article and get an answer to the question, “Is a platform bed good for you?”

Picking the proper mattress type is the easier part of locating the correct type of bed frame for you. However, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with so many additional elements to consider, such as color, material, and bed frame type. Many people are unsure whether or not they need a platform bed when shopping for a new mattress.

There’s a lot of emphasis on picking the perfect mattress, but your bed structure is equally vital. This article will clear up any confusion you may have about the advantages of a platform bed.

What Are Platform Beds?

A platform bed is a bed frame that does not require a foundation or box spring. A box spring is a form of a bed base that can be used with any bed frame.

The platform beds have a low profile and a sturdy base that supports the mattress (solid, metal, or slatted). In addition, a platform bed is distinguished from other traditional beds by the absence of a box spring. Hence, it is ready to use after you acquire it – and no more accessories are required. Other conventional bed frames, such as four-poster or canopy beds, would require a mattress base or box spring.

Platform beds, as opposed to box springs, are more modern and come in various styles, including sleek and upholstered bed frames. Some of these beds even include storage options, ideal for studios or small apartments.

Removing the box spring or a foundation from the equation lowers the height of your bed. Platform beds are typically 6 to 18 inches in height, which is lower than other bed frames. It can be a solid block with no legs that are slightly raised from the ground, or it can have small legs with a solid or slatted surface.

Furthermore, platform beds are adaptable since they can accommodate practically any style of mattress. If a foam mattress does not find the necessary support, it will decompress faster. With their solid or slatted surfaces, Platform bed frames provide the essential support for any mattress.

wood platform bedframe

Types of Platform Bed Surfaces

Slatted Platform Bed

A slatted surface, which is more popular than a solid surface, is another alternative for a platform bed support system. To maintain the integrity of a slatted bed, make sure the slats are spaced out appropriately. It will also make the bed more flexible and promote airflow if they are evenly spaced.

Wood, composite wood like MDF, particleboard, or plastic slats are the various options available. These slats are spaced 2 to 2.75 inches apart for the best support. They are generally rigid and straight, but they can be flexed to bow outward to balance the mattress and the sleeper’s weight. Closely spaced slats give a stable foundation while also allowing for airflow.

The gap between the hardwood slats on a slatted platform bed allows better air circulation than a solid base. However, if there is a lot of activity on the bed, the slats can be noisy or pop out of place. Flexed slats offer the bed some suspension, while fixed slats may seem more robust.

Metal Platform Bed

Some platform beds employ a woven metal frame to retain your mattress, which is less frequent. However, because metal support isn’t suited for some foam mattresses, this type works best with a box spring.

The metal platform bed is made of a metal frame with robust secondary steel and support wire that supports the mattress in a grid-like pattern. Metal platform beds provide more mattress support than most slatted platform beds, and they often last longer and are more resistant to regular wear and tear. Although a typical box spring is not required, most metal platform beds can accommodate one, and these beds are nearly always more expensive than slatted platform beds due to the more substantial materials.

Additionally, metal platform beds have a more straightforward style and are less bulky than wooden platform beds. The metal structure supports the mattress in a crisscross pattern and is robust and breathable. You can utilize a metal platform bed with a box spring, but then you will have to forego the metal crisscross support.

Solid Platform Bed

Unlike slatted and metal platform beds, solid platform beds have a solid, flat surface (typically made of wood or laminate) that supports your mattress. This platform bed has no wooden slats and is often lower to the ground than slatted or metal platform beds. Wood, iron/steel, or particleboard make solid platform conventional bed frames. Its substantial base supports the mattress and eliminates the need for a box spring.

If your platform bed has a solid surface, it will most likely include holes to allow air to circulate. However, the foam or latex can trap heat, resulting in an uncomfortable sleeping environment.

A robust platform bed is a good choice if you are overweight or prefer a substantial mattress. A heavy mattress should only be supported by a durable or solid foundation, such as memory foam or latex. Otherwise, drooping will occur far sooner than necessary. Thus, you should enquire with the manufacturers of both the bed and the mattress to see if your foundation can sustain this sort of mattress.

Types of Platform Bed Styles

Classic, headboard and footboard, upholstered, storage, floating surface, and metallic are just a few of the different styles of platform beds.

Classic Wood Platform Bed

A headboard and footboard are usually absent from a traditional platform bed. It is a simple bed frame commonly built of wood, MDF, or particleboard. The classic style is ideal for those who live in a studio or small apartment with limited space.

Headboard and Footboard Platform Bed

The growing popularity of platform beds has led to the installation of headboards and footboards. A regal effect can be achieved using a costly hardwood headboard and footboard. In more oversized bedrooms, platform beds with headboards and footboards contribute to the aesthetic attractiveness of the space. Headboards and Footboards can be attached, or you can purchase them separately. 

Upholstered Platform Bed

A platform bed frame with an upholstered headboard goes well with more modern and contemporary décor. The upholstered bed frame is available in a variety of colors. You can choose from vivid pink, red, gold, and blue to delicate beige, cream, and grey to suit your taste. Moreover, you can even pick a headboard that matches the color scheme of your upholstered platform bed. Children’s rooms might also benefit from colorful upholstered platform beds.

Storage Space Platform Bed

Many platform beds include built-in storage. A platform bed with storage drawers is a good alternative if you have a small bedroom yet need more sleeping space.

wooden platform bed with built-in drawers underneath

Floating Surface Platform Bed

As the name suggests, a floating platform bed creates the idea of floating off the ground. The base of your mattress is a plank made of wood, particleboard, or MDF, supported by a rectangular structure in the center.

The support structure beneath the stretched plank is not visible from afar. However, the hidden support system provides the sense that the sleeping surface is floating.

What to Look For in a Full Size Platform Bed

It is also essential to select a high-quality Full Size Platform Bed for a sound support system, adequate support for your natural or organic mattress, and, most importantly, your health. When buying a full size platform bed, you should consider the features mentioned below.

Healthy Materials

Choosing a product composed of healthy materials is an important consideration when searching for a new full size platform bed. Most of the stench and harmful out-gassing in a furniture piece may be attributed to the glue used in its manufacture. A solid wood bed frame is typically constructed with minimal to no adhesive. If glue is used, it is usually water-based and does not off-gas after curing.

In comparison, veneered particleboard involves a lot of adhesive, and the glue employed frequently contains formaldehyde or other harmful and carcinogenic substances. Solid woods or even metal are an excellent choice to avoid toxic substances. As long as the finish is not poisonous, metal, like solid wood, is essentially neutral.

Organic platform beds with zero or low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) coatings or entirely unfinished are the ideal alternative for people who are particularly sensitive to odor or want to avoid as many chemicals as possible.

Good Support System

When shopping for a full-size platform bed frame, seek one with a strong enough construction to support your mattress and a foundation made of slats or a solid surface (like plywood). Many individuals prefer wooden slats to a solid surface because they provide significantly more ventilation for the mattress and are frequently constructed of solid wood.

If you prefer a full-size platform bed with a solid surface rather than slats, one with ventilation holes. Mold or mildew can grow between the mattress and the bed surface if sufficient ventilation is not provided. Slats on a slatted platform bed should be no more than 3 inches apart and at least 12″ thick by 2″ wide, mainly if it will be used with a heavy organic latex mattress.

Furthermore, unless your slats are steel, you must have center support that extends perpendicular to the slats from head to foot for full size.

Joint Construction

The type of material used to create the bed and the kind of connection tools employed contribute to the strength of bed rail connections. Fastening joint hardware made of softwood (such as pine) or particleboard may gradually loosen or fall out. As a result, a solid wood platform bed would be the superior option.

Metal on a metal structure is ideal where the side rails meet the headboard and footboard. These connection points are the most stressed portions of the bed over time. Bed bolts & mortise bed rail fasteners are two options for side rail to leg connections. If the link loosens, the bed bolt connection is quite strong and can be tightened over time. Mortise bed rail fasteners, on the other hand, use an angled hook that tightens as you put weight on the bed and self-tightens over time.

Height of the Mattress

Platform bed frames can be lower to the ground than typical box spring frames. To ensure that your mattress is sitting at the desired height, you need to first examine the height of your mattress. When buying a full size platform bed, look at the specifications and note the slat height. You may calculate the final height of your mattress by adding these two figures together.

You further have a few options if you need the height to be raised. A box spring or foundation is not a must, but you could put one on your platform bed, under your mattress. To increase the height of your mattress, you can use a mattress topper. An organic mattress topper will also most likely alter the feel of your bed; in general, it should make your mattress feel softer.

Style

Consider the existing décor in your room while deciding on a style. For example, a legless platform bed is a good option if you prefer a simple, clean aesthetic. This will go with almost any décor.

You may also choose a wrought iron style for a more upscale look, but keep in mind that you’ll need to add a box spring if you want your mattress to be higher. There are also “floating” variants, which extend over the bed’s legs to create a floating appearance and traditional platform beds with headboards and footboards.

Read further to find four of the best options for Full Size Platform Bed Frames for adults as well as kids below:

Van 16 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame
$76.13

by ZINUS 

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03/08/2024 05:01 am GMT

ZINUS Van 16” Metal Platform Bed Frame/ No Box Spring Needed / Steel Slat Support/ Easy Assembly, Black, Full

The ZINUS Van 16 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frame features a sturdy steel frame that never makes a noise and has plenty of storage space underneath.

Benefits

The ZINUS Van 16” Metal Platform Bed Frame will support your mattresses well. This platform bed is 16 inches tall, with plenty of space beneath the frame for practical under-bed storage. The sturdy steel slats support and extend the life of your latex, memory foam, or spring mattress without using a box spring; the twin size supports a max weight capacity of 350 lbs, while all other sizes support up to 700 lbs.

Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame with Tool Free Setup
$85.47

by Amazon Basics 

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03/08/2024 04:54 am GMT

Amazon Basics Foldable 14″ Black Metal Platform Bed Frame with Tool-Free Assembly, No Box Spring Needed – Full 

The Amazon Basics Foldable 14″ Black Metal Platform Bed Frame provides a robust and silent foundation for your mattress.

Benefits

Steel legs and cross beams with vertical wires support your mattress on the Amazon Basics Foldable 14″ Black Metal Platform Bed Frame. The bed frame provides a stable base for sleeping and conveniently folds away for storage when not in use with a quick and easy tool-free assembly. Furthermore, the folding mechanism allows the frame to be easily stored and moved in small places.

Joseph Metal Platforma Bed Frame / Mattress Foundation
$115.99

by ZINUS 

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03/08/2024 07:28 am GMT

ZINUS Joseph Metal Platform Bed Frame / Mattress Foundation / Wood Slat Support / No Box Spring Needed / Sturdy Steel Structure, Full  

The ZINUS Joseph Metal Platform Bed Frame, constructed with solid and durable steel, is designed to do more than support your best mattress at night.

Benefits

The ZINUS Joseph Metal Platform Bed Frame is meticulously designed and constructed to perform efficiently while appealing to a clean, minimalist design approach that blends well with any décor style. Less is more, especially with this sleek and structurally strong foundation that adds strength and subtle sophistication to your bedroom ⁠— two timeless attributes.

Shalini Upholstered Platform Bed Frame
$170.00

by ZINUS 

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03/08/2024 07:28 am GMT

ZINUS Shalini Upholstered Platform Bed Frame / Wood Slat / Mattress Foundation /Support / No Box Spring Needed / Easy Assembly Dark Grey, Full

The ZINUS Shalini Upholstered Platform Bed Frame has been designed to look and feel fantastic, with square tufting and knitted padding for maximum impact in your room.

Benefits

The ZINUS Shalini Upholstered Platform Bed Frame stands the test of time. Its simple assembly, robust construction, and elegant diamond pattern stitching make a beautifully chic addition to your bedroom. In addition, this metal platform bed’s inside steel framework, and deep foam padding enhances comfort and durability.

Final Thoughts

Given all of the above information, it’s safe to say that a full size platform bed is an excellent choice for you because it works with any mattress. So whether you desire a wooden or metal bed or a primary or sophisticated layout, there’s probably a platform bed available to cater to your needs.

Additionally, by providing flexibility, a platform bed can help you sleep cooler, lengthen the life of your mattress, and make your sleep much more peaceful. Also, while purchasing mattresses for your platform bed, you should check the guarantee for their suggested slat width and materials. Otherwise, inappropriate use may void the warranty.

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