Master Bedroom Furniture

Master Bedroom Furniture -
Platform Beds and More


If your idea of style falls outside the traditional, platform beds
and the furniture that coordinates with them offer an update-to-date
look with space-saving features. Available in many configurations
and materials, platform beds complement many lifestyles.


Platform beds are a variation on an older concept, the loft bed.
These were raised on poles, allowing the utilization of the floor
space under the bed for everyday activities. As homes became larger
and more comfortable, the loft bed was lowered and the platform bed
took its place.


As the platform bed originated in Europe, today’s beds reflect this
birthplace in cleaner, straighter lines. This style works well in
many interiors. Usually, there is a headboard, the bed itself, and a
mattress, although some include a footboard. This is simple and
functional elegance that mixes successfully with other furniture.


Japanese platform beds are gaining in popularity, too. These have
more graceful, swooping lines than their European counterparts.
Additionally, the Japanese beds make use of tatami mats to isolate
the sleeper from the bed frame itself. When it comes to minimalism
and wise use of limited space, the Japanese are on to a good thing
with their version of the platform bed.


Platform beds are usually made of either wood or metal or a
combination of the two. Selection of material depends on the
lifestyle of the person buying it. Metal frames provide an edgier
urban feel to the bedroom, while wood frames tend to be a little
warmer and homier in appeal.


If a minimalist look is desired, there’s no need for a headboard or
footboard at all. For those who want a more “dressed” look, there
are several styles of platform bed frames that include posts and
curtains which give a canopy effect.


There are several advantages to a platform bed. The space beneath
the bed can be filled with drawers, thus taking advantage of
otherwise wasted space, an important consideration in today’s urban
apartments. By not opting for a headboard or footboard, valuable
space is saved, as well as offering more decorating options,
especially if the bed has casters on its legs. It does not require
the use of a box spring, which cuts down on the initial cost of the
bed. Moreover, as the mattress is placed directly on the bed’s
slats, a firmer sleeping surface is provided.


Mattresses are available in all the standard American sizes: twin,
full, queen, king, and sometimes California king. If a European
platform bed is under consideration, it’s wise to note that the
European beds are a bit longer, which will make finding sheets and
other bedding more challenging. Keep in mind that a platform bed
will present a firmer sleeping surface. For those wanting or needing
some cushioning due to back or joint problems, a featherbed on top
of the mattress may provide that necessary “cuddly” effect.


Prices for platform beds range from about $200 for a barebones twin
to more than $1,000 for those constructed of more expensive woods,
of more ornate styles, and in larger sizes. The mid-range price is
around $400 or $500.


Platform beds offer a wide range of sleeping options for those who’d
rather count sheep than be one. They make sense for those who like
to “think out of the box.”