To come up with this list of the best platform beds, we spent hours researching the market and considering factors like design, material, assembly, and under-bed clearance. We also received expert tips from Amy Vroom, interior designer of The Residency Bureau, who’s well-versed in curating cozy, inviting bedrooms. She recommends pairing a platform bed with a headboard for both visual and practical reasons. “It finishes off the room and gives you more support for reading or binge scrolling before you go to sleep,” says Vroom. “Not to mention, it prevents your pillow from sliding onto the floor, which is annoying.” Our top pick is Thuma’s The Bed because it’s incredibly sturdy, easy to assemble without tools, and provides a transitional look that works with multiple styles of decor. Here are the best platform beds. Who it isn’t for: People who prefer a metal frame. Our top pick is Thuma’s The Bed, which is incredibly sturdy thanks to its strong, cushion-coated slats and impressive Japanese joinery, which doesn’t require screws or nails. The latter makes for super easy, no-tools-required assembly, so you don’t need to hire anyone to put it together (or take it apart, when the time comes to move). The thoughtful construction is engineered for minimal noise, optimal support, and mattress breathability. Plus, 9 inches of under-bed clearance allow for plenty of storage. Aesthetically, Thuma’s platform bed is also a winner. With a low-profile frame, clean lines that speak to contemporary design, and rounded edges that add softness for more traditional settings, this bed is incredibly versatile. The rounded corners protect your shins, too, when you inevitably bump into the bed. This wooden platform bed comes in three finishes—walnut, natural, and espresso—with two different headboard options. We love the matching wood headboard for a cohesive look, but those who prefer plushness should opt for the PillowBoard instead. Price at time of publish: From $1,095 for queen
Material: WoodSizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, daybedUnder-Bed Clearance: 9 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer furniture made of solid wood rather than particleboard. If you want the look of a wooden platform bed without the high price tag, you can’t do better than the Ikea Malm Bed Frame. It has a durable construction even though it’s made of particleboard rather than solid wood. Though assembly can be quite challenging (which Ikea is notorious for), the price of hiring a TaskRabbit combined with the cost of the bed itself is still significantly less than other wood and wood-veneer options. You can even choose to get an assembly quote from TaskRabbit at checkout. Sleek and simple, Ikea’s Malm bed frame exudes Scandinavian minimalism. It comes in four veneer finishes—white stained oak, black-brown, gray stained, and white—so you can choose the look that works best for your space. There are two different slat options: Luröy and Lönset—and you can upgrade to the latter for extra support. And with 8.5 inches of under-bed clearance, there’s enough room to stash away some slim items. But you can also opt for the version with storage drawers if you prefer to keep your items hidden. Price at time of publish: $279 for queen
Material: Particleboard and wood veneerSizes: Full, queen, kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 8.25 inches
Who it isn’t for: People looking for a platform bed with an upholstered headboard. For a more industrial look, consider the very reasonably priced Zinus Mia Metal Platform Bed Frame. It shares the similarly sleek, rectangular profile with many beds on this list, but the black steel material gives it an edgier feel. We think this bed would be right at home in an airy loft or a space with exposed brick. Thanks to elevated slats that position your mattress on top (not inside of) the frame, this platform bed has 12 inches of clearance underneath, making it great for those who need extra storage space. You can fit plenty of boxes beneath it to make the most of your bedroom’s footprint. All of the tools you need for assembly are included in the box, so you don’t need to frantically search for a screwdriver once this bed frame arrives. Price at time of publish: $189 for queen
Material: SteelSizes: Twin, full, queen, kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 12 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer darker upholstery. Wood and metal beds aren’t for everyone. We understand if you prefer to stick to soft, warm fabrics in the bedroom. That’s why the Castlery Lexi Tufted Bed is our favorite upholstered platform bed. Cozy, padded, and plush, it’s incredibly comfortable to lean on. Plus, the channel-tufted headboard makes a glamorous statement, while the angled rubber wood and brass legs add mid-century flare. Whether you go with white, blush, or gray polyester upholstery, this pick will be a showstopper in your bedroom. Perhaps the biggest perk, though, is the soft sides that will save your shins. The only major downside is that it’s not available in any dark colors. Price at time of publish: $1,199 for queen
Material: PolyesterSizes: Queen, kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 7 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who need more space for under-bed storage. If you’re willing to splurge on a luxe platform bed, the Saatva Siena Leather Platform Bed Frame is a worthy choice. Named after the historic Tuscan city, this bed has a timeless design that you’ll want to keep in your room for many years to come. We also love its three-panel, hand-sewn headboard, which has a full leather back so you’re not limited to placing it against a wall. There are three sustainably-sourced leather options: Espresso Antica full aniline leather, Slate Verona semi-aniline leather, and Black Verona semi-aniline leather. The first features a natural grain and a smooth texture, while the latter two have a pebbled finish that’s scratch- and stain-resistant. Just keep in mind that this platform bed only has 4.75 inches of under-bed clearance, so it’s not the best option for those who rely on this space for storage. Price at time of publish: $2,795 for queen
Material: LeatherSizes: Queen, king, California kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 4.75 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want a bed frame that’s available without a headboard. With a beautiful chevron pattern on the headboard, Article’s Nera Bed was an obvious choice for our favorite wooden platform bed. Simply put, this bed celebrates the beauty of natural wood. Its profile is sleek and slim, so it works in contemporary contexts, but the two powder-coated steel front legs would blend well with mid-century modern style, too. You can choose between oak and walnut stains, but the most exciting selection you can make is whether or not you want to add the built-in floating nightstands, which are equipped with soft-close drawers and a cable-management feature. If you have the wall space, they’re worth it for the convenient storage and visual intrigue. Price at time of publish: $999 for queen
Material: Solid wood and wood veneerSizes: Queen, king, California kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 7.75 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who want an upholstered platform bed. Inspired by Danish teak furniture, the Rove Concepts Asher Bed is our favorite modern platform bed. With seamless joinery, beveled edges, a floating headboard, and tapered solid wood legs, its updated 1950s style is unparalleled. The platform bed is made of wood veneer rather than solid wood, but it comes in both walnut and ash veneer finishes, both of which are compelling choices. You can even spring for the full five-piece matching bedroom set, which also includes a tall dresser, wide dresser, single-drawer nightstand, and double-drawer nightstand. It’s a mid-century modern dream. Price at time of publish: $1,999 for queen
Material: Wood veneerSizes: Full, queen, king, California kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 7 inches
Who it isn’t for: People with low ceilings and low-key design taste. With slim lines and a warm wood finish, this canopy bed from West Elm is another mid-century modern treasure. The West Elm Mid-Century Canopy Bed is best suited for rooms with high, lofty ceilings, where the canopy will accentuate the height and fill the empty vertical space. It will make a statement in any room, drawing eyes toward the top. Plus, you’ll feel a bit like royalty when you sleep in it. This canopy platform bed is made with sustainably sourced wood and is Fair Trade Certified. It’s also worth noting that this bed is only available with white glove delivery, which includes delivery to the room of your choice, assembly, and removal of packaging—but incurs a flat-rate delivery fee. Price at time of publish: $1,499 for queen
Material: Solid and engineered woodSizes: Queen, kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 8 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who need room for storage underneath their beds. There’s something incredibly chic about a low-slung, almost-on-the-floor bed like the Casper Haven Upholstered Bed Frame. Made of cozy felted wool, this upholstered platform bed will make you feel like you’re surrounded by cloud-like softness. It comes in three calming, neutral hues, including dark gray and a cream-like color called Dune. Our favorite detail of this low-profile bed is the slightly slanted cushioned headboard, which makes it a comfortable backrest while reading a book and watching TV. The shipping fee includes in-home delivery and setup, so you don’t have to worry about complicated assembly instructions. Price at time of publish: $1,595 for queen
Material: Felted wool blendSizes: Full, queen, king, California kingUnder-Bed Clearance: None
Who it isn’t for: People who want a platform bed with slats rather than a solid surface. Floyd’s The Bed Frame is unique because it appears to be floating on its powder-coated steel supports. This bed is super easy to assemble without a single tool or screw, thanks to the nylon ratchet straps that keep everything held together. It’s also modular and adaptive, so you can turn a queen into a king with the handy bed expansion kit in the future. That means this platform bed can move and grow with you, even as your needs change. This pick is also Vroom’s favorite platform bed. “The Floyd platform bed has an interesting geometric leg detail, which I like,” she says. “If you need extra storage for your room, [there’s] an add-on feature for additional under-bed storage.” (The sliding canvas drawers clip on for convenience, though they are quite pricey.) We also like that this platform bed is available with and without the matching headboard. Price at time of publish: From $1,075 for full/queen
Material: Birch plywood and wood veneerSizes: Twin, full/queen, kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 6 inches
Who it isn’t for: People who prefer an airy, open look. Many of the platform beds on our list have enough under-bed clearance to stow away some slim items in plain sight, but the Pottery Barn Elliot Shelter Footboard Storage Platform Bed stands out for its hidden storage. This pick is equipped with an easy-to-open drawer at the foot of the bed that pulls out on wheels, allowing you to keep your room tidy and free of clutter. In addition to the clever storage drawer, this platform bed boasts a structured, upholstered headboard with a cozy silhouette. It’s available in two quick-ship basketweave options and 20+ made-to-order fabrics, ranging from tweed to velvet to crossweave. Price at time of publish: From $1,699 for queen
Material: Multiple upholstery options availableSizes: Full, queen, king, California kingUnder-Bed Clearance: 2.25 inches
How to Shop for Platform Beds Like a Pro
Design
“Platform beds are a nice space-saving option when you don’t have room for a chunkier frame in your room,” says Vroom. “They also offer a clean and minimalist approach to the design and tend to work well in a more contemporary space.” If you prefer more modern styles, opt for a sleeker and more minimal option, such as Floyd’s The Bed Frame. There are also platform beds on this list that are more versatile, like our top pick from Thuma. For a mid-century modern vibe, we recommend the Rove Concepts Asher Bed and the West Elm Mid-Century Canopy Bed.
Material
When shopping for platform beds, you should also consider the material. Natural wood adds a sense of warmth, but upholstery feels even softer and cozier. Metal, on the other hand, feels fresh and modern, so decide what works best for your space.
Assembly
Pay attention to the assembly instructions while looking for a platform bed—especially if you’re not particularly handy. Thuma’s platform bed doesn’t require any tools to put together, so it’s easy to build even if you’re not a DIY person. You can always pay for assembly, too, if that’s within your budget.
Under-Bed Clearance
If you need extra storage space, take note of the under-bed clearance measurement before ordering a platform bed. The average shoe box is 5 inches high, so you’ll want at least 7 inches of clearance to fit regular items. Vroom says it’s important to consider the profile of the platform bed in relation to the room size, too. “There are frames that extend 5 or 6 inches beyond the mattress, which can wreak havoc on your shins in the middle of the night,” she explains. “If the clearance is tight, I’d choose a frame that aligns more closely with the mattress.”
Questions You Might Ask
Can you use a box spring with a platform bed?
Yes, you can use a box spring with a platform bed, but you don’t need to. The platform provides plenty of support for your mattress on its own. The only reason you’d need to use a box spring with a platform bed is to add height. If you want your mattress higher off the ground, you can place a box spring on top of the platform bed.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a platform bed?
From the modern design to the support, there are many advantages of a platform bed. But the best part is that platform beds don’t require a box spring, spacer, or additional foundation, so you don’t need to purchase any extra pieces. The disadvantages of a platform bed mostly come down to preference. Some people believe platform beds are too firm and prefer the bounciness of a box spring instead. Solid platform beds don’t allow for air circulation within the mattress, but that’s not an issue for models with slats.
What is the best mattress thickness and type for a platform bed?
With a platform bed, the thicker the mattress, the better—especially if the slats are situated below frame level. Ideally, you should use a mattress that is at least 14 inches thick. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses work best with platform beds because their soft, comfortable qualities counterbalance the firm platform surface.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Morgan Goldberg, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of editorial experience in the interior design, food, and travel spaces. She spent hours researching the best platform beds and compiled this list based on design, material, and assembly. She also consulted interior designer Amy Vroom of The Residency Bureau, who offered expert insight on what to look for when shopping for platform beds.
