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The 12 Best Platform Beds, Tested and Reviewed

No matter what your decor style and design needs are, there’s a platform bed for you.

top view of the Tuft & Needle Wood Frame assembled over rug in bedroom

Real Simple / Dera Burreson

Platform beds are a favorite among interior designers and decor enthusiasts for a reason. They have a sleek, low profile that brings a modern touch to any space, and they often sneak in some additional storage to help manage clutter. Plus, they come in a variety of styles and finishes to complement your existing decor scheme. 

To help you find the perfect platform bed for your home, we spent hours researching and testing the best options for every style and space, analyzing material, under-bed storage capacity, aesthetic, and assembly process. We also tapped interior designer Shaina Morse for expert insight on what to look for when shopping for a platform bed.

Best Overall

Nest Bedding HomeBase Foundation

Nest Bedding HomeBase Foundation

Nest Bedding

What Stands Out
  • It has a very straightforward assembly process that doesn’t require any extra tools, and it looks better in person than it does online.

What Could Be Improved
  • Upholstery options are limited.

It’s hard to imagine someone who wouldn’t like this fuss-free bed frame. With clean lines and neutral upholstery, it complements all kinds of decor styles, and it has one of the easiest assembly processes that we tested. It took us just over half an hour to put it together by ourselves, and we didn’t need any additional help or tools to complete it. Once assembled, we thought it looked even more stylish in our space than it does online.

This bed frame is made from sturdy pine wood and upholstered with a polyester blend, which comes in two neutral shades. We opted for the Sand color option, which looked a little darker than we expected, but we don’t mind because it disguises stains well. The headboard is also filled with a soft foam batting which makes lounging in bed extra comfortable.

While this bed doesn’t have any storage, you may be able to slide smaller belongings underneath—the clearance space is about 4.5 inches with carpet. It also comes with USB ports so your devices can always be charged and ready to go. It’s a nice feature to have now, but we worry that it may become outdated down the road, especially with how durable and lasting this bed frame is. 

Material: Pinewood, polyester blend | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Under-Bed Clearance: 5 inches

Best Budget

Andover Mills Black Albritton Platform Bed

Black Albritton Platform Bed

Wayfair

What Stands Out
  • This budget-friendly bed frame has held up to multiple moves and offers a great amount of under-bed storage.

What Could Be Improved
  • The metal is thin and hollow, and it wobbles on uneven surfaces.

This is a great platform bed to consider if you’re a small apartment dweller. It has a clearance of 11 inches, which is higher than most platform beds, allowing you to keep essentials under your bed to save crucial square feet and make your space more relaxing. We like that it has a sleek, minimal design that won’t bulk up a room, and it’s lightweight, so it’s easy to move in your space as needed.

However, it’s not the sturdiest bed frame we’ve tested. The metal is pretty thin and feels hollow, and the construction is a little flimsy. We placed it in a room with uneven floors, and we could feel it move whenever we shifted in bed. But even though it’s wobbly, the frame doesn't have any bends in it, nor has it collapsed, even after multiple moves, which shows it’s more durable than it looks. 

We hired someone through Taskrabbit to put this bed together, and it took them a total of an hour and a half to disassemble our old bed and assemble this one. While the process was a little long, the instructions were clear and we didn’t run into any major hurdles. When it came time to move, it was easy to disassemble this frame without any help and put it back together again, which is crucial for renter-friendly furniture.   

Material: Metal | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king | Under-Bed Clearance: 11 inches

Best Metal

AllModern Ashton Open-Frame Bed

Wayfair AllModern Ashton Open-Frame Bed

Wayfair

What Stands Out
  • This bed is made from durable stainless steel and comes with a hammer for easier assembly.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not offered as a twin bed.

It's hard to imagine a sleeker platform bed than the Ashton Open-Frame Bed from AllModern. It features a minimalist silhouette that brings a modern touch to your decor, and it's made from stainless steel, which ensures your bed frame is as strong as it is stylish. Combined with its 9 inches of under-bed clearance that allows for extra storage, this bed is a great choice for those living in cramped quarters.

Like most platform bed frames, this one includes a wooden mattress platform, so you don't need to use a box spring with it. Its sturdy build eliminates creaks and groans, and the built-in headboard gives you more placement options, so you don't need to keep it pushed back against a wall. It also comes in two colors, black and gold, to best match your decor. However, we feel that the size range is limited as it's not carried in sizes smaller than a full bed. 

The assembly process for this bed couldn't be easier, and your bed arrives with a complimentary hammer so you don't need to supply any of your own tools. But, if you're unsure of your DIY skills, AllModern does offer a professional assembly service for an extra fee. 

Material: Stainless steel | Size Range: Full, queen, king | Under-Bed Clearance: 9.25 inches

Best Upholstered

Casper Upholstered Bed Frame

Casper Upholstered Bed Frame

Casper 

What Stands Out
  • This bed has a sturdy frame, and the headboard is comfy enough to relax on.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t have any under-bed storage.

Everything about this bed frame feels high-quality and stable, from the frame itself to the wool upholstery on the headboard. The frame is made from strong hardwood and has yet to break or show signs of damage—kids can jump on it without it breaking. the wool upholstery is noticeably soft and buttery, and we find ourselves leaning against the cushy headboard while relaxing. We also liked that the upholstery covers the entire back piece of the bed, meaning that there’s no room for pet fur or debris to get behind it, though it doesn't allow any under-bed storage.  

Putting this bed together was a breeze. We used Casper’s white glove delivery service, and it took them less than 30 minutes to carry our bed up to the second floor of our house, put it together, and clean everything up. However, it did take a few weeks for our bed to arrive, so this isn’t the best option if you need a new bed stat. 

There was a bit of an adjustment period to get used to sleeping on this bed, but that’s because we’re used to our box spring mattress, which isn’t the fault of this bed. Truthfully, the only downside we could think of is the price, but that is more than justified by the quality and durability of this bed. 

Material: Hardwood, foam, wool blend upholstery | Size Range: Queen, king, California king | Under-Bed Clearance: None

Best Wood

Tuft & Needle Wood Frame

Tuft & Needle Wood Frame

Tuft & Needle 

What Stands Out
  • The materials and construction of this bed could not be higher in quality.

What Could Be Improved
  • The assembly process could be more efficient.

This hefty bed frame is built to last. Made from your choice of solid oak or solid walnut wood, it features a durable build and a sleek, modern look that can work in all kinds of spaces. While assembling this bed, we were especially impressed by the quality of the materials and construction. None of the pieces had that hollow particleboard feeling, and the frame didn’t bow or creak under our body weight. All parts of this bed felt supportive and long lasting.

Beyond the construction of this bed, we also love the aesthetics. Its low-profile build and simple silhouette made our space look a little more put-together without sacrificing style, and it comes in two finish options to match your decor. We were also relieved that it offers 7 inches of clearance for under-bed storage, so we didn't have to reorganize belongings that we had kept under our previous bed.

The assembly was straightforward and could be tackled by one person, but it did take an hour to put together, which may be too time-consuming for some. But, the overall quality and longevity of this bed frame is worth the extra effort and price. 

Material: Solid oak or solid walnut wood | Size Range: Full, queen, king, California king | Under-Bed Clearance: 7 inches

Best Modular

Floyd The Bed Frame

Floyd The Bed Frame

Floyd

What Stands Out
  • This sturdy bed frame has a bevy of customization options, so you can tailor it to your space.

What Could Be Improved
  • The smooth bed slats lead to mattress slippage.

A modular bed frame is a great choice for people who are looking for furniture that can adapt to whichever space it’s in, like renters or people who frequently move. This bed frame from Floyd offers lots of ways to customize it to your space: You can add extra bed panels to increase its size and attach a bedside table, under-bed storage, and an upholstered headboard to make it your own.

The construction of this bed feels high quality, and it doesn’t show any wear and tear after two years of use, even when used by rambunctious kids. The legs are made of powder-coated steel for extra durability, and the bed panels are made from birch veneer and plywood that Floyd engineered to be lightweight and durable. However, the panels are very smooth, which caused our mattress to slip around. Floyd recommends putting a rug pad between the mattress and frame to minimize movement, though that’s an extra expense to consider for an already pricey bed. Additionally, there’s a pretty large gap between the headboard and the mattress, which leads pillows to slip out of it and end up on the floor.

Despite its flaws, we still think this bed is a solid pick, especially for people looking for customizable furniture. The design is streamlined and sleek, and the assembly process is simple. Plus, it’s built to last, which makes it a worthy investment in our eyes.  

Material: Birch veneer, birch plywood, honeycomb core, powder-coated steel, nylon ratchet straps | Size Range: Twin, full/queen, king | Under-Bed Clearance: 6 inches

Best Customizable

Maiden Home The Kent Bed

Maiden Home The Kent Bed

Maiden Home

What Stands Out
  • This bed offers ample customization options and is built from high-quality materials.

What Could Be Improved
  • It takes over a month to arrive.

If you want a platform bed but just can't find the right one for your space, you may be better off customizing your own. The Kent Bed from Maiden Home lets you choose between dozens of upholstery fabrics and colors, including options like performance velvet, bouclé, and linen, multiple wood finishes for the legs, bed size, and headboard height to be sure your bed frame matches your space perfectly. 

Since each bed frame is made to order, shipping will take around four to five weeks, which isn't ideal if you need a new bed frame ASAP. But if you can wait, the quality of The Kent Bed is worth it. The frame and foundation are constructed from solid hardwood to withstand lots of tossing and turning, and the headboard contains plush fiber fill, making it just as cozy as the rest of your bed. Details like curved seams on the headboard and contrasting wooden legs add a luxe touch that makes this bed frame a cut above the rest. 

The assembly instructions for this bed are available online and clearly illustrate each step in the process to eliminate frustration, though if you prefer, you can take advantage of Maiden Home's white glove delivery service.  While this bed frame is considerably more expensive than other options on this list due to its bespoke nature, it's sure to bring elegance and comfort to your home for years to come. 

Material: Solid hardwood, upholstery fabric, fiber fill, solid ash | Size Range: Queen, king, California king | Under-Bed Clearance: 5 inches

Best With Storage

Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Platform Bed

Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Platform Bed with Metal Legs

Pottery Barn 

What Stands Out
  • This hefty bed frame has four deep drawers that offer lots of storage.

What Could Be Improved
  • Due to its weight, it’s difficult to reposition in your space.

If you’re looking to maximize storage space in your home, this platform bed is the way to go. It includes four spacious drawers that give you ample room to store bed linens, clothes, or other tchotchkes you have lying around. The drawers glide oh-so-smoothly and are made with solid pinewood that can support the weight of your belongings; plus, they’re made with finished wood, so fabric won’t catch on the surface. The only flaw is that the mattress slats leave the drawer contents slightly exposed, which can cause dust to build up over time.  

Assembling this bed took around 45 minutes using Pottery Barn’s white glove delivery service, and we didn’t run into any hiccups during the process. After it was put together, we were impressed by how strong and substantial this bed frame felt. On the one hand, it’s incredibly durable, but on the other hand, it was difficult to shift around in our space after the delivery people left. The legs are also made from meta,l which adds a sleek and sturdy touch but did result in some painful toe-stubbing. 

This bed is available in 29 different upholstery options, including performance fabrics that can be spot-cleaned, which is extra handy if you live with messy kids or pets. If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of fabric options, you can order free swatches from Pottery Barn’s website to see which one would look best in your space.

Material: Solid and engineered pinewood, metal, fabric | Size Range: Full, queen, king, California king | Under-Bed Clearance: 5 inches

Easiest to Assemble

Thuma The Bed

Thuma The Bed

Thuma

What Stands Out
  • It took us less than 20 minutes to assemble.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not budget friendly.

Putting together furniture can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience, but Thuma’s Japanese joinery-inspired construction makes the assembly process a piece of cake. All parts of the bed frame fit together like puzzle pieces, and it took us less than 20 minutes to set it up. Best of all, it uses minimal screws and doesn’t require any additional tools. 

The bed frame has held up remarkably well throughout our testing process. We purchased the twin and queen bed sizes, which can both comfortably support the weight of multiple people, as well as energetic kids who like to jump on the mattress without moving or creaking, proving that the solid rubberwood frame is built to last. It also offers 9 inches of clearance, which allows you to make use of under-bed storage. 

As far as price goes, this bed is more of a splurge, but it’s hard to beat the convenient assembly process and longevity it provides. Thuma also offers an array of customization features that let you tailor your bed: You can choose between multiple wood finishes and headboard options to suit your needs. And, if you need to move, you can disassemble this bed without much hassle and reassemble it without sacrificing quality.  

Material: Solid rubberwood, aluminum, foam, linen weave | Size Range: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Under-Bed Clearance: 9 inches

Best Low-Profile

Article Basi Platform Bed

Article Basi Platform Bed

Article

What Stands Out
  • This bed frame has an ultra-sleek silhouette, perfect for those searching for a no-frills bed frame.

What Could Be Improved
  • It doesn’t come with a headboard.

The Basi bed frame from Article has legs positioned closer to the center of the mattress, creating the illusion that it's hovering above your floor for an airy and low-profile look. Its simple lines and smooth wood finishes complement any space with understated elegance, and it's crafted from solid plywood to hold up to wear and tear. It comes in bed sizes ranging from twin to king, which means it could work in a kid's room or your primary suite.

While this bed frame is minimal in terms of style, the assembly process is more complex. Article estimates it takes about an hour to put it together, and the brand recommends at least two people for setting it up, which may be a hassle if you live alone. 

This bed frame doesn't come with a headboard which adds to its minimalist aesthetic, but if you prefer, you can purchase a matching headboard from Article separately. It also has 6 inches of under-bed clearance, which is enough to slide some storage bags under if you need extra space for your belongings. It’s fairly affordable to boot, making it a lasting investment.

Material: Rubberwood, pine, MDF, ash veneer, metal | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king | Under-Bed Clearance: 6 inches

Best Canopy

West Elm Mid-Century Canopy Bed

West Elm Mid-Century Canopy Bed

West Elm

What Stands Out
  • This mid-century-inspired bed has four vertical posts to bring modern flair to your decor.

What Could Be Improved
  • It lacks customization options.

The simple build and tall vertical posts on West Elm's Mid-Century Canopy bed frame make it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to bring a little drama to their bedroom without going overboard. The four slender posts reach about 80 inches tall to bring the eye upwards, making your room seem larger without overwhelming your decor. You can also sneak in extra storage with its 8 inches of clearance for under-bed storage

This bed is made from kiln-dried solid and engineered wood, which prevents warping for a sturdier bed frame that can hold up to years of use. The frame doesn't require any assembly either—West Elm's white glove delivery service will deliver and set it up for you so you can enjoy your new bed without any frustrations. 

While there's a lot going for this bed frame, we wish it had some more customization options to choose from. It's only available in one finish and two bed sizes: queen and king. Despite the lack of customization, we still think its design can work with lots of decor styles, and its quality construction ensures you'll snooze in comfort long term. 

Material: Kiln-dried solid and engineered wood | Size Range: Queen, king | Under-Bed Clearance: 8 inches

Best Leather

Zinus Gerard Faux Leather Platform Bed Frame

Amazon Zinus Gerard Faux Leather Platform Bed Frame

Amazon

What Stands Out
  • This platform bed is easy to take care of and doesn’t require additional tools for assembly.

What Could Be Improved
  • It’s not made from genuine leather.

The Zinus Gerard Faux Leather Platform Bed is a sophisticated addition to any space. It has a tall headboard that makes a statement and is constructed from sturdy steel for extra longevity. No box spring is required for this one either—just place your mattress on top of the wooden slats. While it only comes in one color option, the espresso black shade has a modern and edgy look that can work in most spaces.  

Zinus assures that this bed takes less than an hour to put together, and it comes with all the tools you need for assembly, so you don't have to scrounge around for a screw or power drill. Everything ships in one box, which makes it easier to bring into your home. 

One thing to note is that this bed is upholstered with faux leather. Faux leather doesn't offer the same longevity as the real deal, but it is stain-resistant, waterproof, and easier to keep clean.  Plus, it's more affordable, so you can spruce up your bedroom while staying within budget. 

Material: Wood, steel, faux leather | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Under-Bed Clearance: Not listed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Nest Bedding HomeBase Foundation because it has a simple assembly process and modern design that works with all kinds of home decor schemes. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Andover Mills Albritton Metal Open-Frame Bed for its durability and sleek build. 

Our Testing Process

To find the best platform beds, we evaluated their delivery and assembly process, sturdiness and support, and overall quality to determine which were the best options we tested. 

Our testing took place at home, and we started by ordering 10 different options to evaluate their delivery and assembly process. We recorded details like how easy it was to move and unbox the bed frame, how long it took to put together, how many tools were required, and if there were any hiccups with delivery.  

We then used the bed frame as normal during our months-long testing period. We took note of how much mattress support each frame offered, as well as their overall comfort while sitting and lying down. We also inspected our bed frames throughout testing to make sure they didn’t bow under our body weight.

We made careful observations on the quality of the bed frames, considering details like the hollowness and sturdiness of the frame, comfort of the headrest, if the legs had to be assembled or were built onto the bed, if it ever squeaked or creaked while moving on it, and how well it fit our mattress. We also factored in things like under-bed storage and how easily damage occurred to determine how much value each bed frame offered. We will continue to test the winners on this list to determine how well they hold up to long-term use.

How to Shop for Platform Beds Like a Pro 

Material

The best material “depends on the aesthetic one is trying to achieve,” Shaina says. Platform beds come in a range of materials like wood, leather, and upholstery, and each one will impact the look and feel of your space. For durability, materials like solid hardwood and metal will be the most durable and forgiving materials for a platform bed. Both are easy to clean and can stand up to wear and tear from pets, kids, moving, and more. If you prefer an upholstered option, Morse says that “linen or mohair are some of my favorites to work with.” You can also look for beds that use a stain-resistant performance fabric, which will be easier to clean. Leather isn’t a bad choice either, as it’s stain-resistant and durable, but it does require extra upkeep. 

Under-Bed Clearance

“Typical under-bed clearance for a platform bed ranges from 8 to 12 inches,” Morse says, which is similar to the clearance that a standard bed provides. If you live in a small space and rely on under-bed storage to stash all your belongings, look for platform beds that come with drawers or have adjustable legs to help maximize space while shopping, or purchase bed risers to give yourself extra clearance.

Style 

There isn’t one best style of platform bed—it all comes down to your tastes and furniture needs. A traditional platform bed works well in most spaces thanks to its no-fuss design and simple silhouette, but if you prefer a more modern look, opt for a floating platform bed, which has legs positioned towards the bed’s center to make it look as though it's hovering above the ground. A canopy platform bed also makes for an eye-catching addition, and its taller frame can give the illusion of a larger space.

For renters who move frequently or need extra space for their belongings, modular and storage platform beds make great choices. Our favorite modular platform bed, The Bed Frame from Floyd, lets you easily assemble and take apart your bed frame to simplify moving, and you can add under-bed storage and extra bed panels as needed. Storage platform beds like the Pottery Barn Jake Upholstered Storage Platform Bed with Metal Legs have drawers built into the sides of the bed frame so you can organize and access your belongings. 

Beyond just the type of platform bed, considering traits like headboard size and materials will have a big impact on how it feels in your space. For instance, if you want a sleek, modern bed, consider looking for beds made from metal that have a low-profile headboard and footboard for a barely there look. If you prefer a more maximalist style, try an upholstered or canopy bed to add some extra pizzazz to your room. 

Assembly

No one likes a complicated bed assembly process, even if you’re an experienced DIYer, though some beds are easier to put together than others. Picks like The Bed Frame from Floyd and The Bed by Thuma are designed to have a straight-forward assembly process and require little to no tools to put together, though they also have fairly minimal designs. If you want a bed that has more bells and whistles, know that you’ll be in for a more involved assembly process. However, some stores offer “white glove” delivery for a fee, and they’ll unbox, assemble and install the bed for you, and remove the packaging for your home, so that can be an option to consider if you don’t want to worry about assembly at all. 

More Platform Beds to Consider

Saatva Santorini Bed Frame: The assembly instructions on this bedframe were hard to follow., but the luxuriously soft upholstery and overall stability of this bed made up for it. 

Silk & Snow Bouclé Bed Frame: The headboard fabric unzips and can be machine-washed for convenient cleaning, and the bed frame has a sturdy build constructed with Japanese joinery. However, the assembly process was challenging: We had to haul all three boxes up to our room by ourselves, and the frame didn't come with assembly instructions.

Questions You Might Ask 

What is the standard height of a platform bed?

A platform bed is less than 20 inches tall—most stand at 18 inches, which is 6 inches shorter compared to a traditional bed frame. The lower height gives them a sleeker, modern appearance, though they may be more challenging to get in and out of if you’re tall or have mobility issues.

Can you use a box spring with a platform bed?

Technically you can use a box spring with a platform bed, though it doesn’t make the most sense. “The idea of a platform is that the mattress is supported by the platform which it sits on. The platform essentially replaces the box spring,” Morse says. If you like the look of a platform bed but want to add a few extra inches of height to it, keeping the box spring may be a good solution. Otherwise, you can feel free to ditch it.

What is the best mattress thickness and type for a platform bed?

“Any mattress works with a platform,” Morse says. “Depending on the mattress size, typical mattress thickness can range from 8 to 14 inches,” so really it’s up to your sleeping preferences. If you have difficulty getting in and out of bed, a taller mattress will make your platform bed more comfortable, but if that’s not an issue for you, you can opt for a traditional, latex, hybrid, or memory foam mattress. Just be sure to check the spacing of your bed slats—most manufacturers recommend a gap of 2 to 3 inches between slats for best mattress support—and make sure that the weight of your mattress and body are within the weight capacity of your bed frame.  

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, she thoroughly researched platform beds and considered factors like material, under-bed clearance, style, and assembly difficulty to make her final picks. For expert advice on how to shop for platform beds, Jen spoke to interior designer Shaina Morse.

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