It's Time to Say Goodbye to Your Box Spring and Get a Platform Bed

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As much as we love a box spring, it can be a bit tedious to set up and, well, outdated. So we turned our attention to the best platform beds, which look and feel like their predecessor, but are much more comfortable, easier to make in the morning, and all around better in every way. You may be wondering, what exactly is a platform bed? It’s a bed that utilizes the base (often called the foundation) to support the mattress. The foundation is typically constructed of wood or metal slats. A box spring does the same thing, but it’s much heavier and breaks down faster. Plus, because they utilize less materials, platform beds are often less expensive than ones that come with box springs.

If you’re looking for a new bed and aren’t quite sure which direction to take, allow us to help. Below, we’ve rounded up what we’d consider the most stylish, durable, and best platform beds on the market right now. In fact, one of our top picks is in our shopping editor’s New York City apartment. Take your pick and sleep tight.

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Sadarius Upholstered Bed

We kind of love how this bed doesn't stand on tall legs. The cloud-like unit seemingly hovers above the ground, and what it lacks in under-bed storage space, it makes up for in style. The rounded corners and edges are nothing short of unique. You just don't see this kind of shape every day! "I'm always nervous to purchase furniture without seeing it in person, but all of the good reviews made me go for it, and I'm so glad I did. It's very well-made and looks gorgeous," one reviewer wrote. "It has great support from the slats. The delivery and white glove service was stellar." That reminds us: Did we mention that there's free in-home delivery?

Lifezone Bed Frame

Available in cream and two shades of gray (the one pictured is the darker version), this is a good bed for anyone on the hunt for something basic and cheap. It's nothing fancy, but for under $100, it will definitely get the job done. It's also easy to put together, according to some of the reviews, one of which said, "Whoever put this bundle together was very thoughtful and I really appreciate that. The package came in time and everything including the tools came in the box." A fun feature you can't see from the photo: The adjustable headboard, which allows you to use an eight- to 14-inch inch mattress.

Platform Bed Frame

This bed frame almost reminds us of a more contemporary version of what we may find in, say, an old manor in the English countryside. Is that a tad specific? Sure, but this grand bed with an enormously tall headboard, tufting, and nailhead details is really speaking to us. Imagine it with soft gray bedding and sunlight streaming against it. It also comes in a creamy color and a soft gray. We're partial to this dark charcoal, which feels dramatic and cool. One reviewer even said, "Overall, I am very happy with my purchase! If I could give it 10 stars I would."

Andes Side Storage Bed

"I inherited this bed when my boyfriend and I moved in together and I love it," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "It has four deep drawers on the bottom that you can't even see when they're closed. The upholstered headboard is also really comfortable to lean against (with one or two pillows for some extra padding)." There are also quite a few places to personalize: Choose your headboard style and height, upholstery color and fabric, and leg style. "The hidden storage is a game-changer. We use it for extra blankets we don't use in warmer months."

Drommen Acacia Wood Platform Queen Bed

“I grew up sleeping on high platform beds, so I was intrigued when I saw this low platform option from CB2. I was looking for something with more of a midcentury vibe; I loved the acacia wood and ivory upholstered headboard on this piece,” Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao says. “After sleeping on this bed frame for four years, I must say: I still love it just as much! The headboard color hasn’t deteriorated at all and the wood’s held up nicely, too, despite it being drenched in sunlight from 8 a.m. to 6 m. every day. (I have floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom and keep the curtains open for my plants in the room). Though I haven’t cleaned the headboard, I do wipe down the wood from time to time, which is very easy to clean. The only con about this bed is that it offers no under-the-bed storage because it’s low to the ground, and it’s hard for my Dyson to reach in the middle for cleaning. I'm moving in June, and you can bet this platform bed is coming with me to the new place!"

Dawson Bed

This is the kind of bed that steals the attention from everything else in the room. That said, as cool as it is, it isn't overpowering. There are also two identical versions of this bed: the standard (pictured) and the storage, which looks just like the standard, but can be lifted up by the slats. "I recently purchased a new home, moving from the West Coast to the East Coast, and I had no furniture. I needed a new bed and wanted to be sure I chose one that I not only loved but that I was obsessed with," one reviewer said. "That's when the Dawson bed fell into my lap. It's reasonably priced, amazing color, and a platform—everything I was looking for."

Lusimo Bed Frame

With a load-bearing capacity of 1,500 pounds, this metal bed frame is literally engineered to provide excellent support night after night for years to come. The only potential issue is the bar in the middle of the headboard, which may make leaning back uncomfortable. Consider investing in a size of Euro pillows, which are 26 by 26 inches—tall enough to totally eliminate the feel of that support bar. One happy customer said, "This bed frame is simple yet amazing. The instructions and design made for an easy build. It's very sturdy and I would definitely recommend it to friends and family."

Sven Bed

This is another simple bed that looks a little cooler than it is, courtesy of the upholstery. Complete with a textured headboard and frame, tapered legs, and subtle tufting, this is a classic shape that would pair well with any pre-existing style you may already have in your space. It also comes in a warm gold color and navy blue. One reviewer said, "I love everything about this bed. My ceilings are really low, so this is perfect! I love how luxurious the velvet feels and the color makes the space feel really moody. Love it!"

Cloud Bed

We've all heard of the cloud couch, but now there's a cloud bed? Sign us up! This one from Sundays comes in four colors, including cream bouclé (pictured), gray, putty, and charcoal, which is currently 25 percent off. Each color comes with the option to incorporate hidden storage, which is a big bonus for anyone with limited closet space. One reviewer said, "A few months in and we love our cloud bed. It's beautiful, cozy, and sturdy. The delivery and setup was also great. The only slight criticism I have is the pillows at the head of the bed are getting an indent from where our pillow sit up against it. A small detail for an overall lovely bed!"

Alti Bed Frame

This is not your typical platform bed with channel tufting; it comes with a hidden USB port so you can charge any and all gadgets without a plug nearby. It also comes in three cool-toned neutrals, so there's something for every palette. "Im in my starting over home and was so happy to find something quality in my price range. It's superseded my expectations. It's sturdy and pretty. The outlets on top are also great,"one reviewer said.

Aletta Bed

Now, this is a cool bed, which is exactly what we'd expect from Anthropologie. It features a slightly raised solid oak platform complete with a low headboard, but that's part of its charm. If you are loving this bed frame, but don't really know how to style it or make it work in your space, feel free to tap one of Anthropologie's in-house designers who can help you at no extra cost.

The Bed Frame

There are two configurations available: with and without the headboard, but personally, we'll always advocate for a headboard because it gives the bed a more finished look. Choose between three finishes: birch, walnut, and American oak (pictured) then decide whether or not you'd like the headboard as well. The best part about this bed, though, is its modular design, which means you can build upon it as you live with it. "I really like the bed frame. Its minimal design is so attractive. It is also very comfortable to sleep on. My only critique is that my mattress moves from the top of the frame to the bottom every night," one reviewer said. If that's going to bother you, you can always opt for a mattress pad (very similar to a rug pad, which keeps the rug from shifting with use).

Platform Bed

The promise is in the name: The Platform bed. It's not over or under delivering, but it does exactly what it says it will do: elevate your bed sans box springs. It's made of solid pine and natural spruce, offering serious support under quite literally any mattress. It also comes in three colors, but we're partial to the natural wood hue, which is neutral enough to pair with any other pre-existing palette. " I ordered this because of it's simple look, and because I didn't need a boxspring. I like the clean and simple look of it: no frills, but high quality. I was impressed with the quality of the wood and also the efficiency in its construction," one reviewer said.

Caleb Craft Panel Platform Bed

At first glance, this looks like pale gray upholstery, but it's actually a painted wood. Here's the thing, though: We're not going to pretend this is an eye-catching option that's never been seen before. That said, it's a classic beauty with super-subtle visual cues, including the raised panel design on the headboard and footboard. One reviewer said, "This bed is made with the highest quality wood and it shows! It is not only beautiful but you can also tell it will remain in perfect condition for years and years to come. It is very low to the ground, so I want to note that, but if that is what you’re shopping for, this is perfect and worth every dollar."

Webster Bed

This bed is so old-school and that's why we love it. In fact, it's actually inspired (and designed to a T, might we add) by 17th-century bobbin furniture from northern Europe. Full disclosure: You'll need some bigger pillows (think Euro size) if you want to lean comfortably against the headboard because of the knobs and the windows of the frame. Get it with or without a footboard, which is basically a shorter version of the head board. Be sure to use code SALE at checkout to score 10 percent off.

How Selected the Best Platform Beds

For this story, I started the product research with my own bed. I have been sleeping on it for about a year and a half, so I know what's good and what could use some work. I also asked our editors for their favorites, with Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao raving about her platform bed from CB2. Afterwards, I started the search to fill out the rest of the list with similar-looking options (think storage), before branching out in terms of price and style. After all, the best platform beds don't all conform to the same formula: some are a bit more grandiose in their aesthetics while others take a quieter approach, some are under $200 and others are a bit more luxurious. I wanted to make sure there was something for everyone on this list because I firmly believe that platform beds are the future, and everyone who wants a new bed should at least try this type. To make sure I was including the best options on offer, I read through thousands of reviews, including only the ones with tons of five-star ratings.

Are Platform Beds Good for Sleeping?

Yes, platform beds are good for sleeping because the slat system ensures the mattress won't sag. So if you have a bad back or prefer something on the firmer side, a platform bed frame will do the trick. To be clear though, a platform bed won't make your soft mattress feel firmer than it is; it will just help it maintain its shape throughout the duration of its lifetime. Box springs, on the other hand, sag in a similar way your mattress would, so after a few years of use, you'll notice big indents in both the mattress and the box spring where you typically sleep. Another benefit of platform beds is their slatted design, which naturally allows for more airflow, keeping you cool if you're a warm sleeper.

What Are the Disadvantages of Platform Beds?

Honestly, there aren't a lot of cons when it comes to platform beds. The only potential issue is that, unlike a traditional bed frame, platform beds don't really let you adjust the height of your mattress. Plus, while the frame itself will vary in height from one style to another, all platform beds are generally a bit lower profile than box springs, so if you like the feeling of sleeping a few feet above the floor, a platform bed may not be for you. Lastly, because platform beds come with more parts than box springs, which are just one unit, putting a platform bed together can take a while. And if one of the slats breaks or cracks, finding a replacement could be difficult.

Why Trust House Beautiful?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and tapped her fellow editors to find the best platform beds on the market right now for House Beautiful readers. She even used her own bed in the roundup because it's just that good.

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