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How to Choose Between a Platform Bed and a Traditional Bed Frame: A Guide to Wooden Bed Frames

By Kara-May 11 May 2025

Platform Bed

When it comes to selecting the perfect bed for your bedroom, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to go with a platform bed or a traditional bed frame. Both styles have their own unique features, advantages, and design benefits. At Get Laid Beds, we specialize in high-quality, handmade wooden bed frames, offering a range of both platform and traditional styles to suit different preferences and needs.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between platform beds and traditional bed frames, helping you decide which option is right for you and your space.

What is a Platform Bed?

A platform bed is a type of bed frame that consists of a flat, raised surface, typically with slats or a solid base, that provides support for your mattress. Platform beds don’t require a box spring, making them a more minimalistic, streamlined choice.

At Get Laid Beds, our platform beds are designed with clean lines and modern appeal, and we offer a variety of sizes and finishes to match your room’s style. Whether you’re going for a contemporary look or a more rustic vibe, a platform bed can be a great choice to achieve a sleek, modern aesthetic.

What is a Traditional Bed Frame?

A traditional bed frame, on the other hand, features a more classic design, often including a headboard, footboard, and side rails. Traditional bed frames typically require a box spring to support the mattress, though the box spring is often hidden by the bed’s structure. This style of bed frame offers a more ornate, detailed look and tends to have a more elevated, luxurious feel.

At Get Laid Beds, our traditional wooden bed frames are handcrafted to perfection, offering timeless designs that add sophistication and elegance to any bedroom. Our traditional frames include features such as intricate headboards or footboards, and we offer various customization options to make the design your own.

Key Differences Between Platform and Traditional Bed Frames

Understanding the differences between platform and traditional bed frames can help you make the best choice for your bedroom. Let’s take a look at the primary distinctions:

1. Support System: Box Spring vs. Slats

  • Platform Bed: Platform beds are designed to support your mattress directly with either a solid surface or wooden slats. Since there’s no need for a box spring, platform beds provide a lower-profile look while offering ample support for your mattress.

  • Traditional Bed Frame: Traditional bed frames often require a box spring as an additional layer of support. The box spring provides a springboard-like surface that works in tandem with the mattress, offering added support and height. This style is ideal for those who prefer the more classic, elevated look and feel. However, all our "traditional" style beds frame have ample support built into them with extra wide slats to support your mattress.

2. Design Aesthetic: Modern vs. Classic

  • Platform Bed: If you’re going for a more modern, minimalist aesthetic, a platform bed might be the perfect choice. These beds typically feature sleek, clean lines and a lower profile, making them a great option for contemporary and smaller spaces. The streamlined design allows your bedding, room décor, and other furniture to take centre stage.

  • Traditional Bed Frame: If you prefer a more traditional, elegant style, a classic bed frame with a headboard and footboard might suit your tastes. Traditional wooden bed frames exude a sense of luxury and timeless charm, and they work well in rooms with more ornate décor. If you like the idea of a statement piece in your bedroom, a traditional bed frame could be just what you need.

3. Mattress Compatibility

  • Platform Bed: A platform bed works perfectly with almost any type of mattress, whether it’s an innerspring mattress, memory foam, or hybrid mattress. Since platform beds provide a solid or slatted surface, your mattress will rest securely without the need for a box spring.

  • Traditional Bed Frame: Traditional bed frames are typically paired with a box spring to provide additional support. This means that if you choose a traditional bed frame, you'll need to buy a separate box spring, which can increase the overall cost and height of your bed. However, box springs can be beneficial for certain types of mattresses, such as innerspring models, which require more bounce and support.

4. Height and Space Considerations

  • Platform Bed: If you prefer a low-profile design, a platform bed is ideal. The mattress sits closer to the ground, giving the room a more open and spacious feel. Platform beds can be particularly great for modern or minimalist interiors where space is at a premium.

  • Traditional Bed Frame: Traditional bed frames tend to be taller and more elevated, often requiring a box spring. This higher profile can create a more grand and luxurious look, but it can also make the bed feel more imposing in smaller rooms. If you have a larger space, a traditional bed frame might fit better as a focal point.

5. Storage Options

  • Platform Bed: Some platform beds come with built-in storage, such as drawers or storage compartments beneath the frame. This feature is especially useful in smaller rooms where maximizing space is important.

  • Traditional Bed Frame: Traditional bed frames generally don’t offer built-in storage, though the elevated design of some frames may provide room for under-bed storage. However, if you need more storage space, platform beds tend to be the better option.

Which Bed is Right for You?

Choosing between a platform bed and a traditional bed frame comes down to your style preferences, functional needs, and the overall vibe you want to create in your bedroom. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Choose a Platform Bed if:

    • You prefer a modern, minimalist look.

    • You want a low-profile, sleek design that makes your room feel more open.

    • You don’t want to deal with a box spring.

    • You need extra storage space under the bed.

  • Choose a Traditional Bed Frame if:

    • You love classic, timeless designs.

    • You want an elevated, luxurious look with a headboard and footboard.

    • You have a larger room and want a statement piece.

At Get Laid Beds, we’re proud to offer a range of handmade wooden bed frames in both platform and traditional styles. Whether you’re drawn to the modern elegance of a platform bed or the classic charm of a traditional bed frame, we have something to suit your needs. Our wooden bed frames are customizable, eco-friendly, and built to last, ensuring that you get the perfect bed for your unique bedroom style.

Explore our collection today, and let us help you create the bedroom of your dreams!

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