Have you been tossing and turning in bed every night, unable to get that all-important shut eye? Do you wake up tired and irritable, with no energy to get through the day? 8 hours of sleep is far more important than you think, and if you aren’t getting that, you could be putting your mental and physical wellness at risk!
There are many reasons for poor sleep, but one of the most important ones could be the lack of proper bed support. When it comes to a good night’s sleep, it’s as important to choose the right bed as it is to invest in a good mattress. And that’s something that’s easily remedied!
Here, we bring you the lowdown on spring beds vs platform beds. Which should you choose, and why? Read on to find out!
What Is a Platform Bed?
A platform bed is a bed frame with a base that is either a solid sheet of plywood, or has slats made of wood, metal, composite, or plastic. These slats can be rigid or flexible, with some ‘give’ that accommodates your weight. They are usually spaced 2 to 3 inches apart, allowing for good air circulation. The mattress is placed directly on top of the platform. The platform supports you as you sleep, and ensures that the mattress is firmly in place.
What Is a Box Spring?
A box spring is a bed base on top of the bed frame, that raises the height of the mattress and keeps it well supported as you sleep. It has a wood frame around a network of steel coils, the whole system of springs covered by fabric. These coils have ‘give’ and are flexible, offering the springy and bouncy support that many people enjoy.
Why Are Platform Beds Preferred over Box Springs?
While both platform beds and box springs offer a good foundation for your mattress, platform beds are the preferred option, for a variety of reasons!
Here are the differences between the two, in the form of a table:
| Platform Bed | Box Springs | |
| Storage below bed | It is possible to have deep drawers or lift-up storage below a platform bed. | There is very little space below a box spring, and additional storage below the bed is not possible. |
| Support | Platform beds offer solid support for even the heaviest mattresses, and are good for your back too. | Box springs offer less solid support, and do not offer the best support for your back as they can be very bouncy. Over the years, this support could become uneven as individual springs will wear out. |
| Air circulation | There is excellent air circulation in the case of platform beds with slats. This prevents the collection of dust and allergens. | Box springs cling to the surface of the mattress, and there is no air circulation. Moisture and heat get trapped in between, making the mattress less durable. This also causes dust and allergens to collect. |
| Durability | Platform beds are very durable. | Box springs will wear out, losing sturdiness and springiness over time. |
| Compatibility with different mattress types | The platform can hold the weight of high-density mattresses, and so you can use any kind of mattress on a platform bed. | As the springs get compressed with pressure, you cannot use high-density mattresses. Memory foam or latex mattresses are very heavy. Only mattresses of a lighter weight with inner springs can be used. |
| Cost | Platform beds are very cost-effective and offer good value for money. | The bed frame has to be purchased separately and the cost of the box spring is additional, making this an expensive option. |
| Noise potential | Platform beds are completely noiseless. | As they get older, the springs can creak when you move around in a bed with box springs. |
| Height | These beds can be customised to the height you require. | Box springs add extra height to the mattress. |
| Appearance | Modern and streamlined in appearance, platform beds are usually lower in height than a bed with box springs. | The appearance of box springs is bulky and heavy, more suited to traditional décor styles. |
Platform Bed Lookbook
Looking for inspiration? Here are some platform bed ideas out of the Homelane Lookbook!
#1. A Platform Made of Pallets
DIY enthusiasts, this one’s for you! A platform made of recycled wooden pallets supports this low bed which offers good support for the foam mattress. The space below the platform can be used to store books. Note, however, that this can only be a temporary option—the narrow gaps will attract dust and dirt, making it difficult to clean. By providing openable shutters along the sides, the storage cubby can be maintained more easily.
#2. Zen-Style Platform
Modern and minimalistic, this floating platform bed has a headboard and sides padded with foam and white leatherette. Just 4 inches off the floor, it contributes to a low, Zen-style aesthetic.
#3. Trendy Platform with Storage
Here, the platform extends out on two sides of the mattress, creating a raised multifunctional area with open storage along one side and pull-out drawers on the other. If we could choose the perfect piece of furniture for a student or teen room, this would 
We hope you’ve understood how the platform bed compares to box springs, and are now able to make an informed choice between the two! Need more support with your home décor? HomeLane has your back; all you have to do is give us a call!
