Many questions are far more complicated than they seem. In fact, sometimes the simplest questions have surprisingly complex answers! Take “What is a platform bed?” or “What is a panel bed?” for example. These basic furniture terms seem simple enough, right? So why is there so much confusion among furniture shoppers when it comes to panel bed vs platform bed?
Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, we frequently have furniture shoppers come in telling us that they’re looking for a platform bed. However, when our experts ask about what features they’re looking for in their new bed, they don’t really know.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about platform beds and panel beds. Especially what they are and how they’re different. By the end of this article, you’ll hopefully have a much better idea about which one is best for you!
Panel Bed vs Platform Bed: What, Why & How
Our furniture experts frequently “hear” questions about platform beds and panel beds from furniture shoppers — even if shoppers don’t quite realize that they’re asking. It’s clear to us that although every customer may not specifically ask about the differences between platform beds and panel beds, there are many misconceptions about what they are.
How do we know this? Well, one way is through what people search online. For instance, thousands of users shopping for beds online Google search “platform bed vs box spring”. But that’s like comparing hash browns and waffle batter — both may be parts of your favorite Waffle House breakfast, but one is a food and the other is a component. That’s why we prefer to compare panel beds and platform beds, but we’ll get to that in a minute. First, let’s get some definitions squared away.
So, What Is a Platform Bed Anyway?
In short, a platform bed is a bed frame that supports the mattress with either a flat surface or densely-arranged bed slats instead of a box spring or mattress foundation. This is the core, defining characteristic. Platform beds may be made of wood, metal or composite. When made with slats, these slats must be close together in order to support the weight of the mattress without a box spring or foundation. Finally, while some platform bed frames are compatible with some adjustable bases, this depends on both the bed and the adjustable base.
Beyond that, platform beds can span a wide range of styles. Some are modern, no-frills metal platforms without a headboard or footboard. Others are more traditional and have sturdy, wood frames and slats complete with headboards and footboards. Still others may have some combination of these features, or be storage beds complete with large drawers underneath.
That being said, platform beds have a few secondary characteristics that are likely the source of some confusion. For instance, platform beds typically sit much lower, and have a lower profile due to their lack of a box spring. As a result, many shoppers wrongly assume that any low-profile bed or bed with a low mattress height is a platform bed. However, that is not necessarily true.
Okay, But What Is a Panel Bed Then?
As we said above, shoppers often compare platform beds and box springs, but a much better comparison would be between a platform bed and a panel bed. But what is a panel bed? Also known as a traditional bed or standard bed, this type of bed frame is what comes to mind when most people hear the word “bed”.
The term “panel bed” itself is kind of a furniture industry term, so it’s not something everyone is familiar with. By definition, every panel bed must have several features. First, panel beds always have a proper headboard, footboard and side panels, known as side rails. Second, the above parts (or “panels”) are designed specifically to support a mattress foundation or box spring. Generally speaking, the vast majority of panel beds are compatible with adjustable bases.
Many of the same misconceptions plague the panel bed as well. While it’s true that many panel beds are traditional-looking and have a higher bed height, this isn’t universally true. If you have a panel bed and the bed height is higher than you like, you can swap out your old box spring for a lower profile option like a bunkie board or low-profile foundation.
The Main Difference Between Panel Beds & Platform Beds
While most panel beds are more traditional in appearance and have a higher bed height and most platform beds are more contemporary and low-profile, these features aren’t universally true. Remember, many platform storage beds can be around the same height as a standard bed. Additionally, there are indeed lower profile traditional panel beds on the market. The style and bed height are sometimes irrelevant.
If you only take one thing away from this article, just remember that the key feature of both bed types is how they support the mattress itself. Whether using a flat surface or slats, platform beds are designed to support a mattress without a box spring or flat foundation. By contrast, panel beds are designed to use a foundation of some sort, whether that be a standard box spring, low-profile foundation, or bunkie board.
For more helpful info on beds, mattresses and sleep, check out the resources below from Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet:
