Tatami Platform Bed Frame: A Comprehensive Guide

The use of platform beds has penetrated many countries, races, and ethnic communities. Part of the reason is the comfort it offers. Besides, it comes in different designs and tastes. On the same note, have you ever heard of the Tatami platform bed?

What is the Tatami Platform Bed?

These foundation beds have their roots back in the Japanese community. Traditionally, the Japanese enjoy sleeping as close to the floor as possible. And when you walk into those Asian homes, you are likely to find Tatami mats in the bedroom and even the living room. 

Most traditional Japanese find it very comfortable to sleep directly on the Tatami mat on the floor. It is this mat that gave rise to the Tatami platform bed. Characteristically, it presents a low height, close to the ground.  

The Japanese-styled bed is just like other foundation beds with the exception of a few but significant features. It has sturdy slats and often employs Tatami mats as the inserts. Ideally, you should lay the Tatami mats on the slats then finalize it with the futon. However, if you don’t wish to use the mats, then lay the mattress directly on the foundation bed. 

The tatami mat bed frame is unlike other beds in that it stands very close to the floor. All its 4 panels and slats are of solid wood material. It has no metal parts whatsoever. 

Also, it features fine woodwork skills such that it doesn’t employ any screws or bolts. Instead, each part interlocks into the other. It features thick wooden slats closely packed. 

Therefore the bed frame offers unwavering support. At a glance, the tatami room platform bed presents a simple and attractive look.

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How is the Tatami Mat Made?

The mats feature weaving technology with a mixture of grass and rice straws. First, the rice straws form the core material. Next, the rush grass is carefully woven to encase the core material. That forms the traditional mattress. Sometimes a board or polystyrene form can be integrated into the base. 

Where Are Tatami Beds Made?

Tatami beds originated from Japan. Its design heavily borrows from Japanese culture. Traditionally Japanese enjoy sleeping on or very close to the floor. 

It’s very common to find the Japanese sleeping on a tatami mat spread directly on the floor. That explains the low height of the platform tatami bed frame.

Is Sleeping On Tatami Comfortable?

The traditional tatami mats consist of two materials. That is the rush grass or rice straw and cloth cover. The straws are packed closely, and their ends are finally sealed with cover material. As such, the tatami feels firm.

So if you normally sleep on a soft mattress, it may feel somehow uncomfortable at first. The side sleepers are very much likely to feel its hardness. But the discomfort is temporal. It most likely disappears within a week or so. 

However, you can make the tatami more comfortable by carrying out the following:

Go For the High-Quality Mat

The comfort you reap from the tatami is directly proportional to its quality. So go for the tight and skillfully woven rush grass. 

Besides, the premium quality mat is foldable and employs soft straws. That way, it offers comfortable padding. Don’t forget about getting the size that matches your height. 

Transition Wisely

Direct transitioning from a soft mattress to a firm tatami produces significant discomfort. You can counter the effect by putting a mattress topper or folded blanket on the mat. 

Then as the days go by, reduce the cushioning or layers. That way, your body easily adjusts till you get used to the firm surface of the mat. 

Ensure the Mat is Always Clean

One cause of discomfort is the allergic reaction from the mat. That mainly happens when there are foreign particles on your sleeping surface. 

For example, continual moisture on the mat provides breeding grounds for molds. And molds easily ignites allergic reaction. So use a dry rag and vacuum cleaner to keep it tidy. Besides, regularly airing the mat injects fresh air into it.  

A clean and tidy tatami offers numerous benefits. That includes the following:

Good Posture

You can sleep on the tatami mat directly on the floor. Alternatively, you can spread it on the tatami room platform bed. But in all the cases, it presents a firm and even supports. Thus it gives your body an even and flat sleeping surface. 

Improves Breathing and Blood Circulation

Though compact, it allows air to pass through. Besides, it gives you a good sleeping posture. So your diaphragm can expand unhindered. And by extension, it boosts your blood circulation too.

Optimal Body Temperature

Sleeping on a tatami puts you low on the floor. That means you are close to the cool floor. And that can come in handy during hot weather. It doesn’t elevate you close to the hot roof.

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Can You Put Tatami on the Bed Frame?

Yes, a tatami can fit on the bed frame. Moreover, the mats are of different sizes. Remember, a bed frame has slats that support the mattress.

Therefore you can spread a tatami on the closely packed slats. The woven rush or rice straw on the tatami makes it firm. And when you further match it to the bed frame on the slats, it produces a good blend. 

Can I Use a Spring Mattress On a Tatami Bed?

A spring mattress has a sturdy design. Thus it can blend with a tatami bed. However, you’ll have to consider the spacing between the individual slats. 

Typically the spacing from one slat to the next should be approximately 3 inches or less. Otherwise, if the spacing is large, then you’ll have to lay a tatami mat under the spring mattress. However, ensure that the tatami platform bed can bear the weight of the spring mattress and the mat. 

Can You Use a Tatami Bed Like a Regular Bed?

A tatami room platform bed is almost like the usual platform bed. However, two things make it different from the ordinary bed. It stands extra low to the ground. 

Also, it presents a minimal design and happily blends with a tatami bed. So you can use the tatami bed like a regular bed, notwithstanding its low height. All you need is to spread your mattress on it and enjoy your sleep.

And if you choose an authentic tatami bed, you can even lay a box spring on it and thus enjoy a raised platform. However, you will enjoy little to no storage space under the bed. 

⇨ RELATED: Why Do Japanese People Enjoy Sleeping On The Floor

How to Prevent the Tatami Mat From Breaking?

After purchasing a tatami mat, your wish is that it lasts a long period. So to prevent it from breaking, carry out the following:

Use it in a Ventilated Room

Ensure that you spread your mat in a ventilated room. A poorly aerated room will see the mat absorb moisture and thus reduce its lifespan. 

At the same time, you should not lay the mat on a moist floor. Otherwise, when it absorbs moisture, it will grow fragile and thus increase its chances of breaking

Don’t Step On It with Shoes

One key area of using a tatami mat is spreading it on the floor. And when you do that, don’t step on it with your shoes. The uneven shoe sole and the various threads may cause it to break eventually. 

Besides, the shoes might have picked some soil particles. Stepping on the mat would deposit the dirt particles on the tatami. Instead, wear the socks only when walking on the mat. 

No Placing of Furniture or Heavy Objects on Top of it Directly

A tatami on itself provides a comfortable sitting surface. You don’t need to put chairs or a table on top of it. When you place the tables, chairs, and bed on it, the pointed legs exert pressure at just one point. Eventually, that weakens and breaks it. 

No Stepping On Edges

It’s also unwise to step on the edges of the tatami mat. When you do that, it’s much more likely to chip off and start to break. 

Can You Put a Mattress On a Tatami Mat?

Yes, you can spread your mattress on a tatami mat. Doing that raises you just a few inches off the ground. Besides the mat protects the mattress from picking the coldness of the floor.  However, you need to beware of the type of surface where you want to spread the mat tatami. 

Normally, the mat requires firm surfaces. For instance, hardwood or tiles. Don’t lay it on a damp floor. On the same note, natural carpets can withhold moisture. 

When you have a tatami mat, you can do without a bed. Many people find it comfortable to spread a mattress (for example, the Japanese futon) on the mat directly. Such an arrangement keeps you cool even when the room temperature is high. 

What Type of Mattress is Suitable for Placing On a Tatami Platform Bed Frame?

Several mattresses can blend with a tatami frame. For example, some people use the tatami mat on the bedframe as the traditional mattress. 

Also, others lay the mat on the tatami bed and then a Japanese futon mattress as the last layer. Remember the platform tatami bed almost resembles the standard platform bed. 

So any mattress that fits on the foundation bed will fit on it. However, sometimes you can feel the hard rails pressing on you. 

Such a feeling happens when the mattress is somehow thin and you have placed it directly on the bed frame. The solution is to spread a hardboard or tatami mat first on the bed. Then finally lay your mattress on top. 

Benefits of the Tatami Platform Bed

Portrays the Unique Taste of Japanese fashion and Culture

Owing to its low height and unique design, many people admire this Japanese bed style. Hence if you want to give your bedroom a unique makeover with a dash of Asian culture, the Tatami foundation bed fits the description. 

Its low height and minimalist look arrest attention. Your visitors will then be left in awe and amazement at the elegance of your room. If you have ever idolized Asian music and culture, then this is a crucial piece of asset. To exaggerate the Japanese culture you can include two additional mats in your bedroom.

The extra mats will not only emphasize the Asian culture but serve additional roles like the following;

• Floor decoration
• Meditation platform
• Alternative sitting surfaces

Easy to Assemble and Disassemble

As said earlier, these beds mostly do not need bolts or nails. Instead, the frame is carefully crafted and designed to present an exact fit and locking technology. And do you know what that means? It simplifies the assembly process. You don’t have to buy many assembly tools. On the other hand, such a boltless arrangement further allows for quick and easy disjointing. 

Accommodates Ordinary Mattresses as Well

Ideally, Tatami mats make the best insert for these beds. Moreover, the mats exist in standard sizes and widely available in most leading stores. However, if you wish to change to the Tatami style but maintain your current mattress, then it’s possible.

Remember, like all other foundation beds, these also feature sturdy slats as the base. Consequently, it doesn’t restrict you to the use of the mat. Moreover, that helps to cut down on the price. You only need a frame that matches your existing mattress. 

Supports the Healthy Sleeping Posture

When you ask many health professionals, you’ll realize they support the point that Japanese platform beds offer significant health benefits. For example, it provides firm support to your body. Consequently, your neck, back, and head assume the correct body posture. Thus you wake up feeling relaxed with no backaches.

Therefore, if you had previously developed complications and suffer regular backache, then you need to mind about your sleeping posture. What could be a better way other than swapping to a Tatami platform bed? 

Doubles as Bedroom Seat

When you want to have private talks, especially as adults, one of the first places you can think of, is the bedroom. Consequently, you may need a piece of furniture in your sleeping chamber. 

But, if you run short of seats, a Tatami bed frame can as well double as your seat. Moreover, it’s cozy and thus will allow you to hold a personal discussion without developing fatigue. 

Sturdy and Comfortable 

One of the top priorities you must consider before buying a bed is its level of comfort. This low-profiled Asian bed doesn’t lag when it comes to comfort. First, it features a low profile with a robust wood framework. That makes it sturdy and stable for even a sleeper who considers himself obese.

Next, the interior employs durable slats. When you match it to the firm, Tatami mats you get a comfortable bed that won’t easily bend or squeaks.

Keeps the Futon Dry and Mold Free 

The westernized Tatami platform bed has slightly raised bed edges. Consequently, you can lay the mat on the slats before finally resting your futon. Such an arrangement adds to the firmness and prolongs the lifespan of the mattress. 

Spreading the Tatami mat on the slats raises the mattress further from the ground. Moreover, it’s adequately aerated. Air passes through the slats, mat, and finally the futon. So by improving its ventilation, the mattress remains dry and keeps away mold. 

Infant Friendly

Kids have an unstoppable desire to roll over in their sleep. Some carry over the practice to their toddler and even preteen age. Falling over from a tall bed may lead to lots of fractures to the infant. 

But when you have a Tatami bed, you reduce the chances of sustaining a fatal accident significantly. Instead of falling over from a lofty height, your baby is relatively safe by staying close to the ground level as possible. 

Simple to Climb and Dismount

Several reasons may make a low-lying bed desirable. For example, if you are aged or recovering from a limb fracture, then you desire a structure that’s easy to get onto and off too. You may not always have someone to assist you. A Japanese-styled bed makes that easy by allowing you to sleep close to the ground.  

Employs Unique Craftsmanship Requiring no Bolts

The strength of a bed partly lies in how sturdy the joints are. Weak joints, often lead to unpleasant screeches. To counter such problems, Tatami beds feature solid wood. 

The one-piece planks are then designed to uniquely fit into each other and lock. Accordingly, you either need a few or no bolts at all, even at the corners. 

Produces a Soothing and Calming Scent

An authentic Tatami mat features a combination of rice straws and rush grass. Consequently, it produces a unique scent when either dry or green. According to the Asian community, it is believed that the unique smell possesses a calming and soothing effect. Thus, it eases you to sleep quickly. 

Taking Notes When Using a Tatami Bed 

Often it’s common to find people spreading a futon or western mattress on top of the tatami room platform bed. Still, others spread a hardboard on the slats before laying the mattress. 

However, your mattress or the futon requires aeration. Otherwise, mildew will begin to develop under the mattress. Also, if that happens, a strange smell may arise.

So the best advice is to air the mattress regularly. For example, folding the mat and allowing air to flow through. 

How to Buy Tatami Room Bed?

If you need a comfortable platform tatami bed, then here are the key points to consider;

Durability

The prime consideration is its durability. The sturdiness of the bed depends on two things; the choice of material and the jointing.

A long-lasting tatami room platform bed should use thick and hardwood material. Such a blend allows it to support the high weight without breaking down. 

The traditional tatami bed uses no bolts and nuts. So how the panels interlock matters. Accordingly, ensure that the interlocking joints are firm and don’t wobble. 

Bed Size

The bed size is also a crucial factor to consider. Think of the number of persons that intend to use the bed frame. And having considered that, choose the platform bed that accommodates that number happily. 

Fortunately, the tatami beds exist in various sizes. Hence you can easily find the size that fits different settings. 

At the same time, reflect on the existing tatami mat or mattress that you have. Ensure that you choose the bed frame that matches your existing Tatami mat. Otherwise, you will have to buy another tatami mat for the new bed frame. 

Slat Thickness and Spacing

Remember, the tatami mat requires a firm solid base. For that reason, when buying a tatami room bed frame, look for the closely packed slats. When the slats are far apart, the mat is likely to sag and make the straw break.  

At the same time, check on the thickness of the individual slats matter. Beware of thin planks that can break easily. Some brands incorporate bamboo material as the rail. You can count on the strength of bamboo. 

Height Above the Floor

Tatami bedframes sit low to the ground. However, still here are variations in the low height. So think of how close you want your platform bed to be and make a wise purchase. When you need a platform that makes it easy to climb up and out of bed, then being low on the ground counts. 

Addition Accessories

The minimalist look of the tatami foundation bed brings out its uniqueness. However, you can still add its charm and functionality by choosing brands that have additional features. That includes the drawers on either side of the headboard. 

Room Size

Don’t just shop for Tatami beds blindly. Instead, reflect on the size of your room. The bed frame should not congest the room. Instead, it should leave a perimeter allowance. It can even be better if you leave a space where you can spread a tatami mat for resting your feet. 

Conclusion

The Tatami platform bed boasts a unique low-profile design. Besides, it uses solid sustainable hardwood. With superior craftsmanship, it presents boltless jointing. When you add the Tatami mat and futon, it promises a firm and even sleeping surface.  

Being close to the ground, it offers unparalleled stability. Whether you are of advanced age, or invalid, this is the timeless asset you can’t afford to miss. Erect it in your bedroom, throw a few Tatami mats around, and you have a real Japanese taste in the air. 

So, now is the time to make your bedroom unique with irresistible elegance. Do it with the Titami platform bed. 

A tatami bed can add a dash of elegance to your room. Its minimalist look and sturdy design set it apart. In the hot climate, sleeping close to the floor is very much enjoyable.
Match it with a tatami mat, and you have a firm sleeping platform. Your back will forever thank you for that. Whichever way you consider it, a tatami bed has more benefits than the down points. Give it a try and taste its benefits.