What’s the Difference Between a Platform Bed and a Regular Bed?

The basic function of a bed is to provide support to the mattress. Such support ensures that the weight on the bed is evenly distributed across the entire surface. Consequently, both the regular and platform bed provide this support for the mattress. The only difference is that they provide the needed support in different ways. That is so because even their construction details differ.

With that said here are the major difference between the ordinary bed and a platform bed;

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Mattress’ resting foundation

Regular bed

A standard bed has few slats built across the side rails. Usually, the slats are a few about 3 to 5. Although the slats are few they provide optimum support to a box spring on the bed. Thus it is important to stress that the slats in an ordinary bed hold the box spring. It is this box spring that in turn provides the resting place of the mattress. So the mattress doesn’t rest directly on the few slats. 

Are you wondering what a box spring is? A box spring is a box foundation constructed out of wood then clothed. It then rests on the slats and thus supports the mattress.

Platform bed

Just like the ordinary bed, a platform bed also has slats. However, the slats featured in platform beds are many compared to that of the standard bed. The slats in a platform bed are usually many and compactly placed. Usually, it contains about 10 or 12 slats closely spaced. The spacing of the slats is usually about 2.5 inches to 3 inches. Unlike the standard bed that has to use a box spring, platform beds require no box spring. Instead, owing to the closeness of the slats, the mattress rests directly on them.

Height above the ground

Regular bed

In terms of height, the traditional bed rests high above the ground. That is so because it combines the height of the real bed frame with the height of the box spring. As a result, it fits individuals who find it comfortable to sleep on a raised platform above from the ground. 

For example, assume your box spring’s height is 10 inches. When you combine it to 12 inches raised mattress, you get a height of 22 inches beside the under-bed clearance.

Platform bed

Platform beds don’t require a box spring. Consequently, they rest close to the ground. The mattress simply sinks into the bed frame on the slats directly. That makes it easy to climb in and out of the bed. However, few platform beds have been designed such that they can be used with or without a box spring. So if you want a slightly raised bed that still leaves you to be close to the ground, then a platform bed should be your choice.

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Built-in storage

Regular bed

Usually, ordinary beds do not feature built-in storage facilities. The only storage space features by the ordinary bed are the under-bed clearance.

Platform beds

These beds feature many storage options. First, it has a clearance between the ground and bed frame. Secondly, these beds mostly have built-in drawers and bookshelves. Such extra storage options help in organizing a room to create more space.

Price

Regular bed

As pointed out earlier, an ordinary bed requires a box spring. So even after buying the bed frame, you will still have to buy other bed accessories before it becomes ready for use. For example in addition to the box springs, at times you might find it necessary to add more slats in case the spacing is extremely wide. 

Platform bed

A platform bed, on the other hand, comes complete and ready to use. All you have to do is toss your mattress on the bed frame and enjoy your sleep. 

However, both types of beds have varying prices range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. 

Here is a quick summary of the two types of beds

  Regular beds

• Has few slats, therefore requires a box spring to support the mattress
• Stands high above the ground, owing to the inclusion of a box spring
• Has no built-in storage facilities
• Has added costs

  Platform beds

• Has many closely packed slats, thus doesn’t require a box spring
• Mostly stands close to the ground
• Have multiples built-in storage facilities
• Requires no added costs

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Conclusion

So that makes the major difference between an ordinary bed and a platform bed. As you can see the sturdiness of the slats and the ready-to-use nature of platform beds make them adorable. Besides, they are made in a variety of styles. If you need the bed that houses your kid’s clothes and also doubles a bookshelf, then platform beds take the crown.