Bedtime Stories: The Versatile Platform Bed
Whether you want to preserve a view or save on space, here are 10 ways platform beds can deliver
Jess McBride
3 February 2017
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home design industry with a lifelong passion for color, pattern, and texture of every "stripe"
Houzz Contributor. Custom decorating professional and content creator for the home... More
If you think the only advantage of a platform bed is that it doesn’t require a box spring, get ready to have your eyes opened. When it comes to providing storage, preserving views and creating streamlined looks, there may not be a better option for a bedroom than a platform bed. Discover 10 ways these streamlined superstars can lift your spirits and style.
1. A room with a view
Because platform beds require no box springs, often have no legs and look complete without bedheads, they are an ideal option for preserving a view. This bedroom is a great example: a higher bed and bedhead would have cut off the lower part of the window and the tree-studded view.
Because platform beds require no box springs, often have no legs and look complete without bedheads, they are an ideal option for preserving a view. This bedroom is a great example: a higher bed and bedhead would have cut off the lower part of the window and the tree-studded view.
2. Storage superstar
While one always has the option to store items underneath a standard bed frame, a platform bed with built-in storage provides easier access to your items. Platform beds with built-in storage can be especially useful in small bedrooms where storage space is limited.
Platforms beds with built-in storage underneath are sometimes called captain’s beds, named for the practice of designing built-in bed units on ships to add storage space to tight quarters.
19 super-cool storage beds
While one always has the option to store items underneath a standard bed frame, a platform bed with built-in storage provides easier access to your items. Platform beds with built-in storage can be especially useful in small bedrooms where storage space is limited.
Platforms beds with built-in storage underneath are sometimes called captain’s beds, named for the practice of designing built-in bed units on ships to add storage space to tight quarters.
19 super-cool storage beds
3. Integrated nightstands
Another great feature of platform beds is that they provide the ideal frame for integrated bedside tables. This custom bed is made out of recycled bridge timbers accented with steel straps. The platform, bedhead and bedside tables all seamlessly connect to make a powerful statement.
Another great feature of platform beds is that they provide the ideal frame for integrated bedside tables. This custom bed is made out of recycled bridge timbers accented with steel straps. The platform, bedhead and bedside tables all seamlessly connect to make a powerful statement.
4. Fireplace favourite
A platform bed is a major asset in bedrooms with a fireplace. The lower position allows you to better absorb the heat and view the fire right at eye level.
A platform bed is a major asset in bedrooms with a fireplace. The lower position allows you to better absorb the heat and view the fire right at eye level.
5. Space saver
You’d never guess that this bed is part of a 39-square-metre apartment. The designer, Specht Architects, actually cantilevered the bed over the living space below so that none of the usual compromises in bed size had to be made to fit one into a tight space.
You’d never guess that this bed is part of a 39-square-metre apartment. The designer, Specht Architects, actually cantilevered the bed over the living space below so that none of the usual compromises in bed size had to be made to fit one into a tight space.
6. A bed for book lovers
This platform bed takes advantage of an open frame to store books. Most people classify books as attractive decor rather than ‘clutter’, and the low profile of this platform bed makes the space between the top of the frame and the floor ideal for storing books. If you finish one book and want another, you don’t have to get out of bed, you just have to lower your arm and grab a new one.
See more spaces designed for book lovers
This platform bed takes advantage of an open frame to store books. Most people classify books as attractive decor rather than ‘clutter’, and the low profile of this platform bed makes the space between the top of the frame and the floor ideal for storing books. If you finish one book and want another, you don’t have to get out of bed, you just have to lower your arm and grab a new one.
See more spaces designed for book lovers
7. Dress it up
A platform bed can accommodate a luxurious canopy just as well as a standard box-spring bed. In fact, a canopied platform can feel downright exotic, like an outdoor pool cabana at a swanky Mediterranean hotel or a steamy Moroccan lounge.
A platform bed can accommodate a luxurious canopy just as well as a standard box-spring bed. In fact, a canopied platform can feel downright exotic, like an outdoor pool cabana at a swanky Mediterranean hotel or a steamy Moroccan lounge.
8. Step right up
Who says platform beds need to lie flat on the ground? This bed actually sits atop Ikea cabinetry that’s received a custom fascia of Douglas fir and leather drawer pulls. Lofting the bed in this manner brings the bed closer to the window and the fresh breeze it provides, but flailing sleepers beware: you’ll want to think twice or add a railing if you tend to toss and turn.
Who says platform beds need to lie flat on the ground? This bed actually sits atop Ikea cabinetry that’s received a custom fascia of Douglas fir and leather drawer pulls. Lofting the bed in this manner brings the bed closer to the window and the fresh breeze it provides, but flailing sleepers beware: you’ll want to think twice or add a railing if you tend to toss and turn.
9. Modern bunk beds
A lot of kids love bunk beds, and while they’re a practical way to add another bed to a room, they can often look bulky. In a modern home like this, a bulky bunk bed would have felt out of place. Therefore, the team at Bates Masi Architects floated two cantilevered platforms to create a streamlined bunk bed ideal for the space. What’s especially clever here is how the built-in nooks in the wall double as a ladder.
9 inventive ideas for bunk beds
A lot of kids love bunk beds, and while they’re a practical way to add another bed to a room, they can often look bulky. In a modern home like this, a bulky bunk bed would have felt out of place. Therefore, the team at Bates Masi Architects floated two cantilevered platforms to create a streamlined bunk bed ideal for the space. What’s especially clever here is how the built-in nooks in the wall double as a ladder.
9 inventive ideas for bunk beds
10. Pet pleaser
If you have a little dog or one that is starting to get up there in years, getting onto a bed can be a struggle for your furry friend. While you can always add pet stairs for a taller bed, they’re usually not very attractive. Instead, consider a low-profile platform bed, which is much easier for your pet to get onto. They’re sure to give you plenty of snuggles and kisses if you do.
TELL US
What kind of bed works best for you? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more bedroom stories
If you have a little dog or one that is starting to get up there in years, getting onto a bed can be a struggle for your furry friend. While you can always add pet stairs for a taller bed, they’re usually not very attractive. Instead, consider a low-profile platform bed, which is much easier for your pet to get onto. They’re sure to give you plenty of snuggles and kisses if you do.
TELL US
What kind of bed works best for you? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more bedroom stories
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knees and toes and shins bad ideas though they look so elegant
My shins hurt just looking at these beds. How long does it take owners of these beds to remember a hard timber shelf when they get up in the night to take a pee?
I've always liked the look but built on a carpeted base.
I prefer beds that appear to be floating above the floor ie the supports are not visible and not hazardous for bare feet.