70% of Americans report that they don’t sleep well at least once a month, while 11% say that don’t ever sleep well.
Sleep deprivation, and the negative health effects it brings, is becoming more and more common. Today, many people view the recommended 8 hours as an impossible dream.
The bed you sleep on can have an enormous impact on your ability to fall and stay asleep. Because of that, it’s important to choose the bed type that’s best for you.
Keep reading to learn about foundation vs platform bed types, and to find out which will work best for you.
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What Is a Foundation Bed?
At first glance, foundation beds resemble box spring beds. However, they don’t have springs, and instead, have horizontal wooden slats. These are meant to provide support for the mattress.
For the most part, manufacturers construct foundation beds with wood. Yet although the wood is sturdy, it’s also flexible.
Flexibility and support are some of the top appeals to foundation beds. You’ll never have to worry about your mattress crashing to the floor.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
As mentioned, foundation beds are flexible and sturdy. This makes them reliable purchases. This also helps your mattress stay level over time.
Although other mattresses have a tendency to sag as they age, a foundation bed will prevent that from happening.
The foundation also gives the bed more height. This not only makes it more aesthetically pleasing but also makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
If you live in a humid climate, you won’t have to worry about mold or bacteria on your mattress. The slats allow air to flow through and keep things circulating.
However, all that support can seem a bit too hard for some people. If you’re someone who suffers from back pain, you may not enjoy a foundation bed as much as other bed types. Many foundation beds also lack the storage space that other beds provide.
What Are the Different Types?
If you’re looking at buying a foundation bed, you’ll have several different types to choose from. Choose the type that’ll best fit you and the space you live in.
If you have neck or back pain, you can look into getting an adjustable foundation. This bed type allows you to raise certain parts of it, elevating your torso and head as you sleep.
This type of bed can provide joint and pain relief, while also promoting proper blood circulation.
If you can afford it, consider going with a solid platform. This bed gives you the highest durability, the most support, and an excellent looking piece of furniture.
However, it’s also the most expensive option. If you live in a warm climate, understand that a solid platform bed may restrict airflow.
What Is a Platform Bed?
A platform bed is, as it sounds, a bed that keeps your mattress on top of a platform.
Most manufacturers make platform beds out of wood, although you can find some made of metal. These solid materials mean that they are durable and sturdy.
Many people like platform beds because they can work with any type of mattress. The base looks sleek and stylish and can work well with different aesthetics and interiors.
Platform beds can also come with slats, helping airflow flow and preventing the risk of bacteria or mold growth.
Platform beds can come in different heights. Check out this guide to learn more about the best bed height.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Given their solid construction, you’ll be able to enjoy a platform bed for years, if not generations. They’re sturdy, durable, and provide excellent support.
Platform beds can be a good choice for people with aches and pains. The durability also means that they can support a variety of different mattress types.
The addition of slats helps provide support, but they can also crack if the wood is low-quality.
Other parts of a platform bed can also suffer damage if someone puts it together with cheap or poor quality materials.
Platform beds also don’t often have room for storage underneath them. If you live in a small space and need to put things under your bed, you might need to find a different bed type.
What Are Different Platform Bed Bases?
If you do opt with getting a platform bed, you can decide between different base types.
Some platform beds come with a base that includes both a headboard and a footboard. These beds can work in both modern and traditional environments.
However, be aware that they do require more space than other bases.
If you live in a modern house, consider getting a floating bed base. These bases have legs hidden from view, giving them the illusion that they are hovering in mid-air. Although trendy, you won’t be able to store anything underneath.
You can also choose a traditional, solid platform bed base. These bases also don’t allow you to store things beneath them but come with guaranteed sturdiness and style.
Foundation vs Platform Bed: Choose What Works Best for You
Of all the pieces of furniture you use throughout the day, your bed is the most important. Because of that, it’s important you choose the bed type that works best for you.
If you’re trying to decide between a foundation vs platform bed, this guide should help you make an informed decision.
Do you have any other input on the platform bed vs foundation bed debate? Let us know in a comment below!
If you found this article to be useful, don’t forget to check out some of our other blog posts.
