While there are many choices for the beds on the market, there are two major categories to consider, a box spring vs platform bed. Box spring beds employ the use of two mattresses, one being a support one, and a platform bed instead uses slats to support the mattress.
The two are usually not interchangeable so you will need to decide what your preference is before purchasing a specific type of bed as your current mattress may not work with either model. We’ll go through what to expect between a platform bed vs a box spring and why you might choose either. At the end of the day, we want you to drift off to dreamland and be as comfortable as possible in the process.
A box spring bed means you need two extra parts to it, the mattress and the box spring. While the box spring is made to look like a mattress, it is quite different. A box spring is essentially a box made for support. Inside will be wood slats, and sometimes metal ones. There may be springs and a thin material on the top to support the actual mattress.
When you have a bed that needs a box spring, you usually have just a frame. The box spring sits on top of the frame and then the actual mattress sits atop it. The result is a higher mattress that has enough support for your body.
Box spring beds are traditional-looking. Those that are wary of newer platform beds like to stick to what they know, so there are plenty of options still available.
Furthermore, box spring beds give you added height. If you have mobility issues, it is much easier to get yourself onto a box spring bed than to have to lower yourself onto a platform bed.
One downfall to box spring beds is that they usually don’t work with memory foam mattresses. There are now plenty of
memory foam mattress brands
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The U.S. memory foam mattress market is projected to reach values more than USD 17.69 billion by 2026
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and those with back or sleeping issues are turning to them in droves. Usually, memory foam mattresses don’t need the support of a box spring and so only work with platform beds.
Box spring beds are fairly simple and therefore can be found at very reasonable prices. If you are looking for a simple frame, you can expect to pay around $100. The most expensive part of a box spring bed will be the headboard but as you can mix and match, you can set your budget and find something that will fit inside it.
While you will have to purchase both a mattress and a box spring, these won’t be overly expensive items. Box springs are the cheaper part and you can find simple innerspring mattresses that don’t cost a lot. Although you can also go in the other direction and spend a lot on a mattress.
Lower to the ground, platform beds offer a sleeker, more modern look than box spring beds. The base of the bed has wooden slats that take the place of a box spring. Therefore, you can simply use one mattress. If you have or want a memory foam mattress, they are best paired with platform beds.
While platform beds are newer than box spring beds, they have quickly risen in popularity and therefore there is an abundance of choice on the market. You can find modern designs to fit any bedroom décor.
Platform beds provide more air circulation as there is more space for air to move through the single mattress.
One issue with platform beds is that they are rather heavy, as they need to be sturdy enough to support the mattress. They are also low to the ground, so not good for those with mobility issues.
Unlike box spring beds, which you can dismantle for easy moving, it can be hard to take apart a platform bed once assembled. If you are someone who moves around a lot, you might want to consider this obstacle.
You can certainly find simple platform beds for affordable prices. However, you can also find very expensive platform beds. Prices range between $100 and $3,000.
Essentially, how modern the design, if there is any storage space, and the materials used in construction will determine the actual price.
Also, if you plan on pairing your platform bed with a memory foam mattress or any modern, supportive mattress, expect an extra cost as newer mattresses cost a lot.
Let’s look into the specifics that differentiate a platform bed and a box spring bed.
| Box spring | Platform bed | |
| Mattress compatibility | Innerspring | Latex, memory foam, innerspring, hybrid |
| Responsiveness | High | Low |
| Average height | 25 in | 18 in |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Storage space | None | Many |
While there are certainly different types of box spring beds, the more traditional ones are constructed out of a metal frame. This is light to move around and can be easily disassembled if you move. The headboard is usually unattached, giving you more flexibility.
In contrast, a platform bed is much heavier. They are usually made from wood, fabric, metal, or a combination of both. The headboard may be removable but often isn’t. Also, the slats may come apart but also may be constructed together with the actual bed.
Both box spring beds and platform beds are durable. They are built to last and you can expect good things from them. While platform beds made be more durable, due to their solid construction, box spring beds have existed for a long time and their simplicity shouldn’t be discounted.
While the weight support of you both a platform bed and a box spring bed should be the same, you might notice a difference. Platform beds use slats to support a mattress and these won’t give the same type of support of a box spring.
Inside a box spring are extra springs which help cushion movement. They are sometimes better if there is extra weight on a bed.
However, modern mattresses designed for platform beds do a good job of cushioning weight distribution. Really, it might come down to the mattress and/or box spring when it comes to weight support.
The simple rail box spring bed is perhaps the most common. This type includes four pieces of metal and four wheels which you then assemble together yourself.
A platform bed is more about aesthetics, so you can find more types. If you are looking for storage, platform beds will give you a better option. While you may be able to store objects under a box spring bed, platform beds may have actual drawers built into them.
Those that want a simple but effective platform bed still have plenty of options. For example, the Awara The Platform Bed For Better Sleep is affordable, sleek-looking, and available in different sizes. With all the choices for platform beds, you will be able to find something that fits your budget and your décor.
We usually see platform beds in larger sizes, Queen and up, simply because they are more expensive and therefore only adults really use them. However, they are available in all sizes.
Box spring beds can be found in all sizes, making them more versatile.
When you purchase a box spring bed, you’re committing yourself to also purchase a box spring and mattress. The box spring bed simply doesn’t have any bottom support so you need to supply this.
With a platform bed, you have more options. Usually, platform beds are paired with memory foam mattresses as the support is already there. Many platform brands are available through online retailers, such as the WinkBeds The EcoCloud. You can actually try the mattress out for three months and return it for free if it doesn’t work for you.
However, you can also opt to go with a traditional innerspring mattress and instead don’t need to purchase a separate box spring.
Those that sleep hot will probably prefer a platform bed. There is more air circulation as one mattress sits on slats. In contrast, with a box spring bed, the mattress must sit on a box spring, so this further restricts airflow.
With a box spring, you need to either purchase extra-deep pocketed fitted sheets to hide the bottom layer or purchase a second fitted sheet. A platform bed only uses one mattress, so this isn’t an issue.
Sleep is incredibly important Trusted Source 10 Reasons Why Good Sleep Is Important Getting quality sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health. Here are 10 evidence-based reasons why good sleep is important. www.healthline.com . We should be spending a third of our day in bed but this is sadly not happening. Help give yourself a good night’s rest with the type of bed that will work for you. Box spring beds have been the staple for many years and there are plenty of effective and affordable options. While you will need to purchase both a mattress and a box spring for this type of bed, they are easy to find. Platform beds have risen in popularity as they offer more choices for design. However, they are low to the ground so not good for those that find it hard to get in and out of bed. Most people pair platform beds with newer memory foam mattresses, but you can also use classic innerspring models. We hope you now have a better understanding of the difference between a box spring vs platform bed and you can get that much-needed rest!
