Read the words “panel bed” and the first thing that comes to mind is a 1960s cabin in the woods, but panel beds actually encompass a lot more than your grandmother’s vintage headboard.
Panel beds (or box spring beds) support mattresses with the help of wood slats or metal bars—hence the term “panels.” Most panel beds also have matching solid wood or metal side rails, footboards, and headboards.
Panel beds are the most common type of bed because of their elaborate and traditional design.
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Table of Contents
What Is A Panel Bed?
A panel bed is made to hold and support both a mattress and a mattress foundation and has rails along its sides. Large solid-panel headboards made of wood or metal are a common feature of panel beds. The surface of the base of panel beds, where a mattress and foundation would be placed, is frequently made up of slatted panels of wood boards to increase breathability under the mattress foundation, thereby extending the lifespan of both the mattress and mattress foundation.
Features Of A Panel Bed
Panel beds share many fundamental characteristics despite frequently differing in style and functionality. The following are some of the common characteristics of these beds:
Traditional Appearance
The panel bed frame has the traditional appearance that first emerged in the early 20th century with the first mass production of mattresses. They have an elaborate, ornate appearance that lends them the classic ornamented design aesthetic.
Box Springs
To support a mattress on a panel bed and provide the best support and comfort, box springs are necessary. The height of the bed as a whole also includes the box springs. However, they can be difficult to move, heavy, and clumsy.
Headboards
Raised headboards on panel beds may have drawers or shelving for more effective storage. They can be created from metal, solid wood, and upholstery material. Some may even include footboards.
Footboards
A raised panel at the foot of a panel bed called a footboard holds the mattress in place and prevents you from falling off the bed. In addition, the footboard primarily serves as decoration, lending the bed a pleasing appearance.
Under-bed Storage
The space underneath panel beds with legs is greatly increased for storing various household items. For storing various household items, some beds may even have a drawer or under-bed storage areas.See more about What Is A Low Profile Bed
Types Of Panel Beds
Depending on the level of customization a customer requires, there are various types of beds in this category. A designer can incorporate different elements like slats, metal rods, upholstery, solid wood, and wicker. Slats, a number of metal bars, or just one bar may be present in the panel bed frame. They can be made of:
- Wicker
- Solid wood
- Can be upholstered
- With metal rods
- With slats
The twin panel bed is an alternative. How about a twin-panel bed, though? It is a panel bed designed as a bunk bed for kids who must share a bedroom.
An Explanation Of Platform Beds
Without the need for a box spring or mattress foundation, platform beds are made to support your mattress as one solid surface.2 If a box spring is not necessary, you might be wondering what the distinction between a platform bed and a regular bed is. box spring. Think of a platform bed as both a bed base and bed frame, whereas a box spring is just a bed base.
For your sleep, this extra-sturdy bed frame embodies the idea that less is more. Simple and modern, most types of platform beds lack a headboard and footboard, making them ideal for small city apartments or minimalists. Similar to panel beds, they are frequently constructed from wood or metal, like our aluminum Casper Platform Bed Frame.
For those who want a modern feel to their bedroom, platform beds offer the right features:
- Lower height
- Extra firmness
- No mattress foundation required
- Compact design
Think about a platform bed option with a headboard or footboard that you can attach. In fact, our Casper model includes a headboard that matches and is simple to install.
Which Is Better For Me: A Panel Bed Vs. A Platform Bed?
That is the question—or at least the opening to many others—to panel or platform.
Should there be a headboard? Which is more important: flexibility or durability? Up high or down low while you sleep?
Let’s dissect the key elements that bed owners should take into account before choosing between the various bed types to help with the decision-making process.
Price
The cost of each bed base varies depending on the material, size, and quality. There are many models available in panel and platform designs that are within your price range.
However, as a rule of thumb, panel beds tend to be pricier than platform beds for a few reasons:
- They usually have a more intricate design with their wooden or metal support beams.
- Panel beds often come with decorative features—headboards, footboards, railings—that add to the overall price.
- They require box springs or mattress foundations (remember to tack that onto your budget).
Whatever option you select, keep in mind how affordable it will be to maintain the bed base. Otherwise, instead of finding comfort in your bed, you’ll be stressing yourself out.
Size & Space
In your posh city apartment, is it a problem when you sit up and hit the ceiling fan? Or perhaps you’re trying to fill a big space.
Size and available space are key considerations when deciding between a platform bed and a standard bed. Both models typically offer a range of heights. A higher height is added to panel beds by the necessary box spring or mattress foundation. However, platform beds have a lower profile due to their straightforward, mattress-only construction. There are numerous ways to raise a platform bed, though, if you favor a higher bed height.
A bed should be the right size for your physical comfort and room space, whether it is panel or platform.
Comfort
Some people adore a rock-hard bed surface, while others favor one with a marshmallow feel. Between panel and platform beds, each type holds a few key differences for sleep comfort:
- Breathability – More airflow is produced by the wood slats of a box spring bed, which results in a cooler sleeping temperature. Platform beds keep their heat in better despite having less airflow.
- Firmness – Spaced out panels give more “bounce” or flexibility to a traditional bed. Choose a contemporary platform bed design for the best firmness.
- Support layers – Your cushion levels will be impacted by the need for a support layer underneath mattresses for panel beds. Check out the feel of a foundation or box spring underneath your mattress.
Design
Practicality and function are always crucial. But at the end of the day, people also choose a bed to fit their style.
With their additional height and decorative elements, panel beds add a classic and maximalist touch to traditional homes. Platform beds, on the other hand, have modern, sleek designs that are perfect for modern spaces.
Every rule has, of course, exceptions. Simple and elegant panel beds are available. Some platform beds come equipped with useful elements like visible drawers or steps. However, each model’s main aesthetic appeals to the majority of buyers.
Where Do Platform And Panel Beds Get Their Names From?
Although the terms panel bed and platform bed are frequently used interchangeably, they have very different meanings. While the distinction between the meanings is clear, how the name got attached to each is often not. Here’s the basic drilldown:
- The widespread use of wide wood headboards and footboards on panel beds is how they got their name. In other words, panel beds tend to feature panels of wood.
- In spite of the numerous features that are frequently added and incorporated into its design, such as storage drawers and cubbies, a platform bed is fundamentally just one big — you guessed it! – platform base. (Read: sturdy wood “box,” with a flat, solid, supportive surface.) See more about Largest Bed In The World
Why Sleeping Cooler A Result Of A Slatted Base?
A slatted base might be your ticket to a cooler night’s sleep if you typically sleep hot.
Because they are designed to perform the function of both bed and foundation, some platform bed designs will feature a solid base – without slats. While this kind of base works extra hard to offer additional support, it can also make it difficult for the mattress to breathe.
Fortunately, sleeping too hot because of a stuffy bed base is a problem that can be easily fixed with a mattress foundation. (A solid platform bed does not require a foundation, but it also won’t hurt if you do use one.) To ensure a more breathable sleep, look for one made of slats (with space between each slat). Place it between your mattress and the bed base.
For those who want the extra boost in breathability, without the “bulk” that can come from a box spring, a bunky board is the way to go. A bunky board has slats that are spaced apart, much like a box spring, to allow for ventilation. A bunky board, as opposed to a box spring, is extra slim for a sleeker appearance and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Prices Of Panel Beds?
Depending on the manufacturer and seller, a panel bed might cost around $600. The elaborate decorative accents on the headboard or footboard also have an impact on price. The size of a panel bed is also important in determining the cost.
Which Mattress Works Best For A Panel Bed?
The mattress that works well with a box spring is the ideal choice for a panel bed. And since the size of any mattress on the market will fit that particular bed, you can use any one of them. On a panel bed, any foam mattress would be comfortable.
Which Bed Provides More Support: A Platform Bed Or A Panel Bed?
A platform bed has a strong base that can support a mattress on its own, making it more supportive than a panel bed. On the other hand, a panel bed needs mattress support, like a box spring. This is due to the lack of slats needed to support a mattress on its own.
Do You Need A Box For The Panel Bed?
A box spring is necessary to support the mattress on a panel bed. Because the platform bed has more slats than the bed base does, it can support the mattress on its own.
What Sets Panel Beds Apart From Other Types Of Beds?
Less slats distinguish panel beds from other types of beds, necessitating the use of a box spring or other mattress support. A panel bed also has a headboard and footboard, which support the mattress and add visual appeal. In comparison to platform beds, it is also significantly larger.
Conclusion
The centerpiece should be your first priority when designing your bedroom. Your choice of bed frame can have a significant impact on the amount and quality of sleep you get, as well as completely alter the design of your bedroom. The support you require for a restful night’s sleep can be found in both platform beds and panel beds, it must be said. A comfortable, high-quality mattress that meets all of your needs is the most crucial factor to take into account; the bed frame is merely there for added support.
Many thanks for reading.