Unlike a standard bed frame, which requires a box spring to provide enough strength to fully support a mattress, a platform bed is designed to support a mattress without a box spring. The fact that a box spring isn't necessary with a platform bed, however, doesn't mean that you can't use one. Does this Spark an idea?
How a Platform Bed Works
Standard bed frames have only a few cross-slats on which to support a mattress. If the mattress is placed on the bed frame directly, this can lead to sagging in the areas of the bed that are unsupported. A box spring has a sturdy structure, which provides the necessary support to keep the bed mattress from sagging. Platform beds have either numerous cross-slats or a solid base, which prevents sagging without a box spring.
Stacking the Box Spring and Mattress
When you use a box spring on a platform bed, you place the mattress and box spring just as you would on a standard bed. Place the box spring onto the platform bed frame first and then line the mattress up directly on top of it. By using the box spring beneath the mattress on the platform bed, you do not need to change your mattress. If you use the same mattress on a platform bed without a box spring, however, the mattress may feel firmer.
Hiding the Box Spring
When you place a box spring onto a platform bed, the box spring may show. You can cover a box spring as you would on a regular bed frame, using a bed skirt, but the fabric may cover the platform bed frame as well. Another option is to simply use a fitted sheet that matches the sheet on the mattress over the box spring or to use a large comforter or top cover that reaches the bottom of the box spring on either side.
Platform Bed Sizes
Platform bed frames come in the same sizes as standard bed frames, including twin, full, queen and king. Like with a standard bed, you should fit the mattress and box spring to the frame size. While a smaller box spring and mattress set will fit on a larger platform bed frame, such as a full-size mattress on a queen-size frame, space will be left over around the perimeter of the box spring and mattress. A larger mattress should never be used on a smaller platform bed frame, because the sides of the box spring and mattress will have no support.
Weight Limitations
Before using a box spring and mattress on a platform bed, make sure that you are aware of the platform bed's weight limitations. You can generally find the weight limit listed on a sticker attached to the bed frame or in the paperwork included with the platform bed. The platform bed should be able to hold the weight of the mattress, the box spring and the people who will be sleeping in the bed.
Tags: mattress platform, platform frame, spring mattress, mattress spring, support mattress, without spring
