What is a Panel Bed?

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. If you’re curious about different types of sleep setups, or simply looking to incorporate a boxspring into your bedroom, read on. We’ve got the down low on panel beds, platform beds, and box springs, and can help you figure out what type of sleep set up is best for you.

What is a panel bed?

Put simply, a panel bed is any bed frame with a headboard, a base, and two side panels. In other words, a panel bed is a bed with a four-wall frame. Thanks to their sturdy structure, panel beds can hold box springs and heavy mattresses, making them unrivalled when it comes to sturdiness and support.

What is the difference between a panel bed and a platform bed?

Traditionally, platform beds are simple, slatted beds that can support a standard mattress. Unlike panel beds, platform beds don’t have headboards or side panels, making them an excellent choice for bedrooms with less square footage. In contrast, panel beds are generally larger, and incorporate headboards, baseboards, and sideboards—making them a sturdier and more decorative option. Unlike platform beds, panel beds do not usually come with slats and require box spring mattresses for maximum support.

Is a panel bed better than a platform bed?

If you have a bedroom on the smaller side, a platform bed is a great option. But if you have extra room, panel beds have a lot more to offer. Not only do a lot of panel beds incorporate enough height for under-bed storage, but many panel bed designs also come with built-in drawers or lift-up storage units. As a result, panel beds can be great space savers, depending on which kind of bed you invest in

The thing about box springs

As we said earlier, many panel beds don’t come fitted with slats, making box springs a must-have when it comes to setting up your sleep system. But what is a box spring, anyway? The answer is that it’s sort of like an extra mattress that sits beneath your bed of choice for extra support and pressure-relief. Box springs are usually made up of a wooden frame and springs fitted with a cloth top. As you can imagine, box springs are not comfortable on their own and are only recommended for use with a regular full-size mattress.

What does this have to do with a panel bed?

Depending on your preferences, box springs can be inconvenient. Not only do they add an extra cost to your sleep setup, but they also need to be flipped, rotated, and later replaced when their springs start losing their bounce. That being said, many people feel that box springs offer the extra support they need to feel comfy and cozy night after night. Box spring mattresses also give your bed frame extra-height, a plus for those who like to sleep tall. So—if you’re thinking about investing in a panel bed—one of the first things you should consider is whether or not you would like to sleep with a box spring mattress.

It’s all about the look

The main reason why people tend to pick panel beds over platform beds is aesthetics. The bed is the centerpiece of your sleep setup, and for those who want to elevate the look and feel of their bedroom, investing in a bed frame with a headboard is a great start. However, platform beds can also provide a chic, minimalistic look for your bedroom, so it all depends on preference. If you’re having difficulty deciding between a panel bed and a slatted base, we recommend shopping around or making a moodboard on Pinterest.

Should I Invest in a Panel Bed?

The first thing to consider when setting up your bedroom is the centerpiece. Not only can the type of bed frame you choose make a major difference in the quality of sleep you’re getting, but it can also completely change the aesthetics of your bedroom. That being said, both platform beds and panel beds can offer the support you need to get a good night’s rest. The most important thing to consider is getting a comfortable, quality mattress that covers all your needs, the bed frame is just there for extra support.

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