Choosing the right foundation for your mattress is crucial. Platform beds and box springs are two popular options, each with pros and cons. The choice depends on personal preference, mattress type, and budget.
A good foundation supports your mattress in all the right places, prolonging its life and increasing the benefits you get from it. The foundation that’s best for you will depend on both your personal preferences and the type of mattress you own. Two popular choices to consider: box springs and platform beds.
Here, we’ve put together a platform bed vs. box spring guide to help you determine which of these mattress foundations is right for you.
What is a platform bed?
A platform bed is a bed frame designed to be used without an additional foundation. With a platform bed frame, the mattress rests directly on the platform, which can be either a solid surface or one made with metal or wooden slats.
Like other types of bed frames, platform beds can come in different styles and be wood, metal, or upholstered. Some also come with storage drawers and other extra storage options. While platform beds vary in height, they usually have a lower profile design, sitting closer to the floor than a traditional bed frame and mattress setup.
What is a box spring?
Originally, a box spring used to be a fabric-covered wooden box filled with metal coils that added cushioning to mattresses that were much thinner than the ones made today.
Modern box springs (also called foundations) do not contain coils, so their main purpose is to raise your sleeping surface a bit higher while providing proper support for the mattress.
They’re usually paired with a standard metal bed frame, but they can also be paired with a decorative bed frame that includes a headboard, footboard, and/or side rails.
Key differences between a platform bed and a box spring
To better understand whether you need a box spring or a platform bed, we’ve put together this chart which summarizes the differences between the two.
Ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand (if you choose an upholstered platform bed)
$200-$500 for a traditional box spring foundation
Pros and cons of a platform bed
Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of a platform bed.
Pros of a Platform Bed
Cons of a Platform Bed
It’s simple—place your mattress on top, and you’re good to go
Usually lower profile, making it a challenging design for people with mobility issues
It looks good—platforms are typically contemporary, stylish, and come in a variety of styles
May require additional mattress support like a bunkie board
Compatible with most types of mattresses
Generally heavy and hard to move around
Typically includes some sort of storage option
Usually more expensive than box spring
Platform beds can be used with most types of mattresses, including innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, and latex. They are best for people who prefer a clean, contemporary look and have no mobility issues or no problem with their bed being a little closer to the ground.
Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of a box spring.
Pros of a Box Spring
Cons of a Box Spring
Coils promote airflow and cooling
Can be bulky
Great for providing extra height on low-profile bed frames
May make your bed too high
Can help extend the life of your mattress
Not compatible with many mattress types
A box spring is a great option for anyone on a budget since it’s generally the least expensive option. It’s also a good pick for people who like their sleeping surface to be a bit higher off the ground.
A box spring foundation is a must if you’re using a standard metal bed frame—or any bed that provides only a rim around the perimeter to hold the mattress, perhaps with a few cross pieces of wood. Without the sturdy base a box spring provides, you won’t have adequate mattress support—and you’ll find yourself having to buy a new mattress much sooner than you’d like.
Which provides more support: platform beds or box spring beds?
The amount of support you get from your bed depends on your body weight, mattress firmness level, and foundation type.
With platform beds with slats, you can typically set up your bed to your desired support level. The closer you put the slats, the more support you’ll get from your bed frame. Solid platform beds provide the most support, which is usually a good option for people with back pain.
Box springs are typically less supportive than solid platform beds and provide a little more give. The extra bounce is great for stomach and side sleepers.
Do I need a foundation for my mattress?
Whether you choose a platform bed or box spring, pairing your mattress with some sort of foundation will help keep it in the best shape possible for as long as possible.
For more on the benefits of a foundation, and tips on choosing the right one for your mattress, read these articles:
A platform bed, with a lower profile, sleek lines, and graceful legs. Featuring plush padded edges that lend a rich look and a fully upholstered back. Available in taupe and graphite vintage velvet.
Engineered to provide optimal support for your mattress. Handcrafted from North American spruce, our foundation is more durable than a traditional box spring. Shown here with metal frame.
Is it better to have a box spring or platform bed?
Neither is inherently better than the other. Your mattress type, mattress firmness level, bugdet, and the type of support you’re looking for will determine whether a box spring or platform bed is better for you.
What are the disadvantages of a platform bed?
The disadvantages of a platform bed include being lower profile (which can be challenging for people with mobility issues), being heavier and harder to move around, and being pricier. It could also require additional mattress support.
Can I use a platform bed instead of a box spring?
You can use a platform bed instead of a box spring if your mattress type is an innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, or latex. It’s also a good choice for people who want more support, don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, and have no mobility issues.
Find your dream bed at Saatva
Looking for a new mattress and foundation? Check out our selected offerings below.
Our best foundations
Whether you prefer a platform bed or a more traditional box spring foundation, we’ve got you covered.
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
The most luxurious memory foam with adaptive cooling & body-hugging support
Premium memory foam, handcrafted in the U.S. with eco-friendly materials. Breathable organic cotton, cooling spinal gel, and layers of high-density support foam assure a cool, comfortable night’s sleep.
Our dual-sided organic natural latex mattress for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)
