by If you are moving to a new home and need a suitable bed, or have just decided to replace your old one, you might have some trouble finding the right one. The variety of available bed types and styles can make this decision very challenging, so it is a good idea to take into account the pros and cons of each. In this article, we’ll compare sleigh beds vs. platform beds and help you decide the best one for your needs.
When comparing sleigh beds vs. platform beds, choose a sleigh bed for its luxurious appearance, variety of styles, and durability. Alternatively, choose a platform bed for its modern appearance, compatibility with most mattress styles, variety of designs, and affordability.
If you are still unsure which bed would work best for your home, we’ve got you covered. Both sleigh beds and platform beds are currently very trendy, so in this ultimate guide, we will compare advantages and disadvantages to make it easier for you to choose the right bed. You can also read our article comparing sleigh beds to panel beds for more information on their different features.
What is a Sleigh Bed?
Sleigh beds date back to the 19th century and were inspired by the French and the empires of ancient Greece and Rome. Although traditional sleigh beds looked pretty bulky and included various elaborate designs, modern options fit well in any type of bedroom. This is what makes sleigh beds so popular across the globe. Read our article about the different styles and sizes of sleigh beds to learn more about the varieties that are available.
A sleigh bed is a type of bed that looks like a sleigh or sled. Choose this style of bed for its curved or scrolled head and footboards. For a more authentic “sleigh effect” choose a sleigh bed with side rails.
This upholstered sleigh bed has a headboard and footboard that scrolls outwards, and the fabric adds a soft and luxurious touch. Image Source: Amazon.What is a Platform Bed?
Platform beds are ideal for creating simple and modern aesthetics in a bedroom. These beds come in various styles and designs, making them suitable for an array of bedrooms.
A platform bed has a low-profile bed frame and solid or slatted surface to support a mattress. Most platform beds don’t need a box spring since they are built with a platform for a mattress.
Platform beds are also quite affordable, meaning that you can easily get a stylish bed on a lower budget. Read our article on why platform beds are a good choice when choosing a versatile bed.
This upholstered platform bed with a headboard and slatted mattress foundation will make your modern bedroom look even more stylish. Image Source: Amazon.Sleigh Beds vs. Platform Beds – Advantages and Disadvantages of Sleigh Beds
Although both sleigh beds and platform beds are incredibly popular worldwide, there are some pros and cons for each that should be considered before making a purchase. Below is all you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of sleigh beds and platform beds.
Sleigh beds are versatile pieces of furniture that can be easily matched with different bedroom styles. The most significant advantage of sleigh beds is that they come in a variety of styles and designs, making it pretty easy to find the right option for you. Read our article on 6 different sleigh bed designs to find out about the most popular styles.
Advantages of sleigh beds include their distinct silhouettes and unique designs, aesthetic value, sturdy structure, and longevity. Disadvantages of sleigh beds are their bulky size and heavier weight, which can make them more difficult to move.
You’ll see below that the versatility of sleigh beds enables you to select a suitable sleigh bed, no matter what your bedroom looks like. Due to its unique design, a sleigh bed will always create an eye-catching focal point in your bedroom. Along with being incredibly stunning and practical, sleigh beds are quite durable due to the quality and sturdiness of the materials used in their production.
The primary disadvantage of sleigh beds is that they are quite expensive compared to other bed options. Sleigh beds cost around $300-$3,000 on average, meaning that you might not always be lucky enough to buy a sleigh bed on a tight budget. However, sleigh beds are pretty long-lasting and purchasing a sleigh bed can be a long-term investment. Read our definitive guide on sleigh bed pros and cons for more information about their benefits and limitations.
Another disadvantage of sleigh beds is that they are pretty bulky in smaller bedrooms, and can be challenging to move around. Traditional sleigh beds are especially heavy due to the fact that they are made of solid wood. If you are not a big fan of bulky and massive furniture but you still want to get a sleigh bed for your bedroom, you can choose a different sleigh bed style.
Types of Sleigh Beds
Different types of sleigh beds include traditional wood sleigh beds, upholstered sleigh beds, storage sleigh beds, wrought iron sleigh beds, woven wicker sleigh beds, lattice sleigh beds, and more.
Traditional Wood Sleigh Bed
Traditional sleigh beds are made of solid wood and commonly feature exaggerated curves and scrolls. In some cases, traditional sleigh bed headboard and footboards are decorated with various ornamental vine and foliage carvings. This French-inspired sleigh bed design can be an excellent addition to your luxury bedroom because it adds a touch of warmth.
Upholstered Sleigh Bed
Upholstered sleigh beds include bed frames that are padded and covered with fabric. They are available in a variety of color options, making it easier to match the bed with the colors used in your bedroom. An upholstered bed like this is cozy and gives your bedroom a soft and luxurious appearance.
Storage Sleigh Bed
Storage sleigh beds are typically made of wood, but some options are also covered in fabric. Along with being exceptionally stunning, storage sleigh beds like this are pretty practical. Read our article on 6 ways to use a sleigh bed in a small apartment for storage sleigh bed ideas.
Wrought Iron Sleigh Bed
Wrought iron sleigh beds include curved or scrolled metal footboard and headboards. The metalwork gives the sleigh bed a unique appearance and makes it stand out from the rest of the furniture in your bedroom. Wrought iron sleigh beds like this, are suitable for rustic-style bedrooms because they add a whimsical country-style to a bedroom.
Woven Wicker Sleigh Bed
If you are looking for a sleigh bed for your rustic-style bedroom or a beach house, a woven wicker sleigh bed should definitely be on your list. Along with featuring a stunning design, the bed is relatively lightweight and easy to move whenever needed. Woven wicker sleigh beds are also more affordable than other sleigh bed types. By using a couple of woven wicker pieces of furniture along with this woven wicker sleigh bed, you can easily create a Bohemian-look in your bedroom.
Lattice Sleigh Bed
Lattice sleigh beds feature different-shaped cuttings or grids on both the headboard and footboard. Due to its lattice structure, this sleigh bed is not as bulky as sleigh beds made of solid wood or metal. A lattice sleigh bed like this, is perfect for vintage and rustic-style bedrooms.
British Colonial Sleigh Bed
If you are looking for a sleigh bed that would give your bedroom an antique look, you should consider getting a British colonial sleigh bed like this. The design is inspired by Asian and African cultures and gives the sleigh bed an opulent appearance.
Minimalist Sleigh Bed
Minimalist or Nordic-style sleigh beds feature less exaggerated curves and scrolls. The soft and light appearance of a Nordic-style bedroom creates an illusion of space in small bedrooms. The clean and simple design of this minimalistic sleigh bed makes it perfectly suitable for modern and Scandinavian-style bedrooms.
Modern Sleigh Bed
Modern or contemporary sleigh beds are perfect for rustic or modern bedrooms. They feature a classic look and sleek appearance, so they can also match minimalist bedrooms. Some modern sleigh beds look like traditional sleigh beds with less exaggerated curves and scrolls. Other modern sleigh bed options feature an upside-down footboard and are ideal for ultra-modern bedrooms.
This ultra-modern sleigh bed is an interesting variety of the traditional sleigh bed and certainly creates an interesting focal point. Wayfair.Advantages and Disadvantages of Platform Beds
A platform bed is a bed that has a slatted or solid top that holds the mattress. A platform bed doesn’t require a box spring because the flat platform surface supports the mattress.
Choose a classic platform, a floating platform, or a storage platform bed for it’s wood slatted base that allows for air ventilation, and because it won’t need a box spring. Using a platform bed may not be suitable due to its low and awkward height, and because it isn’t as sturdy as a sleigh bed.
Platform beds are compatible with most mattress types, meaning that you do not have to purchase a specific mattress for your bed. Any mattress would work, as mentioned in our article about what types of mattresses are needed for platform beds.
Platform beds offer exceptional airflow to the mattress, meaning that you no longer have to worry about feeling too hot in bed. A platform bed mattress foundation will keep your mattress cool throughout the night for a good night’s sleep. The slats also assist with mattress ventilation which can help prevent dust mites, as this article from the Wiley Online Library, explains.
Platform beds also come in three main designs, including a classic platform bed like this, a storage platform bed like this, and a floating platform bed like this. A classic platform bed has no special features, but it is still an ideal option for your modern or minimalist bedroom. A storage platform bed features some built-in storage drawers under the bed, meaning that you get some extra storage space. Last but not least, floating platform beds create an illusion that the bed is floating due to strategically positioned support in the middle and at the top of the bed.
A floating platform bed has strategically placed support under the bed so that the bed appears to be floating. Image Source: Amazon.There are some disadvantages to using platform beds, for you to consider when buying one. Firstly, platform beds are low-profile beds that are not practical for people with disabilities or other physical conditions, including knee and back problems. Since this bed is pretty close to the floor, it might not be as easy to get in and out of bed. If you have a platform bed that you would like to raise higher then read our article on how to raise a platform bed.
Another disadvantage of a platform bed is that it can be quite challenging to move from one place to another since you’ll have to disassemble the bed first, as explained in this video tutorial. The built-in components of the platform bed make it slightly heavier and a bit harder to move. However, with a couple of tips and tricks, you can properly move your platform bed without damaging it or hurting yourself. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to move a platform bed.
Although platform beds are pretty affordable, they are not always as durable as sleigh beds or other options. Wood platform beds can deteriorate over time, especially when the bed is used by a heavier sleeper. The only solution is to always consider weight restrictions provided on the label or to invest in a metal platform bed instead. For some additional platform bed information check out our comprehensive guide on platform bed pros and cons.
Summary of Reasons to Buy a Sleigh Bed vs. Platform Bed
| Criteria | Sleigh Bed or Platform Bed? | Benefits | Bed to suit Your Needs |
| Modern decor | Buy a platform bed or a modern sleigh bed | Platform beds add a modern look and a touch of elegance to your bedroom.Modern sleigh beds create a contemporary look in your bedroom. | Nordik Wood Platform Bed in Natural MapleORBenjara Sleigh Bed |
| Ornate decor style | Buy a traditional or wrought iron sleigh bed | Traditional and wrought iron sleigh beds feature various ornaments and carvings, adding a fancy touch. | Furniture of America Clairmonte Baroque Style Traditional Sleigh BedORAtHomeMart Amadeus Wrought Iron Sleigh Bed |
| Limited space | Buy a platform bed | Platform beds are less bulky, and are suitable for small apartments. | Zinus Lottie Upholstered Platform Bed |
| Storage is needed under the bed | Buy a platform bed or a sleigh bed with storage drawers | Storage platform beds feature drawers under the bed. Storage sleigh beds include drawers under the bed. | Allewie Platform Bed with 4 Storage DrawersORSelena Sleigh Bed with Footboard Storage |
| Headboard storage is needed | Buy a platform bed | Storage platform beds can feature headboards with extra shelves. | ACME Furniture Merveille Storage Bed |
| Limited budget | Buy a platform bed | Platform beds are more affordable. | Einfach Full Upholstered Wingback Platform Bed |
| Mobility is limited | Buy a sleigh bed | Sleigh beds are high enough to get in and out of bed easily. | Roundhill Furniture Evora Velvet Upholstered Button Tufted Sleigh Bed |
How To Choose The Best Mattress For a Sleigh Bed
To choose a mattress for a sleigh bed, buy a comfortable mattress that does not hide the bed rails, and does not exceed the height of the headboard and footboard.
This 14-inch thick memory foam mattress would suit a sleigh bed with a higher head and footboard. Image Source: Amazon.Sleigh beds come in standard sizes so choosing a mattress for a sleigh bed is simple enough, provided you consider the mattress height in relation to the headboard and footboard. Read our tips for choosing a sleigh bed mattress height, to select the appropriate mattress thickness for your sleigh bed.
Here are three tips on how to choose the correct mattress for your sleigh bed:
Tip 1. Choose a Mattress That’s Comfortable
There are lots of comfortable mattress options available on the market. However, it does not mean that all of them would be comfy specifically for you. In order to find the right mattress, avoid pressure or pain, and have a good night’s sleep, you should always consider the mattress material and its features. Below are some of the most common mattress materials and their benefits.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses like these are among the most popular options since they are pretty comfortable and affordable. Memory foam mattresses come in different densities, making it easier for the user to select the right firmness. Along with isolating movement, memory foam mattresses provide superb support for an individual’s body. This article from The American Laboratory explains the thermal and mechanical properties of memory foam and why memory foam mattresses are ideal.
Latex
Latex is the best material for supporting your entire body while lying on the bed. If you need firm support, choose a latex mattress. Since latex offers superior support, it is an excellent material for people with back problems and those who want to relieve pressure points. This natural latex mattress offers exceptional back support, and is incredibly durable. Latex also has excellent air flow so you don’t sleep as warm.
Foam Mattresses
Polyurethane foam—or simply foam mattresses—feature a specific top layer that creates a soft enveloping feeling. While low-density foam mattresses are not that supportive and do not last long, higher-density foam mattresses are highly resilient and offer more support to your body. Foam mattresses are quite inexpensive and do not require much maintenance. Still, this type of mattress would not be suitable for people with back problems as they do not offer contouring support.
Down or Cotton Mattresses
Down mattresses or cotton mattresses are light and provide a cozy feel. Along with being exceptionally soft, they are breathable and cooling. Since down and cotton mattresses are temperature regulating, they don’t feel excessively hot or cold. If you are looking for a cooling mattress, this one is definitely for you.
Tip 2. Choose a Mattress That Does Not Hide the Bed Rails
Sleigh beds include attractive side rails that shouldn’t be covered by your mattress. The ideal mattress should be just a couple of inches above the rails. Even though you may want the style of the bed to shine through, make sure you should still feel comfortable in your bed and there aren’t any issues with getting in or out of bed. Usually, if you get too thin a mattress, the bed will be too low and it will be harder to get in and out.
Tip 3. Match the Mattress Height to the Footboard and Headboard Height
Last but not least, you should always match your mattress height with the heights of your footboard and headboard. If your sleigh bed features a tall headboard, you will need to use a higher mattress. Conversely, sleigh beds with short headboards should be paired with lower mattresses.
In every sleigh bed, the footboard is shorter than the headboard. To create a proportional look, you should choose a mattress that is not higher than the footboard itself. If your sleigh bed does not have a footboard, you can pair the bed with low or high mattresses.
Are Sleigh Beds Out Of Style?
For some reason, people associate sleigh beds with bulky pieces of furniture from history. Although traditional sleigh beds are pretty massive, they are stunning and add a touch of luxury to classic bedrooms. If you are not a huge fan of traditional or vintage furniture, sleigh beds are also available in contemporary and minimalist styles.
Sleigh beds are not out of style and they are widely used across the globe because of their variety of designs and sizes. Use a sleigh bed for versatility and to match the style and size of any bedroom.
This sleigh bed dates back to 1820/1830 and is very similar to the sleigh beds of today. Image Source: Wikipedia.Sleigh beds come in both traditional and modern styles that range from solid wood to upholstered, and even metal frames. This sleigh bed features a faux leather upholstered head and footboard and metal frame for a truly unique modern look.
This sleigh bed is a current variation of the sleigh beds that date back to the 1800s, which shows that these beds are definitely not out of style. Image Source: Wayfair.Key Takeaways
Sleigh Beds: Traditional Elegance Meets Modern Design
Sleigh beds, known for their curved or scrolled head and footboards, offer a luxurious aesthetic reminiscent of 19th-century French and ancient Grecian and Roman designs. They blend well with both classic and modern room decor, thanks to their availability in numerous styles like traditional wood, upholstered, minimalist, and modern sleigh beds. While their distinct silhouettes and sturdy structures promise durability and a unique aesthetic appeal, their bulky size could pose challenges in smaller rooms and they tend to be pricier, making them a more substantial investment.
Platform Beds: A Modern, Budget-Friendly Choice
Platform beds are synonymous with modern aesthetics, characterized by their low-profile frame and a solid or slatted surface that supports a mattress without needing a box spring. They are available in classic, storage, and floating designs, offering versatility to suit different storage needs and aesthetic preferences. Their compatibility with most mattress types and built-in ventilation through slats ensures a cooler and comfortable sleep. Despite their affordability and modern appeal, platform beds might not be as durable as sleigh beds and their low height could be inconvenient for individuals with certain physical conditions.
Matching the Right Bed to Your Needs
The choice between sleigh and platform beds boils down to personal preferences, room space, and budget. Sleigh beds are ideal for those seeking a luxurious, classical look and are willing to invest more, while platform beds cater to modern aesthetics on a tighter budget. Both types come with storage options catering to space-saving needs. Ultimately, considering the decor style of your room, your budget, and any specific needs like extra storage or ease of mobility will guide you in making an informed decision.
Finding the Right Mattress: A Crucial Step for Comfort
Regardless of the bed type, selecting the right mattress is crucial for a comfortable sleep experience. Memory foam, latex, and higher-density foam mattresses are popular choices for their support and comfort. Ensure the mattress height aligns well with the headboard and footboard, particularly in sleigh beds, to maintain the aesthetic appeal while ensuring comfort.