Clearly a new twist on a basic design idea, floating beds are an eye-catching focal point. Most often associated with modern interior design, they can be a fresh addition to your home, no matter what your style.
View in galleryInstead of a large headboard, the artwork above this floating bed is the focal point.
These beds have a platform, most often with added underlighting, to make it seem as if the bed is floating. The means of support are not readily visible.
View in galleryIn this modern and masculine design, the decorative crossbar under the head of the bed is lit from underneath, which highlights the bed’s lack of visible support.
The History of Platform Beds
While most beds consist of a mattress and a box spring set on a frame of some type, the platform bed uses a sturdier frame and eliminates the need for the box spring. The origin of the platform bed is hard to pinpoint. From the earliest days of man, people started looking for ways to put distance between themselves and the cold, hard ground when they slept.
The first known descriptions of platform bed construction were found in ancient Egypt, according to Wikipedia. Over time, the concept evolved until designers invented the modern box-spring in the 1860s.
View in galleryInstalling a floating bed in a larger space plays up the modernist and openness of the room
Here’s an example of a floating bed without a headboard. Because the space is more compact, the lack of a headboard or posts give it a more open feel.
Popularity Hits a High in the 70s
The popularity of regular platform beds surged in the 1970’s, even though they were always available. While this might be tied to increasing acceptance of modern interior design, it’s also the period when water beds became popular in the United States. These beds use a water-filled liner as the mattress, which is nestled inside a wooden frame, essentially a riff on the platform.
View in galleryWith no supports visible at all, naturally, this basic floating bed fits well in minimalist decor that has an Asian flair.View in galleryDark wood, built-in nightstands and textured bedding add up to a very masculine look for this floating bed.View in galleryA floating bed creates a big statement in a small room, consequently making it seem more spacious.View in galleryA masculine design doesn’t have to feel cold. For example, honey-colored wood highlights this warm, yet masculine bedroom.View in galleryA bit lower to the ground than some other designs, this floating bed is more of a transitional design. View in galleryA floating bed can also add to the elegance of a bedroom. Here the wider platform box set closer to the floor is highlighted by the under lighting. The neutral palette and textured linens keep the decor serene and peaceful
Modern Platform Bed Innovations
LED Lighting
Fast forward to 2015 and ultimately designers have made creative use of advances in LED lighting. They have revamped the platform bed and really make it seem to float. While interior designers could always have used underlighting, rope lights and today’s small, cool LED bulbs made it easier to create innovative designs. Even DIY enthusiasts can build a floating bed.
View in galleryWith no headboard and a modern room design, this particular floating bed indeed provides a soft touch for the bedroom.
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The Illusion of a Floating Bed
Designers achieve the illusion of floating with a variety of methods.
Some floating bed platforms are anchored to the wall and held up with a single support leg.
Other types rest on a smaller box platform that is not readily visible when looking at the bed from around the room.
Finally, some beds have Lucite legs that create an illusion of floating.
View in galleryIn this setting, the modern horizontally paneled wall acts as the bed’s headboard, accented by the attached shelving that acts as a nightstand.View in galleryFloating beds are particularly well suited to an eclectic room setting, because they allow bedding and accent furniture to be the focus.
Different Styles of Floating Beds
While a floating bed is indeed part of many minimalist and modern bedrooms designs, it can be the focal point of any interior design style. As with any piece of furniture, the material you choose for the platform and the headboard dictate the design style.
Natural or rustic-looking wood frames and headboards can make a floating bed fitting for a more traditional bedroom.
If you have a more modern style bedroom, choose sleek, polished surfaces like lacquer or laminate. For a more feminine look, upholstered headboards and platforms can soften the design.
Want a more masculine look? Incorporating leather in the platform or headboard can amp up the look of the bed.
A floating bed is a focal point for the bedroom, and its advantages bed are much the same as a basic platform bed.
Support and stability
Most bed frames holding up your box spring and mattress are metal, with four to six legs, and a few cross bars for support. Because there is no box spring to support the mattress, a platform bed must have more cross supports, or even full panel support, making it studier. If you toss and turn at night, a platform bed is more stable and is less disturbing to your sleeping partner.
Styling
The lower profile of a platform or floating bed can really open up a space, especially if a bedroom is small. Choosing a style that lacks posts and even a headboard can save space and make for a cleaner design. More traditional looks can incorporate upholstery or mission-style frames and headboards.
Cost savings
Thanks to the platform style, floating beds eliminate the expense of a box spring. If you’re on a budget, you can get a new look at less cost. Or, the savings can go toward investing in a higher quality, new technology mattress, or a fancier platform style.
Floating Beds to Update Your Space
If you’re thinking of doing a bedroom refresh, switching out your current bed for a floating bed design is an easy way to update your bedroom.
Industrial
View in galleryAn industrial setting is a perfect place for a floating bed. While the exposed brick wall and high ceiling are covetable features, they could dwarf the bed and make the space seem imposing.
Kid-Sized
View in galleryFloating beds don’t have to be imposing. Here’s a smaller bed that is perfect for a children’s bedroom.
Minimalist
View in galleryThis minimalist floating bed is without a doubt the focal point of the room. The design and attached accent wall are modern.
Traditional Wood Style
View in galleryYou don’t need a modern bedroom to enjoy a floating bed design. Here the finely crafted woodwork of the floating bed and its attached nightstands highlight the traditional nature of the room’s design.
Modern
View in galleryThis modern bed has a more austere look.
Nordic Style
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The warm color of the wide plank wood makes the bed seem cozier.
A Floating Headboard
View in galleryThis modern floating bed also features a “floating” headboard. Placed above and not directly behind the bed, thus the headboard and the nightstands all seem to flow.
Eclectic
View in galleryAn attic bedroom has a colorful traditional carpet under the floating bed.
Contemporary
View in galleryThis floating bed unit is lower to the ground but does not compensate with a wider platform.
Pillow-Like Style
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Quietly Luxurious
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Raw Modernism
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A Floating System
View in galleryA solid-wood double bed and built-in nightstands float above the carpet.
Rustic Modern
View in galleryAlmost like your own magic carpet, this bed seems suspended in mid-air.
A True Centerpiece
View in galleryThe minimal leg supports set further back make this bed feel like it’s floating.
Unique Shapes
No one said your floating bed needs to be completely linear because this unusual shape feels like a floating space vehicle!
Bunk Beds
View in galleryA far cry from the clunky traditional bunk beds, these floating bunk beds can help keep clutter and dust bunnies from taking over.
Space Savers
View in galleryKids room space-saving with these floating beds