17 "Low Profile" Platform Beds for a Minimalist Bedroom
Low profile bed frames from 4 to 14 inches — from budget steel to premium hardwood. Options for every style and price point.
Bed height is a preference. And lately, more people prefer lower.
I've been recycling mattresses and bed frames since 2011 — over 1.15 million mattresses and counting. We work with just about every bed manufacturer out there, picking up their old stock, customer returns, and trade-ins. That means I've seen pretty much every low profile bed frame on the market come through our facility.
Here's what I can tell you: a standard bed sits 24 inches or higher off the ground. That's your frame (typically 7-9 inches), plus a box spring (9 inches), plus your mattress (10-12 inches). Most people grew up with this setup and never questioned it.
But a lot of people want something lower. More minimal. More modern. The platform bed trend has exploded because it eliminates the box spring entirely and drops your sleep surface closer to the ground.
If you have bad knees or mobility issues, getting in and out of a low bed can be a challenge. But if you want that clean, modern, ground-hugging look — these frames meet my criteria for build quality, materials, and longevity.
From solid wood to steel to upholstered fabric, there's something here for every style and budget.
Why Platform Beds Sit Lower
The reason platform beds are lower comes down to one thing: no box spring. Traditional bed setups stack three components — frame, box spring, and mattress. Platform beds eliminate the middle layer entirely.
With a platform bed, your mattress sits directly on the slats or solid surface of the frame. This removes 8-9 inches from your total bed height instantly.
Traditional Bed Setup
- Metal bed frame 7-9"
- Box spring 8-9"
- Mattress 10-12"
- Total height 25-30"
Low Profile Platform Bed
- Platform frame with slats 4-14"
- Box spring Not needed
- Mattress 10-12"
- Total height 14-26"
The slats on a platform bed provide the same support function as a box spring — they give the mattress a solid foundation and allow airflow underneath. Most modern mattresses (memory foam, latex, hybrids) are actually designed to work without a box spring. In fact, many mattress warranties require either a platform bed or a bunkie board instead of a traditional box spring.
The lower the frame, the lower you sleep. A 4-inch platform frame puts you just 14-16 inches off the ground. A 14-inch frame is still lower than traditional at around 24-26 inches total.
What It Takes to Make This List
The first round of criteria is simple: the frame and mattress combination has to put you below standard bed height (typically 24-25 inches). Every frame on this list meets that threshold.
But being low profile isn't enough. The frames also have to meet my quality standards — based on my experience in the industry and having recycled thousands upon thousands of bed frames from every major manufacturer. I know exactly what makes them fail, and the reasons are predictable.
My Quality Checklist
✓ Weight Capacity
I see frames rated for 500 lbs that clearly weren't built to handle it. The joints give out, slats crack, center supports buckle. Low capacity frames fail at the joints and slats first — I've recycled thousands of them. Look for at least 750 lbs for couples, 1,000+ lbs if you want it to actually last.
✓ Build Quality and Joinery
This is where I can predict failure before it happens. Japanese joinery (interlocking wood pieces without metal hardware) is the strongest construction I've seen at my facility — these frames rarely show up broken. Bolted joints loosen over time. Cam-lock systems (the ones with the little disc you turn) work initially but develop play after a few moves. I break down all the construction methods in my guide on how bed frames are built.
✓ Slat Spacing
Slats should be 2-3 inches apart. Wider gaps cause mattress sagging — and I've seen plenty of mattresses with permanent dips from sitting on poorly-spaced slats. Some memory foam mattresses specifically require slats no more than 3 inches apart. Center support legs matter too — without them, even good slats will sag in the middle under weight.
✓ Squeak Prevention
Platform beds are notorious for squeaking. Wood-on-wood contact at the slats, metal-on-metal at the joints, loose hardware — I hear about it constantly from people replacing frames. The best frames address this with cushion-coated slats, velvet-padded rails, or joinery that eliminates metal contact points entirely.
✓ Materials
I can tell you exactly how long different materials last based on what comes through my facility. Solid hardwood (oak, walnut, maple, rubberwood) outlasts everything else. Steel frames handle more weight but can squeak at bolted joints. Pine and poplar are softer woods — fine for lighter use but I see more dents and wear on these. MDF and particleboard fall apart fastest, especially in humid environments.
✓ Assembly and Warranty
Warranty length tells you what the manufacturer expects. 1-year warranties signal budget construction — they know it won't last. 10+ year or lifetime warranties mean they're confident in durability. Tool-free assembly usually indicates Japanese joinery or thoughtful snap-together design — both good signs.
How I Evaluate the Frames Below
Every frame on this list gets checked against this checklist. I'm not just looking at aesthetics or price — I'm looking at whether it'll end up at my facility in 3 years or last 20. A $229 frame that fails quickly isn't a deal. A $1,095 frame with lifetime warranty and Japanese joinery often is.
17 Low Profile Platform Beds
I can't cover every low-profile bed on the market. These are the ones I've evaluated based on my experience with bed frame construction — I know which joints, wood varieties, and metal joinery hold up over time and which ones don't. If you find something else that checks the boxes above, go for it.
Note: I haven't personally tested these bed frames. The "My take" sections below are my opinions based on my extensive knowledge of bed frame construction and what I see come through my recycling facility.
1. Floyd - The Bed Frame
At 7.5 inches, this puts your mattress about 17.5 inches off the ground with a 10-inch mattress — roughly 7 inches lower than a traditional setup.
The frame uses birch or walnut panels held together with powder-coated steel brackets and tensioned straps. Tool-free assembly, so it comes apart easily when you move. They also sell a Lift Kit if you decide you want more height later.
Who it's for: Someone who moves a lot and wants something that comes apart without tools. The modular design is the main selling point here.
My take: Weight capacity is good (750 lbs). Materials are solid. The bracket-and-strap system is different from traditional joinery — not better or worse, just different. 10-year warranty is above average. One thing I've heard — some people complain about it sliding around a bit, but that shouldn't be an issue if you have a rug under the feet. Seems like a problem only on bare hardwood floors. Still has high reviews across the board on their site and 3rd party sources.
2. Thuma Essential Bed
At 11 inches, this puts your sleep surface at 21 inches with a 10-inch mattress — still a few inches under standard height. The frame is wood all the way to the ground, so no under-bed storage on this one.
Thuma uses Japanese joinery throughout — in my experience, the sturdiest joint type I've seen on bed frames. The cushion-coated slats greatly reduce the risk of squeaking, which is a common issue with platform beds. Made from upcycled rubberwood, a hardwood from the maple family.
Who it's for: Someone who wants a bed that'll last decades and shouldn't develop noise issues. This is built like furniture your grandparents would've bought.
My take: This one checks all my boxes — Japanese joinery, cushion-coated slats, 1,500+ lb capacity, solid hardwood. Lifetime warranty signals they're confident it won't come back to them. One thing though — I'm not a huge fan of the PillowBoard headboard. From what I've heard in reviews and from customers whose houses we've been in that own Thumas, the design doesn't work for everyone. I'd opt for the wood headboard with fabric over it, or skip the headboard entirely. But the frame itself is solid.
3. Avocado Malibu Platform Bed Frame
One of Avocado's lowest options at 6-7 inches — puts your total bed height around 16-17 inches with a standard mattress. With the short 3.25-inch legs, you get minimal under-bed clearance. This is about the look, not storage.
Handcrafted from solid maple or walnut in their Los Angeles workshop. They sell taller 6-inch and 8-inch leg options if you want to adjust the height later.
Who it's for: Someone who wants that low, minimal look and cares about where their furniture comes from. Handcrafted in LA, FSC-certified wood.
My take: Good weight capacity (800 lbs), premium materials. But the 1-year warranty is lower than competitors at this price point — something to think about if you're spending over $1,000.
4. Zinus Suzanne
You can pick your height on this one — 6, 10, or 14 inches. At the lowest setting with a 10-inch mattress, you're at 16 inches total. Steel frame with a bamboo and wood headboard.
Budget option at around $230 for a Queen — a fraction of the premium frames. Some long-term reviews mention squeaking or slat issues after a few years.
Who it's for: Someone who needs a cheap frame and isn't expecting it to last forever. Good for apartments, guest rooms, or if you're not sure how long you'll be somewhere.
My take: Weight capacity is fine (700 lbs). Steel handles weight well. But bolted joints and wood-on-metal contact points may develop squeaks over time. 1-year warranty tells you what they expect — this is a 3-5 year frame, not a long-term investment.
5. The Platform Bed by Birchboards
At 12 inches, this puts you at 22 inches total with a 10-inch mattress — couple inches under standard. You get the platform bed look without a box spring, plus decent under-bed storage space.
Solid hardwood construction with a 7-layer slat system rated for 900+ lbs. Six finish options.
Who it's for: Someone who wants something simple that doesn't make much of a statement. Good middle ground between the cheap Amazon frames and the $1,000+ premium options.
My take: Strong weight capacity, good value. The slats each sit in their own separate slots, which should minimize noise and movement. Not the highest-end frame on the market, not cheap, but a good overall value.
6. Puffy Capri Bed Frame
At 12-14 inches, this puts you around 22-24 inches total — right at the edge of low-profile territory. About 12 inches of under-bed clearance for storage.
100% solid oak with Japanese Kumiki joinery — no metal hardware at all. Velvet-padded rails where the slats sit help minimize noise. Japanese joinery is the strongest joint type I've come across — it's how traditional furniture was built before metal fasteners existed.
Who it's for: Someone who wants heirloom-quality furniture. This is the kind of bed you pass down to your kids.
My take: Excellent build quality across the board — Japanese joinery, solid oak, velvet-padded rails to minimize noise. Weight capacity isn't listed, but joinery construction like this typically handles 1,000+ lbs without issue.
7. The 4" Low Profile Bed Frame by Bedtek
This is a traditional metal frame, not a platform bed — you still need a box spring or foundation. But at just 4 inches, it's much lower than standard metal frames. Pair it with a low-profile box spring (5-6 inches) and a 10-inch mattress, and you're around 19-20 inches total.
Made in the USA, solid steel construction with snap-together assembly.
Who it's for: Someone who wants to lower their existing traditional setup without switching to a platform bed. Maybe you already have a box spring you like, or you prefer the feel of a traditional setup.
My take: Different category than the platform beds above. Steel construction is durable, snap-together assembly is convenient. Weight capacity isn't listed, which I don't love.
8. Avocado City Bed
At 11 inches, this puts you at 21 inches total — a few inches under standard. The 11 inches of under-bed clearance gives you actual storage space, unlike the ultra-low frames.
Mid-century modern design with tapered legs, available with or without headboard. Organic cotton-wrapped slat edges help reduce noise. FSC-certified North American timber.
Who it's for: Someone who wants that mid-century modern look and cares about sustainable sourcing. The tapered legs give it a lighter visual feel than chunky platform beds.
My take: Good weight capacity (900 lbs), premium materials, noise reduction addressed with cotton-wrapped slats. But the 1-year warranty is shorter than competitors at this price — same concern I have with their other frames.
9. The Platform Bed by Helix
At around 11 inches, this puts your total bed height at about 21 inches with a standard mattress. Available in white or natural wood finish.
FSC-certified hardwood with Japanese-style joinery for tool-free assembly. The joinery design helps reduce squeaking compared to frames that rely on metal hardware.
Who it's for: Someone who wants premium construction without the premium price. This is a lot of bed for $729.
My take: Excellent weight capacity (1,500 lbs), Japanese-style joinery, FSC-certified hardwood, tool-free assembly. Maybe not quite as designer-finished or premium-looking as some of the pricier options, but this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck frames on the list.
10. Thuma Signature Bed
At about 10 inches, this puts you around 20 inches total with a standard mattress. Minimal under-bed storage because of the cushioned base that wraps the entire frame.
This is Thuma's upholstered option — foam cushioning covers the headboard, sides, and base. Underneath, it uses the same Japanese joinery as their other beds.
Who it's for: Someone who wants the Thuma build quality with a softer, cushioned look. Nice if you have kids who might bump into the frame, or if you just prefer upholstered furniture.
My take: Same excellent bones as their Essential — 1,500+ lb capacity, Japanese joinery, lifetime warranty. The $1,995 price reflects the upholstery work. If you want upholstered, this is how to do it without sacrificing build quality.
11. The Minimo by Keetsa
At 12 inches, this puts your total height at 22 inches with a standard mattress. Industrial steel construction with a gunmetal finish.
The center support is rated for 2,000 lbs — highest weight capacity on this list. Steel frames like this are less likely to fail under heavy use compared to wood, though they can develop squeaks at the joints over time. Laminated birch slats sit 3 inches apart.
Who it's for: Heavier sleepers who prioritize durability over silence. If weight capacity is your main concern, this is the one.
My take: Best-in-class weight capacity (2,000 lbs). Steel handles heavy loads without structural failure. Slat spacing (3 inches) is at the upper limit of what I recommend — fine for most mattresses. Trade-off: metal joints may squeak over time.
12. Avocado Montecito Bed Frame
At about 9 inches, this puts your total height around 19 inches — a solid 5 inches below standard. More traditional styling than the Malibu or City, but still maintains that lower profile without a box spring.
FSC-certified solid hardwood construction, same as Avocado's other frames.
Who it's for: Someone who wants a low platform bed but prefers traditional styling over the ultra-modern look. This feels more like furniture your parents might have had.
My take: Premium materials (FSC-certified solid hardwood). Weight capacity isn't listed, which I don't love — contact them for specifics. Same 1-year warranty concern as their other frames at this price point.
13. Puffy Zen Bed Frame
At about 11 inches, this puts you around 21 inches total. Essentially the Capri without the headboard — same Japanese joinery construction that helps minimize noise.
Solid pinewood with a walnut finish. Lower price point than the Capri if you don't need the oak or the headboard.
Who it's for: Someone who wants the Capri's Japanese joinery construction but doesn't need a headboard or the oak upgrade. Saves you $600.
My take: Good weight capacity (1,020 lbs), Japanese joinery for build quality and noise reduction. Pinewood is softer than oak — more prone to dents — but structurally it's fine.
14. The Tatami Bed by The Futon Shop
This one comes with interchangeable legs — 5, 10, or 16 inches. At the 5-inch setting with a 10-inch mattress, your total height is just 15 inches. That's close to sleeping on the floor, Japanese futon-style.
FSC-certified solid poplar hardwood with traditional Japanese-style joinery. The joinery is one of the strongest construction methods I've seen — frames with metal hardware fail at the joints far more often than properly done wood joinery.
Who it's for: Someone who wants that ultra-low Japanese aesthetic. Also nice if you're not sure what height you want — the interchangeable legs let you try different options.
My take: Japanese-style joinery is excellent. Poplar is a softer hardwood but adequate. The 600 lb weight capacity is on the lower end — best for single sleepers or lighter couples.
15. Thuma Classic Bed
At 13 inches, this is Thuma's tallest option — 23 inches total with a standard mattress. Still under standard height, with 9 inches of under-bed clearance for storage.
Unlike the Essential where the Japanese joinery is hidden, the Classic puts it on display as a design feature. Same upcycled rubberwood and cushion-coated slats that help reduce noise. Tool-free assembly in about 10-15 minutes.
Who it's for: Someone who likes the Essential's build quality but wants the joinery visible as a design element. Also good if you want a bit more under-bed storage space.
My take: Same excellent construction as the Essential — 1,500+ lb capacity, Japanese joinery, cushion-coated slats, solid hardwood, lifetime warranty. Just a different aesthetic choice.
16. Avocado Low Profile Foundation + Frame
Different approach here — this is a low-profile foundation (box spring alternative) rather than a platform frame. At 5-6 inches instead of a standard 9-inch box spring, you drop your overall bed height by 3-4 inches.
With a basic frame and 10-inch mattress, you're around 16 inches total.
Who it's for: Someone who wants to lower their existing setup without replacing the whole bed. Maybe you like your current frame, or you just don't want the hassle of a full swap.
My take: This is a foundation, not a complete frame — different category. Organic construction is a plus. Weight capacity depends on whatever frame you already have.
17. Bryant Toddler Floor Bed by Birch
This is specifically for toddlers transitioning out of a crib. At about 2 inches, it sits almost directly on the floor — total height around 6-8 inches with a toddler mattress. If they roll off, they're not falling far.
Made from New Zealand pine. The 400 lb capacity means parents can lie down with their kids.
Who it's for: Parents with toddlers coming out of cribs. The floor-level height means no scary falls. Not for adults — I'm including it here because it's about as low-profile as a bed gets.
My take: Purpose-built for its use case. The 400 lb capacity lets you lie down with your kid. New Zealand pine is fine for a toddler bed.
Is a Low Profile Bed Right for You?
✓ Great Choice If You...
- Want a minimalist, modern aesthetic — Low beds create a clean, uncluttered look that works with contemporary and Japanese-inspired decor
- Have a small bedroom — Lower furniture makes rooms feel more spacious and open
- Are young and mobile — Getting up from a low bed requires decent leg strength and flexibility
- Have kids or pets — Less distance to fall, and easier for small children and animals to climb up
- Like sitting on the floor — Low beds work well in rooms where you spend time on floor cushions or rugs
- Move frequently — Many low profile frames are lighter and easier to disassemble
✗ Think Twice If You...
- Have knee or back problems — Standing up from a 14-16" bed height puts strain on joints. Stay above 20" total height
- Are over 50 or have mobility concerns — The lower the bed, the harder it is to get in and out safely
- Sit on the edge of your bed often — Reading, putting on shoes, etc. is uncomfortable when your knees are above your hips
- Need under-bed storage — Most low profile frames have minimal clearance underneath
- Have dust or allergy issues — Sleeping closer to the floor means more exposure to dust and allergens
- Share a bed and have different mobility needs — One partner's preference for aesthetics shouldn't compromise the other's ability to get up safely
Frequently Asked Questions
The bed height itself doesn't affect your back while sleeping — that's determined by your mattress. However, getting in and out of a very low bed (under 18" total height) can strain your back if you have existing issues. The motion of standing up from a low position puts pressure on your lower back and knees.
If you have back problems, consider a frame that puts your total bed height at 20-24 inches, which allows you to sit on the edge with your feet flat on the floor and stand up without excessive bending.
No. Platform beds are specifically designed to eliminate the need for a box spring. The slats or solid surface provide the support your mattress needs. In fact, adding a box spring to a platform bed would raise your bed height significantly and defeat the purpose of going low profile.
Most modern mattresses — memory foam, latex, and hybrids — are designed to work directly on slats. Many mattress warranties actually require a platform bed or foundation rather than a traditional box spring.
For seniors or anyone with mobility concerns, the ideal total bed height is 20-23 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress. At this height, you can sit on the edge of the bed with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle, making it easy to stand up.
Very low profile beds (under 18" total) are generally not recommended for seniors, as the effort required to stand up increases fall risk and can strain joints.
Platform beds can be excellent for heavy sleepers, but you need to check the weight capacity. Look for frames rated for at least 500-750 lbs (combined sleeper weight). Key features to look for:
Steel frames generally handle more weight than wood. Center support legs prevent sagging in the middle. Closely-spaced slats (2-3 inches apart) distribute weight better than widely-spaced ones. Avoid beds with thin wooden slats or no center support if you're over 230 lbs.
Yes, virtually any mattress works on a platform bed — memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring all do fine on slats. The only consideration is slat spacing: if your slats are more than 3 inches apart, very soft memory foam mattresses might sag between them over time.
If you have an innerspring mattress, you technically can use it, but these were designed for box springs and may feel firmer on a solid platform surface.
It depends on your mobility, but here's a general guide:
14-16" total height: Very low. Requires good leg strength to get up. Best for younger, mobile adults.
17-19" total height: Low but manageable for most healthy adults. This is where most "low profile" beds land.
20-23" total height: Comfortable for almost everyone. Easy to get in and out while still looking lower than traditional setups.
24"+ total height: Standard bed height. No mobility concerns.
Yes. Lower furniture creates more visible wall space and open sightlines, which makes a room feel larger and less cluttered. This is why low beds are popular in small bedrooms, studio apartments, and minimalist designs.
The effect is most noticeable in rooms with lower ceilings, where a tall bed can make the space feel cramped.
Slats should be 2-3 inches apart for optimal mattress support. Wider gaps (4+ inches) can cause mattress sagging and may void your mattress warranty. Some memory foam mattresses specifically require slats no more than 3 inches apart.
If you have a platform bed with wider slat spacing, you can add a bunkie board or plywood sheet on top to create a more solid surface.
Quick Reference: Frame Heights at a Glance
| # | Bed Frame | Frame Height | Total w/ 10" Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Floyd The Bed Frame | 7.5" | 17.5" |
| 2 | Thuma Essential | 11" | 21" |
| 3 | Avocado Malibu | ~6-7" | ~16-17" |
| 4 | Zinus Suzanne | 6/10/14" | 16/20/24" |
| 5 | Birchboards Platform | 12" | 22" |
| 6 | Puffy Capri | ~12-14" | ~22-24" |
| 7 | Bedtek 4" Low Profile | 4" | ~19-20"* |
| 8 | Avocado City Bed | 11" | 21" |
| 9 | Helix Platform Bed | ~11" | ~21" |
| 10 | Thuma Signature | ~10" | ~20" |
| 11 | Keetsa Minimo | 12" | 22" |
| 12 | Avocado Montecito | ~9" | ~19" |
| 13 | Puffy Zen | ~11" | ~21" |
| 14 | Futon Shop Tatami | 5/10/16" | 15/20/26" |
| 15 | Thuma Classic | 13" | 23" |
| 16 | Avocado Low Profile Foundation | 5-6" | ~16" |
| 17 | Bryant Toddler Floor Bed | ~2" | ~6-8" |
Standard bed height for reference: 24"+
What I Tell People About Low Profile Beds
When someone asks me about low profile frames, here's the short version:
The Quick Version
- Know your height tolerance. A 14-inch total bed height (like the Bedtek) looks amazing but requires real leg strength to stand up from. If you're over 50 or have any knee or back issues, stay above 20 inches total. For more on this, see my full bed frame height guide.
- Platform beats box spring for low profile. You can't get truly low with a traditional setup. These frames eliminate the box spring entirely — your mattress sits directly on slats.
- Steel frames hold more weight. The Keetsa Minimo's 2,000 lb capacity beats every wood frame on this list. If weight capacity matters to you, look at steel.
- You get what you pay for (mostly). The Zinus at $229 is fine for a few years. The Thuma at $1,095 with a lifetime warranty is built for decades. Decide what timeline you're buying for.
- Under-bed storage disappears fast. At 6-7 inches of frame height, you're getting maybe 2-3 inches of clearance — not enough for standard storage bins. If you need storage, stay at 10+ inches.
The best low profile bed is the one that matches your style, your mobility, and how long you plan to keep it. Pick accordingly.
If you find a frame I didn't list but it's got solid joinery, decent weight capacity, and proper slat spacing — you're probably fine. I can't look at every bed frame out there, but now you know what to check for.