A platform bed is any bed without a box spring. They have a low profile, for a spacious feeling in the room, and often utilize simple lines, celebrating the quieter moments in life such as spending time in your bed reading, writing, holding your loved one, or, of course, sleeping and dreaming.

Platform beds have been around for thousands of years. In fact, beyond the pile of leaves, platform beds could well be the oldest kind of bed in existence. In modern times, we have augmented the art of simplicity in a number of ways. One of those ways is in the art of contemporary platform bed design. In this context, contemporary simply means designed by living artisans or manufacturers. Therefore, the term is a very broad and nebulous one.

Among the more commonly found characteristics of contemporary platform beds are sleek, straight lines; gently swooping curves; solid, easily discernible finishes and colors; simple, tasteful flourishes and other artistic flairs; the use of high-tech foam as a mattress material; and other characteristics.

Modern platform beds are made of one of two main types of material: wood and metal. High-end wood platform beds are all-natural wood, with no cosmetic stains or overlays. They are usually made out of cherry, redwood, or other wood of comparable quality. Middle- to lower-end models usually are made of a middle-quality wood, with overlays that make the bed frame resemble cherry, teak, rosewood, mahogany, maple, dark walnut, pecan, honey oak and other types of quality wood.

Modern platform beds that are made out of metal are usually tubular or sheet steel. These beds are sturdy, and can be shaped in an almost unlimited array of forms and flourishes.