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What Is a Low Profile Bed?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

In bedrooms, the bed may be the central feature of a design scheme. Larger beds, though, can dominate smaller rooms. Especially when a bed frame, box spring or foundation, and mattress are used, the effect can be overwhelming. In contemporary furniture design, this has been addressed with the low profile bed.

The low profile bed usually refers to a bed frame and not the actual mattress. It can be of two different types. Some beds considered low profile are actually minimally designed. The frame may be extremely simple so as not to dominate a room. Another type of low profile bed is the bed frame that is low to the ground. This can be a help for those who don’t like the feeling that they must climb up into bed, and the lower height of the bed can diminish sense of bed overwhelm in small or large rooms.

Platform beds are typically low profile.
Platform beds are typically low profile.

The simplest bed of this type is the metal bed frame. This is low to the ground and cannot be more minimal in design. People hardly notice a metal bed frame unless they’re looking under a bed. Others feel that they want some design though, and that the metal frame is not quite sufficient to their decorating tastes.

Many types of platform beds are low profile, and since the mattress tends to sit directly on the platform, the bed is much lower. There are taller platform beds, but those that sit a few inches off the ground would be considered low profile. Platform beds can have few design details and may even lack a headboard and/or a footboard.

Other low profile beds are elaborate in design, but simply take up less vertical space. People can increasingly find a great variety of styles including those with sleigh bed backs. Another variation is types of materials used to make low profile frames. Many people prefer simple wood, which can be varnished or painted, or some frames have leather covering, especially on the headboard. Colors tend toward neutral browns, whites and blacks, which can help reduce visual impact of the bed.

A few things to consider when buying a low profile bed include types of beds available. Most beds like this are platform style, meant to be used with a single mattress. Not all people are comfortable on this style of bed and may need to look for those frames that will allow a box spring.

Another consideration is storage space. While a few low profile beds have designated storage, others don’t. Some styles will definitely eliminate convenient under the bed storage.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent HomeQuestionsAnswered contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent HomeQuestionsAnswered contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

aplenty

@ Alchemy- I recently bought my daughter a low profile sleigh bed with a roll out trundle drawer on the bottom. Her room is small, but with the bed, she is able to have a place to sleep, and a place to store her favorite toys, extra blankets, and sheets. It also lets her feel like a big kid because she can open and close it on her own (she is only two).

Alchemy

I bought a great low profile king platform bed at IKEA that has been great for my small condominium. I need a king size bed because I am 6'9", but the bedroom seemed so small when I had my traditional bed and frame. My new bed is low to the ground, and does not require a box spring. My absolute favorite feature about the bed is the hidden storage in the headboard. The headboard is about ten inches thick, and contains a his and hers shelf that slides out the side. The shelves have built in lighting, and conveniently stow my notebook, phone, wallet, and a few books that I am reading. My room always looks clean and uncluttered, but there is plenty of hidden storage.

anon79580

Thank you for the valuable info! Even the place where I am buying my mattress couldn't explain this!

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    • Platform beds are typically low profile.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Platform beds are typically low profile.