I was recently in the market for a new bed frame, and I had a very clear, very specific idea of the look I wanted. I went out searching like I was going on a warpath: not going to be talked into anything else by anyone! But once I started looking, I realized there were a whole lot more styles out there than just the one I had in mind, including quite a few I’d never seen before. In fact, many modern designers – like Rossetto – offer innovative new platform beds that might better suit your bedroom!
Big Headboard
I’m going to be honest: my main goal while I was shopping for a new bed frame was to find one with a headboard that wasn’t ridiculously huge. This is a personal preference through and through – I’m a bit of a minimalist – but many modern bedroom sets and platform beds have headboards that are positively massive. And, sometimes, they’re done quite well, creating a unique and artistic focal point for your bedroom, either on it’s own or in combination with an accent wall. This Oyster Platform Bed is a nice example, done with ivory crocodile leather effect insets that add a slightly wild texture to the design.
His And Hers Headboards
One new style I’ve seen a lot of lately is a modular-style platform bed like the one on this Win Floating Bed. These include big, squishy upholstered foam blocks that attach to a fairly regular rectangular headboard. I love the simple, minimal, slightly asian-inspired design of this, which creates a totally unique silhouette, and offers a little extra padding and comfort for those who like to read in bed.
Floating Bed
Another cool modern bed design (and one you almost only ever see in platform beds) is the floating bed. Beds like this Diamond Black Bed offer a solid, hard, flat surface to rest your mattress on (eliminating the need for a box spring), but rest that platform on top of legs concealed toward the center of the bed, raising it several inches off the floor and making it appear to be floating. It’s a relatively simple, subtle trick of the light, but is great for a streamlined modern decor, and gives a nice sense of style that doesn’t require an old-fashioned dust ruffle.
Integrated Nightstands
Now, I’m a big fan of modular design, but I didn’t realize this was a feature that extended to platform beds until fairly recently. But many new designs are going above and beyond the traditional for-style headboard and incorporating nightstands into their design. Traditionally bedroom sets include matching nightstands, but this is something else: the headboard and nightstands are actually integrated into a single piece. I especially like the design of this Nightfly platform bed, which has a delightfully asymmetrical design, with one ebony wood backboard and matching nightstand, and a black croc leather effect headboard that backs a second, matching nightstand. The result is a staggered height, contrasting, eye-catching design that you definitely won’t find in a more traditional bed frame.
Keep It Comfy And Casual
Of course, not all modern styles are about glossy chic high design. In fact, one of the most unexpected platform beds I’ve found is this Twist Platform Bed. Now, I’ve seen (and like!) cloth upholstered platform beds before (like the Eclipse Platform), but most are designed to look more or less like sofas: tightly upholstered with vaguely rounded backs. And all too many modern beds are done in leather or leatherette. But this one is something different, designed with a loose-fitting, almost pajama-like material that looks positively cozy – perfect for a more comfortable, casual design.
Light It Up!
Maybe the most innovative new bed design I’ve seen, though, are platform beds with headboards that have their own integrated lighting fixtures, one on either side and just in the right spot for nighttime readers. I appreciate both the utility and the beauty of this design, breaking up a rather traditional wenge wood headboard with unique lighted panels, without the need for table lamps or awkward reading lights. Plus, with some models – like this Win Wedge Bed – you can add a matching nightstand, though with the integrated light, you might not need to!
Do you like the look of a modern platform bed? How do you feel about headboards integrating new features and functionality?
