When it comes to picking out a bed, there are so many types and styles to choose from. You need to make sure you choose the right bed as it is a statement piece of furniture and the foundation for your sleeping space. Panel beds are one option to consider when shopping for a new bed. But what is a panel bed and is it the best option for you? Keep reading to find out more.

What Is a Panel Bed?
Is a Panel Bed Right for You?
Panel Bed vs. Platform Bed

What Is a Panel Bed?

A panel bed is a classic bed design that features a large headboard and a varying-size footboard. The headboard and footboard are connected to each other by two side panels that run parallel to each other from the headboard to the footboard. These are essentially the sides of the bed frame. The open space created by the headboard, side panels, and footboard has a row of wood or metal slats that stretch from one side panel across the open space to the other side panel. There's typically one slat located near the headboard, two toward the center, and one near the footboard. This creates a sturdy base for a box spring and then a mattress.

Do Panel Beds Need Box Springs?

Yes! Panel beds do need box springs because there aren't enough slats to hold up a mattress by itself. Plus, box springs can help change up the height of your mattress, and its spring-like cushioning makes mattresses feel even more comfy! More on this in the next section.

Is a Panel Bed Right for You?

Now that you know what a panel bed is, let's review more about what a panel bed has to offer. Feel free to check off each point that matches your requirements.

• To start, panel beds offer the best variety in terms of decorative designs and materials. This is because they always have a headboard and footboard, and they can be modern, traditional, upholstered, or wooden in style.
• Panel beds have a spacious profile, which makes them an ideal statement piece in large bedrooms.
• You can always change up your box spring and use a thicker one to add height to your mattress or a thinner one to keep your mattress lower to the ground.
• The raised side panels lock the box spring in place and help keep your mattress from sliding around.
• With so much open space between each slat, more air can pass through the box spring and your mattress, keeping you cool and comfortable as you sleep.
• If you're a side-sleeper, the open support framework also keeps your box spring and mattress from feeling too hard or firm. This is because the box spring doesn't rest on a solid surface.
• Panel beds create the ultimate cozy vibe because of the built-in mattress feel paired with the presence of a large headboard. It's essentially an invitation to pile on the pillows!

Panel Bed vs. Platform Bed

We couldn't talk about panel beds without mentioning platform beds because they look similar but fulfill different needs. The main difference between these two bed options is the placement and amount of slats that the mattress (or box spring for panel beds) sits on.

• Panel bed slats are set lower inside the frame and attach to the bottom portion of the side panels. This allows the box spring and a portion of the mattress to rest snugly between the side panels in the bed frame.
• In contrast, platform beds have slats that are located along the top portion of the side panels. Essentially, the slats rest at the same height as the side panels to create a "platform" on which to put a mattress.
• Panel beds have less slats and more open space, so they require a box spring to support the mattress. This combination makes for a more cushioned sleep.
• On the other hand, platform beds have more slats that almost completely fill out the open space, so there's no way your mattress can fall through, and hence, no need for a box spring. However, this solid and spring-free foundation can make your mattress feel more firm. Whichever bed is right is up to you – It's all a matter of preference.

Learn more in our guide, Panel Bed vs. Platform Bed: Which Is Right for You?

Tip!

Brush up your knowledge on these other types of beds:
What​ Is a Platform Bed?
What Is a Low-Profile Bed?
What Is a Trundle Bed?
What Is a Murphy Bed?

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