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.
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.