How to Make a Floor Bed

Floor beds are becoming increasingly popular in modern interior designs. Not only do they look sleek and stylish, but they also offer a comfortable and versatile alternative to traditional raised beds.

How to Make a Floor Bed

Whether you have a small room, want to create a cozy reading nook, or simply love the minimalist aesthetic of a floor bed, this guide will help you learn how to make a floor bed yourself.

Materials

To make a floor bed, you will need the following materials:

  • Mattress
  • Bed frame or platform
  • Floor-level furniture (optional)
  • Pillows and bedding

What is a Floor Bed?

Mattress Placed Directly on the Ground

A floor bed is simply a mattress placed directly on the ground without the use of a traditional bed frame or box spring. This type of setup creates a low-profile and minimalist sleeping space that can be customized to fit any room and design aesthetic.

Also known as a “shikibuton” in Japanese culture, floor beds have been used for centuries and are now gaining popularity in Western homes. So, if you’re ready to ditch your bulky bed frame and try something new, read on to learn how to make a floor bed.

8 Things to Know Before You Start

1) Consider Your Space

Before you start making a floor bed, consider the size and layout of your room. Floor beds work best in smaller spaces as they help create a more open and airy feel. Make sure you have enough space to comfortably move around and that the bed will not block any doors or windows.

2) Choose the Right Mattress

The type of mattress you choose will greatly impact the comfort and look of your floor bed. Foam or futon mattresses are popular choices for floor beds as they are thinner and easier to move around. Make sure to test out the mattress before purchasing to ensure it meets your comfort preferences.

3) Decide on a Bed Frame or Platform

Use a Traditional Bed Frame

You can either use a traditional bed frame or opt for a platform to support your mattress. A bed frame will elevate the bed slightly off the ground, while a platform will keep the bed completely on the floor. Choose whichever option fits your aesthetic and comfort needs.

4) Consider Additional Floor-Level Furniture

To add more functionality to your floor bed, consider incorporating other floor-level furniture, such as poufs or small tables. These can serve as seating or storage options, making your bed even more versatile.

5) Don’t Forget the Pillows and Bedding

Pillows and bedding are essential for any bed, including a floor bed. Consider using cushions instead of traditional pillows to fit with the low profile of a floor bed. As for bedding, choose lightweight and breathable fabrics that will be comfortable to sleep on.

6) Keep it Simple

One of the main appeals of a floor bed is its simplicity. Avoid cluttering the space with too many decorative items or large furniture pieces. This will help maintain the minimalist and open feel that a floor bed offers.

7) Get Creative with Decor

Although keeping it simple is recommended, feel free to get creative with your decor. You can use rugs, wall hangings, or even string lights to add a personal touch and make the space feel cozy and inviting.

8) Consider Safety

Better Options for Young Children

Floor beds may be better options for young children or older adults who need help getting up from ground level. Make sure to consider safety measures such as adding guardrails or placing the bed in a corner to prevent falls.

Making a floor bed is a simple and affordable way to add style and functionality to any room. By considering your space, choosing the right materials, and keeping it simple yet creative, you can create a comfortable and inviting sleeping area that will make you never want to go back to a traditional raised bed. So go ahead and give it a try, and see for yourself the benefits of sleeping closer to the ground.

12 Steps on How to Make a Floor Bed

Step 1: Choose your mattress

The first step in making a floor bed is to choose the right mattress. You want to select one that is comfortable and supportive for your body. A foam or futon mattress is a popular choice for a floor bed as it is thinner and easier to move around.

Step 2: Measure your space

Before you start assembling your floor bed, measure the space where it will be placed. Make sure there is enough room to comfortably move around and that the bed will not block any doors or windows. This will also help you determine the size of the mattress and frame or platform needed.

Step 3: Assemble your bed frame or platform

Choose the Right Bed Frame

If you have chosen to use a bed frame, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble it. If using a platform, simply place it in the desired spot on the floor. And make sure it is level. So, it’s essential to choose the right bed frame for your mattress.

Step 4: Place your mattress on the frame or platform

Once your bed frame or platform is assembled and in place, carefully position your mattress on top. Make sure the edges of the mattress are aligned with the frame or platform for a clean and polished look.

Step 5: Add floor-level furniture (optional)

To make your floor bed even more versatile, consider adding other floor-level furniture, such as poufs or small tables. These can serve as seating or storage options and add a unique touch to your space. But be mindful not to overcrowd the area and maintain a clutter-free look.

Step 6: Get creative with bedding

Choose Lightweight and Breathable Bedding

Choose lightweight and breathable bedding that will be comfortable to sleep on. You can also get creative with your bedding by using different textures, patterns, or colors to add personality to your floor bed.

Step 7: Place pillows and cushions

Place pillows and cushions on your mattress to make the bed more comfortable and inviting. Consider using different sizes and shapes of pillows to add dimension and style. Then, arrange them in a way that suits your preferences.

Step 8: Incorporate decor

Add decorative elements such as rugs, wall hangings, or string lights to make the space feel cozy and personalized. These can also be changed out easily for a quick refresh whenever desired. For safety reasons, avoid using any heavy or cumbersome decor pieces.

Step 9: Consider additional safety measures

If you have young children or older adults in your home, it’s important to consider additional safety measures for your floor bed. This may include adding guardrails or positioning the bed in a corner to prevent falls.

Step 10: Make sure everything is level

Make Sure That Your Floor Bed is Level

To ensure comfort and stability, make sure that your floor bed is level. Use a level to check the frame or platform and adjust as needed. When sleeping closer to the ground, it’s important to have a stable and secure base.

Step 11: Test it out

Before making your floor bed a permanent fixture in your room, make sure to test it out. Lie down on the mattress and see if it meets your comfort preferences. Make any necessary adjustments or additions before using it for actual sleep.

Step  12: Enjoy your new floor bed!

Congratulations, you have successfully made a floor bed! Now it’s time to enjoy the benefits of sleeping closer to the ground. Experiment with different bedding and decor options to make your floor bed truly unique and comfortable for you. Sweet dreams! 

With these simple steps on how to make a floor bed, you can easily create a stylish and functional sleeping space that will provide you with a good night’s rest.

So why not ditch the traditional raised bed and try out a floor bed for yourself? You may never want to go back!  Keep in mind that it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your floor bed, as it is closer to the ground and may accumulate dust more easily. With proper care, your floor bed can last for years to come.

Benefits of Sleeping Closer to the Ground

8 Things to Avoid When Making a Floor Bed

1) Cluttered Decor

Although getting creative with decor is encouraged, it’s important to avoid cluttering the space with too many decorative items or large furniture pieces. This can make the room feel cramped and counteract the open and minimalist feel that a floor bed offers.

2) Heavy Wall Hangings

When decorating your space, avoid using heavy or cumbersome wall hangings, as they can potentially fall and cause injury. Instead, opt for lightweight options or consider using Velcro strips for added security.

3) Overcrowding the Area

Just like with traditional raised beds, it’s important to have enough open space around your floor bed to move comfortably. Avoid placing too many furniture pieces or decorative items in the room to maintain a clean and functional space.

4) Neglecting Safety Measures

While a floor bed may seem like a safer option than a raised bed, it’s still important to consider safety measures. This is especially true if you have young children or older adults in your home. Make sure to add guardrails or position the bed in a corner to prevent falls.

5) Inadequate Support

Choosing the right mattress and bed frame or platform is crucial for proper support and comfort. Avoid using a mattress that is too thin or a frame that is not sturdy enough, as this can lead to discomfort and potential injuries.

6) Using Slippery Bedding

When selecting bedding for your floor bed, make sure to avoid slippery materials such as silk or satin. These can easily slide off the bed and cause discomfort while sleeping. And let’s face it, no one wants to constantly wake up to fix their bedding.

7) Poorly Maintained Bedding

As mentioned before, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your floor bed. This includes washing your bedding at least once a week to prevent dust and allergen buildup. Neglecting this can lead to discomfort and potential health issues.

7) Lack of Maintenance

Since a floor bed is closer to the ground, it may accumulate dust more easily. It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your floor bed to ensure it remains a healthy sleeping environment. So make sure to regularly vacuum and dust the area.

8) Ignoring Comfort

Last but not least, remember to prioritize comfort when making a floor bed. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sleeping position and support. Take the time to test out your floor bed before committing to it to ensure you will have a restful night’s sleep. 

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a functional and stylish floor bed that will provide you with many nights of comfortable sleep. And remember, don’t be afraid to get creative and make your floor bed truly unique to your preferences!

8 Additional Tips for a Comfortable and Stylish Floor Bed

1) Invest in a Good-Quality Mattress

Since a floor bed is closer to the ground, it’s important to invest in a good-quality mattress that will provide enough support and comfort. This can make all the difference in your sleeping experience. Also, consider opting for a low-profile mattress to keep the overall height of your floor bed lower.

2) Use Natural Materials for Bedding

For a comfortable and healthy sleep environment, it’s important to choose natural materials for your bedding. This includes cotton, linen, or bamboo fabrics, which are breathable and hypoallergenic. Avoid synthetic materials that can trap heat and cause discomfort.

3) Layer Your Bedding

Add layers to your floor bed for added comfort and functionality. This can include a mattress topper, blankets, or throws. Not only will this provide more cushioning, but it also allows you to easily adjust the level of warmth according to the season.

4) Incorporate Soft Lighting

To create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in your room, consider incorporating soft lighting around your floor bed. This can be in the form of string lights, bedside lamps, or candles. Just make sure to use LED bulbs for energy efficiency.

5) Add Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows not only add a touch of style to your floor bed but also provide added comfort. Experiment with different sizes, shapes, and textures to find the perfect combination for your space.

6) Incorporate Natural Elements

Bringing natural elements into your bedroom can create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Consider adding plants, wooden decor pieces, or natural fiber rugs to add a touch of nature to your floor bed.

7) Don’t Forget About Storage

To maintain a clutter-free space, make sure to incorporate storage options into your floor bed setup. This can include under-bed storage containers or floating shelves above the bed. Just remember to keep it minimal to avoid overcrowding.

8) Personalize Your Space

Lastly, don’t be afraid to add personal touches and decor elements that reflect your unique style and personality. A floor bed offers endless possibilities for customization, so have fun and make it your own!  Overall, creating a comfortable and stylish floor bed involves finding the right balance between functionality and aesthetics.

By following these tips on how to make a floor bed, you can transform your sleeping space into a cozy and inviting retreat.  Sweet dreams!  So go ahead and incorporate these tips into your floor bed setup to create a comfortable and stylish sleeping space. You may discover that a floor bed is the perfect fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Traditional Mattress on a Floor Bed?

Yes, you can use any type of mattress on a floor bed as long as it provides enough support and comfort for your needs. However, thinner mattresses often work better for floor beds to keep the overall height of the bed lower.

Do I Need a Box Spring for My Floor Bed?

No, you do not need a box spring for a floor bed. Instead, opt for a platform or low-profile bed frame that will provide enough support and keep your mattress in place.

How Often Should I Clean and Maintain My Floor Bed?

It’s recommended that you clean and maintain your floor bed at least once a week. This includes vacuuming or dusting the area, washing bedding, and checking for any potential safety hazards.

Can I Still Use a Headboard with a Floor Bed?

Yes, you can still use a headboard with a floor bed if desired. Just make sure to choose a low-profile one that will only add a little height to your bed.

Alternatively, you can create a DIY headboard using pillows or other materials.  Overall, the key to a comfortable and stylish floor bed is finding the right balance between functionality and personal style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a floor bed can be a great solution for those looking to switch up their sleeping setup or optimize their space. A floor bed can provide comfort and style with the right mattress, bedding, and design elements. By avoiding common mistakes and following these additional tips on how to make a floor bed, you can create a cozy sleeping space that suits your needs and preferences.

Just remember to avoid common mistakes such as neglecting maintenance and prioritizing aesthetics over functionality. And most importantly, have fun personalizing your floor bed to create a unique and cozy sleeping space. Sweet dreams!  So start researching and gathering ideas that inspire you, and have fun creating your perfect floor bed.

Photo of author

Loren Jones

Hi, my name is Loren. I live with my husband and 4 lovely kiddos in the Eastern part of San-fransisco. I have a smart beautiful,curious 6 year old daughter, a handsome 11-year-old son, an intelligent and tech geek 15 years old son and a creative, artistic 12-year-old stepson. With each of my kids being five years apart, I feel that I’m now continually phasing in and out of each stage of parenting! I’ve learned a lot about the way children learn and behave, especially in a school setting with regards to curriculum. I enjoy sharing that insight through my writing and hope that it can help others.

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