What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Floating Beds?

Sleeping with the feeling of levitating has become a trend for modern bedrooms. Discover the pros and cons of this type of bed.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Floating Beds?

Written by Jonatan Menguez

Last update: 16 September, 2022

In recent years, the trend of floating beds in bedrooms experienced significant growth. This piece of furniture has a very striking visual effect.

As it’s supported by a few wall brackets and inconspicuous supports, it creates the sensation of sleeping in the air. In addition, floating beds bring personality and a strong decorative style to all types of rooms.

Although they’re usually used in buildings with more modern designs, it is possible to adapt them to any space. The advantages they offer are many, but they also have some disadvantages that are worth knowing about.

What are floating beds?

Floating beds are installed in rooms from the wall supports, along with a group of supports that aren’t easily identifiable to the naked eye. For this reason, the floating effect is created, something that changes the visual design of a room. This effect isn’t only in the bed, but it creates a more open feeling in the whole room.

The main support is achieved through a platform bolted to the wall, along with a central support that’s attached to the floor. This method of support creates stability and security.

In addition, most models are adjustable. That is, the height and suspension can be at a greater or lesser distance from the floor.

Advantages of floating beds

This type of furniture in the bedroom has a number of advantages that are leading them to be a trend in decoration. Not only for its striking visual effect, but for the extra space they create.

Light below a floating bed.
The lights under the floating beds increase the feeling of floating.

Expansion of space

Being bolted to the wall and with a single support in the center, the floating bed produces the feeling of a much more open space. This isn’t only an advantage from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a hygienic point of view.

With more room under the bed, cleaning is made easier. There are no legs to get in the way.

Suspension

The main feature of floating beds is their ability to generate a visual effect of suspension. It gives the sensation of sleeping in the air.

For those who enter the room, the impression is that the bed is levitating. This is an effect that can be reinforced by the strategic placement of LED lighting.

Adjustable height

Installing a floating bed doesn’t mean that you have to make a big jump to get into bed. The height of each model is adjustable from the moment it’s installed, making it easy to adapt to the needs of each person.

Suitable for various materials

Floating beds blend in very well with modern room designs. However, it’s possible to adapt them to any decorative space. On the other hand, their installation is suitable with different types of walls, even on drywall partitions.

Headboard

Some people prefer to have headrests or headboards on the edge of their bed. This is an accessory intended for comfort and decoration.

Others choose not to place anything. Floating beds have the possibility of having a headboard and also of removing it, offering versatility in this aspect.

Silent

Thanks to their lack of supports, they don’t usually produce noise when they’re raised. It’s common for regular beds to squeak when the wood is worn or when the frame is loose.

With floating beds, this problem doesn’t exist. They’re ideal for people who usually wake up with the slightest sound.

Disadvantages of floating beds

Beyond the multiple functional and decorative advantages they offer, some cons should also be taken into account. Floating beds have to be adapted to certain material conditions of the room.

  • Budget. Although there are models with different prices, those with a single central support tend to be expensive.
  • Storage. Many people use the drawers under the bed to store clothes or other objects. With the floating ones this possibility is lost, as it isn’t advisable to load the lower part from the aesthetic point of view.
  • Walls. Although they adapt to various types of walls, floating beds with weaker support points need to be fixed to stronger partitions.
  • Boundary. This is a piece of furniture that offers stability and safety. However, it’s important to know the weight limit they support, as it shouldn’t be exceeded.
  • Difficulty of movement. As they’re attached to the wall, it’s much more complex to move them for whatever is needed. Structural reforms will have to be carried out by dismantling the fasteners.
Bed storage.
People who prefer to have storage space under the bed will not find floating beds a good option.

Ideal designs and spaces for floating beds

The varieties of floating beds can be divided into two main groups.

The first type are those with a single support.

In this case, they’re usually more sophisticated models, which is reflected in their high price. They have a single adjustable central support, which is almost invisible. In addition, they easily adapt to plasterboard partitions and support an average weight of between 250 and 300 kilograms (550 to 660 pounds).

Secondly, floating beds with multiple supports are more affordable options. The suspension effect is accompanied by the design and the possibility of adding LED lighting in the lower sector.

As for placement, these objects are recommended for both large and small spaces. In the first case, they’re ideal to generate a focal point of attention in a large room with lots of furniture. While, in small bedrooms, they cause a greater visual openness.

Versatile and adaptable

It’s important to take into account both the advantages and disadvantages of floating beds. However, they’re a great option for creating a modern look in the bedroom.

In addition, they can be adapted to suit adults, children, and different decorative styles through specialized bedding and the addition of LED lights.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.