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12 “Design Winning” Japanese Style Bed Frames

If you love Japanese inspired minimalist design and are looking to buy a bed frame inspired by that style, then you have come to the right place. In this post we have compiled all of our favorite Japanese style bed frames for you to choose from.  A Japanese bed frame is generally low to the ground and utilizes a minimalist design. The Japanese are innovators in the minimalist space and have great influence on interior design styles. All of the bed frames in this post come in a variety of standard sizes from twin to king. 

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What is a “japanese” bed frame?

There are a variety of different kinds of Japanese bed frames. In general the Japanese have smaller living quarters and their bedroom often will function as a living space during the day. If they don’t sleep on the floor, their beds are either minimalist in design or fold up for easy storage or function during the day. 

The different kinds of Japanese bed frames

The Japanese have inspired and invented many of the different beds and furniture styles that are used across the world today. Whether you need a tatami bed, a futon that can fold up into a couch or a low sitting minimalist bed, you can thank the Japanese for their inspiration and functional designs. 

  • Low minimalist platform bed – Low minimalist platform beds are extremely popular in the furniture design space. The low design is modern and simple just as the Japanese style suggests. 
  • Futon frame- Futons fold from a couch into a bed and back again. They are great for bedrooms that are also used as seating or living spaces. Futons are Japanese creations and are now widely popular across the world. Futons are also generally much more comfortable than a pullout couch. 
  • Tatami bed frame – A tatami bed frame is a bed that hold tatami mats, which are Japanese mats/pads that are used in place of a mattress. The Japanese are used to sleeping on the floor so they prefer a firmer more simple pad to sleep on rather than a thick mattress

All of the beds on this list can be used with a Japanese futon mattress OR a traditional style mattress. Additionally, none of the bed frames on this list require the use of a box spring (you can put your mattress directly on the frame).


12 Japanese Style Bed Frames We LOVE


1. The Bed by Floyd

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What Customers love: Low sitting, minimalist modern design. Snaps together, no hardware needed.

From $795

What our testers are saying:

The Floyd platform bed has a simple Japanese inspired design. The clean lines and minimalist appeal are perfect for enhancing the look of any bedroom. The simple plafrom style boards snap together without any hardware and also come with an optional headboard. The bed sits only 6″ off the ground and is available in a variety of wood stain finishes. The Floyd bed is a part of an entire matching bedroom set that includes a headboard, side tables and under bed storage. If you are looking for a Japanese inspired bed with a minimalist design and easy assembly then it doesn’t get much better than the Floyd bed. 


2. Mid-Century Platform Bed by Avocado

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What Customers love: Heavy duty solid wood frame. All natural materials. No tools required.

Starting at $1899

What our testers are saying:

This all wood platform bed has a unique mid-century minimal style. The simplicity of the design combined with the natural wood and straight lines are inspired by Japanese style. This bed is sturdy and solid and a great addition to to any bedroom.   


3. Tatami Walnut Bed by The Futon Shop

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What Customers love: Classic Japanese Tatami Bed. Solid and low to the ground. Includes tatami mats.

Starting at $711

What our testers are saying:

The Tatami bed is a classic Japanese bed frame that sits close to the ground and includes a thin tatami mat foundation. Available in a variety of different finishes to match and bedroom and style. The low profile and simple but durable design is accented with japanese style tatami mats. The Tatami Bed comes in Twin, Full, Queen, King and California King. The complete platform bed set includes Tatami mat(s). The tatami mat foundation is made from 100% compressed straw.


4. The Minimalist Steel Bed Frame by Keetsa

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minimalist-steel-bed-frame-keetsa

What Customers love: Minimalist design. Holds over 2000lbs. Variety of finishes available.

PRICE:
From $290

What our testers are saying:

Keetsa’s line of steel bed frames are simplistic and minimalist in their design but they are built to be sturdy. The clean lines and colors have hints of Japanese inspired design and will fit in perfectly with any decor option. These bed frames hold over 2000 lbs and do not squeak or sway under pressure. The low center of gravity and solid steel design make them aesthetically pleasing as well as functional and easy to assemble. If you are looking for an affordable sturdy platform bed frame then it doesn’t get much better than Keetsa. The Keetsa frame is a platform bed which means you do not need to purchase a box spring. 


5. The Malibu Platform Bed by Avocado

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What Customers love: Solid wood. Low-minimalist design.

PRICE:
From $999

What our testers are saying:

This low sitting platform bed by Avocado is inspired by the Japanese culture of sleeping on or near the floor. It opens up your room and gives a simplistic and minimalist appearance. The Malibu bed frame is handcrafted in Los Angeles with solid maple wood and is not only sturdy but eco-friendly as well. The Malibu bed is available with an optional headboard in two different sizes. 


6. The Platform Bed by Birchboards

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What Customers love: A sturdy wood frame made of solid maple.

PRICE: From $450

What our testers are saying:

The Birchboards platform bed is extremely sturdy, holding over 900lbs, and comes at an affordable price point for the quality. This may be one of the best “bang for your buck” bed frames on the market. This modern bed comes in a variety of stains and finishes and has a sturdy but lightweight frame that gives it a simple, timeless look. The bed has solid built in bed slats so you can put your mattress or Japanese futon directly on the slats, without the need for a box spring. The simplicity and minimalist design are an ode to Japanese culture and the best works great with a Japanese mattress.


7. 6″ Suzanne Platform Bed By Zinus

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What Customers love: Beautiful simple design and affordable

What our testers are saying

The Zinus Suzanne platform bed brings affordability to the low profile bed market. This bed frame allows you to get the low bed style while not having to spend very much. This bed won’t last as long as some of the more expensive options but is a great buy to utilize for a few years. 


8. 14″ Justina Platform Bed Frame by Zinus

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What Customers love: Great price for the quality

What our testers are saying:

The Zinus Justina offers an all in one classic bed design. The legs coupled with the box spring style platform will give your mattress a minimalist look, almost as if they are floating above the ground. This bed is affordable and ships quickly. It may not hold up as long as the high end beds on this list but it is a great option for an entry level budget friendly bed. 


9. Platforma 6″ Low Profile Platform Bed Frame

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What Customers love: Fits my California King mattress perfectly.

What our testers are saying:

The Platforma low bed frame is simple yet makes a statement. The metal coupled with the simple design brings in an industrial feel while also keeping with the minimalist modern trend. This bed frame is extremely affordable and is a great value for the quality. 


10. Stella Low Profile Platform Bed – InStyle Furnishings

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What Customers love: Simple design with thick supportive bed slats.

What our testers are saying:

The Stella bed by InStyle is available in multiple colors and finishes. Its clean lines and low set platform give of a Japanese inspired minimal vibe and is perfect for making a bedroom feel open and airy. This frame is one of the more affordable beds on the list. 


11. The Bed Frame by Birch

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What Customers love: Simple natural design. Easily snaps together without tools.

PRICE:
From $499

What our testers are saying:

The Bed Frame by Birch comes in a natural wood or white finish. This bed is simple in nature and does not require any tools for assembly. It sits right above the ground and has built in bed slats so you do not need to use a box spring, you can put your mattress or futon directly on the frame. The clean lines and low profile design are consistent with beds and styles of Japanese furniture and is sure to add to your simple and minimalist bedroom appearance.


12. The City Bed by Avocado

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What Customers love: Classic natural wood bed frame. Affordable and easy snap together assembly.

PRICE:
From $645

What our testers are saying:

Avocado produces quality mattresses and bed frames and the City Bed is no exception.  This bed frame sits low to the ground and easily snaps together without the need for hardware or tools. The City Bed is Avocado’s most affordable and simple bed that they offer. 


Does Japan Use Bed Frames?

Some of the people of Japan have slowly began to adopt some of the Western style mattress and bed frames. BUT the vast majority still sleep on a traditional very thin mattress over a Tatami mat. A Tatami mat is made of compressed straw and is believed to be great for the back and muscle relief. A traditional Japanese tatami mat and thin mattress are rolled up during the day when not in use and rolled back out at night. This allows for the “bedroom” to have multiple functions in the home.

Do The Japanese still sleep on the floor?

Yes, many Japanese households sleep on the floor on a tatami mat and a very thin mattress. This has always been a part of Japanese culture. The tatami mat is made of straw and is a simple and firm way to sleep that is believed to be great for the body.

Can I Use a Japanese Futon on a Bed Frame?

Yes, a Japanese futon can be used on a low platform bed rather than on a tatami mat. A low bed frame with slats will provide support for your futon mattress while still keeping the bed low enough to get air circulation.

What are the benefits of sleeping on a Japanese Bed Frame?

  • AIR CIRCULATION – Japanese beds are low to the ground which allows for you to sleep in better air circulation than when sleeping up too high. This also helps you to sleep cooler, as cold air is lower to the ground.
  • SUPPORT – A traditional Japanese bed consists of a thin mattress with a tatami mat underneath. This is very firm and is great for supporting your spine and back. The Japanese also believe that this is great for muscle relief.
  • SIMPLE & MINIMALIST – Less is more when it comes to Japanese bed frames. The Japanese like to minimize clutter and use functional and simple products. The Japanese bed frame doesn’t take up a lot of space and uses clean simple lines to keep the bedroom a peaceful and simple oasis for sleep.

Do Japanese Beds Need a Box Spring?

Most bed frames that get their inspiration from Japanese culture do not require a box spring. Instead these beds use built in bed slats. Built in bed slats allow customers to skip using a box spring and put their mattress or futon directly on the beds slats. This makes them sleep lower to the ground and have a more minimalist design and appearance.

Getting rid of your old bed set

If you are purchasing a new bed frame, chances are you will need to get rid of your old one. Most online companies will now take away your old items when your bed set is delivered. Luckily, we provide mattress and bes set removal and recycling services. A Bedder World has recycled over 500K mattresses to date. Simply book a pick up online, put your items outside by 8am and POOF we will come by and take them away. 

Overall, there are a lot of Japanese style bed frames available on the market today. You will want to look at the price range and how long you need your bed to last. As with anything you get what you pay for. Many of the more expensive bed sets are going to last for years and years while some of the cheaper sets are probably best for a few years. All the recommendations on this page are through companies we personally trust and that have a long standing reputatyion in the industry.