There's no denying that Jennifer Aniston takes her health very seriously. Her foray into wellness with the launch of her brand Vital Proteins is evidence enough, but a peek at her bedroom proves just how serious she is about nourishing her mind, body, and soul – right down to the detail of her bed frame.
The Friend's star isn't the type to skip on a restful sleep, and why would she want to with a bedroom idea as relaxing as hers? Her space features a symmetrically styled bed built into a wooden surround, flanked by oversized oriental lampshades and decorated with mauve and sky-blue bedding.
Of course, it's a bedroom fit for Hollywood royalty, but experts say the raised platform bed has more to boast than aesthetics alone. Beyond inviting looks, a better night's sleep could be on the cards, and it's a simple and relatively inexpensive switch that any of us can make at home.
Jennifer's bedroom was styled by famed Hollywood designer Stephen Shadley, and his attention to detail has really shone through. The calming color palette is enough to make us want to crawl into Jen's generous-sized bed, but it's the dark wooden plinth frame that really steals the show on this occasion.
Sometimes known as a floating bed base, the plinth surround is a common feature in east Asian designs (a theme that obviously inspired Jen's bedroom). Notably, though, these types of frames don't require box springs and, ultimately, could improve sleep as a result.
'These are typically known as platform beds,' explains Dr. Shelby Harris, Director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis. 'They’re designed to support a mattress directly on a solid or slatted base, so there’s no need for a box spring. The walnut plinth and raised carpeted platform add a stylish, custom look, but the function remains the same — providing sturdy, even support for the mattress, which is important for good sleep.'
What you likely first notice is that platform beds are lower to the ground compared to traditional bed frames, making them perfect for smaller spaces where they help improve airflow around a room. In Jen's room, however, the raised platform counteracts this, giving the bed extra elevation which makes it easier to get in and out of.
This layered look works two-fold in Jen's cozy bedroom idea. On the one hand, it gives the space a comforting, cocooning feel, but on the other, the bed is zoned on a sort of pedestal, offering a regal feel. This latter point might not always be practical, however. 'From a sleep perspective, being closer to the floor can make some people feel more grounded and secure, though it might not work as well for those with mobility issues,' explains Dr Harris.
Height and aesthetics aside, platform beds tend to offer firmer, more consistent support, which helps keep your spine aligned during the night. 'This can be especially helpful if you deal with back pain or discomfort,' says Dr Harris. 'On the downside, beds with solid bases may trap heat under the mattress, which could make hot sleepers less comfortable.'
If you often suffer from back pain or discomfort from sleep, a platform bed like Jen's could just help you to sleep better. If you're in the market for a new bed, consider making the switch from a box spring frame and see what difference it makes to the quality of your slumber (platform and plinth optional!).
