I removed the pillows for a better view of the headboard. I purchased  a 14 1/2" deep queen mattress from Saatva, and found this pretty platform bed to put it in. Saatva let me know that I needed a bed that has center support, and slats that were no more than 5 in apart preferably 4. This fit the bill for what I needed and what I liked. It was made well, went together easily and is very attractive in my bedroom. No box springs are necessary or would work.