But did you know that what goes under your mattress plays just as an important role as your mattress itself?
The type of bed frame you choose depends on your bed style, whether memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and so on. When it comes to the different types of bed frames to choose from, there are numerous options, which can be overwhelming. Below, we’ll help make your decision easier by covering the various types of bed frames available to you. This way, you’ll be able to sleep peacefully for those 8 hours each night knowing you chose one that works best for you and your mattress.
1. Box Spring
Box springs have been the most popular mattress base since innerspring mattresses came into vogue in the early 1900s. An innerspring mattress is what you probably think of when the word “bed” comes into mind. Spring mattresses feature a series of coils that come in different shapes and structures, along with varying patterns of spacing, to increase comfort. Typically, the more coils, the more comfortable the bed is.
Because of the structure of innerspring mattresses, they tend to sag and deform if they don’t have enough support underneath. That’s why innerspring mattresses need the help of a box spring.
A box spring is made out of wood, coils, and is wrapped in cloth that typically matches your mattress to absorb shock, distribute weight evenly, and raise the mattress off the ground.
Box springs are often used in conjunction with metal or wooden bed frames which keep innerspring mattresses off the ground and provide a little extra storage space underneath if needed. But do you need a box spring? Not necessarily.
The only beds that require box springs are innerspring mattresses. Newer and more modern mattresses, such as memory foam mattresses, no longer use springs and coils. Because of this, you no longer need a clunky box spring supporting your mattress. Additionally, newer bed frame styles, such as platform frames and adjustable frames, offer full support for bulky mattresses without the need for a box spring.
2. Foundation
A mattress foundation is similar to a box spring because it creates a base for your mattress to sit on. However, the main difference is that a foundation doesn’t use springs and coils to support weight. Instead, a foundation is a wooden box with wooden slats going across it, creating a foundation (kind of like the wooden pallets you see in warehouses). This structure is then wrapped in fabric that matches your mattress to tie it all together.
Mattress foundations are becoming more popular because they can support heavier mattresses, such as memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses. These two mattress types cannot be used with a box spring because the foam in the mattress can sag and lose its shape by seeping between the coils inside the box spring.
The foundation for a memory foam mattress should have wooden slats that are no wider than 3 inches apart. Any further and your plush, body-contouring mattress will begin to seep through the spaces and lose years off its life. Now that’s a nightmare!
3. Platform
A platform bed frame is another popular type of bed frame and completely eliminates the need for a box spring or a foundation. This is because platform bed frames are made with rows of wooden slats that are flexible and can even support heavy mattresses such as memory foam and hybrid mattresses. In fact, platform bed frames are most commonly used with memory foam and hybrid mattresses. The wooden slats offer proper ventilation for these mattress types to breathe and fight off mildew and mold build-up.
A platform bed is also more sleek and modern. They offer a minimalistic look, but can easily be restyled with a headboard or footboard to match the style and personality of your bedroom.
4. Adjustable
An adjustable bed base does precisely what it sounds like…adjusts. Adjustable bed bases are often powered by a small electric motor, giving you the ability to raise the head and the foot of your mattress to increase comfort. No more tossing and turning trying to find the perfect sleeping position. Adjustable bed bases can raise and lower at various levels, so you can find the exact position that helps you sleep like a rock at night.
There are plenty of benefits of an adjustable bed, as well, including:
- Reduced back pain
- Easier breathing
- Versatile comfort
- Easier accessibility
- Reduced heartburn
- Improved digestion
- No more morning headaches
- Better circulation
Many adjustable bed bases are also jam-packed with convenient technological features that will turn your bed into the hub of your room.
A remote control allows you to change the position of your bed. Charging ports give your essential devices the juice they need to operate the next day. Underbed lighting helps you find your slippers when you wake up for a middle-of-the-night bathroom break. And, adjustable beds can connect with Alexa and Google, so that you can control your bed with the sound of your voice.
5. Bed Frame
A bed frame is what holds your mattress in place. A bed frame isn’t necessary for platform bed bases and adjustable bed bases, as these types of bed bases act as a bed frame as well. However, bed frames are needed if you have a box spring and mattress or a foundation and mattress.
A standard bed frame, such as the Layla® Bed Frame, is constructed with head, foot, and side rails that keep your mattress in place, while support rails placed throughout the center prevent your foundation and mattress from sagging. If you want to skip using a box spring or foundation, the Layla® Platform Bed will keep your memory foam or hybrid mattress in place, thanks to the added slats throughout the middle.
There are many different types of bed frames, however. Some common bed styles you may come across include:
- Sleigh
- Murphy
- Trundle
- Poster
- Canopy
- Bunk
What’s the Difference Between a Bed Frame and a Foundation?
We know, all of these different types of bed frames and bed bases can be confusing. The first two categories we’ll differentiate are bed frames and foundations.
Bed frames are what keep your mattress and foundation or box spring in place. Bed frames have numerous styles, such as standard, platform, and adjustable. Standard bed frames are used in conjunction with foundations and box springs. They have head, foot, and side rails, along with a few supporting beams in the middle, to hold box springs and innerspring mattresses in place.
Platform bed frames and adjustable bed frames, on the other hand, do not require a foundation or box spring. Platform bed frames use a series of wooden slats to support the weight of a mattress, while adjustable bed frames can be controlled with a remote to change the height of the head and foot of the bed.
Mattress foundations are the base your mattress sits on, and is often used with memory foam and hybrid mattresses. They are constructed with a series of wooden slats, similar to a platform bed frame, to support heavier mattresses.
What’s the Difference Between a Box Spring and Mattress Foundation?
Now, you’re probably thinking, “what’s the difference between a mattress foundation and box spring?” While both serve the same purpose, they differ in their construction. Both mattress foundations and box springs are placed beneath a mattress to offer support and raise them off the ground.
Box springs are shaped like a wooden box with springs and coils in the center to distribute the weight of a mattress evenly and provide support. Box springs are often used with innerspring mattresses. Conversely, mattress foundations do not use coils and springs to support a mattress. Instead, they use a series of wooden slats, no more than three inches apart, to support heavier mattresses, such as memory foam and hybrid mattresses.
What Mattress Base is Right for You?
With all the different types of bed bases and frames on the market, you’re probably wondering what mattress base is right for you. The answer to this question revolves around the type of mattress you have. If you have an innerspring mattress, you’re going to need a box spring and a bed frame to raise the mattress off the ground.
If you have a memory foam or hybrid mattress, you have more options to choose from. These mattress types pair well with standard metal or wooden bed frames but will need support from a mattress foundation.
However, if you have a platform bed frame or an adjustable bed frame, you won’t need a mattress foundation. Instead, you’ll be able to place your memory foam or hybrid mattress right onto the frame.
When buying a mattress, it’s crucial you carefully read the warranty. Many mattress manufacturers will require you to invest in a bed frame and box spring or mattress foundation to keep the mattress in good shape. If you don’t purchase a mattress base, your warranted could be voided, and you’ll be out of a large sum of money and stuck with a mattress you’re no longer happy with.
With this information on hand, you’ll be on your way to a comfortable night’s sleep every night, no matter what.
