Many people don’t know that a bed base is like the other half of a mattress. Without one another, they’re always incomplete. And just like lovers, you can’t pair any mattress with any bed base.
Before you invest in a bed base, you must think about lots of details as per your personal requirements, functionality, and surroundings.
Since all of these can be hectic, to say the least, let’s walk you through this guide…
Benefits of Bed Base
If you’re used to throwing your mattress on the floor and sleeping, the idea of getting a bed base might sound like a wasted venture. However, these benefits will change your mind.
NOTE
We have enlisted our recommended bed base in this guide, here.
1. A bed base supports your bed better than the floor
If you keep your mattress on the floor, the mattress slides away when you get on and off the mattress. A bed base prevents your mattress from sliding. Moreover, bed bases reinforce the support for your body alignment during sleep.
2. It improves airflow
Some bed bases with slats and springs help in mattress ventilation. These help your bed from catching drafts and cold air. The proper airflow allows the mattress to emit any heat or moisture easily.
3. It prevents molds and insect infestation
When your mattress is on the floor, poor airflow keeps it damp from bodily fluids like sweat for a prolonged period. This forms mold and promotes bacteria growth in your mattress. A bed base will help you prevent these and elevate your bed out of reach from crawling bugs.
4. You get an extra storage space
Bed bases also allow you to store important things like books, bedroom necessities, or any other material that looks too unsightly to keep elsewhere in plain sight. You can keep each kind of thing in a wheeled box and roll it under.
5. It amps your bedroom aesthetics
Bed bases come in a variety of designs and materials and each gives off a different vibe. Wooden ones symbolize creativity and development. The beige shades of wood soothe the sleeper.
Metal stands for cleanliness, strength, simplicity, integrity, precision, clarity, and joy. And upholstered ones promote calmness, safety, and comfort.
Feel a bit interested in bed base? Let’s tease that curiosity with the varieties here…
Types of Bed Base
As mentioned earlier, not all mattresses go along with every bed base. Similarly, your needs for comfort, space availability, and the finish you want, there’s a bed base for everyone out there. C’mon, meet them yourself here…
1. Platform Bed Base
This traditional bed base style stands on four legs without slats or springs. It is sleek and quite close to the ground. It goes well with minimalist yet classy aesthetics
Pros
- They’re available in a wide range of materials, designs, and colors. You can even decide with or without headboard ones.
- These don’t need a box spring attachment and you can place your mattress on the flat base directly.
- The sleek design helps in space-saving in apartments, guestrooms, and kids’ rooms.
Cons
- The flat base adds firmness to your mattress which might hurt side sleepers.
- The low height makes it difficult to use for people with knee and joint pain. You might need a box spring then.
2. Upholstered Bed Base
These comfortable and soft bed bases come with fabric-covered padding. It adds a touch of softness to your room.
Pros
- You can comfortably lean on the padded frame while you read or watch something.
- It’s available in different paddings, fabrics, and colors to go with your style
Cons
- Need regular vacuum as they easily get dusty
- The fabric covering isn’t as durable as wood and metal. High risk of stains and dents
3. Storage Bed Base
Storage bed bases with attached drawers are a savior for storing your possessions in a small space. However, you need enough space to pull the drawers out.
Pros
- Store and secure anything beyond outsiders’ view
- The drawers enhance the sturdiness and durability of the bed
Cons
- You need help whenever you’ll move the bulky bed
- Since it’s a bed-cum-dresser, it’s naturally more expensive
4. Mid-century Modern Bed Base
With tapered legs and sleek designs, these bed bases are perfect for any modern bedroom. You can also get it with padded headboards.
Pros
- The sleek design adds a modern touch while making even the smallest rooms look less messy
- It’s low-maintenance due to the simplistic design
- Though it targets modern bedrooms, it’s suitable for any style
Cons
- The real wood ones are extremely pricey. So, cheaper material options are gaining popularity.
5. Industrial Bed Base
This combination of metal and wood for a modern-rustic fusion bed base works as a statement piece in bedrooms.
Pros
- The simple and clean lines with minimalistic designs enhance bedroom aesthetics
- Highly durable due to composition of sturdy materials
Cons
- Sturdy materials are heavy and difficult to move
- These bed bases are style-specific, so you can’t switch to a different style with it.
6. Metal Bed Base
This type of bed base comes with metal details for elegance and sleekness. Don’t confuse these with traditional bed frames with a box spring lifting them.
Pros
- Highly durable metal
- Low-maintenance, only needs dusting
- Easy to move
- Variety available
Cons
- High-quality materials make it more expensive
- The variety is still style-specific
7. Futon Bed Base
It’s a bed-cum-sofa. The sofa back unfolds to create the bed.
Pros
- Fits in studio apartments and small bedrooms
- The versatility allows you to use it as a guest bed without buying a separate one for them
Cons
- They’re firm and can be uncomfortable for side sleepers
8. Adjustable Bed Base
Remote-control adjustments help to easily change the bed to different positions. Both the head and the foot are movable
Pros
- Helpful for those who can’t sleep in one position throughout the night due to pain
- Relieves sleep apnea, snoring, and asthma
- Promotes healthy digestion
Cons
- Quite expensive
9. Four-poster or Canopy Bed Base
Four-poster bases have long posts rise from the corners for a grand look. Canopy ones are similar but the posters join at the top. You can add curtains to both for a traditional look
Pros
- Statement-furniture for large rooms
- Gives a traditional feeling
Cons
- Too large and difficult to move
- Only fits in tall ceilings
10. Bunk Bed Base
One bed stacks over the other and the upper bed is connected with a ladder to climb up and down. These are good for kids and dorm rooms.
Pros
- Saves space
- Suitable for fun sleepovers, kids, and guest room
Cons
- Difficult to move
- Top bunker must climb up and down ladder regularly
11. Wrought-Iron Bed Base
These sturdy and durable bed bases often provide intricate designs on both headboard and footboard for a touch of elegance and tradition.
Pros
- Durable and holds a lot of weight
- Decorative
Cons
- More on the expensive side
12. Wooden Bed Base
Standard wooden bases are built of flat wooden slats. These provide equal firmness to your body and enhance mattress ventilation
Sprung wooden bases are built of flexible curved slats which adjust with sleeping position.
Pros
- Easily matches your aesthetics
- Variety available
Cons
- Heavy and difficult to move
13. Ensemble Bed Base
It’s available in two types: Sprung ensemble which evenly distributes your weight across the mattress with springs; and platform ensemble which distributes the weight of the mattress and makes it firmer with solid bases.
Pros
- Relieves pressure points and body pain which makes sleeping in bed more comfortable
Cons
- *none*
So, these were all the types that you must know about. But that’s not all. You need to know more before you make your choice. So, keep reading
Things to Consider before buying a bed frame?
Other than the type of bed, your personal preferences and necessities also help you choose a suitable bed base.
For instance, the style, size, height, materials, and many other core construction details are important concerns. So, let’s choose a good fit for you…
1. Size
If you currently have a bed, think about how suitable it is for your needs, lifestyle, bedroom décor, and space. Buy the same size if it suits your needs. Size up if you need extra space for a partner, children, or pets.
You can go for canopy ones if you have high ceilings. Go for platform beds in small bedrooms. Your bed must leave at least 2-3’ space on all sides.
Measure the dimension remaining after leaving the space and remember the headboard and bed frame will add more inches, so choose the size wisely.
The usually available bed sizes are:
- Twin (38” × 75”)
- Twin XL (38” × 80”)
- Full/Double (54” × 75”)
- Queen (60” × 80”)
- King (76” × 80”)
- Oversized King (78” × 84”)
Make sure your bed base dimensions match your mattress size. Since different brands have different sizing labels, buy your bed base and mattress from the same company.
2. Height
An ideal bed height is where you can sit on its edge and your feet can touch the ground from the bed base + mattress height.
For restricted mobility issues or to share a bed with children and pets, go for 10.6″ bed heights. If you want spacious storage underneath your bed, go for higher ones.
3. Support
Without support, your mattress might sag. You can either use box springs or platform beds.
If you own a box spring and want to use it in your new bed, find a bed base that accommodates both box spring and mattress.
If you have never used one, you can skip the box spring if you combine a modern bed base like wooden ones with a contemporary mattress.
4. Bedroom aesthetics
For a cozy and traditional feel, pick traditional bed bases with wood accents, intricate details, and an upholstered headboard. For sleek and modern looks, go for smooth metal or minimalistic platform bed bases. For a rustic look, an aged-finish wood frame is ideal.
5. Integrated and Separate frames
Integrated frames allow you the finished look with a headboard, footboard, and side rails. If you’re moody and want to switch things up, separate ones can be more versatile for you.
6. Legs
Make sure your chosen bed base legs have a soft covering to glide on your floor without scratching it or destroying your carpet. If you want to move your bed around, pick wheeled legs with a lock to secure it on the desired spot. Look for central support legs for higher sturdiness for large beds.
7. Materials
Go for either wood or metal based on your room aesthetics. Check for high-quality materials, or the bed base won’t hold up, might be noisy, or even bend from heavy weight.
8. Slats
A sturdy slat system supports your mattress and you. Weak and cheap slats might bend and eventually break. So, choose hardwood slats like poplar or beech over pine or other softwoods.
Make sure there are enough slats and less spacing between them.
9. Overall quality
Starting from the craftsmanship to the finishing, check your bed closely. A cheap decent-looking bed frame might seem alright from a distance.
But rough edges can snag on your bedding and without proper polishing, it can get infested with mites and bacteria. So, try to invest more in a better-quality product.
10. Rooms
Other than a primary room, (kids or guest rooms) consider getting bunk beds to save up space or sofa-cum-beds to use them differently in the daytime. Choose beds with trundles in case you need to move them about.
So, now…
Where should you buy your bed frame?
Whether you’ll buy the bed frame online or offline, that’s completely up to you. After all, nowadays, online shopping is equally safe. But, for both cases, you must keep different plans in mind to test your bed. So, let’s get to know them here…
1. In-store shopping
Since bed bases/frames are a huge investment, test the bed in person at the store for a satisfying purchase. Lie down on the bed in the store for 5-10 minutes, close your eyes, and focus on how it supports your body.
If you have sleeping partner(s), take them along to test the beds together for fitting and comfort. Lie down together side-by-side, keep your hands behind your head, and make sure your bodies don’t touch to find the perfect size.
2. Online shopping
Due to the cheaper overheads in online stores than physical ones, you’ll get great discounts if you shop your bed frame online. Compare the mattress designs, materials, sizes, and customer ratings to evaluate the quality better.
Think a bed frame is too expensive? Let’s decide after one glance here…
What is the average cost of a bed frame?
Bed frames are available over a range of $90-$350. The average bed frame on Amazon costs a bit over $200. But luxury brands range from $800-$1500+.
The price varies based on material, quality, design, brand, size, and type.
Amazon-popular Zinus metal bed frames with upholstery cost below $300 while Ikea ones cost only a bit more. King-sized beds cost 30-35% more than full/queen-sized.
Metal bed frames are available for $100 while wooden ones are more expensive. With added technology like adjustable frames, it costs about $550-$1300.
If you can’t decide on a good bed frame, here are some of our top recommendations.
What bed frames should you buy? – Our Top 5 Recommendations
The specifics written about a bed frame online or the ones mentioned by your shopping assistant might feel quite confusing. However, if you know which part of the specifics matter and what’s really an advantage to you, you can choose better.
So, let’s learn with our best picks here…
1. Nolah Platform Base
The sturdy American pine platform base supports and stabilizes all mattresses. Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King.
Why it is on our list?
- Easily assembled alone in 15 minutes
- Promotes both aesthetics and comfort
- Upholstered wood headboard, footboard, and side rails
- 7.5” tall
- Centre support rails add extra support
- 6.75″ tapered legs add definition and support
- 120-night trial
- 10-year warranty
2. Nolah Ultimate Adjustable Smart Base
The wall glide adjustable bed base offers a built-in head/foot massager. Available in Twin XL, Queen, Split King, and Split Cal King.
Why it is on our list?
- Dual massage motors
- Glides towards the wall/ your nightstand when inclined
- Multiple USB ports near the head to charge conveniently
- Under bed illumination
- Voice control massage
- 14 buttoned wireless remote control
- Zero-G
- Multiple programmable positions
- Connects with Wifi, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home voice commands
- 120-night trial
- 10-year warranty
3. Nolah Adjustable Base w/massage
This adjustable base has an in-built head and foot massager. Available in Twin XL, Full, Queen, Split King and Split Cal King.
Why it is on our list?
- Weightless zero gravity position
- Dual USB chargers and wireless remotes
- Nightlights under bed
- 120-night trial
- 10-year warranty
4. Eastman Platform Bed Base
This upholstered bed base doesn’t need a box spring. You can add headboards separately.
Why it is on our list?
- Streamlined modern look
- Premium linen-like fabric
- Sleek wood corner legs in espresso brown stain finish
- In-built center base bars and legs reinforce comfort and support
- 4” lift provides optimal airflow
- California flammability approved without flame retardant chemicals
- 15-year warranty
5. Quiet Balance Bed Frame
This noiseless bed frame has unique sound-absorbing technology and high weight capacity. Available in: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King.
Why it is on our list?
- Supportive, durable
- Easy setup, storage, and transport
- Protects mattress
- Easily cleanable
- Streamlined contemporary appearance
- Sound-absorbing resin is non-toxic and fiberglass-infused
- 100% recycled heavy-duty steel core
- Superior edge-to-edge support for better comfort
- No motion transfer
- 8” rise gives extra storage space and airflow
- 10-year warranty
Already have a bed frame? Don’t know if it’s time to get a new one? Let’s clarify it here…
When do you need to replace your bed frame?
You might not want to part with your old bed frame, but a damaged worn-out bed base can impact the quality of your sleep, and health, and even injure you. So, always keep an eye out for these signs to replace your bed frame.
1. You don’t feel refreshed in the morning and your body aches
2. You slept much better on a different bed and thought “Why can’t I sleep in my bed?”
3. The required support isn’t available even after replacing a mattress
4. Your mattress sinks in due to the bed’s uneven or saggy base
5. It makes noise when you move
6. Broken or bent bed slats
7. Splits and cracks on the bed slats or beneath the frame. It means your bed may collapse soon
8. Fixings are bent, missing, twisted, or loose
9. Bed base looks worn out
10. Your suitable mattress size doesn’t fit the bed base
Final Statement
A quality bed base or frame can protect you from major accidents from a cheap quality or unsuitable bed base. It will also prolong the lifetime of your mattress (we all know those are costly!).
So, save up from now to invest in the best bed base for you. In fact, you can even seek your retailer for EMI options to get your bed frame quicker.
Moreover, you’ll invest in this venture, so ask your shopping assistant or online customer care service about how to care for it. Good care can give you the best returns and value for your investment.
