Types of bed frames explained
Choosing the best bedstead
What is a bedstead?
Bedstead is the part of bed which goes under the mattress, it’s also called a bed frame. Typically a bedsteads is built of:
- slatted (or solid) top
- base
- legs
- headboard (optional)
Depending on the construction, we can divide bed bases into five main categories:
- Platform (solid board)
- Sprung slatted
- Solid slatted
- Bed frame only
- Adjustable bed frames
The choice of the base type is important as the type of support may change how hard or soft your mattress feels. Also what’s worth considering is that with slatted or wood board bed frames there is no need for a box spring.
Bed frame buying guide
What frame do you need? You definitely need a strong bed frame. Weak frames can cause your box spring or mattress to deteriorate quickly or even cancel their guarantee.
There are two main types of bed bases:
- Bed frames (bedsteads)
- Divan beds
In this article I cover the characteristics of various types of bed frames to help you make a decision which type of bed frame is best for you. I will talk about the types of bed frames in terms of construction as well as the material used.
Let’s start from the basics.
Choosing the right bed frame
What to consider before buying a bed frame
When choosing a bed frame your decision will depend on:
- Size of the room
- Mattress size
- Desired height of the bed including the mattress
- Current bedroom design
- Your personal style preferences
- Mattress guarantee manufacturer’s requirements
What else to consider when choosing a new bed frame
Other selection criteria include:
- The maximum weight the bed frame can support
- Durability
- Sturdy construction
- Type of slats
- Does sit require assembly
- Does the assembly require any tools
- The number of support points
- Headboard or no headboard
Bed frame types
Platform bed bases – solid wood board bed frames
What is a platform bed base?
A platform bed base has a solid wooden, chipboard or plywood board in the top part. As opposed to slatted bed bases, there are no gaps in the base. Solid wood boards offer durability, stability and firm support. Solid bases are ideal for firmer mattresses and heavier sleepers.
Platform bed base pros and cons
Pros
- No need for a box spring
- Can be used with most mattress types
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space
- Underbed storage space
Cons
- May make your mattress feel harder and side sleepers may find it uncomfortable
- Usually low – harder to get out of bed
Bed frames with sprung slats
In this type of bed base the wooden slats are slightly curved, which gives the bed a more cushioned feel. Sprung slats help to extend the life of your mattress by reducing the amount of motion impact on it. However, the convex shape of the slats means that the sleeping surface is uneven and some sleepers may find it uncomfortable.
Bed frames with solid slats
In this version of a slatted bed base the slats are solid and made from sturdy solid wood. They create a strong and stable base for your mattress and are ideal if you prefer a firmer bed.
2 important features of a good slatted bed base
- In a good quality bed base slats should be fixed, so they can’t shift.
- Slats should be mounded a couple of inches below the top edge of the side rails to hold the mattress in place.
Sprung slats vs solid slats
Which are better: solid slats or sprung slats?
It depends on your preferences and on the type of mattress. Thinner mattresses work better on sprung slats because the extra flex of the slats reduces pressure on the mattress. If you prefer a firmer bed, then solid slats will be better for you. On the other hand, if you like soft beds, then you will enjoy sprung slats.
The wooden slats are slightly curved which means that they will adapt to your position any time you shift in the bed. This flexibility gives the bed a plusher and more cushioned feel. Sprung slats help to extend the life of your mattress by reducing the amount of strain on it.
Now let’s compare slatted and solid board bed bases.
Slatted vs non-slatted bed
What is better, a solid or slatted base?
Again, it depends on your preferences and the mattress. Any mattress which is thicker than 20 cm works fine on a non-slatted base, but a mattress thinner than that will feel more comfortable on a slatted base. Slatted bases are suitable for all mattress thicknesses.
In either case there is no box spring required.
Disadvantages of slatted bases
Depending on the construction, if the slats aren’t fixed to the base, they can shift around. Apart from that, slatted bases aren’t the best for memory foam mattresses as the foam will be pushed between the slats affecting both its life and quality.
Non-slatted (platform) bases disadvantages
Solid bed bases may not be ideal for those who prefer a softer overall feel in general. They may also require a thicker mattress to increase softness.
Bed frame only bed frames
Bed frame only base is the simplest version of a bed frame, usually made of metal, designed to support a box spring.
Advantages of frame only bases:
- May be adjustable to accommodate different mattress sizes
- Sturdy
- Usually the cheapest
- Have wheels or legs
- Storage space underneath
Disadvantages of frame only bases
The main disadvantage of this simple bed base is that you will always need a box spring to put under the mattress. So although the bed base itself may be inexpensive, you will need to buy a box spring, which may make it not that much cheaper.
Adjustable bed frames
What are adjustable bed frames?
Adjustable bed frames are electric powered frames where the head and foot areas can be raised. They can be regulated with a remote control or a smartphone app and some have storage space underneath. They are great for those suffering from sleep apnea, reflux, snoring or other issues which require a specific sleeping position. Or they can simply provide more comfort for relaxation.
You can find out more about adjustable bed frames here:
Types of bed frames by material
Choosing Your Bed Frame Material
There are three most popular bed frame types depending on the material used:
- Wooden
- Metal
- Upholstered
Which bed frame material is best? What’s the best bed frame material for you will depend on your design preferences. Here is what you can expect from each of the material types:
Wood
Characteristics of wooden bed frames:
- They give your bedroom warmth and classic style
- Wood will last for years
- Durable and easy in maintenance
- Offers strong base
- Natural material
- Heavy
Metal
Characteristics of metal bed frames:
- Go well with modern minimalistic designs
- Very sturdy
- May be squeaky or noisy
- Durable
- Relatively inexpensive
- Good if you relocate often – light and easy to dismantle
- Allow underbed storage
Upholstered
Characteristics of upholstered bed bases:
- Soft, comfortable, especially those with extra cushioning
- Warm cosy feel and look
- Come in a variety of materials, textures, patterns and styles
- More difficult maintenance than wooden or metal frames
- tend to be more expensive than metal or wooden but they are more cosy.
Other variants of bed bases
With or without a headboard
One of the decisions to make about your new bed frame is whether you want to add a headboard to it or not. An accent headboard can be a focal point of your bedroom adding your individual style to it.
I cover the topic of headboards here:
Bed frames with storage boxes or storage bags
And one last consideration is the use of the underbed space. While a bed frame with storage boxes may be the most cost effective, putting storage boxes, baskets or bags under the bed frame may spoil the visual effect, so consider how visible anything under the bed will be.
2 final tips for bed frame buyers
- Check how many legs the bed base has
A queen size and larger bed bases should have more than 4 legs and at least one centre support bar. Less than that may not provide sufficient support.
- When buying an assembled bed frame ensure you will be able to get it into your bedroom – measure the doorway, stairs, lift etc.
Questions about bed frames answered
What makes a good bed frame?
- A good bed frame should be able to support the weight of the sleepers
- Shouldn’t squeak
- Should be sturdy and solid
Do you really need a box spring for a bed base?
A box spring is necessary only for a frame only type of base. Otherwise, all you really need to support the mattress is a sturdy surface, which can even be the floor!
What is the best bed base for couples?
The feature which make a good bed frame for couples include:
- a sturdy centre support system
- quiet material and tight construction
- queen size or larger
Amazon bestsellers
– Amazon bestseller
Strong steel mattress support
Prevents the mattress from sagging
Folding – easy for storage or if you are moving frequently
