There are many different types of bed bases in Australia.
Deciding on a new mattress is hard enough, but you’ll also need a suitable bed base. There are many products available so it’s important to discuss the different options.
Atlantis S1 Mattress on the Atlantis Bed Base
Here are the main types of bed bases in Australia:
Main types of bed bases
- Standard bed base
- Bed frame
- Ensemble base
- Platform base
- Adjustable base
- Box spring
- The floor
If you are ready to buy a bed base (or to read more about bed bases), you can jump straight to our list of Australia’s Top 10 Bed Bases in 2023.
1. Standard bed base
A standard bed base is a common type of bed base used in Australia. Standard bed bases are often good value and will blend into most bedroom decor themes.
The advantages of a standard bed base include:
- Good value with wide appeal
- Provides good ventilation for your mattress
- Typically neutral in style and colour
Standard bed bases can also come with a headboard (e.g. Koala Paddington Base) so check this before purchasing.
Standard bed bases are usually strong and will suit almost any mattress. You should be able to get a good solid bed frame for around $500 (Queen size).
2. Bed frame
A bed frame is a common type of bed base that Aussies use. They typically have thinner side panels than a standard bed base, and may include a headboard.
The advantages of a bed frame include:
- Storage space underneath your mattress
- Lightweight and generally easy to assemble
- Provides good ventilation for your mattress
Some cheaper bed frames will use posture (flexible) slats. Posture slats may not provide adequate support for a mattress and may also void your warranty.
Cheap bed frames can also feel ‘unstable’, and this can cause partner disturbance and undesirable movements during sleep and intimacy.
The Eva Timber Bed Frame (pictured above) includes a headboard and solid slats.
You should be able to get a good bed frame for $500 – $1000 (queen size).
3. Ensemble base
An ensemble base is typically a solid wooden structure that is covered with fabric. Ensemble bases create a full, deep look and are more desirable in terms of luxury and bedroom decor.
Ensemble bed bases are generally strong and stable and should accommodate almost any mattress.
The advantages of an ensemble base include:
- Usually stable and robust
- More desirable in terms of bedroom decor and interior design
- Easy to move around (most come with wheels/glides)
Ensemble bases can be purchased ready to use, or some will require assembling. Some ensemble bases have drawers in them for handy storage. Some even have a special ‘gas lift’ where the top can be lifted up, revealing the full storage space underneath.
You can usually snap up a decent ensemble base for around $500 (queen size). Overall, ensemble bases provide an attractive, solid bed base that should last many years.
4. Adjustable bed base
A more sophisticated option available these days is an adjustable bed base, also referred to as an ‘electric bed base’. These usually have a remote control, allowing you to adjust the angles and position of your mattress.
There are several advantages to having an adjustable base:
- Provides the versatility of different positions (e.g. for sleeping, reading, watching TV)
- Ideal for rehabilitation or the elderly (helps reduce swelling, improve circulation)
- Are typically very strong and sturdy
Adjustable bases need to be considered carefully as only certain mattresses (e.g. And Sleep Luna) are compatible with these type of bed bases. They are also far more expensive than other types of bed bases.
With that said, adjustable bed bases are practical, versatile, and are becoming more and more popular. You can browse our collection of adjustable bases here.
5. Box spring
A box spring is an old fashioned type of bed base that includes a solid frame filled with springs.
We don’t generally recommend a box spring. This type of product adds a lot of ‘bounce’ to a mattress and does compromise support, stability, and partner disturbance.
With that said, there are a few advantages to having an box spring:
- To protect the mattress by absorbing weight
- To improve airflow (keep the mattress cooler)
Box springs can be used with innerspring mattresses, but can be damaging for foam mattresses.
As we alluded to, box springs can feel unstable and won’t offer the support and balance of other types of bed bases.
6. The floor
For various reasons, some of us will sleep on a mattress that is placed directly on the floor. This may be just a temporary arrangement (while awaiting a bed base) or it could simply be personal preference.
It seems about 2% of Australians sleep on a mattress, on the floor. Some advantages include:
- Not buying a bed base saves money
- It saves space if you are very limited
- No injuries from falling out of bed!
Of course placing your mattress on the floor can come with hygiene issues. As the mattress will have poor ventilation underneath, the growth of mould, fungus, and bacteria is a common problem.
If you do use the floor, we recommend buying an innerspring mattress (as opposed to a foam mattress) as this will help to maintain a reasonable level of airflow.
We also recommend lifting your mattress up regularly to allow the underside to air out, along with regular cleaning of the floor surface underneath the mattress.
So there you have it!
We hope that this article helps in your decision and that you are now familiar with the main types of products on the market. You can read more in our list of Australia’s Top 10 Bed Bases.
If you you have any queries about your purchase, please comment below. We are always here to help!
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