Deciding on a new mattress is hard enough, but one thing you’ll also need is the right ‘bed base’. There are many different types of bed bases so it’s important to discuss the options available.
In some ways, your bed base can be as important as the mattress itself. The type of base that your mattress sits on can definitely influence how your mattress feels and performs over time. Furthermore, some warranties require that your bed base has certain specifications (e.g. specific space between slats, number of support beams).
Hypnos Ensemble Base (with Hypnos Balmoral Mattress)
The type of bed base that you choose will depend on several factors including budget, need for storage space, bedroom decor, and the type of mattress being used. Bed bases range from under $100 all the way up to several thousand (queen size) so in terms of price, there is a huge variation.
Many bed bases can be purchased fully assembled and ‘ready to use’ whilst others require assembling. If you are buying a bed base that is ready to use, make sure that it will fit through the spaces into your bedroom. With this in mind, a bed base that can be assembled and disassembled (e.g. Sleep Republic Pro Base) may be a more practical option.
As we mentioned, there are many different types of bed bases, but the main types are listed below:
Main types of bed bases
- Slat base
- Solid bed frame
- Ensemble base
- Platform base
- Adjustable base
- Box spring
- The Floor
Let’s discuss the different types of bed bases and hopefully help you answer the question, which bed base is best for me!
1. Slat Base
A slat base (with ‘flexible’ slats) is a common type of bed base that Aussies use. Slat bases include the bed frame along with flexible slats that connect each side of the bed. 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 bed frames do come with a ‘headboard’ (e.g. Noa Sunrise Bed) so best to clarify this before you buy. Depending on the product, bed frames can be a bit ‘unstable’, and this can cause partner disturbance and undesirable movements during intimacy.
Nevertheless, a decent quality bed frame should provide a sturdy mattress base with handy storage space underneath. You should be able to get a good bed frame for $500 – $1000 (queen size).
To see our specially selected list of bed bases which includes bed frames, click here.
2. Solid Bed Frame
A solid bed frame is also common type of bed base used in Australia. A solid bed frame will still give you storage space underneath the bed, but the connections between each side are fixed and solid. The advantages of a solid bed frame include:
- Storage space underneath your mattress
- More stable than a slat base
- Provides good ventilation for your mattress
Some solid bed frames can also come with a ‘headboard’ (e.g. Idyll Natural Bed Frame) so check this before purchasing.
Solid bed frames 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).
Here is our full collection of specially selected list of bed bases that includes solid bed frames.
3. Ensemble Base
An ensemble base is typically a solid wooden structure that can be covered with fabric, creating a more attractive and ‘luxurious’ vibe in the bedroom. Ensemble bed bases are generally very stable and should accommodate almost any mattress. The advantages of an ensemble base include:
- More stable and robust than a slat base
- More desirable in terms of bedroom decor and interior design
- Often easier to move around than a bed frame (most come with wheels/glides)
Ensemble bases can be purchased ready to use, or there are cheaper options available that require assembling. Some ensemble bases have drawers in them for more 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.
Here is our full collection of specially selected bed bases that includes ensemble bases.
4. Platform Base
Platform bases come in many styles and designs. Some are made of wood pieces creating a raised platform for a mattress to sit on. They give off a trendy, modern vibe and we would expect these to become more popular in the coming years. Some advantages of a platform base include:
- Modern, stylish look
- Ideal for ‘foam only’ mattresses
- The flat ‘platform’ provides a stable sleeping surface
Platform bases may need to be assembled which can be tricky depending on how good your ‘DIY’ skills are. Platform bases vary in price, but you should be able to get a decent one for under $1000 (Queen size). They can be a bit hazardous as the platform often ‘sticks out’ and care must be taken not to bang your shins!
5. Adjustable Base
Solace Better Sleep 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. Ergoflex Mattress) are compatible with these type of bed bases. They are also far more expensive than a standard bed frame or ensemble base, and will set you back at least a few thousand dollars. That said, adjustable bed bases are practical, versatile, and are becoming more and more popular.
You can browse our collection of adjustable bases here.
6. Box spring
A box spring is an old fashioned type of bed base that is typically made with a solid frame filled with springs. Today, we don’t generally recommend buying a box spring. This type of bed base 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 a solid bed frame or ensemble base.
7. The Floor
For various reasons, some of us don’t use a bed base at all, and 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 as a base for your mattress, we 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 bed bases on the market. There is no right or wrong decision when buying a bed, it all comes down to what suits you best.
If you you have any queries about your mattress or bed purchase, comment below or please contact us. We are always here to help!
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