what is a bed base? bed bases explained

A bed base is the bottom part of your bed and acts as a foundation for your mattress, providing stability and durability. With the extra support, they also promote proper spinal alignment, enhance mattress longevity, and ensure a restful sleep.

what is a bed base? bed bases explained

A bed base is an essential component of a comfortable and supportive sleep setup. It’s the bottom part of your bed and acts as a foundation for your mattress, providing stability and durability. Once you have chosen your mattress type, finding the right bed base is the next step in enhancing your sleep experience.

Join us as we explore the different types of bed bases and how they can enhance your sleep experience; from divan bed bases to firm springs and slatted frames.

what is the best base for a bed?

A good bed base fully supports your mattress, promoting proper spinal alignment, enhancing mattress longevity, and ensuring a restful sleep. When it comes to choosing the right base for your bed, there are a few key factors to consider but which you opt for should depend on your personal preferences, style, and the level of support and functionality you need.

types of bed bases

When choosing the right bed base, there are several bed types to consider. First, there's the classic divan bed base, providing excellent support and often including built-in storage. Or if you prefer a more traditional feel, a slatted base might be your preferred choice.

If you're after flexibility, an adjustable bed base allows you to customise your sleeping position with ease. Ultimately, the right bed base depends on your personal preferences and needs for a restful night's sleep.

what is a divan bed base?

A divan bed base consists of a sturdy wooden frame covered in fabric or upholstery. The divan bed base typically has the same measurements as the mattress which creates a beautiful and minimalist aesthetic. They usually feature built-in storage drawers, making them a practical choice for those with limited space. Divan bed bases offer excellent support and can be paired with any type of mattress.

what to look for when buying a divan bed base?

When it comes to divan bed bases, the main types are; solid top, sprung edge, and firm edge. Each option offers different construction which can affect the mattress feel so the best divan base will vary from person to person.

Solid top divan - a bed base that features a rigid, non-sprung top panel, usually made from hardboard. This type of bed base is firm and offers a more affordable option than a sprung edge base.

Sprung edge divan – this bed base incorporates an open coil or pocket sprung unit mounted on a frame that acts as a shock absorber and increases the durability of the mattress too.

Firm edge divan - features a smaller number of large, heavy-duty springs within a rigid wooden-sided frame.

what is a divan storage bed?

A divan storage bed comes in multiple storage options to offer a highly practical and stylish solution for optimising space in your bedroom. They’re usually a bed frame that comes with built-in storage drawers or an ottoman-like compartment underneath. These compartments provide ample space to keep bedding, pillows, and other belongings organised and easily accessible.

Divan storage beds not only help declutter your room but also add an elegant touch to your decor, a must have for anyone seeking comfort and style in their bedroom. Some of the storage options available include:

Ottoman base - Usually a full or half ottoman, ottoman bed bases lift to allow full use of the internal space of the bed. Half-ottoman bases can be combined with drawers.

Full drawers - Up to 4 full sized drawers for a divided storage option with easy to access storage of small to medium sized items.

Half drawers - Half drawers are usually used in a continental arrangement, which is 2 full drawers with 2 half drawers, to give maximum storage space while still allowing room for a bedside table.

what materials are bed bases typically constructed from?

Usually, bed bases are made from wood or engineered wood and have metal fixings. These beds are often covered with fabric upholstery. You may even find that some come with sprung slats or foam padding for support purposes.

what are the standard bed base sizes and dimensions?

The standard UK sizing of bed bases is as follows:

what is a slatted bed base?

A slatted bed base uses either rigid or sprung slats that mount to the bed frame. This bed base evenly distributes your body weight across wooden or metal slats.

what are slatted bed bases for?

The bowed shape that is found with sprung slats provides a level of springiness that works with the mattress to improve comfort levels and mattress longevity. The slats are spaced evenly to prevent sagging and allow air to circulate, resulting in a cooler night's sleep. This type of bed base is adjustable, making it perfect for those who want to customise their sleeping experience. In comparison, rigid slats give a firmer feel, but it can affect the durability of the mattress as they have no give and work against the mattress.

is a bed base better than slats?

When it comes to deciding between a bed base and slats, there are a few factors to consider. A bed base offers more stability, ensuring a solid foundation for your mattress. It also helps distribute weight evenly and prevents sagging.

Slats, on the other hand, can provide a bit more flexibility and airflow, but may not offer the same level of support. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your mattress.

do all mattress types require a bed base?

The bed base and frame are essential for adding comfort and enhancing your mattress type. Mattresses can be used with slatted or divan bases, but you’ll need to ensure your mattress and base are suitable to use together, especially if you’re buying them separately.

how to choose the right bed base for my mattress type

Foam mattresses may squeeze through wide spaced slats causing damage to the slats and the mattress, while unsupported pocket springs can poke through the bottom of the mattress. So, when it comes to replacing your bed, it’s a good idea to buy the base and mattress together, so you can be sure of the best possible combination for superior comfort and your best night’s sleep.

how important is the base of the bed?

A bed base has two main purposes - it positions the mattress off the floor and supports the weight of the mattress so that it has consistent support across the entire surface.

The base needs to have the strength to keep the mattress firmly in place and give you the required support too. Regardless of how great your mattress is, you won’t get the full benefits of it unless it’s placed on a good quality bed base that’s robust and sturdy. If the base sags or is damaged in any way, then it affects the performance of the mattress.

what’s the impact of a bed base on mattress warranty validity?

Not using a suitable bed base to support your mattress can void your mattress’ warranty. Many warranties state that you need a supportive, correctly sized base that isn’t sagging, proper slat spacing if opting for slats, and zero damage.

how to attach a headboard to a bed base

Now’s the practical part. You may have found a bed base to match your needs, but how exactly do you ensure it looks the part paired with your headboard? Here’s a simple step-by-step on how to attach a headboard to your bed base:

step 1. position the bed base

You’ll want to ensure there’s enough space around the bed to work in by moving the bed base away from any walls.

step 2: locate the mounting holes

You’ll find mounting holes at the top end of your bed base which’ll match up with the slots on the headboard struts. If hard to identify, fabric flaps may be covering the pre-drilled holes on the bed base.

step 3: attach the struts (if not pre-attached)

Next, place the struts on the back of the headboard, lining them up with the screw holes. Using the screws provided, tighten them until they’re secure but not too tight. Some headboards come with the struts already fitted - if so, skip this step.

step 4: line up the struts with the base

You’ll then want to stand the headboard behind the base, before sliding the struts so their long side lines up with the holes in the base.

step 5: insert the headboard bolts

Screw the bolts provided into each hold in the bed base (usually these are pre-attached). Don't screw them on too tight as you’ll want to thread the headboards struts down between the bolts and the base itself. Once you’re happy with the position of the board by raising and lowering it to your desired height, twist the bolts tight so the board is secure.

step 6: push the bed back

Once you’re happy with how your headboard looks, pop your bed back into position and enjoy a protective element to your sleep space.

how to fix a divan bed base

How you’ll fix your divan bed base will depend on its fault, but usually it’s the case of ensuring the two halves are joined using the metal clips or joining brackets on the sides, checking the feet are screwed on tightly, or securing the headboard into place.

how to reduce noise from a bed base

How you reduce unwanted noise from your bed base will depend on the issue. Here’s what you can try:

• Tighten all bolts

• Add felt pads or rubber washers between any joints

• Oil any metal fittings

• Place the bed on even flooring

maintenance and cleaning tips for different bed base materials

Below we’ve outlined our recommended cleaning instructions going by the material so you don’t run the risk of causing any damage.

Wood bases: Dust regularly, wipe with a damp cloth when regularly cleaning, and avoid excess moisture from coming into contact with the wood.

Fabric or upholstered bases: Vacuum frequently and spot-clean with mild fabric cleaner when regularly cleaning.

Metal bases: Wipe with a damp cloth when regularly cleaning, dry thoroughly, and check for rust every now and then.

Divan bases: Vacuum the fabric regularly, tighten any fixings, and avoid overloading drawers as this can cause them to bow.

Now you know more about bed bases, you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing and finding one that promotes a good night’s rest. Remember, a well-chosen bed base is an investment in your quality of sleep. If you're looking for more useful information on what you can do to ensure a better sleep, then read our mattress topper buying guide.