by Different types of bed bases can raise the height of your mattress. You can do so to raise it to access your bed and get in and out easily. Two of the most popular options that you can find are box springs and bed frames. They significantly contribute to enhancing the overall support and comfort of your bed.
After deciding on your mattress, you must go for a complimentary bed base. But which should you consider, is a bed frame a better option, or should you go for a box spring?
In this guide, we will compare these two and see which one is better for whom, so keep reading until the end.
Best Bed Frame Reviewed
Universal fitting that works with all types of mattresses.
GhostBed presents to you its All-in-One Foundation that comes with a patent-pending design. This one comes with an all-metal construction, holding up to 2000 pounds while ensuring lasting durability.
The height of this foundation is 9 inches, and you can consider going for 12-inch and 15-inch options that come with legs. The best thing is that it works with all footboards, headboards, and other bed combinations.
This bed frame is easy to assemble as it only comes with 5 pieces you need to join and install the slats. You will never return to those metal frames once you bring in this GhostBed foundation.
This All-in-One bed base by GhostBed features durable construction. It can conveniently hold up to 2000 lbs. The solid construction of this base will keep your mattress in good shape.
Therefore, your mattress will continue to perform for a long time. It has a couple of screw-on legs that enable you to adjust your bed height for extra customization.
With adjustable and free-standing legs, you don’t need any additional metal frame. Instead, it comes with brackets that you can use with a standard headboard. You will receive a gray-colored slip-on cover for a top-notch look.
Another excellent aspect of this bed is that it is available in different sizes. Whether you own a twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, or split king mattress, GhostBed has a bed base that is just right for you.
This bed base is ideally suitable for a wide range of mattress types. Whether you own a memory foam mattress, hybrid, innerspring, or latex mattress, this bed base will work fine. Therefore, you are not bound to use this bed base with any specific type of mattress (chech the top rated mattresses).
You will notice that this bed base by GhostBed will instantly elevate the overall look of your bedroom. Your purchase will include a contemporary slip-on cover that will make your bed base top-notch. You can increase the height of your mattress surface and make your bedroom look classier.
What’s a Bed Frame?
A bed frame has a solid construction featuring a slatted surface for excellent mattress support. The overall standard height of a bed frame is around 5 inches to 12 inches.
More conventional models, such as canopy beds, sleigh beds, or type 4-poster beds, might not support your mattress adequately. Consequently, your mattress will lose its shape in the long run. Therefore, you have to pair a box spring with one of these traditional bed frames.
Bed frames are pretty affordable as they come with an inbuilt foundation. They are made of solid wood surfaces with holes for air circulation and better breathability.
Moreover, there is space between the slits as well for better breathability. These slats must be not more than 3 inches apart to guarantee better support to your mattress, or it will go out of shape.
What Are Bed Frames Most Suited For?
Bed frames not only make your mattress durable and sturdy (check the best selling sturdy bed frames for active couple), but it also provides your bedroom with a more modern look. If you are looking for better support and comfort, a bed frame is a better option.
You need to go for a quality bed frame. Otherwise, you will have to deal with a lot of sleep disruption caused by creaking, sliding, and squeaking sounds from your bed. But above all, it will hold your mattress in place and prevent it from any damage in the long run.
Pros & Cons of Bed Frames
With the help of a bed frame, you don’t need a box spring, but they have a low profile, making them not a good option for those with knee pain or backache.
Pros
- These bed frames are compatible with most types of mattresses.
- They have a modern look.
- Bed frames offer better value due to their durability.
- They are available in a wide range of styles.
- These bed frames come with a range of storage features.
Cons
- They are not easy to get in and out of your bed.
- Solid construction and are tough to move.
What’s a Box Spring?
Box springs are wooden boxes that contain a layer featuring springs. This layer is covered with highly breathable fabric right on top. At the bottom, there is a dust-proof layer of fabric.
Some box springs also come with a steel frame to ensure better support. One of the features of these box springs is that you can directly place them on the floor.
Moreover, you can place them on any bed frame to get extra height. In the latter, you will end up preventing it from slipping. Placing it on the floor might cause it to sleep as you use it daily.
With that layer of coils, box springs become much more breathable. Apart from that, your sleep surface will be able to isolate motions and absorb any shocks.
What Are Box Springs Most Suited For?
These box springs are ideal for an innerspring mattress (check the top rated innerspring mattresses). They are primarily made to sit right on top of your bed frame. Buy box springs are not popular anymore because most modern bed-in-a-box mattresses come with a thick layer at the bottom that is made of dense foam.
It might contain coils that essentially work as the support systems of your bed. Therefore, it is recommended not to use box springs with these mattresses because support layers tend to function as box springs.
The primary purpose of a box spring is to provide a stable foundation for your innerspring mattress. Besides that, these box spring mattresses also play a valuable role in elevating the sleep surface’s height.
Pros & Cons of Box Springs
A box spring is much lighter than a bed frame, so you can conveniently move it, making it more vulnerable to wear and tear.
Pros
- Coils in a box spring boost breathability and cooling.
- These box springs are more forgiving.
- You will also get plenty of motion isolation and shock absorption.
Cons
- These box springs tend to make noise.
- They are not as durable as bed frames.
Box Spring vs. Bed Frame: What’s the Difference?
Now, let’s discuss this two one-on-one with regard to different features and see which one comes out on top;
Dimensions – Tie
The dimensions of a box spring or a bed frame will entirely depend upon the size of your mattress. Bed frames are available in various options, and you can find these frames for all mattress sizes.
Box springs tend to be more limited in size, but it is much lighter than a bed frame. So, the only problem you will have to deal with is when you pair your bed frame with your box spring. This is because the overall weight will significantly increase, and you will have difficulty moving your bed.
It entirely depends upon the size of your mattress and how you will set your bed up. If you are not using your box spring with a bed frame, a box spring is going to be much lighter than a bed frame and much easier to move.
Weight capacity – Bed frames are Winner
Bed frames are far more durable than box springs because they are made of solid materials. It means they are going to hold on much more. Therefore, you will see that most of these bed frames come with weights capacities ranging from 1500 lbs to 3000 lbs and even more.
The same can’t be said for box springs because they are more susceptible to wear and tear. So, they are not able to hold on to much weight. A box spring with a bed frame will be extremely beneficial for heavier couples.
We would say that bed frames are durable. Therefore, they can handle more weight. So, bed frames are going to take this round.
Comfort – Box Springs are Winner
It entirely depends upon your preferences. Bed frames are solid, so they will offer better support. On the other hand, box springs are softer, more forgiving, and better in terms of comfort.
If comfort is a priority for you, you need to go for a box spring because you will get better give and shock absorption, and motion isolation.
Box springs will take this round because they are more forgiving and offer better comfort than the solid construction of bed frames.
Storage space – Bed frames are Winner
One of the huge benefits of using bed frames is they come with space underneath them. Therefore, most of these bed frames come with storage compartments that you can use.
This option is not available with box springs, no matter what you do. However, if you are using a box spring on a bed frame, there is a possibility.
The winner of this round is the bed frame because it offers plenty of storage space under the bed. At the same time, this is not possible with box springs.
Price – Box Springs are Winner
The one tilts in favor of the box spring. These box springs are not made of solid materials. Therefore, they are not going to be very expensive. On the other hand, bed frames are made of solid materials and can be long-lasting. This means they come with a hefty price tag.
If price is your ultimate goal and you are looking for a budget-friendly option, consider going for the box spring. If you want durability and quality, consider going for bed frames.
Compatibility – Bed frames are Winner
Bed frames are the winner in this around because you will find all types of bed frames for all sizes of mattresses. Box springs are available in sizes, but not as many as bed frames. You can always find the right bed frame for your mattress based on size.
The winner of this round is bed frames because they are available in different sizes, and you can pick one according to the size of your mattress.
What are the pros and cons of modern bed frames?
Modern bed frames tend to have these pros:
- More stylish and contemporary design
- Made from durable materials like metal and wood
- Often have storage drawers built-in
- Easier to assemble and move around
Some potential cons:
- Can be more expensive than traditional frames
- Metal frames may creak over time
- Storage drawers add weight and make it harder to move
What mattress types work with a box spring?
Box springs traditionally work best with innerspring mattresses, providing extra bounce and support. Other mattresses that can work with box springs:
- Hybrid mattresses – The coil support core pairs well with a box spring
- Latex mattresses – Provide cushioning on top of the box spring
- Memory foam – A box spring adds height for easier access
Mattresses that usually don’t require a box spring:
- Adjustable air beds
- Most modern all-foam beds
How long do bed frames and box springs last?
Quality wood or metal bed frames can last 10-15 years or longer if properly cared for. Average lifespan:
- Wooden bed frames: 8-12 years
- Metal bed frames: 10-15 years
Box springs wear out faster than frames. Their expected lifespan is:
- 5-8 years on average
- Up to 10 years if used gently and occasionally rotated
Conclusion:
There you have it. Both box springs and bed frames have their pros and cons. Box springs are softer and lighter, and they are not expensive. Bed frames are durable and are available in different sizes. It is entirely up to you which of these two options you should consider.
However, most mattresses come with a denser foam layer right at the bottom, which eradicates the need to use a box spring, so it is better to go for a bed frame as it extends the overall lifespan of a mattress.
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18293768/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655046/
Bed frame vs Box spring FAQs
Can I put a box spring on a platform bed?
Yes, you can put a box spring on the platform bed. This way, you will get the best of both worlds. The bed frame will prevent the mattress from sliding, and with the box spring, you will get much-needed motion isolation and comfort.
Can I use a platform instead of a box spring?
You can either use a platform bed or a box spring, or you can palace your box spring on top of the platform bed. It's entirely up to you which options suit you the most.
Which is more comfortable, a platform bed or a box spring?
In terms of comfort, a box spring reigns supreme over a platform bed because it features more forgiving coils on your joints and back.
Why do beds not have box springs anymore?
Most bed-in-a-box mattresses come with that additional support layer at the bottom that serves as box springs. They either have springs or dense foam in that layer, and that’s why there is no need to use a box spring anymore.
Does a bed frame make a difference to a mattress?
Bed frames elevate the mattress and make it easier to get in and out. They prevent the mattress from slipping and extend its overall lifespan.