Did you know that your bed base can impact mattress performance? A slatted base can improve spring travel and make sprung mattresses more comfortable, while a solid base helps pure foam mattresses retain their shape.
On top of that, you can get a divan, ottoman, zip and link, or adjustable bed base, so it isn’t always straightforward choosing the best type.
This ultimate guide to bed bases covers everything you need to know, helping you buy a bed base that will serve you well for years to come.
Let’s jump in!
Divan bases
A divan base is an upholstered mattress platform without a headboard or footboard. While some people add a headboard, a solitary base works better in smaller bedrooms because it is the same width and length as the mattress.
Divan bases are available with or without drawers – drawers add weight to the base but give you valuable storage space for bedding.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Four Way Split 4FT Small Double Divan Base, Available from Bedstar.
You can add a headboard to a divan base anytime with a strutted or floor-standing headboard. This allows you to dress your bed up and change its style at minimal cost (check out our range of headboards here).
Ottoman bases
Ottoman bases are visually identical to divan bases but have one significant difference – the mattress platform lifts on a gas strut.
Ottomans have a liftable base that takes the mattress with it, making full use of the abundant space between the mattress platform and floor. Sometimes, the area is split into two halves, helping you organise things.
With some bases, you can specify a side-opening platform or end-opening platform. Which is best for you depends on your bedroom layout.
Pictured: Milan Bed Company End Lift Leather Ottoman Bed Frame – Black, Available from Bedstar.
Zip and link bases
A zip and link base is two bases zipped together to make a large bed. The idea is that you can zip the beds together for couples or operate them as twins – ideal for hotels, lodges, and holiday homes that offer the option.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Visco Bonnell 5FT Kingsize Zip & Link Divan Bed. Available from Bedstar.
You can get zip and link beds with two mattresses, so joining the beds together creates a larger mattress with a slight indentation in the middle. Alternatively, you can zip the bases together and put a double or king mattress on top.
Motorised (adjustable) bases
Adjustable bases have a motorised slatted base that is adjustable to several different positions. You change the position of the mattress using a remote control, and the motor pushes levers into the base to create angles.
These are an excellent option for people with mobility issues and older people, but anyone who sleeps better elevated should consider one. Our definitive guide to adjustable beds covers everything you need to know about them.
Bedsteads
A bedstead is a metal or wooden frame that holds a mattress – or, to put it another way, it is how we describe standard bed frames.
Pictured: Capri 3FT Single Wooden Bed Frame. Available from Bedstar.
Besteads come in an unlimited range of styles and offer a traditional appearance with space under the bed, standard legs, and a built-in headboard. If you don’t like upholstered bed bases, then a bedstead is the best option.
Slatted and non-slatted bases
You can get slatted and non-slatted bases with divans, ottoman beds, bedsteads, and all other bed types except adjustable beds (which only have slatted bases).
Slatted beds have a base with horizontal timber slats running across the width of the bed to support the mattress. They work best with sprung mattresses because they maximise spring travel and improve bounce and impact absorption.
Solid bases have no flexibility and provide a flat, consistent surface for the mattress to reside. We recommend solid bases for pure foam mattresses and hybrids with at least 4cm of memory foam (a solid base here prevents mushiness).
Some metal beds have a solid metal grid platform for the mattress, performing the same role as the MDF platform on divans.
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