In a previous article, I showed you how to turn a regular bed frame into a platform bed.
It sparked quite a debate, with many of you wondering what is the purpose of a bed frame.
A bed frame serves multiple purposes. It supports your mattress, raises your bed off the ground, and can add a touch of style to your bedroom.
There are also some downsides to not having one which many people don't realize.
From choosing between different materials like wood or metal to understanding your storage and support needs…this article will provide you with an in-depth look at the purpose of a bed frame and help you choose the best option for your needs.
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If you’re trying to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes, starting with your bedroom is an excellent first step.
Your mattress should be free from synthetic materials which can off-gas harmful chemicals while you sleep. My guide to the best non toxic mattress will walk you through everything you need to know.
Likewise, if you need a bed frame, I strongly recommend you pick one that is sustainably made and free from harmful chemicals. My guide to non-toxic bed frames will help.
Many people see a bed frame as a non-essential item, but as I'll explain, that is not a mistake you want to make in your own home.
The most obvious reason you need a bed frame is that it supports your mattress.
The purpose of the bed frame is to provide structure for the mattress and keep it in place without shifting or sliding around.
Also, your fancy expensive supportive mattress can only support you correctly when it’s adequately supported itself.
By placing your mattress on a bed frame, you dramatically increase air circulation (because air can enter the bottom of the mattress).
Air circulation is essential for the comfort of your sleep (keeping you cool) and the longevity of your mattress (keeping away dampness and mold).
Bed frames come in various styles, colors, and designs.
From traditional wood to vintage wrought-iron or industrial metal frames, you can find numerous options to perfectly suit your bedroom’s decor.
Raising your mattress off the floor offers additional storage space underneath.
Placing your clutter in under-bed storage bins with wheels and sliding them under your bed keeps it protected and out of sight.
Many bed frames have built-in drawers, shelves, or cabinets, making storage even easier.
Getting in and out of bed when you simply have a mattress on the floor is tricky, especially if you have mobility issues.
Raising your mattress onto a bed frame makes for much easier access.
Raising your mattress off the floor makes it more difficult for bed bugs to infest your mattress, and less likely you'll need to resort to the bed bug patrol.
Dust mites will also struggle to get to you when you’re elevated above the floor. This is a huge benefit for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
Being off the floor also puts distance between you and other room contaminants (such as general dust or pet hair).
Most mattresses come with a warranty, and if you damage the support structure by using an inappropriate base (or the floor), you could invalidate your warranty.
The two most popular types of bed frame metal are steel and wrought iron.
Wrought iron bed frames are more decorative but are also more expensive than their steel counterparts.
Steel is often stronger and more durable, but it’s less stylish.
Good quality wood bed frames are built to last for years and can even be painted or stained.
Wood bed frames often provide superior support and are usually less squeaky.
When shopping for wood bed frames, ensure that the wood has been sourced ethically and sustainably. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is a good one to look out for
Some wood and metal (usually wood) bed frames are covered in sustainable fabric or soft furnishing to add a touch of flare and style.
A box spring is a traditional bed frame consisting of two separate units (a frame and a box-shaped unit with springs inside).
The main advantage of a box spring frame is that it’s very supportive (and therefore helps keep your mattress in tip-top shape).
Foundation beds are often the same thing as box springs. In fact, the terms are often used interchangeably.
The main difference is that a foundation has more supporting planks and possibly fewer springs. It’s basically a mix of wooden slats and sprung slats.
Platform beds are often at ground level (or slightly elevated on short legs)
A box spring is not needed with a platform bed frame. The mattress sits directly on either a solid or slatted base.
Adjustable bed frames are usually made from metal, and you can adjust the height and angle to suit your needs.
The most common adjustments are to either raise the leg or the head/torso.
Adjustable beds are also great for those with mobility issues. Raising the head end fully can help you sit up and get out of bed.
An organic Japanese futon mattress is designed to go directly on the floor.
However, western futon mattresses are designed to be used on the floor or on a solid wood futon frame.
Futon bed frames are a hybrid between adjustable bed frames and a convertible sustainable sleeper sofa - since they can be used as a casual sofa or folded up and stored when not in use.
As you can see from this article, bed frames have many valuable purposes.
However, there are a couple of reasons why you might choose not to have one.
Some people love sleeping with their pets (our Labrador, Millie, loves to take over our bed!).
If your pet is small and unable to jump onto a mattress on a bed frame, you might consider ditching the frame.
The noise might become unbearably loud if you have an old spring mattress on an old rickety metal bed frame.
Removing the mattress from the frame and placing it on the floor should reduce the noise levels.
Bed frames can be costly, so you might decide not to bother and save a few bucks.
However, this might cost you more in the long run due to having to replace a damaged mattress.
If your bedroom is small, a bed frame (and other bedroom furniture) might take up precious space.
A dorm buddy of mine propped his mattress off the floor with cinder blocks for years, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it. It doesn’t look great and will eventually cause damage (both to the mattress and potentially your back/joints).
The consensus is that sleeping with your bedroom door closed is best - in fact it could even save your life. Not only does it help reduce noise, but will also give you extra escape time if a fire ever breaks out.
I would avoid slats for a memory foam mattress and go for a solid base.
Yes. I’d recommend you use a frame with all mattresses.
So, does a mattress need a frame? Well, no, technically not!
However, by ditching the bed frame and putting your mattress on the floor, you’re opening yourself up to the possibility of all sorts of unpleasant consequences, such as:
Why take the chance? Ditch the cinder blocks and get yourself a proper bed frame!
Storage space, mattress longevity, allergies, or something else…what’s your main reason for using a quality bed frame? Drop me a line and let me know.
