Mattress & bed bases explained: how to choose a bed base

Types of Mattress Base

There are four main types of mattress base to choose between.

1. Divan bases
2. Slatted bases, bedsteads and bed frames
3. Ottoman bed bases
4. Electric bed bases

1. Divan Bases

Divan bases remain the most popular bed base in the UK and come in a wide range of fabric colours and finishes. They are built specifically to carry the weight of a mattress and give an even, consistent sleeping surface. Well made divans are sturdy and robust, and most offer drawer storage as standard. Since they sit only an inch or two off the floor, there is no visible gap underneath to worry about.

The drawer configurations give you somewhere to store bedding and towels out of sight, and they tend to look neat and tidy in most bedrooms.

A divan is a wooden box, or pair of boxes, padded and then upholstered in fabric. There are two main construction options to choose between: whether you want a sprung unit inside it or a solid platform top. They come in one or two parts and need very little assembly. Connect the pieces, add a headboard, and the job is done.

What is the Difference Between a Sprung Edge and a Platform Top Base?

A sprung edge divan has a spring unit built into the base itself, which is then upholstered over the top. It behaves almost like a mattress for your mattress, evening out the strain placed on the upholstery over time. A platform top divan uses a solid upholstered top instead, with no springs or moving parts underneath.

As a general rule, when paired with a standard high quality pocket sprung mattress, the two base types feel like this:

Sprung edge divans will soften the overall feel of a mattress slightly and give a touch more give underfoot.

Platform top divans will provide a firmer sleeping surface for the same mattress.

Sprung Edge Divan Mattress Bases

Sprung edge bases use a solid frame with springs fitted inside it, and they are generally regarded as the best quality divan base available. The springs themselves can be a bonnell coil, meaning a continuous spring, or a set of individual pocket springs. Pocket springs respond more precisely to weight and pressure but cost more to make.

We do not generally recommend cage sprung or open coil springs, but a sprung base is the one exception. The solid frame around the base stops a bonnell or open coil unit moving about the way it can inside a mattress.

You are also not sleeping directly on the spring unit itself, and the mattress sitting on top of it should already have deep filling layers and a good pocket spring unit of its own. Between the two, this is the only place we consider a cage sprung unit acceptable in a bed build.

Pocket sprung edge bases are the highest quality base you can buy, both in construction and in overall feel. The pocket springs give the same benefits found in high end mattresses, offering independent support point by point rather than one continuous unit. These springs are then padded and upholstered to finish the base. All of our Artisan ranges are paired with a sprung edge base where a base is required, and our Artisan Naturals mattress, priced at £2,180 in king size, is a good example of a mattress built to make the most of that pairing.

Using a sprung edge base under other mattress types will also soften the feel, particularly with latex or foam. Some sleepers barely notice the difference at all, since it is a fairly subtle change.

If budget is not a concern, a sprung edge base is the best option available, though a small number of people prefer the reduced sink of a platform top, which gives a slightly firmer overall feel.

Our Artisan sprung edge bases contain 1,000 individual pocket springs in a king size base.

Artisan Sprung Edge Bases

Our Artisan bases are built to the following specifications and are all handmade here in the UK.
View our Artisan sprung bed base here.

Platform Top Divan Bases

A platform top divan is built the same way as a sprung edge base but leaves out the spring unit. A wooden platform layer sits in its place, then gets padded and upholstered over the top. It gives a firmer feel and costs less than a sprung edge base given the simpler construction, while still offering the same range of drawer options.

It is worth checking that any base you buy is made to a decent standard, since divans vary just as much as mattresses do. Prices range from around £100 to £3,000 depending on the timber, spring unit and construction method used, and a reputable retailer should be upfront about all three before you part with any money. Have a look at our own base descriptions in the shop for the level of detail you should expect to see.

Origins Platform Top Base

Our Origins platform top base is our entry level option, handmade here in the UK. We pair it with our Origins mattress range, our Origins Comfort mattress starts at £890 in king size, which keeps the whole bed at a competitive price point. It comes in a range of fabric covers and drawer configurations.

View our Origins platform bed base here.

Contemporary Platform Top Base

We pair these Artisan quality platform top bases with our Fusion latex and hybrid foam ranges. They use higher quality components than the Origins base and sit at a midpoint between the Origins and Artisan ranges, again handmade here in the UK.

View our Contemporary Platform Divan bed base here.

2. Slatted Bases, Bedsteads and Bed Frames

Bedstead and bed frame bases cover a much wider range of styles than divans do. They suit anyone who cares more about how the bed looks than how much storage it offers.

This category covers wooden, metal and ornate bed frames, sleigh beds, roll top bases and antique brass frames, among many others. What they share is a frame that the mattress rests on, and nearly all of them rely on slats to do it. Most bedsteads also come with a footboard and a matching headboard.

Slatted bed bases usually arrive as multi piece flat packs with a lengthy instruction leaflet and a fair number of bolts and screws to work through. Assembly takes noticeably longer than it does with a divan.

What you gain in exchange is far more freedom over style, provided you are not planning to hide the frame under layers of soft bedding anyway, like the bedstead pictured below.

Bedsteads tend to be more ornate than divans and come in far more style configurations. Some of them prioritise looks over performance, so it is worth deciding upfront whether you want a frame chosen mainly for how it looks, or one that is a little more understated but performs properly with your mattress.

One thing to plan for with any bedstead is how you will hide whatever ends up stored underneath it, since there are no drawers to tidy things away.

Metal frames in particular have a reputation for being fiddly to assemble, prone to squeaking, and fitted with slat spacing that can damage a mattress over time.

We have already covered the issues with slats and how to fix them in more detail here. It is worth repeating that a slatted bedstead needs boarding for the mattress to perform properly on it. Without it, sagging and dipping tend to follow.

What is the Best Type of Bed Frame?

Cheaper bed frames and bedsteads often come with hundreds of screws and parts to assemble, and on top of that most rely on slats, which is a fairly poor support choice given how much a decent bed frame costs.

The best type of bed frame uses a fully upholstered base pad instead of slats. These cost more up front, but they are a far better long term investment, since an upholstered base pad supports the mattress evenly for years without the dipping and damage that slats can cause.

We design our own range of bed frames with an internal upholstered pad, all handmade here in the UK from luxury upholstery fabrics. Click here to view them.

Squeaky Bed Bases and How to Fix Them

Bedsteads have a habit of turning squeaky after a year or two of use. It is a problem that keeps people up at night, with every small movement in bed producing another creak.

This is most common on metal bed frames. When a frame is first assembled, every screw is tight and the whole structure sits securely together.

Over time those joints work themselves loose and the frame starts to shift very slightly. That movement is what causes the squeaks and creaks, often at three in the morning when you least want to hear them. The fix is straightforward, if a little tedious: tighten each screw periodically, or fit small rubber washers into every joint when you first put the frame together. On a mass produced frame with a hundred or more screws, this can take a while, but it is the only reliable way to stop a squeaky bed.

Tighten each screw periodically, or fit small rubber washers into every joint when you first assemble the frame.

3. Ottoman Storage Bases

Ottoman bases give you the most storage of any base type for the least amount of extra space. A hinged lid lifts to reveal the full area beneath the mattress, rather than the smaller drawer space you get with a divan. We have a more detailed guide on ottoman bed frames covering what to check for before you buy.

Ottomans are always platform topped, so there is no sprung version to choose, which is worth bearing in mind if you were hoping for a softer feel. In smaller rooms and flats, though, the extra storage they free up can make a real difference.

As with divans, quality varies a good deal between cheap and well built ottomans, so it is worth checking the construction before you buy rather than after.

What to Look for in an Ottoman Bed Base

Two things matter most here:

1. That the frame is built robustly enough to support the mattress properly
2. That the gas struts can lift the weight of your mattress, which comes down to their Newton rating

Check that the gas struts and materials on any ottoman you are considering will actually cope with the mattress you plan to use on it. They pair with the same headboards as divans and tend to have a neat, tailored look about them.

Ottomans work particularly well in flats and smaller bedrooms, where a full set of drawers is not practical. You can use the storage for winter bedding, spare linen, or anything else you would rather not have on show. Read our full ottoman bed base guide here for a closer look at what to look for when buying one.

4. Electric Bed Bases

Electric bed bases are a relatively recent addition to the market, and more retailers are stocking them each year. It is still a fairly inconsistent category, with prices running from around £1,500 up to £12,000 depending on the specification.

An electric base lets you raise or lower sections of the bed to sit up or recline without propping yourself up with pillows. Press a button and the head end lifts on its own, which makes reading in bed a good deal easier.

That said, electric bases need a specific type of mattress and a suitable motor, so it is worth checking compatibility carefully. They are usually bought by two quite different types of customer.

1. People who need a health bed for medical reasons
2. People who simply want an electric base for comfort or convenience

Anyone buying for medical reasons will have stricter requirements around the construction of both mattress and base, since the bed is likely to be used for far longer stretches than a bed bought purely for comfort.

Health beds usually need mattresses that can be cleaned to a higher standard, sometimes with a pivoting frame and side bars that a comfort bed would not include.

Comfort electric beds are the more common of the two, letting the user recline, sit up or find a non horizontal position whenever they choose. Well made models are built to last, and that quality tends to be reflected in the price.

This is a fairly specialised area, and there are plenty of companies selling either well made units at a premium or fairly crude ones at the lower end of the market. A good electric base needs a motor strong enough for the combined weight of mattress and sleeper, along with enough pivot points to suit different sleeping positions.

If you are considering an electric base to pair with an existing mattress, it is worth knowing that only certain mattresses are compatible, usually solid core latex. Putting a heavy traditional mattress on an electric base can be asking too much of the motor, or leave the mattress too rigid to respond properly to the movement, which risks damaging the bed over time.

Mattress Base Drawer Dimensions

Mattress Base Style Versus Comfort

This one comes down to personal priorities, though we can offer a view. If you have struggled with your current mattress, or you have a condition that makes comfort a genuine concern, we would always put comfort first. A divan base may look plainer than an antique silver bed frame, but that will not matter much if it squeaks, rattles or disturbs your sleep every night.

If the look of your furniture matters a great deal to you, and there is no reason a base cannot be both beautiful and comfortable, it is worth thinking through the small adjustments that might be needed. If a metal frame with cut glass knobs is what you have your heart set on, rubber washers on every screw and joint as you assemble it will go a long way.

Always board over slats to stop dips and sagging developing, and check that whatever bed frame you choose can take the combined weight of your mattress and whoever is sleeping on it. Any reputable retailer or supplier should be able to give you a weight tolerance for the base.

The image below gives a fair snapshot of the aesthetic difference between entry level divans and bedsteads. They are not the quality we would recommend, but it is the kind of comparison you are likely to see in a high street showroom.

Bed Base Sizes

How are Divan Bases Split?

John Ryan Fabric Choices

We offer a range of fabric choices, shown below. If you would like samples sending out, call the office on 0161 437 4419 or email [email protected].

Origins Fabrics

Charcoal Chenille
Cocktail Straw
Cocktail Walnut
Cream Chenille
Natural Faux Suede

Artisan, Contemporary and Ottoman Fabrics

Bedale Graphite
Bedale Chenille
Bedale Mustard
Bedale Steel
Harrogate Charcoal
Harrogate Lemon
Harrogate Silver
Harrogate Steel
Hebden Blue
Hebden Blush
Hebden Charcoal
Hebden Mink
Hebden Turquoise
Marble Charcoal
Marble Metal
Marble Powder Blue
Marble Steel
Pateley Blue
Pateley Cerise
Pateley Silver
Pateley Steel
Pateley Teal
Skipton Aqua
Skipton Coral
Skipton Emerald
Skipton Steel
Skipton Walnut

Frequently Asked Questions About Mattress Bases

Can I put any mattress on any bed base?

Most mattresses will technically fit on most bases, but the feel changes considerably depending on the pairing. A pocket sprung mattress needs a sprung edge or platform top divan to perform properly, while latex and memory foam mattresses need a completely flat, solid surface such as a platform top base. Putting the wrong mattress on the wrong base will not damage it outright, but it will change how it feels, sometimes quite noticeably.

Do I need to board over a slatted base?

Yes, if you want the mattress to last and stay comfortable. Slats leave gaps for the mattress to sag into over time, which shows up as lumps and dips under the sleeper. A sheet of plywood or pegboard laid over the slats gives a consistent surface and removes this problem almost entirely.

What is the difference between a divan and an ottoman base?

A divan base offers drawer storage built into the sides of the base, while an ottoman base uses a hinged lid to give access to the full area under the mattress. Divans suit anyone who wants easy, everyday access to a smaller amount of storage, while ottomans suit anyone who needs to store larger items and does not mind lifting the mattress to reach them.

Why has my bed base started squeaking?

Squeaking is almost always down to joints loosening over time, particularly on metal bed frames. Screws that were tight when the frame was first built work themselves loose with everyday movement. Periodically tightening every screw, or fitting rubber washers into each joint, will usually stop the noise for good.

Is a sprung edge base or a platform top base better?

Neither is objectively better, it depends on the feel you want. A sprung edge base softens the overall feel of a mattress and adds a little extra give, while a platform top base gives a firmer, more solid sleeping surface for the same mattress. Most of our Artisan customers choose sprung edge, while Origins customers more often go for platform top.

Do heavier sleepers need a different bed base?

Yes, in most cases. A standard base is built around typical sleeper weights, and once combined bodyweight moves well past that, a slatted or lightweight platform base can start to flex and eventually sag. Heavier sleepers are usually better served by a solid platform top base with a robust timber frame, paired with a mattress built for the extra load, such as those in our heavy sleeper range. If in doubt, call our team on 0161 437 4419 and they can talk through what your base and mattress combination can support.

How long should a bed base last, and when should I replace it?

A well made base should outlast several mattresses if it is looked after and boarded correctly where needed. The signs that a base needs replacing rather than repairing are usually visible sagging in the middle, squeaking that persists after the joints have been tightened, or drawer runners that no longer sit flush. Our own bases and headboards carry a guarantee, though they sit outside the 60 day love it or return it policy unless faulty on arrival, so it is worth checking the individual product page for the exact terms before you buy.

Summary

When choosing a mattress base, start by checking it will give you the feel you want with the mattress you are pairing it with. All of our mattress ranges are matched to a specific divan base to give them their true feel as intended.

Budget will inevitably shape which base you end up with, but consistency matters more than most people expect, and a slatted base almost always needs boarding over. Ottomans offer the most storage of any base type, while drawers on a divan give you somewhere handy to keep bedding and towels, the right choice really comes down to how much you need to store.

Style matters too, of course. It is worth thinking about how the finished bed will look once it is dressed, and sometimes it is better to spend a little more on the headboard than on the sides of a base that will spend most of its life hidden under a duvet.

Our team can offer expert advice on all aspects of mattress bases, so do call them on 0161 437 4419 if you need a hand deciding.