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

Updated 2023: Once you have established the differences between the mattress base types and what base will suit you it should be relatively straightforward. By knowing what mattress and what type of comfort you’re going for you’ll be able to find the perfect mattress base.

Types of Mattress & Bed Base

There are 4 types of mattress & bed base. Each bed base has a specific purpose, price point, and benefit. It’s important to know before you start choosing what type of mattress base you require and also what feel you want from the mattress base. There is no getting away from the fact that a cheap base will not last as long as a quality one and will no doubt need tweaking to remove its many drawbacks, such as slats, squeaking and joint movement all of which are covered further on in the article.

• What Type of Mattress is Suitable for which Base?
• Types of Mattress Base Explained
  1. Divan bases
  2. Bedsteads
  3. Ottoman bases
  4. Electric bed bases
• Sprung Edge Divans vs Platform Top Divans
• Squeaky Bed Bases and How to Fix Them
• Style vs Comfort with Bed Bases
• UK Bed Base Sizes & Measurements
• Divan Drawer Configurations

Firstly, we need to quickly address which mattress you are using the base with so you’re not on a wild goose chase. As each mattress type will require it’s own suitable base. No, all bases are suitable for all mattresses you see. So the next step is really going to help you avoid buying the wrong mattress or bed base.

What Type of Mattress will you use on the Bed Base?

The first thing you need to know before diving into the hundreds if not thousands of bed base options is to fully understand the mattress you are using the base with. There are some fundamental rules you will need to apply. Nearly all mattresses are suitable for all bases but will have vastly different feels, especially if you pair up the wrong style of the base for the feel you want.

There are two broad categories of mattresses for bed bases. These are:

1. High end pocket-sprung mattresses and
2. Memory Foam, Latex or Hybrid foam mattresses.

Pocket Sprung Traditional Mattresses:

These mattresses should be two-sided and have a very heavy content weight; therefore, be paired with a sprung edge or platform top divan. This is because these bases are strong and can take the weight, they are also very consistent, unlike slats, making an ideal surface for these mattress styles.

Latex/Memory Foam Mattresses:

These types of foam mattresses are highly mouldable to the pressure on them, ie the sleeper, and the surface they are put on, meaning they need a flat and consistent sleeping surface. They should be paired up with either a platform top divan, ottoman storage base or sometimes an electric base if the mattress is suitable.

One point to note when selecting a latex/foam mattress is that the tension and feel of these mattresses are based/graded on using a solid or platform top base. You can pair it with a sprung edge divan but it will soften the feel of the mattress if so.

Types of Mattress Base

There are 4 main types of mattress bases you will be choosing from

1. Divan Bases
2. Slatted Bases, Bedsteads & Bed Frames
3. Ottoman Bed Bases
4. Electric Bed Bases

1. Divan Bases

Divan bases are probably the most popular of all bed bases and come in a multitude of fabric colour/finish options. Divan bases are made specifically to take the weight of mattresses and provide an even consistent surface for you to sleep on. Quality divans are sturdy, well-constructed, robust and will add storage options in the form of drawers. They hide the issue with ‘what is that under the bed?’ as they sit a mere inch or two above the flooring.

The divan drawer configurations enable storage away from prying eyes and they are neat and tidy to look at.

A divan is a wooden box(s) that is then covered with wadding/padding and then upholstered in various fabrics. There are then two options for divan bases which relate to whether you want spring in it or for it to be a platform top. They come in one or two parts and take minimal assembly. Once they have been connected and a headboard added, that’s it job done!

What is the difference between a sprung edge and a platform top base?

A sprung edge divan, as the name suggests, features a spring unit housed within the base which is then upholstered. It’s almost like a mattress for your mattress and helps even out the strain put on mattresses over time. A platform top divan is a solid top, still upholstered, which doesn’t contain springs or any moving parts.

As a rule of thumb if using a standard high-quality pocket sprung mattress, the following bases would give the following feeling:

Sprung edge divans will soften the overall feel of a mattress slightly, being more forgiving.

Platform top divans will provide a slightly firmer sleeping surface.

Sprung Edge Divan Mattress Bases

Sprung edge bases use a frame within the base which springs are then placed into it’s accepted as the best quality of divan base. These springs can either be a bonnell coil, ie continuous spring or a set of pocket springs. The pocket springs are more responsive but are at a higher price point.

Whilst we never advocate the use of cage sprung or open coil springs, the exception to this is a sprung base. This is because the base has a solid frame which prevents the bonnell coil or open coil from moving around as much as it does in a mattress.

Also, you’re not sleeping directly on top of it, and hopefully, the mattress above it has deep layers of fillings and a quality pocket spring unit. This spring unit is more than adequate in these scenarios and is the only exception for where a cage spring unit is accepted in mattress construction.

Pocket sprung edge bases are the highest quality bases you can buy in both their construction, components and overall feel. The pocket springs give the same benefits found in high-end mattresses by giving independent support. These pocket springs are then padded and upholstered to create a luxury base. Some people love the feel of a sprung edge base, and all of our Artisan ranges are paired up with sprung edge bases, where a base is required.

Using a sprung edge base on other mattresses will give a softer feel, especially in latex/foam. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some people don’t notice the difference with a sprung edge base, as the difference is quite subtle.

If money is no object then a sprung edge base is the best you can get, however, some people don’t like the extra sink with a sprung edge base so a platform top may be a more effective option to give a slightly firmer feel.

There are 1000 pocket springs (kingsize) in our sprung edge John Ryan sprung edge bases

Artisan Sprung Edge Bases

Our Artisan bases feature 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 uses the same construction method as above but doesn’t include a spring unit. A wooden platform top layer sits where the spring unit would be, then padded and upholstered. It gives a firmer feel base and is cheaper than a sprung edge base given the construction method but still has multiple drawer options.

Care should be given when buying a base that they are made to a high standard. As with mattresses, not all divans are the same. You can pay £100 up to £3000 in some instances for a divan base. The timber, spring unit and construction method should be stated before you part with your cash. View our product descriptions of our bases in our shop if you want to know the kind of detail you should expect.

Origins Platform Top Base

Our Origins platform top base option is our entry-level base handmade here in the UK. We match this base with our Origins range, and it is at a competitive price point to match. We offer them in a variety of fabric covers and drawer options.

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 feature higher quality components and are a midpoint between the Origins and Artisan range, again they are handmade here in the UK.

View our Contemporary Platform Divan bed base here. 

2. Slatted Bases, Bedsteads & Bed Frames

Bedstead/Bed frame mattress bases cover a wide variety of bed base styles. They can offer a far greater array of designs and styles when compared to divan bases. They are perfect for interior design enthusiasts and people preferring style over bedroom storage.

They cover everything from wooden, metal, ornate bed frames, sleigh beds, roll top bases, antique brass frames etc. They do however all share one defining feature. They are all frames that the mattress sits on and nearly all use slatted bases. The majority of bedstead bases will have some form of footboard and combined headboard.

Slatted bed bases are usually multi-piece frames that come with a hundred-page leaflet translated into a dozen languages to tell you which of the three hundred bolts and screws you need to set it up. These types can be intensive in terms of assembly.

They do, however provide you with the option to go all out on style with your bed base, that is if you’re not tempted to drown it out in sumptuous soft bedding like the super appealing bedstead below!

Bedsteads are usually more ornate than a divan and come with many style configurations. We would argue that some of them are style over substance and you need to bear in mind whether you want a frame that looks incredible but performs poorly or a frame that’s maybe more subtle stylistically but performs correctly with your mattress.

A consideration with bedsteads is what to do to hide all the ‘stuff’ that will inevitably get stored under there!

Metal frames are notorious for being fiddly to put together, squeaky, and have unsuitable slat configurations, which can, over time, damage your mattress.

We have already detailed the issues with slats and how to overcome these in our detailed posts here. We must reiterate that a slatted bedstead still requires boarding for optimal usage. If not, sagging and dipping can occur.

What’s the best bed frame?

We’ve talked about the issues with cheaper bed frames and bedsteads that have hundreds of screws or parts to put together. In addition to this, most bed frames use slats, which given the expensive of a bedframe, is a really poor support choice.

The best type of bed frame is one that uses a fully upholstered base pad in place of the slats. These do cost more but are a far better investment. An upholstered bed frame and base pad will provide years of more support to your mattress and prevent the slats from damaging the mattress or causing an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

We have designed a range of bed frames with internal upholstered bed pads which are all hand made here in the UK with luxury upholstery. Click here to view them.

Squeaky bed bases and how to fix them

Bedsteads are notorious for turning squeaky after a period of time. This squeaky bed problem can keep you up at night and start to slowly drive you mad as each move in the night results in an army of mice-like squeaks following your every move.

This is especially true in the metal bedframe versions. This is because when the bed is first put together, all the screws are tight, and the frame is held together securely.

3. Ottoman storage bases

Ottoman bases offer you the maximum storage capacity in a bed base with the minimal space required. An ottoman base features a hinged lifting lid that allows you to utilise the storage directly under the mattress. We have a detailed post on Ottoman bed frames, what to look out for and the details of these bases.

They are always platform topped so contain no springs, which is a consideration you need to factor in. However, in small rooms or apartments Ottomans can help free up space and increase storage!

Again, there are many cheap low-quality ottomans out there and you need to keep your wits about you to ensure it can lift your mattress and will last.

What to look for in an Ottoman bed base

The 2 things you need to look out for are:

1. That the base is made robustly to adequately support the mattress
2. The gas struts are capable of lifting a heavy mattress – you should find out the Newton rating.

You need to make sure that whatever ottoman you choose the gas struts and construction materials will support the mattress you are using with it. They can be paired up with the same headboards as divans and have quite a neat, smart appeal to them.

One great example of ottomans really showing their versatility is in flats or apartments. Where room size may prohibit the use of drawers. It also means you can use the base for say winter clothes storage, spare bedding or even boxes of bits and bobs!

We also have a detailed article on ottoman bed bases and what to look for when buying one here.

4. Electric bed bases

Electric bed bases are relative newcomers to the mattress world with more and more varieties being sold now in retailers.  It’s a very murky world at present with electric beds varying from £1500 – £12,000.

Electric bed bases allow you to raise and lower parts of the bed base to put you either in a sitting or inclined position when in bed. Think about reading a newspaper in bed, but without using pillows to prop yourself up. You can push a button and raise the head end of the bed. Smart!

However, you need very specific mattresses and motor requirements depending on what you are using the electric bed for. Electric beds usually are marketed to two distinct customer bases.

1. Healthbeds for people with special needs
2. Lifestyle beds for people who want an electric bed for comfort/leisure

The customer who is in need of a health bed will have stringent criteria on the construction method of both the mattress and base because it’s more than likely going to be used for longer periods of time than a lifestyle bed which may be only used for extended periods on the weekend.

Healthbeds require higher levels of certification in terms of mattresses which can be washed or cleaned down to hospital standards. This kind of mattress may also require the bed to pivot and have sidebars which a lifestyle electric bed wouldn’t usually have.

Lifestyle electric beds are usually the more common of the two categories, with companies such as Jensen selling lifestyle electric beds for people who want to be able to recline, sit up or be in a non-horizontal position whilst using the bed.  Jensen products are fantastically made, which is reflected in the price.

This, again is an area of considerable expertise, with many companies out there selling you very expensive and sometimes very crudely made units at the lower end of the market. Electric beds must have the correct motor to lift the weight of the mattress and sleeper, they must also have enough pivot points to be adjusted to a variety of user’s positions. It’s really a whole post on itself and we will link to this once we have finished our reviews on electric beds.

It needs a mention here in case you want to buy an electric base to go with a mattress. Only certain mattresses will work with electric beds, usually solid core latex. If you used say a heavy traditional mattress on one of these you may find the motors are not strong enough to lift it or the mattress isn’t flexible enough to react to the movement and you can damage your bed.

Mattress Base Drawer Dimensions

Mattress Base Style vs comfort

This is a completely subjective issue but we feel we must give some view on whether comfort or style is your main priority. If you have struggled with your mattress for some time, have ailments or conditions that trouble you, we would always advise that the comfort route is paramount. Whilst a divan base may not be as intricate as that antique silver bed frame, it’s going to be no use if you’re uncomfortable or it squeaks rattles or disturbs your sleep.

If you’re someone who really values the aesthetic value of your furniture, after all, there is nothing to say something can’t be fantastic quality and beautiful at the same time, we advise you consider what tweaks you may need to make. If it’s the metal bed frame with cut glass bed knobs that you want, then maybe considering putting rubber washers on the screws and joints as you construct it.

Never forget to board over slats to remove the issue with dips and sags. Lastly, make sure that whatever bed frame you choose can take the weight of your mattress and sleepers using it. Any discerning retailer or supplier should be able to give a weight tolerance for the mattress.

The image on the left gives probably the best snapshot difference aesthetically between some entry-level divans and bedsteads, granted they are not the quality we would advocate, but it’s probably a sight you’re more used to seeing in high street retailers.

Bed Base Sizes

How are Divan bases split?

John Ryan Fabric Choices

We offer a range of fabric choices as shown below. If you would like samples please get in touch with the office on 0161 437 4419 or [email protected] to have them sent out.

Origins Fabrics

Charcoal Chenille
Cocktail Straw
Cocktail Walnut
Cream Chenille
Natural Faux Suede

Artisan / Contemporary / Ottoman Fabrics

Taupe Baize
Ivory Chenille
Hazel Bracken
Flint Chenille
Charcoal Bracken
Silver Baize
Midnight Hopsack
Green Chenille
Purple Chenille
Brown Faux Leather
Aubergine Crush Premium
Gold Crush Premium
Pink Crush Premium