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Bedroom Vocabulary: Bed Frames and Mattress Types to Know
A good night's sleep boils down to choosing the right bed frame and mattress
Niki Bruce
1 September 2018
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
With a history of both a bad back and insomnia, I’ve discovered that there are only two pieces of furniture that really matter – a proper office chair and a decent bed.
To frame your bed or not?
You don’t have to have a bed frame. Many prefer a mattress and divan or box spring – a bottom structural ‘mattress’ on legs.
Many people still buy these but more of us are also thinking about what else we may need from our beds, from additional storage to yours-and-mine mattresses, so having a bed frame can be very handy.
You don’t have to have a bed frame. Many prefer a mattress and divan or box spring – a bottom structural ‘mattress’ on legs.
Many people still buy these but more of us are also thinking about what else we may need from our beds, from additional storage to yours-and-mine mattresses, so having a bed frame can be very handy.
Types of bed frames
Standard: This is a simple metal frame with a central support bar. Being lightweight, they are good if you tend to move houses. They don’t give good support so you will need to invest in a high quality mattress.
Standard: This is a simple metal frame with a central support bar. Being lightweight, they are good if you tend to move houses. They don’t give good support so you will need to invest in a high quality mattress.
Platform: This is usually low-set and made up of open horizontal timber planks with three or more vertical support beams.
The platform bed is perhaps the most basic of all bed frames. It’s commonly used in Japanese and Scandinavian style bedrooms.
The platform bed doesn’t usually have a headboard or footboard, but can sometimes come with either an extended ‘skirt’ that extends out from the mattress or can be a built-in with storage underneath.
Panel: These usually have a headboard and footboard, with three central vertical supports –made of heavy timber or metal –that join the two ends together. There can also be a series of horizontal slats to support the mattress. The outer supports can be decorated to match the headboard and footboard.
Some designs have storage underneath; some come without a footboard.
Poster: The modern ones usually only have four decorative poles at each corner, although some will have decorative top beams as well. A poster bed can also have a headboard and footboard, or just a headboard, depending on the design.
The poster bed frame can create cosiness in very high ceilinged bedrooms. Poster beds can be turned into canopy beds when there are a pair of intersecting beams above the bed.
Bunk: Commonly seen in kids’ rooms, bunk beds offer two beds in one. They tend to be in single bed sizes only but there models with a queen bottom bunk and a single top bunk.
Some ‘bunk beds’ are actually a loft bed above a study or storage area.
Convertibles, sofa beds and futons: These are not for everyday use (especially if you have a bad back) but for the occasional overnight guest. A convertible bed that can be pulled out of a wardrobe are known as a Murphy bed. A futon is a pliable mattress that can be rolled up and stored.
Mattresses matter
For couples who have different mattress needs, the adjustable base bed and mattress combo offers two single mattresses in one bed frame. Like a hospital bed, each mattress sits on an adjustable base that can offer tilt/recline positions. They are expensive, but if you suffer from serious health issues like sleep apnea, then this could be the best bed for you.
For couples who have different mattress needs, the adjustable base bed and mattress combo offers two single mattresses in one bed frame. Like a hospital bed, each mattress sits on an adjustable base that can offer tilt/recline positions. They are expensive, but if you suffer from serious health issues like sleep apnea, then this could be the best bed for you.
Pillow-top mattresses
These have an attached additional layer of padding or foam on the top of the mattress and are said to be good for side-sleepers.
Gel mattresses
A gel mattress is basically a foam base that’s been topped with something called ‘smart gel’ that gives more support. It feels a bit different to memory foam and is for those who want extra support with less heat as the gel has a cooling effect.
These have an attached additional layer of padding or foam on the top of the mattress and are said to be good for side-sleepers.
Gel mattresses
A gel mattress is basically a foam base that’s been topped with something called ‘smart gel’ that gives more support. It feels a bit different to memory foam and is for those who want extra support with less heat as the gel has a cooling effect.
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Acknowledge All Your Senses for a Guaranteed Restful Sleep
Have these tips been helpful? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
MORE
Acknowledge All Your Senses for a Guaranteed Restful Sleep
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