Do You Need a Bed Frame?

Reasons to Use a Bed Frame

There are many reasons that someone may choose to have a bed frame in their bedroom. Adding a bed frame can help promote better airflow by allowing air to travel under the bed. Most bed frames not only leave that extra space for airflow, but they also provide additional storage. The ability to have extra storage space to store personal items, or hide dirty clothes under your bed, is extremely useful. Some bed frames may eliminate this open space and replace it with drawers for storage, or an additional slide-out bed for guests. Bed frames can also act as great decorative pieces that show off your style and add life to your bedroom.

Are Bed Frames Really Necessary?

While they are not necessary in a bedroom, bed frames can be extremely useful for some people. Along with the previously mentioned reasons, bed frames also add much needed height. Not only does the height of the frame allow for better airflow and storage, but it also makes it easier to get into bed. Without a bed frame, your mattress would sit lower than your knees, which can make it difficult for those with knee problems to get in and out of bed.

A bed frame is not required to use a Sven & Son adjustable base, but it has many other benefits to improve sleep. To shop for adjustable bases, visit the Sven & Son website. For sleep tips that may improve certain health conditions, read our blog post on “Doctor's recommendations for adjustable beds.”

Types of Bed Frames and Foundations

Bed frames are manufactured using a variety of materials that can help maintain sturdiness or provide a different decorative style. Typically, bed frames are made of wood or metal. Bed foundations typically have wooden beams on the inside that are spaced out two or three inches for structural support and then wrapped in cloth for an upholstered feel.

Traditional Bed Frame

Traditional bed frames include plenty of age favorite styles of beds from different eras. These beds may include a canopy or poster bed frame, which has additional frames above the mattress that fabric can be draped over, to give your bed a more private cozy style.

Adjustable Bed Frame

An adjustable bed frame can move a mattress into different positions due to the multi-hinged base. These hinges allow the base to raise and lower different sections of the base. One of the common adjustments for this bed is inclining the top of the bed and raising the lower half. Sitting on the bed in this adjusted position will keep your knees bent and your upper body inclined forward. Adjustable bed frames are a great investment for anyone with health conditions that impact sleep, or anyone simply looking for a better night's rest.

Achieving a better night's rest is easy to achieve with a Sven & Son adjustable bed base. All of our bases remotes come with easy to use controls and memory presets, so your favorite adjustment is just one button click away. To learn more about Sven & Son adjustable bases, read our blog post all about adjustable bed frames and frequently asked questions. Ready to invest in rest and start sleeping better but don't know where to start? Check out our sleep quiz that will help you find the best adjustable base for you.

Platform Bed Frame

A platform bed frame has a sturdy base and built-in mattress foundation that will hold your mattress up. These bed frames can come with or without headboards in varying designs, for example wooden or upholstered. Since platform beds have a built-in mattress foundation, there is no need to purchase a box spring. Because of this, platform bases are ideal for with a budget or living in an apartment

Metal Bed Frame

Metal bed frames are a great option for someone looking for a simple but reliable bed frame. Bed frames made of metal can hold more weight and are more durable than traditional wooden frames. These frames are typically made of iron, steel, brass, or aluminum, and can come with or without a matching headboard.

What is a Box Spring?

A box spring is a rectangular wooden box filled with metal and coils, then covered in fabric. The metal coils inside of the box spring help promote better air flow and will provide additional support when getting in and out of bed.

Box Spring vs Foundation vs Platform: What's The Difference?

The main difference between a mattress foundation and a bed frame is how it supports and protects your mattress. Some bed frames will have a built-in foundation or support rods for a mattress to lay on. If your bed frame does not come with either of these, a foundation will need to be placed inside a bed frame, so the mattress has a sturdy surface to lay on. The foundation and the slats will give your mattress an even surface to rest on and keep it from falling on the floor or sliding off the bed. A box spring will also support your mattress like a foundation would, but a foundation is heavier and more durable. The added weight and durability does come at a higher price tag. Another key difference between the two is that foundations are compatible with all mattress types, and box springs are best paired with innerspring mattresses.

Can You Put a Mattress on the Floor?

There are no rules against putting your mattress on the floor. Some people can sleep just fine with just their box spring and mattress, or even just a mattress, directly on the floor. Owning a bed frame has many benefits, but it is not mandatory to have one in your bedroom if you do not think you would benefit from it. If you would still like the benefits of an adjustable bed, but want to stay close to the ground, do not worry, we’ve got your back. Sven & Son’s Platinum series adjustable base is zero clearance/platform compatible. This means it can function on the floor without legs, no problem. This adjustable base also includes a headboard hugger feature, exclusive to the Platinum series.

The Mattress on Floor Vs. Bed Frame: What to Do?

Whether you put your mattress directly on the floor or utilize a bed frame, you cannot go wrong. The choice is yours, based on your comfort needs and the style you are trying to accomplish. In general, your mattress will provide better comfort and support when you place it on any base. Sven & Son adjustable bed bases provide a great support system for you and your mattress. You can customize the height of the base with the adjustable legs (available on all models except the Essential Series) as well as customize your perfect sleep position.

Bed Frame FAQ

What tools do you need to put a bed frame together?

The list of tools needed for assembly or disassembly of a bed frame may change depending on the type of bed frame you own or consider purchasing. It is always a good idea to thoroughly read the description and instructions available for your bed frame. We have found that our customers find our base assembly video helpful after receiving their base, so it may be beneficial to search for an unboxing or assembly video for the bed frame you are looking for.

Why do you need a bed frame?

It might just be us, but we consider our beds to be the main feature of our bedrooms. With our beds being so important, it makes sense to want a nice bed frame to base the rest of the room's furniture on. Not only can a bed frame be aesthetically pleasing, but it also allows for more airflow and storage, elevating the mattress higher so it is easier to get into bed every night. Feel free to check out our bedroom inspiration board on Pinterest!

Can you make a bed frame shorter?

Depending on the bed frame you buy, yes. The nice thing about bed frames is that there are many styles to choose from, some including shorter legs or no legs at all! Platform frames are a popular choice for bedrooms with a modern feel, but usually include little to no storage or airflow. If you are looking to invest in an adjustable bed, platform frames are no problem! Not all adjustable bases are platform compatible, however some have the ability to work without legs. The Sven & Son Classic+ series is one of two adjustable bases in our product line that includes a zero clearance/platform compatibility feature, as well as other key features, such as pillow tilt and massage.

If you have an adjustable base, do you need a bed frame?

To put it simply, no. Owning an adjustable base does not mean you have to own a bed frame, or even get a new one if you already have one you want to use. Owning a bed frame comes with benefits that are unrelated to an adjustable base. That being said, an adjustable base has its own perks, which you can read more about here. Some of these benefits come from adjusting the legs to be taller or shorter, which may not totally line up with your bed frame. However, we do offer additional leg segments available in 2”, 4”, and 6” to help align your base to the perfect height. An adjustable base will need a certain amount of clearance between the frame and the base so it can properly move and adjust. Before purchasing a new bed frame or adding an adjustable bed to your existing frame, make sure to research that the two are compatible with each other.

What can I use if I don't have a bed frame?

With an adjustable bed, a bed frame is not needed. Sven & Son’s adjustable bases can stand on their own, or inside of a bed frame. These bases also include adjustable legs for the frame in increments of 3, so you can adjust the height to be taller or shorter. If you want to add height to your bed without purchasing a frame, common substitutions may be pallets, milk crates, or cinderblocks.

How long should a bed frame last?

The longevity of a bed frame depends on the materials used to make it. Bed frames made of wood and kept in good condition usually last around 7 to 10 years. Good Housekeeping recommends replacing your bed frame at least every ten years, However, most people are more likely to replace their frame every 15 to 20 years.