Orthopedic beds and mattresses

Bed Bases (Bedsteads)

Bed bases come in a wide range of styles and constructions that offer different features and have different price tariffs.

Some bed bases lend additional storage to a bedroom, some provide supplementary springiness to a mattress, whilst others provide nothing more than a level and solid base.

Here is a brief summary of the different bed base (bedstead) types.

Divan bases

A divan bed is one that has a storage area in the base of the bed. These beds come in single to king sized sizes and have a bedstead that is solid in appearance and much deeper than a regular framed bed base.

Most divan style beds have side draws. In the case of a typical double bed there will be drawers on both side, normally with a small drawer at the head and a larger drawer towards the base. This arrangement allows the provision of a bedside cabinet whilst still allowing the smaller (half sized) drawers, which are located 18 inches or so from the bed head, to open.

The other storage option for a divan bed is to have a hinged top where the mattress can be lifted up using a similar action to opening a door, only on a horizontal plain.

Futon style bed base

A bed base for a futon bed sees the thin mattress stored in the base of the bed or used a the cushioning for seating and backrests. Most futon style beds usually convert from a mattress to a sofa or chair. They are not beds in the true sense of the word. To find out more about them go this Futon bed page.

Platform and fully sprung bedsteads

A platform bedstead is a simple bed base construction where the objective of the bedstead is simply to provide a sturdy level base on which a mattress can be placed.

These bedsteads can be made from wood or metal and they may be lattice or frame like to look at, or more solid in appearance. A bed structure like a four poster is still a platform bed.

A sprung bedstead has the addition of springs and foam padding to the top surface of the bed’s base for extra cushioning. This enables the bedstead to supplement the performance of the mattress.

A divan bed can also have a sprung bedstead construction.

Slatted base bedsteads

Bedsteads with narrow slatted cross members, upon which the mattress is supported, are the cheapest type of bed base. These bases are often self assembly, but they can be easily damaged, i.e. if one of the slats breaks or collapses.

French beds and Sleigh beds

Both Sleigh and French beds have a distinctive appearance with headboards and footboards that give them a unique style. There are subtle differences between these two bed types and you can obtain more information describing them at French and Sleigh style beds.

Poster beds

The poster bed, most commonly seen as a four poster bed, has a distinct style that sees the four leg structures extend vertically above the bed base to create a feature. The four heads of these posts are usually stabilized by a head frame and a canopy or decorative hanging can be added. The design of these bed frames can be simple or highly decorative and they can be made from metal or timber.

For more info and tips on slecting a bed frame see this Bed frame styles and options page.