Bed types (frames and bases)

Most decisions about buying beds tend to focus on the mattress and the materials that it is made from rather than the construction of the actual bed (and its frame).

This means that the materials and composition of the mattress e.g. memory foam, Latex, springs, composite etc, tend to be the major decision making factors in the bed’s buying decision. However, not only are there many different and varied types of mattress construction, but also an equally varied number of bed bases and bed frames. These also warrant careful attention.

Different kinds of bed base

You can find out, in greater detail, about the different bed frame types at this bed types page. However, bed constructions range from sofa beds and futons to divans and four posters. This means that, in choosing a bed frame, you need to decide exactly what you want the bed for and how you want it to look. You also need to decide if features like additional storage or dual use could be beneficial features.

If you want a bed for a bedroom then it is unlikely that you will be considering sofa beds and futons since the bed will almost certainly have a single (sleeping in) use. However, a divan with its extra storage may be desirable.

If you want a stylish bed frame and do not need any under bed storage, you may decide on a bed frame where you buy the mattress as a separate addition. This can open up a lot of alternatives when it comes to styles and construction materials.

A bed frame can be made from wood, metal, polyurethane or a combination of two or more of these materials. It can have a plain or decorative finish and fabrics like suede or leather can be used to add a classic or contemporary look.

The simplest bed bases are made from tubular sections with little in the way of design flair. Most people rely on bedding and scatter cushions to keep these beds looking interesting.

Some of the more expensive bed frames include designs like the four poster, the French bed and the Sleigh bed where the bed frame becomes a feature that is displayed. Beds of this kind naturally command higher price tags. You can find out more about these beds by using the bed types link in the text above.

Temporary beds

Temporary beds include the futon and sofa bed. These beds are really two different styles of bed, but their names are often mixed and miss-used.

A futon bed is really nothing more than a fold up (and store) mattress, whilst a sofa bed (often mistakenly called a futon) has a frame that makes it multifunctional.

Both of these beds are intended for temporary use and store away or have a different function during the day. (The original futon was a Japanese mattress that folded up when not in use.) However the modern sofa beds (and variations of the futon) can convert from a bed to a chair or sofa giving them more than one function. This makes them perfect for occasional guests or if a living room needs to temporarily sleep some guests.

Bed frames vary significantly in price from very cheap to very expensive, but they have the advantage of enabling you to replace your mattress independently of your bed.