If you thought your journey to better sleep ends with a mattress purchase, well, you are only partially right. The truth is, in many cases, the performance of a mattress depends on its foundation, and many manufacturers often offer a pairing bed base. However, since a mattress itself can be quite an investment, buying a new base seems unnecessary to many people.
Due to their primary material, which is foam, memory foam models especially need a stable and firm foundation. A proper foundation will not only secure your bed’s performance, but it will also prolong its life span, and protect you from backaches. So in the long run, investing in a bed base could pay off.
Tips for Bed Foundation Shopping
Just like with mattresses, there are several crucial things you should consider when looking for a bed base. Although many manufacturers offer a matching foundation for their new mattress, some of them don’t, so if you are willing to start this adventure, here are some tips for you.
- Material. When choosing a bed base, wood is the best possible material; it is natural and has a longer lifespan.
- Size and shape. Like mattresses, foundations come in various sizes, so make sure to find a base in the same size and shape as your mattress. Longer or smaller bases can impair stability and comfort.
- Durability. You want your base to last, so it is essential that it has a solid, rigid construction.
- Breathability. For memory foam mattresses, breathability is very important because they tend to trap the heat. Your foundation should come with an open design so that it promotes air circulation.
Where Can I Place My Memory Foam Bed?
Generally speaking, you can place your mattress anywhere, even on the floor, but it is better to use a base. We all have some type of a bed base at home, and although it may seem that bed foundations are somewhat universal, that is entirely true. So if you want to get a new mattress, you need to think about the matching base for it. Let’s see how a memory foam mattress works with different types of foundations.
- Box springs are pretty bulky, and although they are highly supportive and firm, they may not be the best fit for memory foam beds. If the box spring base has been in use for at least five years, the chances are high that it would not be able to perform well and support the mattress correctly.
- Platform bed frames are simple and do not require a box spring. However, they come with an extra storage space beneath the slats, which is not so great because it blocks air circulation, and lack of ventilation causes moisture.
- Bed base with wooden slats is an excellent solution because it provides support and air circulation. Your mattress will remain cool and in shape thanks to the minimalistic yet highly functional design of these bases.
- The metal base is pretty convenient because it folds and it is portable, so you can easily place it anywhere in the house. It is excellent for those people who move a lot and seek minimalistic but functional base.
- Adjustable bases are popular due to their versatility, but can they damage the mattress? The answer is complicated because it depends on the quality of the bed. Memory foam models are pretty flexible, and they will easily adapt to the shape of the base, so there shouldn’t be any problems.
Is It Okay to Place Memory Foam on the Floor?
Lately, the internet has been flooded with interior bedroom pictures where a mattress is laying on a wooden floor, with apparently nothing significant between them. Although the final effect is aesthetically pleasing, the question is, is it safe to place your mattress right on the floor? The answer is yes, so if you are on a mission to make your room more Pinterest friendly, feel free to do so. Just bear in mind that your bed will have a very low profile, so getting out of bed in the morning can be slightly harder.
The Bottom Line
If you still prefer the more traditional way of sleeping which includes a bed base, then you should go for a foundation with wooden slats. They can be found at a reasonable price, and don’t cost as much as box spring, for example. Metal bases are foldable, portable, they have that vintage vibe, and they became popular because they repel insects and mold. On the other hand, they can be so noisy and unstable.
But, due to the enhanced construction, wooden bases are now more stable and practical. If you are wondering what type of wood we recommend, it is timber, but some other great options are oak, pine, walnut, and mahogany. With the right wooden base, you can sleep tight knowing that nothing is hindering the performance of your mattress.
Pamela Lezama is an interior designer. Her skills and passion enable her to help people in making their dream house into a reality. She is not just particular on the designs, but she also makes sure that the quality of the bed and mattress she chooses are topnotch.
