When you think of a bed, you probably associate it with the mattress. After all, it’s the pad you sleep directly on—the piece of furniture that gives your body support while it rests, right?
Well yes. And no.
Your mattress does provide support. But so does the bed frame—it’s the foundation of the bed; the place you put the mattress upon; the framework that gives it stability, support, and style. Without this bed base, your mattress will look marooned and naked on the floor. And it won’t be nearly as comfortable.
But with so many Casper bed frame options available, how do you select the right one? That’s why we built this guide to teach you everything you need to know about bed frames.
From platform bed frames to upholstered bed frames, we have the base you need for a cozy night’s sleep.
A bed frame is designed to provide even support for a box spring and the mattress. Sometimes referred to as a bedstead, they can describe a wide variety of support structures built specifically for mattresses and box springs. Traditionally, this includes the header, footer, legs, and side rails. But the more modern bed frame type can be more minimalist, with sleeker designs to create a “floating” appearance.
You might be surprised to discover that bed frames came before modern spring mattresses, which weren’t even invented until the mid-1800’s. In the days before mass production mattresses, comfortable beds were a luxury. In most cases, they were simply cloth cases stuffed with grasses, straw, wool, cotton, or down feathers (if you were wealthy).
Because they were stuffed with materials, they tended to be lumpy and uneven, especially when placed on the ground. This wasn’t exactly a recipe for a comfy night’s sleep.
So, inventive craftsmen created a solution for the issue—the simple bed frame.
Similar to a cot, these wooden frames had rope support crisscrossing the entire frame. By suspending and buttressing the materials within the mattress, bed frames improved comfort and back support. Both sleep and interior design were aided by this invention which is why it is important to know how to choose a bed frame that’s perfect for you.
Finding a bed frame to suit your individual style can be tricky but is not impossible. There is an abundance of options to choose from at every price point, ranging from vintage designs to contemporary pieces, and even industrial looks.
Typically the cost of the bed frame can be quite varied. You can get one at $200 to even $1000 or more. The cost can depend on the materials used to make it, the size, the style, and of course, the brand of the bed frame.
The world of sleep has evolved dramatically over the centuries. The earliest bed frames were rudimentary and plain compared to the modern varieties today. Now they’re designed to maximize aesthetics, support, and comfort.
Depending on your decor, size, and storage desires, you’ll typically have one of three options for materials:
The very first bed frames were made from wood. Hundreds of years later, they still haven’t gone out of style—the most famous being the “four-poster bed.” These tend to be sturdier pieces of furniture meant to give the space a sense of weightiness. A pricier wooden bed frames will use solid wood for the panels, support, header, and footboard. Cheaper wooden bed frame varieties will use particleboard covered with wood vinyl.
A metal bed frame design provides a sturdy and more minimalist framework without sacrificing support. Commonly used materials include stainless steel and brass framing. This type of metal frame is better at weight-bearing, making them ideal for a heavier mattress type.
For the people that want a more decorative look or a built-in type of feel, an upholstered platform bed frame may be a good choice. What is an upholstered platform bed frame, you ask? They are fabric bed frames that use various soft coverings (including leather) to cover the base. These often have a metal frame or wood frame base, which is then covered by the fabric.
When choosing a bed frame style, one of the most serious considerations is its height profile, which includes:
You may think that you don’t need a traditional bed frame. While that’s technically true, you also don’t necessarily need bedsheets. But that wouldn’t be very comfortable now, would it?
There are several additional benefits a bed frame provides that you should consider before making a decision. Common benefits include:
First and foremost, bed frames were built to raise your mattress foundation off the ground, keep it firmly in place, and provide additional support. Both a bed frame and box spring help the mattress maintain its shape by dissipating your bodyweight evenly. This helps prevent mattress sagging, which can cause discomfort in your back and neck, making it difficult to sleep.
A mattress without a bed frame is like James Bond without his suit. It’s still a bed, but it doesn’t look as good. Beds tend to be the furniture centerpiece of a bedroom. As the room’s focal point, they need to draw your eye and complement the room’s decor. Whether you opt for a traditional bed frame or a more modern bed frame, it can help pull all of the room’s design elements together. Without it, your room will look unfinished.
Your bed can take up a significant amount of square footage in your room, particularly if you have a larger king size bed frame. Remember that bed frames tend to raise a mattress off the ground, giving you plenty of extra storage beneath the bed. Depending on the type of bed frame, some also come with built-in drawers that help you maximize your room’s usage.
Casper offers several bed frames for you to choose from. This gives you the freedom to select a frame that matches your room’s size, design, and storage needs. Our most popular bed frames include:
Bed frames are just as important today as they were hundreds of years ago. Maybe even more so now since they’re foundational to the bed’s support structure and a room’s design. But selecting the right mattress and bed frame can be a tough decision. You spend a third of your life sleeping, so you need to invest in the best.
Enter Casper. Here, we make catching Zzzzzz’s your favorite part of the day or night. All of our mattresses, bed frames, pillows, and bedding were designed to support your sleep and aesthetic tastes.
Are you ready to finally get a good night’s rest? Try Casper today.
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