Box Spring Alternatives: The Best Options For Your Bedroom
Beds with box springs have been a standard in the United States since the 1870s. As recently as the 1990s, they were found in almost every household. Nowadays, however, more and more people are replacing their box springs with lower-cost mattress foundations. In order to learn more about these box spring alternatives and what they offer in terms of savings and longevity, read on!
For the most part, box springs are a solid option for your bed needs.
They’re strong and reliable despite being on the costly and high maintenance side.
But, they’re not to everyone’s preference. Which is why I decided to compile a list of box spring alternatives to help you choose something that works for your needs.
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Here’s The List Of Box Spring Alternatives
There are a variety of box spring alternatives that will appeal to the tastes of many. Consider your needs, budget, and preferences before making a decision on which to buy.
1. Under Mattress Slats
They are also known as slat bases or simply slats. Under mattress slats are usually made from metal or wood.
These slats are held in place by a system of brackets, and they are fixated in a horizontal manner to maximize support.
The slats are usually placed at 6″ intervals, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer and the design. This spacing allows for proper airflow in the mattress and promotes better ventilation across the bed’s surface.
A standard queen-size bed will generally have at least nine slats. The structure will give your mattress a flatter surface that can help to reduce sagging over time.
But, at the same time, your bed will have less spring to it which means that it may not be the best option for kids, especially when they prefer to jump and bounce on their beds.
Also, keep in mind that a base made from wood or metal is a lot heavier to move around, making it less convenient for cleaning and relocating.
2. Milk Crate Bed Base
The milk crate bed base is a popular, cost-effective option that works well to support the mattress.
The crates can be defined as heavy-duty plastics that can be arranged in a number of ways to provide a stable mattress foundation.
Moreover, the crates will provide some stability and allow air to flow through the mattress.
The milk crate bed base can also be a fantastic choice for those who want to save space in their room with their bed and don’t mind that their bed doesn’t have any headboard. They may also reduce noise during slumber by blocking out room vibrations.
It is estimated that a single milk crate can support upto 50 pounds of weight. So, when you combine a bunch of milk crates to make a bed base, it’s possible that the milk crate bed base can support hundreds of pounds distributed across the entire base.
Where the milk crate bed base shines in functionality, it is underwhelming in visual appeal.
Unless it is covered and concealed by a base cover or supported in place by some kind of frame, milk crate bed bases are not visually appealing.
3. Platform Bed Frame
A platform bed frame is much like a slatted base in that it provides support for the mattress.
They do not have any springs, but they can be made from different materials, including wood and metal.
The platform bed frame is also a popular choice for consumers because of the low cost and easy installation since you don’t have to place box springs around the frame.
They are usually made in straight lines and offer a sleek design for most homes.
More often than not, they are built with a headrest. Also, most platform beds stand on legs that provide additional storage under your bed.
Considered to be an affordable and modern option, platform bed frames are a great offering for people who prefer a simple, clean, and practical frame without the thrills and frills.
4. Mattress On The Floor
If you don’t have a bed frame in your home but you’d still like to have a flat mattress to rest on, you can opt for the mattress on the floor.
This is called a futon style.
Many consumers have found that this is actually easier than putting a bed frame together, and it can also be a cheaper option.
However, if you are not used to sleeping on the floor, that might not be the best choice for you.
Most Asian countries are known for placing a mattress on the floor. It is believed to be more grounding and allows you to easily store away your mattress each and every day.
Thus, freeing your room up for more movement and space.
In terms of health, it is said to improve blood circulation and reduce soreness in your neck and back. Furthermore, it helps your spine to be in the most neutral position while sleeping which should help with your overall mobility and flexibility over time.
The downside of placing a mattress on the floor is that you have to clean daily to prevent dirt, dust, and grime from affecting you or your mattress.
Also, you’re more at risk of having bugs and insects on you while they run on the floor. That is something I don’t want to deal with given how afraid I am of them.
5. Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are incredibly comfortable and can last for a long time. They are the modern alternatives to box springs.
The memory foam is able to support a much heavier person, which means you’re more likely to sleep soundly on it.
It is made from quality foam that contours your body’s shape, which makes it a popular choice for those who have any back or neck pain.
But, even though this bed type is great in terms of comfort and support, it is more expensive than others. Another thing to keep in mind is that it requires proper maintenance and care to last long.
If you have the money and the ability to maintain memory foam mattresses, I highly recommend them because they are wonderful for sleeping on.
They offer unbelievable comfort and support for most people making it well-worth the price tag.
6. Adjustable Bed Frames
Although a platform bed frame may be a cheap alternative to many people, it is not all that great of an idea. Instead, an adjustable bed frame is a better option.
When you have an adjustable bed frame, you can change the height and width of the mattress.
Moreover, you can adjust it at any time to fit your body’s comfort.
This bed type is common in hospitals and nursing homes, where the comfort of the patient is paramount. However, many people have borrowed the idea for use in their homes.
This is especially useful when you are trying to save space on your couch or in your room. It’s also much better for people with challenged mobility, such as the elderly and those who have had hip or back surgery.
Moreover, if you often experience backaches, then you may want to consider using this type of bed, as you can increase or decrease the height of the bed frame by using the bed’s controls.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to beds and bases, there is no one size fits all solution that will be ideal for every person.
As such, there are many different mattress foundation options, and all offer a decent amount of comfort for the price you pay.
However, some are better than others. Based on this, it is up to you to decide which is best for your needs.
Personally, I’m a fan of the memory foam mattress and the adjustable bed frame. I find them to be extremely comfortable making them an ideal option for a good night’s sleep.
Be that as it may, if you enjoyed this article on the different types of box spring alternatives and found it to be helpful, I highly suggest you check out these articles below:
1. Mattress alternatives (11 comfortable options)
