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Bed bases come in many different varieties, from divans with fully sprung or platform tops to bedsteads with solid or flexible slatted bases. It's important to bear in mind that the comfort level and life span of your mattress is affected by the choice of base.
Base styles |
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Divans
The divan is still the most popular style of base in the UK. A divan is usually upholstered in the same matching fabric as the mattress and reaches almost to the floor and would usually offer the choice of some kind of storage option. Sprung edge divans are the most luxurious, featuring a complete spring unit which acts as a giant shock absorber and helps to prolong the life of the mattress. Solid or platform top divans combine a wooden frame with a rigid upper panel to create a firm surface that's often found on orthopaedic beds. |
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Bedsteads and bed frames
Bedsteads are available in a wide range of styles from traditional classics through to modern designs. They are mainly constructed from wood or metal but can incorporate lots of different fabrics including leather. The base is generally made from wooden slats which are a great way to ventilate your mattress while still offering firm support, and for this reason are particularly suitable for allergy or asthma sufferers. Bedsteads frequently come flat-packed for simple self-assembly, and are extremely easy to manoeuvre into your house. The mattress may or may not be included in the price. |
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| Base Type |
Feature |
Benefit |
| Sprung Edge |
Fully sprung base designed for durability and comfort. Works in conjunction with the mattress. |
Gives added comfort while prolonging the life of your mattress. |
| Platform Top |
A solid top base. |
Ideal for providing a firmer feel to the bed. |
| Sprung Slatted Base |
Curved wooden slats, which sit within the frame. |
The natural bounce in the slats adjusts to your profile where the most pressure is exerted giving a greater degree of comfort. |
| Slatted Base |
Most common mattress support system used on bedsteads. Usually fixed wooden slats. |
Offers a firmer base. |
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Sprung Edge
The name 'sprung edge' can be a little misleading, as this type of base has a fully sprung top and not just the edges as its name suggests. Considered the most luxurious of bases, they provide even support across the whole mattress, with no hard edges, which helps create a softer feel and works with the mattress to 'take the strain'. The result makes the whole bed feel softer and will increase the life of the mattress. But if you prefer something slightly firmer, then a 'platform top' option may be more suitable. |
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Platform Top
This type of base has a solid top without springs. Constructed with a wooden frame, which is upholstered with a layer of padding on top, it is also a cheaper option, as it uses fewer materials and less labour. A platform top base will make the whole bed feel firmer and is often used in conjunction with orthopaedic mattresses. |
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Sprung Slatted Base
Slats are the most common type of mattress support system used on bedsteads. A base with sprung slats features curved wooden slats, usually made of beech, which sit within the frame. The natural bounce in the slats means that they will adjust to your profile where you exert the most pressure. A larger bed will have a double spring unit, one on each side, supported by a central rail, which eliminates roll together and ensures you will not be disturbed when your partner gets out of bed. |
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Slatted Base
This is the most common mattress support system used with bed frames. It features wooden slats, usually made of pine, which are fixed within the frame. This system has the benefit of allowing air to move below the mattress and therefore lets it breathe. A larger bed will also have a support bar down the middle of the bed. This gives extra stability to the bedstead and your mattress.
Storage drawers
Most divans offer the option to incorporate drawer storage. Whether they are located within the sides or the foot end of the base, they offer valuable extra storage for anyone whose space is limited. Storage units do not affect the stability or comfort of the bed, but they do cost a little more. Storage options on bedsteads are slightly more limited, however most bedsteads by design will have space between floor and under side of the frame which can be use for storing. Alternatively a new innovation is to incorporate an ottoman storage whereby the base and mattress would lift at one end providing storage area under the bed.
Drawer combinations for single beds |
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2 Drawer |
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| Drawer combinations for double, king, super king beds |
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| 2 Drawer |
End Drawer |
2 Drawer & End Drawer |
4 Drawer |
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| 4 Drawer Continental |
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