The Best Bed Foundation

Buying Guide

Once we move into a house, the first thing we do in the bedroom is usually to plop that mattress on the floor. But that house doesn’t feel like a home until you’ve assembled the bed foundation and put that mattress in its proper place. Chances are, you’ll sleep better too.

That’s because a good bed foundation does a lot more than just make your mattress appear presentable. In many cases, that foundation has just as much to do with your comfort as the mattress does.

The first thing you’ll need to know is what a bed foundation is. It’s important to note that it is not a box spring, technically speaking. A box spring sits between the mattress and the bed frame, and the springs embedded inside of it provide an extra, subtle touch of bounce to the bed. Many modern box springs don’t have the actual springs inside but are constructed in such a way that the bed still has a bit of “give” underneath. Unfortunately, box springs can be harmful to the memory foam mattresses that are in common use today, so check the specs on your mattress if you plan on getting one. They can even invalidate your warranty in some cases.

A bed foundation is a more sturdy solution, made of either wood or metal in a variety of configurations. A basic metal frame has a series of slats that are meant to support the bed, and still need to be set inside a frame.

A platform bed is an all-in-one setup that incorporates the foundation right into the frame. It may have slats or just a long, flat surface that you set the mattress on directly. One big advantage here (aside from the lack of extra parts) is the height. Many platform beds are higher up off the ground and can rest either on legs or a solid base. These latter models might even incorporate slide-out drawers underneath so you can better organize your things, but you can expect the price to be a bit higher (and the assembly time to be longer).

The best bed foundations will provide a lot of stability and maybe a bit of bounce if your mattress calls for it, but they have many other benefits. Keeping your mattress off the ground protects it from mold and dirt that can accumulate under any large object that sits on a floor for too long. It can even make your bed cooler, especially in the case of memory foam mattresses that need a bit of airflow underneath.

And of course, their looks are important. Your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom, after all.

We all know your bed should be up off the ground, but exactly how high up should it be? When buying a bed foundation, consider your own height. Standard bed heights range from a foot and a half to two feet. The ideal level should allow you to sit on the edge of the mattress and rest your feet on the floor with your legs at a 90-degree angle.