Buying a new bed for your home is a big deal. For me, it’s not just about choosing the frame style or picking out a mattress. There are many other considerations I make as well, such as the type of box spring I’ll need.
If you’re planning to purchase a new Ikea bed frame, you may be wondering if it is compatible with your existing or future box spring. After all, you don’t want to purchase both and then realize your bed is missing a key component!
Can you use a box spring with an Ikea bed frame? The simple answer is yes, if the frame fits your box spring.
Most people will agree that a box spring is an essential requirement for a comfortable bed.
Even if you have a new mattress that you love, without a box spring, you are likely to find your mattress to be uncomfortably hard.
A box spring is a bed frame that has the same height and width as a mattress, but features the springs.
This makes the mattress sit on the springs, and the box spring helps the mattress provide a soft, or bouncy surface.
Why you should not use any box spring with an Ikea bed frame
Ikea sells a ton of furniture—but I don’t think all of them will suit your needs.
The company’s Malm bed frame, which is probably one of their best-selling pieces, is a great example of this.
On its own, Malm is not a bad bed frame: the slats are spaced out nicely, and the bed is easy to assemble and feels sturdy.
The problem is, the Malm frame uses a metal support beam, instead of a box spring, to create a flat surface.
And, as a result, you can’t just buy any box spring you want: you have to purchase a model specifically made for the Malm frame.
Also, when a bed has a built-in slat system, the slats are configured to offer support for the mattress.
Here’s the thing: most bed frames from Ikea don’t actually require a box spring.
Why?
Because IKEA bed frames are not available in standard sizes.
This means the bed frame will almost certainly not fit the exact dimensions of your bed box spring.
If you find a fitting bed frame, you can use it with your box spring.
When to use a box spring
A mattress is a mattress, right?
Maybe not.
You may be familiar with the concept that a box spring serves as a foundation for a mattress, but what does that mean, exactly?
Simply put, a box spring is a rectangular platform of wood or metal that sits on a bed frame or platform.
The mattress rests on top of the box spring, which provides additional support that you may need to help distribute body weight evenly across the mattress.
It’s important to note that a box spring isn’t required; many beds use a platform or solid base.
However, a box spring does offer a few advantages, such as when you need a more level sleeping surface, a more comfortable and supportive mattress and ease of changing sheets.
It also absorbs the motion of your body when you move in the bed, thereby supporting your mattress to undergo reduced wear.
Can you put a regular mattress on an IKEA bed frame?
Yes, you can put a regular mattress on an IKEA bed frame if you ask me.
However, you need to be aware of the limitations of an IKEA frame before you try to slide a mattress into one.
Buying an extra mattress is often an afterthought in a furniture purchase, if you’re anything like me.
We usually look at the frame and bedding separately when buying furniture, and the mattress takes a backseat.
But it’s important to carefully consider how the mattress will fit with the bed frame you’ve chosen, and whether the combination will work for you.
This is particularly important with IKEA’s bed frames.
IKEA® bed frames are not made with the same standard mattress size dimensions.
Although, this is something I’d expect with any vendor out there.
Most bed frames don’t fit a standard mattress size, which is a specific measurement of length and width.
Are box springs better than mattresses alone?
Many people prefer the look of a traditional box spring bed frame, but do these old-timey frames offer any real benefits over a mattress-only set-up?
That depends on your needs.
Box Spring beds provide good support for heavier people, but if you’re slim and spry, there’s nothing to be gained from the extra expense and hassle.
Overall, box springs are worth it if you can afford the extra cost, but if not, a quality mattress without a box spring should serve you well for many years.
There are many ways to build a bed: a box spring, slats, or even a platform bed.
Which one is best for you?
As a general rule, box springs are recommended for their comfort and durability. To understand what a box spring is and why it’s better than other bed types, we’ll go through the pros and cons of each of the following:
Pros of box spring
- Avoid back pain because of comfortability
- Springs provide bounce
- More height for your bed
- Prevents bed sagging and supports heavier people
- Avoid floor squeaks caused by bed movement because of its sturdiness
- Flat foundation that will support the bed better
- No gaps between box spring and mattress reducing bed bugs movements
Cons of box spring
- Expensive
- Harder to store
- Can slip around the bed if they don’t fit
- Can’t easily be moved because they are heavy
- Can’t be easily adjusted
- Can’t be flipped
Pros of slat
- Easy installation
- Adjustability
- Cheaper than box spring
- Smaller, easier to transport
Cons of slat
- Provides less support
- Light and can break under wight
- Can become moldy
- It is harder to make your bed
Conclusion
Look at any Ikea catalog and you can’t help but notice all the cool beds they offer that are made entirely from wood.
After all, their beds are the main reason they are the world’s leading furniture retailer.
However, there are those who like the design of their beds, but not the height.
You have probably seen many of these frames being used with some type of spring-based foundation, but is it safe?
The answer is yes, as long as you have the right size of box spring.
Some Ikea bed frames are adjustable, giving you even more flexibility with the box spring you like.
