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The Best Bed Bases For Memory Foam Mattresses

Wondering what bed base will perfectly compliment your memory foam mattress? Read the dos and don'ts of buying a bed frame for your mattress.

A comfy new memory foam mattress deserves a suitable complementary bed frame – but what factors might influence your choice? From classic slatted beds to divans and platforms, we’ll talk through bed frames for memory foam mattresses to help you get the best out of your new purchase.

Lifestyle image of the Birlea Nova Black Bed Frame with orange sheets.
Birlea Nova Black Bed

Do I need a base for my memory foam mattress?

Yes – a bed base is essential to getting the most out of your new mattress. While it’s technically possible to place the mattress on the floor, we’d never advise doing so because you’d miss out on the benefits of a bed frame, which include:

  • Creating a more stable base allows the mattress to provide the correct support. Without a base, the mattress will move too freely and sag in unwanted areas. 
  • Extending the lifespan of the mattress by protecting it from unnecessary wear and tear.
  • Adds height to the bed to ensure it’s in the right position when getting in or out, for safety and ease.
  • Preventing you from sleeping too close to the ground, where you’re more exposed to dust, dirt and moisture. 
  • Keeping a mattress far cleaner than it can be on the ground, where debris, lice, pet hair and other nasties are rife. 
  • Encourages airflow, allowing air to circulate through and around the mattress. This is critical to sleeping comfortably on a memory foam mattress.

You may also want to know how to soften a memory foam mattress if you've just bought one.

What kind of foundation is best for a memory foam mattress?

Memory foam mattresses can be placed on most bed base types, barring one exception - box spring bases. In general, however, we’d advise a more solid base since memory foam mattresses are usually constructed to offer support, which a robust base helps with. 

The best way to decide on a new frame is to look at the popular options and see how they’d suit your mattress.

Divan bed bases

Due to their durability and reliability, the divan bed bases are a firm favourite for many UK sleepers. Generally made of strong wood with a fabric top, a divan consists of two larger blocks you can push together and secure in place. Divans are usually built to fit a specific mattress size, with no overlap, creating a minimalist aesthetic.

Divan beds are the perfect choice for memory foam mattresses - for more information and advice on them, see our Divan Bed Buying Guide.

Because memory foam sometimes retains heat, we’d suggest opting for a divan bed base that promotes airflow.

Slatted bed bases

Slatted bases also provide plenty of airflow to the mattress, meaning you can stay cool at night. Due to the weight of a memory foam mattress, the type of slat bed you buy is important: each slat must be no more than 7cm from the next to offer the right support for memory foam.

Slatted beds can be a nuisance if not fitted correctly, prone to shifting or sagging – especially if you’re an active sleeper that tosses and turns. If you purchase a quality slat frame and install it to the right guidelines, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Box spring bases

Box spring bases are not recommended for memory foam mattresses, as their design causes problems when paired with foam.

These bases utilise springs to add forgiveness and bounce to the bed. However, the springs are embedded in the frame and are spaced too far apart to adequately support the mattress, leading to the heavier foam slipping through these gaps and causing sagging.

We have plenty of other types of bed frames available that are perfect for memory foam mattresses, so you’ll be sure to find something to suit your style and budget.

What bed frame is best for a memory foam mattress?

Our product experts have compiled a list of their recommended bed frames perfect for memory foam mattresses, so you get the most out of your new purchase.

Premium Divan Bed

Made right here in the UK, our premium divan bed offers class-leading support for your new memory foam mattress. It’s a platform top frame that provides stability and lasting durability but also comes with premium upholstery for a comfortable finish. The bed’s chrome glide feet make it easy to move when cleaning or adjusting.

Lifestyle image of the premium divan bed with light bedding.

Key features:

  • Lots of under-bed storage options for customisable space saving
  • Customise your upholstery selection to suit your space
  • Solid platform top is the perfect base for a memory foam mattress

Birlea Mercia Black Four Poster Bed

This might seem like a bit of a fancy choice, but when you consider that it's only £349 and the perfect base for your memory foam mattress, it might be worth treating yourself! This bed will easily transform your room into the elegant, stylish sanctuary you've been dreaming of...

Key features:

  • Solid slats - ideal for memory foam
  • Slatted headboard
  • Solid wood painted with high quality finish
  • Four poster design is super stylish
Lifestyle image of the Birlea Mercia Black Four Poster Bed with boho light bedding.

Birlea Miami Pine Bed

Modest yet elegant, this bed frame is classically finished in antique pine. It features double bolting for additional stability plus a solid slatted base for firmer support - perfect for a memory foam mattress. This design also allows for enhanced air flow to the mattress, ensuring you don't overheat.

Lifestyle image of the Birlea Miami Pine Bed with grey furnishings.

Key features:

  • Made with solid pine, with a visible wood grain
  • Solid wooden slats offer incredible support to your mattress
  • Simple yet classic and stylish design, perfect for any bedroom
  • Additional storage space underneath the bed frame

FAQs

Not yet found the answer you're looking for? Have a look at the answers to our frequently asked questions.

Why can’t I use a box spring base for my memory foam mattress?
Box spring bases are specially designed for innerspring mattresses, so aren’t recommended for memory foam mattresses. Of course, if you’ve already got a box spring base and are looking for a memory foam mattress, it isn’t the end of the world, but we’d recommend either investing in a different base, or opting for a memory foam mattress topper instead, so you still get the benefits of memory foam. Heavier memory foam mattresses need flat, even support across the entirety of the bed frame. Box springs are primarily made for innerspring mattresses, and the internal spacing of each spring is not designed to support the weight and density of a memory foam mattress. A divan bed or bed frame with solid slats is a much more advisable option for a memory foam mattress.
Can I get my bed frame and memory foam mattress at the same time?
We offer a huge range of memory foam divan bed sets. We've paired our extensive collection of memory foam mattresses with the most complimentary divan beds we offer, so you can get the sleep bundle of your dreams. Practical and comfortable!
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