On average, we spend 33% of our lives sleeping. Choosing a bed should therefore be done with the necessary care and consideration. The bed and its components, in combination with the mattress, enable us to improve our sleep and thus have a direct impact on our quality of life. Choosing a slatted frame can be just as complex as choosing a mattress, since there are many models on the market. There are a variety of factors to consider, starting with size, materials, style, and design—and, of course, your budget. We’ll try to summarize the most important points to keep in mind when buying a bed.
Should I buy a bed with or without a slatted frame?
The first question that comes to mind is: Do mattresses absolutely need a slatted frame? The answer isn't quite as simple as a yes or no.
The reason for this is that mattresses require a specific type of support to stay in good condition and provide your body with the right level of firmness. There’s nothing wrong with placing your mattress directly on the floor, but a slatted frame or other support can offer many benefits.
It is certainly possible to place your mattress directly on the floor or to set up a slatted base directly on the floor and place your mattress on top of it, but most people choose to secure the slatted base inside a bed frame to improve sleeping comfort and raise the height of the bed. This makes it easier to get in and out of bed and promotes air circulation.
Your main consideration when choosing a slatted frame should be the support it provides and the effect it has on your mattress. You should also keep in mind that some mattresses are not compatible with every slatted frame. So before you start looking for a slatted frame for your new mattress, you should know that many companies offer a slatted frame or bed frame that matches your mattress.
The slatted frames used in most bedrooms consist of a set of wooden slats. In general, we recommend slats because they provide excellent support. Rigid slats offer more firmness, while flexible slats provide a softer sleeping experience.
What are the benefits of using a slatted bed frame?
A slatted frame ensures better hygiene and is easier to maintain. The slatted frame raises your mattress and protects it from hair, insects, dust mites, and allergens that may be on your floor. It also prevents your mattress from becoming a breeding ground for mold and moisture. The slatted frame plays a significant role in reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses, especially when made from natural materials, as it prevents the aforementioned pathogens.
Please note that spring mattresses require a slatted base. Otherwise, they are particularly susceptible to dust mites. Even if mattresses are labeled as breathable, they should be placed on a surface that allows for air circulation. A slatted base allows your mattress to breathe freely and provides greater freshness and, consequently, greater comfort.
The bed base improves support and extends the life of the mattress. Without a bed base, your mattress is more likely to sag, which can lead to back pain that may disrupt your sleep. Mattresses also need to be cared for. Otherwise, after years of use, your mattress may begin to lose its quality.
What bed size should I choose?
To choose the right bed, you need to know that every country has its own standard sizes. In Germany, for example, the standard sizes for two people are 160×200 or 180×200, and beds up to 210 cm are also available.
If you're looking for a double bed, it's best to choose one that's wide enough to provide you with optimal comfort. Ideally, both partners should have enough space to lie down and place their hands behind their necks without touching each other. If space allows, you should therefore choose a bed that is at least 160 cm wide. This reduces the risk of you or your partner sliding off the edge of the bed during the night.
Another important factor that should not be underestimated is the height of the bed. To ensure safe and comfortable entry and exit from the bed, the bed’s height must be adapted to the sleeper’s height. The total height may vary depending on the selected foot height.
As for the length of the bed, it is generally recommended that it be 10 to 15 cm longer than the height of the person using it. If there are two of you, you should base your choice on the height of the taller person. For example, if you are 1.70 m tall, it is advisable to choose a bed that is 200 cm long.
The amount of space available in the room is also important: You can lay a mattress on the floor and check whether there would be enough space on either side of the bed to move around without any problems. You’ll find more tips on this topic in our article on bedroom design.
What material should I choose for the bed frame?
When choosing a bed frame, it is important to know that there are various types of materials that can be used in its construction. Wood is the oldest of these materials and has been used to make beds since the 14th century. Starting in the 19th century, beds began to be made of metal and aluminum to address the problem of high humidity in homes at that time, which led to insect infestations in the wood. Read more about the history of the bed.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when selecting materials:
In terms of durability, a wooden or metal bed has more or less the same lifespan today. Of course, metal may sometimes be more durable than wood. However, this is not the case when it comes to solid wood. In fact, solid wood guarantees excellent durability over time. Read more about solid wood furniture here.
Each material brings a different aesthetic touch to the room. A wooden bed, for example, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every wooden bed is unique due to the variations in the wood. Some of the most commonly used woods include oak, beech, mahogany, pine, walnut, maple, and more. However, if you prefer a more industrial and minimalist style, an iron bed might be a good choice. You can also find beds made of reconstituted wood. They are generally less expensive, but they are not as durable.
In addition, many materials used in wood-based products—such as adhesives and chemical treatments—emit VOCs and particles. They should therefore be avoided whenever possible. Another alternative is the upholstered bed. This is a wooden frame covered with fabric or leather. This type of bed is often offered as part of a modern furniture set. It is important that this type of bed be of high quality. The materials used inside are not visible and may be of poor quality (for example, check whether the wood is solid wood rather than reconstituted wood).
When it comes to the aesthetic aspects of buying a bed, each customer chooses based on their personal taste and in consideration of the rest of their existing furniture. We recommend natural and high-quality materials, such as solid wood. It is also important that these products are certified, thereby demonstrating sustainability and fair production practices.
What kind of slatted frame should I choose for my bed?
To determine which bed is right for you, you need to consider the different types of slatted bases. This is important because, in addition to the mattress, the slatted base also affects the quality of your sleep. To choose the right base for your needs, you should consider the following factors: your height, your sleeping position, and your preferred level of firmness or softness. Heavier individuals, for example, should choose a sturdy slatted frame. This provides greater firmness and support. To increase the firmness of the bed, you should opt for rigid slats. For a softer feel, flexible slats are better suited.
There are many types of slatted bed bases. Slats are the most common type of support. They can be built into a bed frame or serve as a freestanding, frameless support. Slatted bed bases are highly recommended because they allow the mattress to breathe, unlike, for example, covered slats.
The Traditional Flexible Slatted Bed Base
This is the most commonly used slatted bed frame. It is considered the “most versatile” model because it can be adapted to any type of mattress. It is a sturdy, comfortable, and ergonomic slatted bed frame. The feature that makes it so popular is undoubtedly its excellent value for money. Flexible slatted frames are especially recommended for people who prefer a softer feel and are lighter in weight. They are also suitable for people who mainly sleep on their side, allowing the mattress to conform to the body’s shape and keep the spine as straight as possible.
The Solid Slatted Frame
Unlike the previous model, the solid slatted frame is very rigid. It provides the bed—and thus the sleeping experience—with greater firmness. This is due to the thickness of the slats and the fact that they are not “curved” but rather straight and compact. This slatted base is ideal for those who prefer to sleep on a firm surface or who are slightly heavier. It is suitable for people who sleep primarily on their backs or stomachs. The solid slatted base is compatible with all types of mattresses.
Uncovered slats—whether flexible or rigid—are also highly recommended because they are easy to care for. The slats ensure that the mattress is breathable, which prevents the growth of bacteria and dust mites.
The Slatted Bed Base
This model is equipped with multidirectional rubber wings made of flexible plastic and adapts to all your movements. With independent pads, it provides support point by point. It is recommended for people with lower back issues, for side sleepers, and, more generally, for anyone seeking maximum comfort. People with atopic tendencies will particularly appreciate this model thanks to its excellent ventilation. It provides an outstanding base for memory foam or highly elastic mattresses, and is also suitable for latex mattresses.
The adjustable slatted bed frame
With this type of bed frame, the head or foot of the bed can be raised depending on the user's needs. It is ideal for those who have breathing problems or suffer from poor circulation. Both manual and electric adjustable slatted bed frames are available. This base is typically used with a foam mattress (high-resilience or memory foam) or, ideally, with a latex mattress.
How do I calculate the number of slats I need for my bed?
A slatted frame has many geometric and spatial parameters. The key factors for slatted frames are the dimensions of the slats, the spacing between them, their number, and the height of the frame.
The slats, in turn, are arranged differently depending on the type of bed. Their length can vary from 70 to 90 cm, depending on the size of the bed. Generally, the slats measure 53×8 mm and are spaced at least 4 cm apart. This size allows for adequate air circulation under the mattress while providing sufficient support.
According to experts, the more slats you have, the better the support for your body. To choose the right mattress base for your bed, it’s important to consider these two factors. The first step is to calculate how many slats you need. The slats are usually made of wood and are 53 millimeters wide and 8 millimeters high. The number of slats can vary from one bed frame to another. It’s best to choose a slatted base with at least 13 slats so that the space between the slats doesn’t warp your mattress and provides you with the best possible support.
What is the average price of a bed with a slatted frame?
The first step in buying a bed is setting a budget. In most cases, you can expect to pay between €500 and €1,500 for a bed without a mattress.
Of course, the price can be influenced by many factors, such as size, brand, material, and additional features. It can also vary depending on the retailer and where you make the purchase.
If you already have a mattress, make sure to buy a bed of the same size. Incorrect sizes are uncomfortable and can be harmful to your health because your weight isn't distributed properly.
Buying online can be cheaper. Some brands, such as Kipli, sell their products directly to consumers, bypassing middlemen, and at a lower price than in stores.
Also be sure to check for any warranty information. Many bed models and box springs come with a 5-year warranty, which means that if you experience any quality issues during this period, you can have them repaired free of charge. When buying a bed, make sure the warranty is included in the price. Some retailers also offer the option to pay in three installments.
Conclusion
We really hope this article on buying a bed has been helpful to you. Keep in mind that the materials used for the slatted base and bed frame should be sustainable and natural to help the environment. Be aware that not every mattress is compatible with every slatted base, and that each slatted base has its own unique characteristics.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via chat, by email at kontakt@kipli.com, or by phone at +49 (0) 32 21 22 96 570.