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Box spring bed guide

Want to dream a little? Pretend you're asleep. Not in any ordinary way. On a box spring bed. Imagine the most comfortable sleep, with an incomparable sensation. Imagine a bed of such quality and refinement that all you want to do is lie down in it with a crown on your head. And now imagine that this wonderful bed doesn't cost a fortune. That it could be yours tomorrow. And now: wake up! At IKEA you'll find just these dreamy boxspring beds - at a great price, in top quality and in beautiful designs. Have a look around - a whole new sleeping experience is waiting for you! And to make sure there are no rude awakenings or unanswered questions, we have put together the most important information about your new box spring here.

What is a box spring bed?

The definition of a box spring bed: A bed that has a sprung frame instead of a traditional slatted frame. The actual mattress rests on top of this sprung base (also known as a box). Sounds a little too scientific for you? Here's how we define it: you've never slept like this before! Especially if you choose a mattress with a spring core. The combination of a base mattress with mini pocket springs and a top mattress with a spring core will give you the most heavenly sleep you can imagine!

How is a box spring bed constructed?

The basic structure of a box spring bed is always the same: the top mattress, which can also have a spring core (more on this in a moment!), lies on a base mattress with a spring core (the box). Ideally, the topper, a thin mattress - with a visco-foam or cold foam core, for example - lies on top of the top mattress and forms your actual sleeping surface. A box spring bed stands on legs so that there is enough space under the base mattress for optimum ventilation. The layers of mattresses and springs make a box spring bed very high and uniquely comfortable.

Bed legs
Bed legs

How to choose the right size and much more

Most box springs allow you to choose between different sizes, mattresses, mattress toppers and legs. When ordering online, use the size, mattress/topper and legs menus on the box spring product page to make your selection.

To box spring beds
A grey FINNSNES box spring bed with JÄTTEVALLMO bed linen in white/grey stands in a bedroom with yellow walls.
To box spring beds

Frequently asked questions

Even cosier thanks to the headboard

Many box spring beds have a soft, upholstered headboard. This makes the bedroom feel even more cosy and inviting. They also provide comfortable support for reading or relaxing. A box spring with an upholstered headboard can also be placed in the middle of the room.

To box spring beds
A grey FINNSNES box-spring bed with ÄNGSLILJA bed linen in light brown-red and white bed linen stands next to a GLADOM tray table.
To box spring beds
I wanted to achieve this effect in the design. The height and thickness of the softly upholstered headboards give each bed its own style. At the same time, they are super comfortable to lean on - whether for reading, surfing or watching TV. Have a good rest!

Ola Wihlborg, Designer

Easy to keep clean

The mattress and box spring base of most box springs have removable covers that can be washed or dry cleaned. This keeps both fresh and clean. And you no longer have to worry about spills when you have breakfast in bed.

To covers for box spring beds
You can see a bedroom with a dark grey DUNVIK box-spring bed with grey striped bed linen, two white reading lamps and a cot.
To covers for box spring beds

What accessories come with a box spring bed?

When it comes to accessories for boxsprings, IKEA lets you choose according to your wishes, ideas and preferences. The two most important things: Storage space and matching bedside tables. Storage space is important in any bedroom. After all, sheets, extra pillows, blankets and more need to be stored somewhere. We have a huge selection of chests of drawers, bedside tables and wardrobes to match the design of your dream bed and with a high quality finish. You can also make things easier by choosing a box spring with storage space. This brings the ultimate in sleeping comfort to your home, combined with plenty of space for everything you need in the bedroom. A box spring bed with a storage unit will certainly serve you best. When it comes to bedside tables, don't forget that you now have a very high bed. This means you need higher bedside tables, otherwise you will always be leaning out of your pillow to set the alarm or put down your book.

Be inspired by our range
Be inspired by our range

What is the best mattress for a box spring bed?

When it comes to choosing the right mattress, there are three things to consider: your weight, your height and - something that's often forgotten - your sleeping habits. The third point is less about whether you snore or talk in your sleep.

If you sleep on your side, you will need a slightly softer mattress so that your shoulders can sink deeper into the mattress and your body can lie straight. However, the mattress should not be too soft as this will not provide enough support for the lumbar region. If you sleep on your back or stomach, you also have a choice. A firmer mattress is generally better because you won't sink in as deeply and you won't have to fight your way out of the mattress every time you move around in bed.

Your height and weight are also important. If you are heavier, you need a firmer mattress.

 

Not only so that you don't sink in too far, but also so that the spring cores don't give way permanently and form uncomfortable hollows. If you are lighter, you can choose a softer mattress. Body size is about the general distribution of your body on the mattress. If you are shorter, your body will naturally be distributed over fewer springs, which will have to support more weight. If you are taller, more springs will support less weight.

Ultimately, you need to decide whether you want a mattress with Bonell springs or pocket springs. Bonell spring cores provide optimal pressure distribution, are more suitable for people weighing up to about 100 kilos and give a soft, springy feel. This is exactly what you may be used to in hotels, where box spring beds with a Bonell spring core are the most common. Pocket springs, on the other hand, provide a stable, point-elastic base. What does this mean? It means that pocket springs are the better choice for people weighing over 100 kilos and can help with back problems in particular, thanks to their precise pressure release. Of course, you could do without inner springs and choose mattress with a visco-foam or cold foam core - but then you would be missing out on one of the best features of your fantastic box spring bed.

You've probably already realised that this topic is a science in itself. That's why we highly recommend our IKEA mattress buying guide (PDF) and a personal consultation! You'll be happy to get this in one of our IKEA stores!