Box Spring Bed or Upholstered Bed? The Big Comparison

You're looking for a new bed and facing the question: box spring bed or upholstered bed? Both are popular, look great and make for restful sleep – but they differ considerably in construction, comfort, storage and care. In this comparison, we show you the strengths of both types of bed so you can find exactly the bed that's right for you.

What Is a Box Spring Bed?

A box spring bed is made up of several layers: a sprung base (the “box spring”), a mattress resting on top of it and usually a topper on top of that. This combination creates an especially soft, hotel-style feel and a high entry height – which makes getting up easier. Box spring beds look generous and impressive, but do need a little more space.

What Is an Upholstered Bed?

An upholstered bed has a fully padded frame with a soft, often tall headboard. Inside sit a slatted base and a mattress of your choice. Upholstered beds are lower, versatile in design and often available with a practical storage drawer for extra storage space. The soft cover – from woven fabric and bouclé to velvet – makes them a cosy centrepiece in the bedroom.

Box Spring Bed or Upholstered Bed – the Comparison

• Lying comfort: box spring offers a soft, springy feel; with an upholstered bed, the mattress alone determines the comfort.
• Entry height: box spring beds are higher – convenient for getting in and out. Upholstered beds sit lower.
• Storage: a point for the upholstered bed: often comes with a storage drawer. Box spring beds rarely offer storage.
• Design: both come in many fabrics and colours; upholstered beds are usually more delicate, box spring beds more substantial.
• Care: with a box spring bed, the mattress is difficult to turn; with an upholstered bed, you can simply replace the mattress and slatted base.
• Price: box spring beds are usually more expensive because of their elaborate construction.

Comfort & Sleep Feel

If you like it soft and “sink-in” cosy, the box spring bed with its springing has the edge. If you prefer a specific mattress (e.g. a firm, orthopaedic one), you're better off with an upholstered bed – here you choose the slatted base and mattress freely to suit your sleep type.

Storage & Practicalities

In small bedrooms, storage is worth its weight in gold. An upholstered bed with a storage drawer swallows up bed linen, blankets and more – ideal when wardrobe space is tight. If you need extra space, a chest of drawers complements the bed perfectly.

Care & Cleaning

You care for both types of bed in a similar way: vacuum the cover regularly and treat stains carefully. When buying, look for a removable, washable cover – it makes cleaning a great deal easier. With an upholstered bed, you can replace the mattress and slatted base easily whenever needed.

Which Bed Is Right for Whom?

• Box spring bed: for anyone who loves soft, hotel-style comfort and a high entry height and is happy to invest a little more.
• Upholstered bed: for anyone who values storage, a free choice of mattress and a delicate design – often the more affordable choice, too.

You'll find both options in many sizes, colours and fabrics in our bed collection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a box spring bed healthier than an upholstered bed?
Neither type of bed is inherently healthier – what matters is the right mattress and proper support for your back. Both can be very comfortable.

Which bed has more storage?
The upholstered bed: many models have a practical storage drawer. Box spring beds rarely offer storage.

Which bed is cheaper?
Usually the upholstered bed, as its construction is simpler. Box spring beds tend to be more expensive due to the box, mattress and topper.

Can I choose the mattress freely with a box spring bed?
Only to a limited extent – the box and mattress are matched to each other. With an upholstered bed, you have complete freedom in choosing your mattress.

Conclusion

Whether box spring bed or upholstered bed – the right choice depends on your priorities: box spring scores with soft comfort and a high entry height, the upholstered bed with storage, a free choice of mattress and often a lower price. Think about what matters most to you when you sleep, then browse our bed collection – for restful nights and a bedroom where you feel completely at home.