14 Box Spring Alternatives That Will Still Leave You Feeling Well Rested

Getting a good night's sleep is a non-negotiable. Some think it's the mattress and box spring combo that helps make that happen. While box springs have played a major part in bedroom setups for decades, bed frame trends have evolved and have eliminated the need for one. From platform beds to tatami mats that channel a Japanese aesthetic, there are a plethora of ways you can eliminate the need for a box spring that will leave you not only well-rested will but also make your bedroom look modern and fabulous. 

The box spring's entire purpose is to support the mattress, acting as a sturdy buffer between the bed frame and the bed. However, with the onslaught of mattress technology, like hybrid and memory foam, box springs are becoming more and more unnecessary. For antique bed frames, they're still important. But for many modern designs that bring a touch of Scandinavian minimalism, they're a thing of the past and only limit how creative your bedroom furniture design can get. In their place are functional space-saving alternatives that are oftentimes even more budget-friendly.

When you're tight on space, an adult loft bed can pull double duty as a sensible solution for organization, while simple wood pallets can offer a rustic element to your room. Although there are ways to DIY your own affordable box spring, when you want to eliminate it completely from your setup, these are some of the best alternatives for doing just that.

Platform beds are the most recognizable of the box spring alternatives because of their minimalist design and versatility. Featuring either slats, solid wood, or metal to accommodate the mattress, they have an ultra-low profile, so when you don't care about the height of your bed, a platform bed is the way to go. It comes in a variety of styles both with or without a headboard. The Rove Concepts Hunter bed has a super modern design for contemporary homes, while Pottery Barn's Cayman bed frame fits both modern and traditional styles.

A bunkie board is used for under a mattress as a sturdy support for the bed sans the box spring and helps keep the mattress from sagging and sinking. Bunkie boards come with lots of construction options — solid wood, metal, plywood — and sometimes they're covered in fabric. Plus, they can be foldable, making them easier to maneuver. What were once primarily used with bunk beds, bunkie boards go perfectly with today's low-profile bed frames, giving you an excellent alternative to those bulky box springs. Also check out how to DIY your own bunkie board.

A hybrid mattress takes the supportive bounce of box springs and pairs it with the latest memory foam technology by combining different types of mattresses into one. Considered relatively new to the mattress world, hybrid mattresses use coils at their base to make them more sturdy and durable, while the body-contouring gel memory foam does the rest. You end up with a softer surface for a good night's sleep. Hybrid mattresses are available in different heights and offer better spine alignment and a supportive foundation for side and back sleepers.  

Perhaps the second most simplistic design on this list is a foldable metal frame that can be stored away and then set back up in a pinch, making it ideal for those who are short on space. This metal space-saving frame provides all the support you and your mattress will need without the need for a box spring. Or, add a bunkie board for extra support. It comes in sizes that fit every mattress size. The ZINUS Rumi frame on Amazon has a 14-inch clearance for storing things underneath as well.

Daybeds are super versatile and come in many different styles, but they all have two things in common — no box spring and a single mattress. They're a cute place to sit and a great place to sleep. Some daybeds come with trundles that can pull out into an extra bed when you need it, while others offer extra built-in storage with drawers. Pottery Barn's Jamie Upholstered Daybed looks more like a sofa than a bed. Most are available in twin sizes but some can be as large as a full.

The IKEA LYNGÖR slatted mattress base is used as a solid and supportive foundation when you don't want a floor mattress. The flat wood slats help maintain your mattress' uniform shape, while the almost 8-inch attachable legs make your mattress a bit higher off the ground, leaving you with space to store under-the-bed boxes. Plus, the removable cover comes in two colors — black and white — so you can customize it to your liking. IKEA says the setup is quick, and customers seem to agree.

When you want a bed you can adjust without having to get up, a motorized frame has you covered. These motorized frames let you adjust the head and foot positions of your mattress with a remote control or through an app, depending on the brand. They also provide excellent support without the need for a box spring. The only caveat is that adjustable beds are meant to be used with more flexible mattresses, so they can, well, adjust. Because of this, any mattress you want to use with an adjustable base should also be under 14 inches. 

The majority of memory foam mattresses are meant to be used with adjustable or platform bed frames and slatted foundations, which eliminates the need for a box spring. While a memory foam mattress will sit lower, they do come in different height options, so you'll barely notice the difference in not having one if you choose a taller height. These all-foam-construction mattresses have different layers that mold to your body, offering oodles of support. The BedInABox Tranquillium Mattress, for example, helps align and support your spine as you sleep. Foam mattresses can be firmer or softer, depending on your preference.

A DIY wooden pallet bed is perfect for refreshing your bedroom on a budget. It's also great for anyone who craves a truly rustic vibe. Although you won't have space underneath the mattress for storage, this economical supportive base will help give you a good night's sleep by lifting your mattress off the floor. In addition to the wood pallets, you'll also need plywood planks or bunkie boards to put on top to prevent your mattress from sagging through the pallets. You can make it as oversized and as tall or short as you want.

Thanks to adults who either want to feel like kids again or need to maximize space in their rooms, loft beds for adults really do exist. The Adult Bunk Beds' heavy-duty queen-size comes in heights that accommodate 8-, 9-, and 10-foot ceilings and up to two adults. The space-saving bed is perfect for throwing a mattress on it — no box spring required — and living your best life. If you don't need anything quite this fancy, there are more affordable options. For instance, you could check out IKEA's highest rated loft beds.

A tatami mat is a Japanese-style floor mattress accessory. It's a woven mat that can be placed on the floor or a platform bed and provides support to a floor mattress. For everything you would need to sleep like you're in Japan, J Life International offers a complete Shikifuton bundle to get you started. But, if all you need is a tatami mat to improve the longevity of your existing mattress, they are offered by themselves as well. Tatami mats are available in different sizes to suit a variety of mattresses. 

A futon is the ultimate two-in-one for small spaces. By day, it's a sleek sofa; by night, it turns into a comfy bed, with its foldable metal or wooden frame. The cushioned mattresses are available in multiple sizes (twin, full, and queen), with a slew of different styles, covers, and mattress types like foam or innerspring. The Futon Shop's selection features eco-friendly frames handmade by Amish artisans in Pennsylvania and comes in an array of wood colors and styles to fit your minimalist lifestyle. Find out what to look out for when buying a futon frame.

The IKEA MALM storage bed offers spacious storage with an ultra-sleek design and without a bulky box spring. This design won't take up a lot of floor space and the storage keeps your things safely tucked away and dust-free. The storage area can hold everything from extra bedding to your favorite seasonal attire. When you need to reach for something underneath the mattress, the bed has an integrated lift mechanism that helps easily lift the base with just a pull of the strap. It goes right back down just as easily.

If all else fails and none of these box spring-less options tickle your fancy, throw your mattress on the floor until you come up with a better plan. Whether you're a minimalist, have a boho aesthetic, or prefer space-conscious living, there are plenty of ways you can make your floor mattress look incredibly put together, even without a bed frame. For example, give it a touch whimsical by adding an affordable DIY canopy around it using a simple curtain rod trick, which can give the room a whole dreamy vibe.