If you plan to get a new mattress or a new bed frame? The main thing to remember is to make sure your mattress matches your bed frame, but if you didn’t read this post beforehand we will jump into some solutions, and also answer:
- What if a mattress size is off by a few inches?
- How to keep the mattress from sliding.
- Bed frame sizes and dimensions.
- What if a bed’s length is perfect, but its width is not.
In any case, it can be a challenge if the mattress does not fit into the frame. The gap between a mattress and a bed frame can be closed when the mattresses have a small width. Below are a few more quick fixes.
A short mattress can be fixed by closing the gap between the mattress and the bed frame. Mattress extenders can also help solve this problem. We also cover other options below and also show you how you can build a mattress extender. So, let’s start.
What is a bed frame?
Bed frames are made of wood or metal and include side panels, headboards, and footboards. Some bed frames include headboards or feet. Bed frames support the mattress. Raising the mattress gives more space in the room, thus making it easier to access.
How to put a mattress on a bed frame?
For a peaceful sleep and aesthetics in your room, you need a suitable mattress on your bed frame. Once, that’s done, here’s how to do it:
Start by measuring your bed frame and find a suitable mattress. If you do not already possess a bed frame, find one that fits your needs and the size of your mattress. Once the bed frame is complete, place the mattress on top of it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:
Step 1. Prior to buying a mattress, measure your bed frame to make sure it can accommodate the mattress.
Step 2. Measure the mattress or read the dimensions online to ensure that it fits the bed frame.
Step 3. Ensure your mattress and/or bed frame is durable.
Step 4. Place your choice of mattress on the perfect size bed frame.
The 5 Best Bed Frames
You’re in the right place if you want to buy a mattress and bed frame, but don’t know which one is best. Here are the top 5 best bed frames and some popular cheap mattresses you should consider.
ZINUS Mia Metal Platform Bed Frame with Headboard
This is a classic and sturdy bed frame, it’s made out of durable steel with a plywood slat support. As the entire framework is steel, it will be a durable foundation that can withstand many years of heavy sleeping. The twin size can support up to 350 lbs, while all other sizes can support up to 700 lbs.
Because it has closely spaced wood slats, there is no need for a box spring and it will support and extend the life of your latex, memory foam or spring mattresses; slats are spaced 3;1 – 3;4 inches apart.
What we like
Easy to assemble: The entire kit is delivered in one box complete with tools, instructions and parts, allowing for a quick and easy assembly in less than an hour
Plenty of storage: You can tuck away extra bedding, storage bins, or just about anything you want to keep out of the way with 12″ of clearance under the bed.
Solid and supportive: All by itself, Mia’s wooden slat foundation provides excellent support for your foam, latex, spring, or hybrid mattress.
SHA CERLIN Low Sleigh Platform Bed
This is a low sleigh bed and a must have if it fits the design of your bedroom and house. The curve of the bed not only adds flare to the design but the curve at the head board can be used as a supportive backrest for reading or working in bed.
Because of the low height it makes it easy for kids or pets to climb up and down, and also fall into bed after a hard day’s work. There is no need for a box spring because it is supported by wooden slats. Plus because of the design it can hold up to 800lbs.
What we like
Sturdy construction: Solid wood frames and large metal brackets ensure stability.
Only one box: All parts are carefully packed in a single box. Please note that the slats are packed in the back of the headboard.
Safe for kids: There are no hard edges on the bed so it protects you or beloved ones from sharp corners.
ZINUS Curtis Upholstered Platform Bed Frame
This is a classic upholstered bed with woven fabric and steel framework beneath it. It comes in three different colors so the minimalist frame will look great in most bedrooms. This simple and stylish platform bed frame, has wooden slats for reliable and understated support all in one foundation, which can support up to 700 lbs.
It also has dense foam padding so you don’t bang your shin on the solid frame. Like the other because of the wooden slats you no longer need a box spring underneath your mattress. The slats are spaced 2.6 inches apart.
What we like
Strong steel frame: The bed frame features 6.3″ of space underneath for tucking away odds and ends.
Smartly packed: The whole bed fits into one convenient box with all of the parts, tools, and assembly instructions zipped in a compartment in the bed frame.
Minimalistic design: Because it doesn’t have a headboard, it doesn’t take up any extra space or become an eyesore. Plus it’s available in three different colors so it will match any room.
ZINUS Wen Deluxe Wood Platform Bed Frame
With its natural wood knots and 4 unique finishes, the Wen Deluxe Wood Platform Bed will look eloquent in any room. You can get it in antique espresso, a deep cherry finish, natural, and rustic pine.
The build quality is excellent. Made with solid wood, an interior steel frame, and wooden slats, this A+ foundation allows you to sleep without a box spring. The best part is that you can build it in less than an hour, and it comes with all the tools you’ll need. There is also a 5-year worry-free warranty, so you can rest assured that all parts and materials are top-notch.
What we like
Durable: The wood frame and steel interior framework ensure a long life; the twin size supports a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, and all other sizes can support up to 700 pounds.
Room for more: It has 6.3 inches of clearance underneath, so you’ll be able to tuck away some extra bits and pieces.
Full support: Wood slats spaced evenly apart (3.5″ king and queen beds, 3.07″ full and twin) provide all the support your favorite mattress needs without buying a box spring.
SHA CERLIN King Platform Bed with Wooden Headboard and Footrest
So the design is the standout feature of this bed, it has a curved metal headboard and base. Complementing the black metal frame are the rustic wooden panels which give the farmhouse decor homes. Plus because of the curved frame design it’s very safe, because there are no sharp edges.
Furthermore, it has durable and power-coated steel slats that provide optimum support for all types of mattresses. Sha Cerlin designed this bed to have no creaking noise or slipping when sleeping thanks to a rubber strip on the side.
What we like
Arc bed frame: If you like the design this is the bed frame for you. It’s unique and not something you see everyday.
Under-bed space: A space of 10 inches under the bed allows for limited storage of extra belongings.
Easy assembly: It takes about an hour to assemble this metal bed frame thanks to the numbered parts and easy-to-follow instructions.
CODESFIR Queen Bed Frame with Headboard and Footboard
The bed frame is made of high-quality metal and is very sturdy and durable. Four U-shaped metal frames, twelve steel slats, and nine independent support legs support up to 1100 pounds. This bed frame increases the thickness of the steel tube to 0.7 inches to prevent sagging and extend mattress life.
There is no noise or rattling at all. If you place the felt pads between the horizontal support bars and the legs, there will be no squeaking or metal on metal sound. Overall, I think it’s worth it.
What we like
No-noise & Non-slip: There are provided buckles on our metal bed frame that secure the metal slats tightly, which prevents noise from moving slats. To prevent slipping, the mattress is enclosed by the tailboard. There is no creaking or noise while sleeping.
Extra Storage & Protection: It provides extra under-the-bed storage space with a vertical clearance of about 12 inches, providing valuable storage space for odd and ends. Our support bed feet have plastic foot plugs that will never scratch your floor.
Easy to assemble: Every part is clearly labeled and numbered in the assembly instructions. Even if you have no assembly experience, it only takes about an hour for an adult to put it together. The tools, parts, and instructions are expertly packed into just one box.
The Problems
If your mattress doesn’t fit your bed frame, you can experience two types of problems. Either the mattress is too small or too large, depending on your preference.
The Mattress Is Too Small
In other words, if you buy a smaller mattress than the bed frame, you’ll have the following problems.
- A small mattress will leave gaps on the front and back of your bed. In addition, the gaps won’t look nice, so you’ll have no choice but to cover them.
- When gaps appear in the bed as a result of small mattresses, people usually try to hide them with pillows. They also cover the gaps with blankets. As a result, these areas look and feel unappealing.
- It is possible for your toddler or pet to get injured in the bed if they are roaming around the house. Due to this, beds that have gaps can leave kids or pets trapped.
Problems When The Mattress Is Too Big
If you didn’t check the measurements beforehand or the mattress or bed frame had the wrong dimensions, you could end up with a larger mattress for your bed. Let’s see issues can occur because of this:
- Sometimes, people force mattresses into their bed frames. Thus, the bed looks messy and it doesn’t look good. Plus, sleeping on mattresses that are forced on the bed frame is uncomfortable for them.
- It can cause health problems, since sleep is essential for optimal health. Sleeping poorly will negatively impact your health. The most common health problems include back pain, hip pain, and many others. Additionally, it can disrupt sleep, which makes you feel tired the next day.
- If your mattress overhangs, a child or pet could get trapped underneath your mattress.
- An overhanging mattress can deform and ruin the support of your mattress. This could also void your warranty.
The Fixes
Let’s jump into the fixes and solutions. There are several ways to fix the different problems, and you can either use tricks to compensate for this problem or change the mattress.
It is not always possible to replace or return a mattress. We always say you should get a mattress in a box, because they always offer trial periods. Check out our Puffy vs Puffy hybrid review.
Here are our solutions:
Method 1: Fill In The Gap Between The Mattress And The Frame
It’s really uncomfortable to sleep on a mattress that doesn’t fit perfectly on your bed frame. Sleeping with your head or pillows through the gap between your mattress and bed can affect your sleep.
Therefore, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. How can you feel the gap between the mattress and the bed frame? Adjust the headboard to fill the gap between the mattress and bed if possible. You can also use decorative pillows or buy a suitable gap filler to fill the gaps.
Let’s see how we can fill this gap step by step below:
Step 1
Adjust Headboard: If your bed frame has an adjustable headboard, lower it to your liking.
Step 2
Use Pillows: If your bed is large enough, place large or decorative pillows against the headboard to fill in gaps.
Step 3
Get a Gap Filler: Buy a gap filler of your choices, such as pillow stops or wood boards. Install them according to the instructions.
Method 2: Removing The Gaps (DIY Method)
You must fix the gaps in your bed. The gaps cause minor injuries to many kids and adults every year. You’ll need to fix them. You shouldn’t have any trouble doing it. Let’s get started:
Let’s examine the tools for the job:
Step 1: To begin with, check your bed’s mattress
There will be a gap if there is any mismatch in the mattress’s size. When ordering a mattress, a mismatch in size will result in gaps, so keep that in mind.
How should a mattress fit on a bed frame?
A mattress should be of an exact fit in your bed frame. This means that it shouldn’t be large or small. It’ll have no gaps, and the mattress should never hang off the sides of the bed as well.
Step 2: Block Any Gap
Instead of buying a new mattress, you can try filling the gaps or blocking them gaps. How do you fill the gap between the mattress and bed frame?
Fix boards 2-3 inches thick in the headboard at the top of the mattress. This will free up a lot of space. The number of boards you build will depend on how big the gap in your bed is.
In contrast, you can push the mattress to the top and install gap boards on the footboard. Whatever the case, just try to fill in the gaps without using any pillows.
Step 3: Add Padding In The Headboard
Try padding if you wish to fix the gaps in your bed and enhance the décor of your room. Add padding to the headboard. You can use foam padding. Consequently, the gap will be filled easily. This will also prevent the pillows from moving around. Additionally, it will give the old headboard a new lease of life.
Ensure, however, that your children or others are aware of the gap in that place. You are not filling the gap and hiding the gap in the place. Stepping or falling on that place can cause someone to hurt themselves.
Step 4: Remove The Headboard
If the mattress doesn’t fit properly, remove the headboard. In this way, your bed frame will have more space.
Toss the bed against the wall once you remove the headboard. Tossing the headboard means you’ll have more space in your bed frame. The headboard can even be replaced with a folding screen if you wish.
Method 3: Purchase A Mattress Extender
When you decide to buy mattress extender products, you might wonder about the details. We’ve gathered all the information you need about the top products you should try:
- Lumex Foam Mattress Extension
- Everything Medical Mattress Extender
- Invacare 8″ Mattress Extension
- IRESTFUL Bed Bridge
FAQ
Is it normal for mattress sizes to be off by a few inches?
We have seen many differences in mattress sizes in recent years. The industry regulates some of the published mattress sizes, but mattresses do not always follow those standards.
There are, however, definite reasons why the mattress may break off from the company whose products appear to be smaller than advertised.
There are times when the length and width are too short. This is not limited to the more recent products or the boxes. Tradition brand names may vary by dozens of inches in some instances.
Always ask for a discount when the height is more than that.
How to Keep Mattress From Sliding
Trying to get to sleep on a mattress sliding around is a nightmare. It will also result in poor sleep quality; luckily, we have a few ways to stop your mattress from sliding around all night.
One of the best ways is to use carpeting tape, but let’s get more specific below.
Prevent a mattress from sliding on a metal bed frame
When carpeting tape isn’t enough, your mattress can move. This can be the case with a metal frame, the best option for these designs is generally a side rail system.
These can be made by you. You can use elastic straps as mattress stops. Strip the mattress off its covers and wrap a strap around it. If you have a mattress topper, place the strap underneath it.
Prevent a mattress from sliding in a box spring
Velcro or carpet tape, rubber mats or vacuuming are the only alternatives when working with box springs. If all else fails, non-slipping mattresses may also prove useful.
How can a mattress be kept from sliding on a platform bed?
You must have proper bed support for mattress sliding platforms. If your mattress is too big for your bed, the pillow may slide off. The pillow will keep your mattress from slipping. You can also use mattress straps.
Verdict
That’s all we have for you today. Hopefully, we have clarified why the mattress won’t fit the frame.
In conclusion, we would like to remind you to always check the mattress size comparison before ordering a mattress. You can follow these fixes if you don’t get the right size mattress—best of luck.
