What Do You Call the Pieces of a Bed?

Trying to shop for a new bed or just describe what’s broken can be super frustrating if you don’t know the lingo. Is it a frame? A base? What’s that thing with the springs? Let’s break it down into simple terms.

First, you’ve got the mattress. That’s the squishy, comfy part you actually sleep on. Easy.

Under that, you usually have the foundation. This is the solid base that holds the mattress up. Lots of people call this a box spring, which is a specific type with wood and springs inside. But nowadays, it’s often a solid, flat platform made of wood or slats, which is just called a foundation or base.

The bed frame is the metal or wooden skeleton that holds everything up off the floor. It includes the headboard (the piece at your head), the footboard (at your feet, if you have one), and the four side rails that connect them.

Finally, all the soft stuff—the sheets, comforter, duvet, and those decorative throw pillows—are called bedding.

So next time you’re shopping, you’ll know exactly what you need! No more pointing and saying, “You know, the wooden thingy.”