More and more box-springs are being made out of wood, then covered in fabrics. The first rectangular spring-cushioned wire frames to support mattresses did not have wood rims or cloth covers. to absorb shock and reduce wear on the mattress.to make the mattress more comfortable to sleep on.However, such assumption are not true, and are likely selling points in a sales pitch: The following points are assumed or suggested to be purposes and reasons for using a box-spring. However, these hedonic aspects are not universal but are likely specific to Western societies See Interior Design Psychology for more.) (i.e., socioculturally and sociopsychologically, the bed may be seen to take up more space, potentially creating a sense of significance to the space, and a sense of value because of the money spent on the box-spring (versus simply paying for only a mattress, that would be thrown on the ground to be slept on without a box-spring or another furnishing that would elevate the mattress). Enhancing aesthetics or design-style value.Creating a relatively flat and firm structure for the mattress to lie upon.Providing ventilation and allow body moisture to escape, preventing mildew.Elevating the mattress above the ground, increasing the ease of getting into bed and getting out of bed.The purpose of a box-spring mainly lies in the trade-off between ventilating the bed through the bottom and structural stability of the box-spring itself.

It is common to find a box-spring and mattress being used together without the support of a frame underneath, the box spring being mounted directly on casters standing on the floor. Working together, the box-spring and mattress (with optional bed frame) make up a bed.

The box-spring is usually the same size as the much softer mattress that is placed on it. Usually the box-spring is placed on top of a wooden or metal bedframe that sits on the floor and acts as a brace, except in the UK where the divan is more often fitted with small casters. A box-spring (or divan in some countries) is a type of bed base typically consisting of a sturdy wooden frame covered in cloth and containing springs.

Full size box spring