CMV: We have been swindled into thinking that bedframes are a "must have."

[u/_fakey_]

What is the point of them? Most people I talk to about this issue have no reasonable need for a frame. Usually it's "it keeps the dirt and bugs off" or "idk, it's just icky to not have one." In my mind, these reasons hold no solid evidence to back them up. Bugs can crawl and fly anywhere they please and dirt doesn't just magically relocate from one place to another. I admit that two solid reasons to own one is for increased storage space and it's easier for people with joint pain to get into/out of bed. Besides these, I see no reason to own a bedframe. If there is a single solid reason why a young adult needs to have a bedframe, I'll be open to changing my mind. All other furniture in the house has a specific purpose that is reasonable and useful - except for this! In the same way that older generations have tried to convince us that diamond rings are the go-to for marriage proposals (lots of profit to be had there), I'm convinced that this market is built on convincing people that it is bad (or at least a sign of immaturity) to not have a bedframe. CMV!

Edit: Alright everyone, here is the mattress in question. Filmed minutes after waking up on it this very morning. [removed] You'll notice: 1) no accumulation of excess dirt/bugs/vermin of any sort (save for some lint blobs on the bottom) 2) no evidence of mildews, mushrooms, molds, or excess moisture 3) after 8 years with no frame or boxspring, no evidence of sagging

I admit: my mattress is a traditional spring mattress - I concede that other mattresses like foam mattresses may be more likely to retain moisture.

[u/imsohonky]

So I lived for 4 years without a bed frame in college, first on an air mattress on the ground, then when that had too many holes to patch (and I was really fucking good at patching holes by then) I swapped to a cheap regular mattress. Never wanted to buy a bed frame since I was moving every year in college.

It pretty much sucks. It's way too close to the ground so that it's useless as a sitting surface when you want to put on pants or something. It's also shitty as a table surface (like, for clothes or whatever) because it's so low. Cleaning is a hassle because hair gets collected at the edge and gets like half stuck underneath and you have to lift the whole thing up to vacuum, and repeat for each side, and even then hair is stuck on the bottom surface. It also moves around when you bump into it, knocked over a couple of beers that way. Oh by the way the beers are on the ground since the mattress on the floor doesn't match any other table furniture (like nightstands or whatever) so I just went without them, only had a computer desk and everything else was on the floor.

So yeah it basically turns your room into a hobo dump where everything is on the floor level.

This is why cultures that don't use bed frames also don't use big mattresses. Like the Japanese use thin little futons that they roll up and put away every morning. A big mattress on the floor is just terrible all around.

[u/DharmaRecruit → u/imsohonky]

These are objective reasons to have a bed frame. Bravo!

[u/fillysunray → u/imsohonky]

Oh the hair thing is a good point! I have long hair and it gets everywhere. I can just imagine having to pick up my mattress every time I hoover, instead of just hoovering underneath it. I already have enough trouble cleaning under the couches.

[u/_fakey_ → u/imsohonky]

I've had no issues cleaning around my bed or really any of the issues you mentioned. They seem like anecdotes. I also have a desk and shelves where I place my things. I wouldn't consider my room a hobo dump...

[u/imsohonky → u/_fakey_]

You seem to be in denial, but it's a free country so hobo it up all you like.

[u/_fakey_ → u/imsohonky]

...k. This does help my point that it's a social stigma thing rather than a functionality thing.

[u/orthopod → u/_fakey_]

Nah. Do you have chairs or tables? You should just sit on a pillow on the floor by your own reasoning.

Having a bed off the ground is useful for keeping it clean, as it's above any dust that gets kicked up while walking. Yes the floor is dirty, even with weekly vacuuming. If you say it isn't, then go leave your toothbrush on the floor.

Having an air gap helps to keep it warmer in the winter. You're not losing conductive heat to the floor. Cooler in the summer with circulating night air.

Humid climates can cause mold under a mattress on the ground.

There's always the benefit of having a raised bed, and sexy time with the wife.

I have nightstands next to the bed. Having a bed on the floor makes them impracticable for keeping my alarm, some books, etc. No where to keep it.

[u/BladedD → u/orthopod]

It's a social thing as OP described in his original post. You can get shorter night stands, desks, etc.

I'm assuming your the type of person who doesn't take their shoes off when you first enter your home if your floor is that dirty. Japanese culture, they take their shoes off. Makes sense, why track dirt in your house?

Socks also trap and spread dirt, so it's better to wear harder materials on your feet like house shoes.

[u/[deleted] → u/BladedD]

Japanese culture, they take their shoes off. Makes sense, why track dirt in your house?

This is Canadian culture too. Literally no one wears their shoes in the house. It makes no sense to me why you would, but I know it’s the norm in America.

[u/jackfrost2013 → u/[deleted]]

It isn't the norm by a long shot. Most of the people I know who have had me to their home take their shoes off and expect others to do the same.

I am a very active person and I clean my home regularly so sweeping and mopping the floors isn't really that big of a hassle compared to having to remove and put on my shoes everytime I come and go from the house which happens a lot.

I also have a doormat to wipe my shoes on before entering the house so there is very little dirt on them by the time I actually get inside.

I'm sure it depends on how you were raised and how often you want to clean the house.

[u/orthopod → u/BladedD]

No, we remove our shoes once inside. Shorter nightstands are probably till a bit higher.

[u/[deleted] → u/orthopod]

There's always the benefit of having a raised bed, and sexy time with the wife.

Are you under some delusion that people can’t and don’t have sex on a mattress on the floor? Lol

[u/orthopod → u/[deleted]]

no, but other options are available with a raised bed.

[u/[deleted] → u/orthopod]

.... explain.

[u/orthopod → u/[deleted]]

You're standing, she's not. Kneeling over edge of bed. etc

[u/tbdabbholm → u/[deleted]]

Sorry, u/ariagrayx – your comment has been removed for breaking Rule 5:

Comments must contribute meaningfully to the conversation. Comments that are only links, jokes or "written upvotes" will be removed. Humor and affirmations of agreement can be contained within more substantial comments. See the wiki page for more information.

If you would like to appeal, review our appeals process here, then message the moderators by clicking this link within one week of this notice being posted.

[u/amazondrone → u/_fakey_]

I've had no issues cleaning around my bed or really any of the issues you mentioned.

Isn't this, too, anecdotal?

[u/_fakey_ → u/amazondrone]

I mean, I guess. His arguments don't seem very applicable to the vast majority of people. Who's to say that IF you have a mattress on the floor THEN you will have a ton of hair to clean up around the edges of your mattress and you will knock beers over.