The IKEA Leirsund and Lonset slatted bed bases differ mainly in construction, support type, and price. The Leirsund is a heavier-duty base with more slats (42 for a queen) and adjustable firmness zones, offering robust, firm support. The Lonset is a lighter, more budget-friendly option with fewer slats (30 for a queen) and a design focused on flexible comfort zones.
Here’s a complete look at both options to help you choose the right base for your IKEA bed frame and sleeping style.
IKEA Leirsund Slatted Bed Base
The Leirsund represents IKEA's more premium, heavy-duty slatted base option, designed for maximum support and customization. Its standout feature is the high number of layered-glued slats combined with adjustable comfort zones, allowing you to fine-tune the firmness level under your shoulders and hips for personalized support.
- What it is: A highly supportive slatted bed base with adjustable firmness zones.
- Key features: 42 birch slats (queen size), adjustable firmness in the hip/shoulder region, robust construction for durability.
- Price: Typically around $70-$100, depending on size.
- Dimensions: Available for standard bed sizes including Twin, Full, Queen, and King.
- Materials/Construction: Layer-glued birch veneer slats with a solid pine and birch plywood frame, durable and built for longevity.
- Style: Functional and sturdy, with a natural wood finish designed to be hidden within a bed frame.
- Pros: Excellent, customizable support. Higher slat count prevents mattress sagging. Durable build suitable for heavier sleepers or mattresses. Adjustable zones can alleviate pressure points.
- Cons: More expensive than the Lonset. Heavier and can be slightly more complex to assemble with the adjustable components. Often has limited availability in certain regions.
The Leirsund is an ideal choice for anyone prioritizing firm, tailored support and long-term durability, especially if you have a heavy mattress or need specific firmness adjustments.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/slatted-bed-bases-10631/
IKEA Lonset Slatted Bed Base
The Lonset is IKEA's popular mid-range slatted base, balancing flexibility, ease of handling, and an affordable price. It offers a comfortable foundation with pliable slats grouped into comfort zones that adapt to your body weight, focusing more on flexibility and cushioning than on rigid, adjustable support.
- What it is: A flexible, lightweight slatted bed base featuring comfort zones for adaptive support.
- Key features: 30 birch slats (queen size), distinct comfort zones that give more where your body is heaviest, lightweight design.
- Price: Usually around $50-$90, offering a great balance of performance and cost.
- Dimensions: Available in all standard IKEA bed sizes from Twin to King.
- Materials/Construction: Layer-glued birch veneer slats in rubber holders, designed to provide responsive cushioning with good air circulation.
- Style: Modern and minimalist, with a straightforward look focused on practical comfort.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Lightweight and easier to transport and assemble. Flexible comfort zones are great for side sleepers or those who prefer more give. Excellent air circulation for the mattress.
- Cons: Less robust than the Leirsund, with fewer slats. Provides less firm support, which may not be ideal for much heavier mattresses or stomach sleepers. The adaptive zones are not manually adjustable.
The Lonset works well for budget-conscious shoppers, lighter individuals, and side sleepers who want a base with more flexibility and forgiving support.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/lonset-slatted-bed-base-s49481363/
Leirsund vs. Lonset Comparison
Materials & Construction
The construction fundamentally separates these two bases. The Leirsund is built for strength, featuring a higher count of 42 slats for a queen size. This dense arrangement creates a more solid plane of support for the mattress, preventing premature sagging and providing a firm foundation. Its hardware for adjustable zones also adds to a more substantial, heavier build quality.
In contrast, the Lonset is designed for lightness and flexibility. With only 30 slats for a queen, the gaps are wider, and the support plane is less rigid. The slats are held in pliable rubber holders, which allow them to move and flex with your body. While still durable for average use, its construction is less robust than the Leirsund's.
Support & Comfort
Your sleeping comfort is the most critical point of comparison. The Leirsund offers firm, customizable support. The ability to manually stiffen or soften the slats under your hips and shoulders allows you to create a personalized sleep surface. This is a significant advantage for couples with different needs or individuals with back pain who benefit from targeted firmness.
The Lonset provides adaptive, flexible support. It doesn't have manual adjustments, instead, its "comfort zones" are pre-designed with slightly different flexibility to contour to the body's curves. This results in a softer, more cushioned feel that can be excellent for side sleepers as it allows the shoulder and hip to sink into the mattress slightly more. However, those needing consistent, firm support might find it too forgiving.
Price & Value
Price is a straightforward win for the Lonset. It is consistently cheaper than the Leirsund across all sizes, making it a stronger choice for anyone setting up a bedroom on a tight budget. For its price, it offers good performance and improves on IKEA's basic slats significantly.
The Leirsund, while more expensive, delivers better value for longevity and customization. If you plan to keep your bed frame for many years, have a heavy, high-quality mattress to protect, or need specific support that the Lonset cannot provide, the extra cost for the Leirsund is a worthwhile investment in better sleep.
Who Each One Works Best For
Choosing between them comes down to personal needs. The Leirsund is tailor-made for people who prioritize durability and control. This includes heavier individuals, stomach or back sleepers who need a reliably firm base, and anyone looking to extend the life of a premium mattress by preventing sagging. It's the "buy it for life" option between the two.
The Lonset is perfect for budget-focused buyers, guest rooms, or sleepers without specific support needs. It's a fantastic choice for side sleepers and young adults or teens who appreciate its flexibility and comfort over rigid firmness. Its lightweight build also makes it an easier choice for people who move frequently.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA slatted bed bases are strong contenders, but they serve different sleepers and budgets very effectively.
Choose the Leirsund if:
- You prioritize firm and even support for your mattress.
- You or your partner want to customize the firmness under your hips and shoulders.
- You are a heavier individual or have a heavy mattress (like dense memory foam or a hybrid).
- Durability and long-term mattress health are your main considerations.
Choose the Lonset if:
- You are building your bedroom on a stricter budget.
- You are a side sleeper or someone who prefers a more forgiving, cushioned bed foundation.
- You have a lighter-weight mattress (like a foam or basic innerspring).
- You need a base that's lightweight and easier to move or assemble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Leirsund and Lonset?
The main difference is in the level and type of support. The Leirsund is built for durability with a higher slat count (42 on a queen) and offers manually adjustable firmness zones. The Lonset is a more budget-friendly, flexible option with fewer slats (30 on a queen) that provides adaptive support through pre-designed comfort zones.
Which IKEA slat base is better for a heavy person?
The Leirsund is significantly better for a heavy person. Its greater number of slats distributes weight more evenly, and its robust construction provides superior, longer-lasting support, reducing the risk of slats bending or breaking over time.
Can you use Leirsund or Lonset slats without an IKEA bed frame?
Generally, no. These slatted bases are designed to drop into an IKEA bed frame which has side rails and, for larger sizes, a midbeam (like the SKORVA) for central support. Using them on the floor or with a non-IKEA frame is not recommended as they may not be properly supported and could fail.
Which slat base is better for a memory foam mattress?
This depends on the feel you want. Many memory foam mattress manufacturers recommend a solid, firm base, which makes the Leirsund an excellent choice for preserving the mattress's intended support. However, if you want to enhance the contouring feel of the foam, the more flexible Lonset can work well, especially for side sleepers.
Is the IKEA Leirsund discontinued?
The availability of the Leirsund can vary by region and over time, and it has been difficult to find or discontinued in some markets like the US. It's always best to check your local IKEA website for current stock. The Lonset is generally more widely and consistently available.
Do these slatted bases make noise?
Any slatted base can eventually make noise if screws become loose or if the parts start to rub. However, issues are usually fixed by tightening the frame's hardware. The Leirsund's sturdier frame and construction may make it less prone to noise than the Lonset over the long term.
Can you adjust the firmness on the Lonset?
No, the firmness on the Lonset is not manually adjustable. The slats are differentiated into pre-set "comfort zones" with varying levels of flexibility, but you cannot change these settings like you can with the gray adjustment sliders on the Leirsund.
Which base is easier to assemble?
The Lonset is generally considered easier to assemble. It is lighter and has fewer components than the Leirsund, which features additional plastic adjusters that need to be fitted onto individual slats. The basic snap-and-place process for both is similar, but the Lonset is a quicker job.
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