With so many different mattress options to choose from these days, deciding on the best mattress can be overwhelming… Do you prefer soft or firm? How much support do you need? Do you get hot when you sleep? Hybrid mattress vs. memory foam?
Transform your sleeping AND shopping experience with Ballard Designs’ new collection of luxury handcrafted mattresses, created in close partnership with Kingsdown—an industry leader in sleep science since 1904.
Discover your own perfect combination of comfort, support, and style today in this step-by-step guide for choosing your next mattress, featuring each of our unique new mattress offerings, foundations, and firmness.
Explore our new mattress collection today!
1. Pick Your Mattress Style
Ready for the ultimate night’s sleep? Our Ballard Designs mattresses, handcrafted in partnership with Kingsdown (a leader in sleep science since 1904!), are made with the finest materials and latest technology, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
We offer three designer styles – Classic, Signature, and Luxe – each featuring a unique blend of cooling gel fibers, memory foam, and wrapped coils. Each of our three styles are designed to give you personalized comfort and support and includes a 10-year non-prorated warranty.
Let’s explore the key differences between each of our three mattress styles:
Classic
Need a durable yet stylish mattress for a guest room or your child’s room?
Our Classic mattress is hand-finished with a classic French blue ticking stripe, making it both comfortable and easy to care for. If you’re looking for a balanced blend of comfort and support for the average sleeper, this is a reliable mattress at a great value.
Key Design Features:
- Tri-Zoned Wrapped Coils: 904 total coils with more coils in the center for enhanced lower back support.
- 1 Comfort Layer: A layer of soft memory foam and latex for added pressure relief in every sleeping situation.
- Flanged Edges: The petite edges and embroidered design add a subtle touch of elegance with moisture-wicking 4-way stretch knit.
Learn more about our Classic Mattress.
Signature
Imagine sinking into a cloud of comfort—that’s our Signature mattress!
Our Signature Mattress is ideal for those seeking a step up in luxury and comfort, combining superior support with a plush feel. Designed with a primary bedroom in mind, it includes a hand-finished blue ditsy dot floral fabric, medium gusset, and contrast cording.
Design Features:
- 1791 Tri-zoned Wrapped Coils: even more coils than the Classic for superior support.
- 2 Comfort Layers: Two layers of gel memory foam—one quilted into the top and one underneath for enhanced pressure relief and cooling.
- French Blue Floral Fabric: fabric features a lovely ditsy dot pattern and a medium gusset. Elegant contrast cording completes the luxurious look.
Learn more about our Signature Mattress.
Luxe
Unwind in pure luxury and comfort with our Luxe mattress (you deserve it).
This exceptional mattress combines ultimate comfort with elegant Ballard style. The lush French blue floral fabric and refined construction create an unforgettable sleep experience, ideal for discerning sleepers seeking the most luxurious and comfortable sleep experience available.
Design Features:
- Coil System: 1791 Tri-zoned wrapped coils, plus added micro-coils for exceptional pressure point relief.
- Comfort Layers: Multiple layers of luxurious materials including plush latex, gel memory foam, alpaca wool, and Joma wool (top 10% of all wool) for exceptional comfort and breathability.
- Hand-Tufted Construction: for lasting quality and to prevent material shifting. Features a thick gusset and elegant contrast cording.
Learn more about our Luxe Mattress.
2. Choose Your Firmness
Now it’s time to choose your next level of comfort: Plush or Firm?
Each of our three signature styles includes two available firmness options for you to choose from (‘plush’ and ‘firm’), which are achieved by changing the delicate balance of support foam within the mattress itself.
If you’re unsure which firmness you’ll need for a great night’s sleep, we’ve broken down both options below. The best mattress firmness largely on your preferred sleeping style.

Featured Above: The Luxe Mattress with Plush Firmness.
Plush
If you enjoy a soft mattress that you can (quite literally) sink into, then you’ll probably prefer plush over firm.
Plush mattresses are ideal for side sleepers and those who prefer a “hugging” sensation. The extra cushioning conforms to the curves of the body during sleep, reducing pressure points on hips and shoulders.
Our Luxe Plush style mattress is our softest available option, featuring a quilted top comfort layer for ultra-softness and deep sleep comfort. When combined with the key features of our plush firmness within the mattress itself, it is the perfect option for the plushiest of sleep preferences.
Key Features:
- Top Layer Materials: The top layer of plush mattresses features softer materials designed to provide a cloud-like surface. These include:
- Gel Memory Foam: Provides conforming comfort and cooling properties.
- Plush Gel Foam: Adds additional softness and pressure relief.
- Plush Latex: Offers natural buoyancy and pressure relief.
- Rolled Memory Foam: Provides contouring and cushioning.
- Quilting and Cover: The top comfort layer is quilted, adding to the softness and creating a luxurious feel. In the Luxe model, this is enhanced further with the addition of silk and wool fibers.
- Coil System Interaction: While the coil systems provide support, the plushness comes from the top layer’s interaction with these coils. The top layers are designed to yield more to the sleeper’s weight than in a firm mattress, creating a more pronounced sinking feeling.

Featured Above: The Classic Mattress with a Firm Selection.
Firm
If you need firm support for your back but yearn for contouring flexibility, our firm mattress options are designed to deliver the best of both worlds.
Firm mattresses are generally recommended for back sleepers and those who need more spinal support to help alleviate back pain. However, just because it is designed for support in mind doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable!
Our firm mattresses not only help maintain proper spinal alignment during rest, but their high-density support foam system ensures a luxuriously comfortable sleeping experience that even plush sleepers could get behind.
Key Features (vs. Plush Options):
- High-Density Support Foam: Firm mattresses utilize a higher-density comfort and support foam layer. This layer is denser and less yielding than the foam found in plush options, providing a more rigid but supportive sleep surface.
- Reduced Cushioning in Top Layers: While plush options prioritize a significant layer of soft, pressure-relieving materials like plush gel foam and latex, firm options minimize the thickness of these layers. This reduces the “sink-in” feeling and creates a more supportive sleep surface.
- Focus on Spinal Alignment: The firmer support is intended to prevent the spine from sinking excessively, which can be beneficial for back pain sufferers or those who simply prefer a more supportive feel.
3. Don’t Forget Your Foundation

Featured Above: The Suzanne Kasler Southport Rattan Bed Frame
Take your nighttime comfort to the next dreamy level with a luxurious and supportive bed foundation.
Choose from 3 different foundation profiles to custom fit your bed and personal sleeping style—slim (2”), low (5.5”) and high (8.5”)—all of which include solid wood framing and wider-than-standard slates for superior quality and longevity.
How to Choose Your Ideal Bed Foundation:
- Measure the clearance: Determine the distance from the floor to the top of your bed frame.
- Add the mattress thickness: Add the height of your chosen mattress to the measurements obtained in step 1.
- Determine your preferred bed height:
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- Slim (2″): If you have a thick mattress or a tall bed frame, opting for a slim foundation will offer the support you need without making your bed too high and difficult to get in and out of.
- Low (5.5″): If your bed is designed to be low to the ground, we suggest using a low foundation to keep that sleek/modern look.
- High (8.5″): If your bed is lower to the ground and you want to add some height, a high foundation will help you achieve that balanced look.

Featured Above: The Suzanne Kasler Southport Rattan Bed Frame
4. Add the Finishing Touches

Featured Above: The Villandry Cane Bed Frame with Livy Floral Bedding.
Once you have your mattress setup figured out, you’ll need to add the finishing touches. You can’t go wrong with down pillows and a dreamy duvet, but we’ll let you decide what your inner decorator thinks is best.
- Down essentials are the key to a great night’s sleep because they’re not too heavy and not too light.
- Don’t forget to complete the look with beautiful covers and shams to reflect your personality and style.
Want to read more mattress and bedding tips? Browse our full collection of mattresses and bedding, or find inspiration in these helpful posts below:
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Constance Preston
I like this site it show me great ideas and what I can do to enjoy my house.
Linda K Luke
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF THE FIRM, QUEEN SIZE MATTRESS
Abbey Nolte
Linda,
You can find that mattress on our site here.
So glad you like it!
Abbey
Bill Meyer
Do you sell king size beds?
Abbey Nolte
Hi Bill,
Yes, we do! You can browse all of our beds here.
Abbey