This bed looks very nice. The description says that it does not need a box spring, but unless you want to leave a gap for your little one's head to get caught under the headboard, or you slide the mattress as far under the headboard as you can to decrease the space but leaves a gap of about 10 inches between the mattress and the footboard, you will need a box spring. Also, one of the support bars and metal connector was not lined up properly so it does not tighten and we are concerned that it will not give enough support. Will need a replacement part.