Types of Beds

There are several different types of beds you could purchase when you are decorating your bedroom. An excellent way to set the tone of a bedroom is to begin with the bed frame and build the design scheme from there. Whether you are aiming for a minimalist Scandinavian guest room, sophisticated master suite, or cozy child’s room, there is a bed frame to suit every taste and budget.

Many mattress and box spring sets will come with a metal frame or bed rails. They can also be purchased at a comparatively low cost. Such metal frames will provide the necessary support while maintaining a low profile, with a slight lip that keeps the mattress and box spring in place. For larger beds, a crossbar will be included with the frame to keep the center appropriately aloft. Many metal frames sit lower to the ground than their wooden-frame counterparts, and come with casters for easy movement. Additionally, wooden frames allow the mattress and box spring to nestle within the provided framework for ample support. These frames are often higher off the ground than metal frames and require slats that support the center of the mattress. Both metal and wooden frames at their most basic usually provide a means of attaching a headboard, footboard, or both, should you so desire.

Platform beds do not need box springs, since the low, wide profile of the platform functions as the only needed support for a comfortable night’s sleep. Whether the mattress nestles within a recess of the platform or sits directly on top of it, these beds can contribute to design profiles that vary from bohemian nonchalance to Japanese restraint. Waterbeds, although less popular than they once were, also require platform beds. One may sacrifice under-bed storage space when employing a platform bed, although there are units available with built-in drawers. Futons are a form of platform bed, and are often marketed towards those needing a multifunctional piece. Most futons are designed to be propped up as sofas during the day, folding out to their full length for sleeping.

From these foundational elements, be they metal, wood, or platform, spring many variants. To add sophistication to a room, canopy beds add height and drama, especially when paired with fabric paneling or curtains to close off the bed space. Four poster beds, a traditional variant on the canopy bed, are characterized by four posts rising from each corner of the bed. These posts will vary in height and range from the ornate to the straightforward, depending on your preference.

To maximize space, a savvy decorator may turn to day beds or Murphy beds. Day beds are turned length-wise as a couch would be positioned, with the head and footboards of matching heights and a supporting piece along the length of the back. This is ideal for using as a couch during the day and transitions with the shift of a few pillows to a bed. Murphy beds are installed in a wall unit where they are stored vertically, opening up valuable floor space when they have been tucked away.

Overall, you should be able to find the perfect type of bed for you with all the variety out there!