Bed Buying Guide

The bed is the focal point of your bedroom decor, so getting it right is the most important step to creating a restful retreat. With so many options available, you’ll want to consider size, style and a few other design elements to select the perfect bed for your space.

Bed Types

First things first: The basic style of your bed should fit with your decorating preferences to achieve a cohesive look. Some of the most popular styles include the following:

Canopy

These traditional bedsteads include a tall frame originally designed to hold curtains that kept heat around sleepers. Today they provide architectural good looks and high style — just be sure to measure your ceiling height so that you know it fits.

Platform

Platform beds offer modern styling that
eliminates the footboard. They look best with
bunky boards or low-profile box springs to accentuate their sleek, horizontal lines.
These are on-trend styles that look great in contemporary homes.

Traditional

Traditional bedsteads feature a headboard, footboard and side rails for a classic look that works well with a standard box spring. They are available in a wide range of materials and work well in transitional decor as well as in rooms inspired by a historical era.

Bed Sizes

All beds are sized to hold standard mattresses. The dimensions below are for the mattresses; you’ll need to add a few inches on all sides to account for the bed frame itself. Consider the number of sleepers as well as the height of each sleeper to choose the most comfortable bed:

Twin: 38" x 75", sleeps one
XL Twin: 38" x 80", sleeps one
Full: 53" x75", sleeps one or two
Queen: 60" x 80", sleeps two
King: 76" x 80", sleeps two
California King: 72" x 84", sleeps two

Choosing The Right Headboard

As you narrow down your bed selections, take the time to consider what kind of headboard you prefer. To do this, think about what you do most often in bed.

If you tend to collapse into bed and fall directly to sleep after a long day, a wood or metal headboard will work well for you. You can feel free to select a headboard with slats or open grillwork, as you won’t spend much time leaning against it.

If you prefer to sit up in bed to read or watch TV, however, you may prefer an upholstered headboard. These padded options will prop you up in comfort, allowing you to feel as though you’re sitting on a soft couch. A solid wood headboard is a good alternative, as long as you invest in extra cushions to soften the back.