Bed Buyers Guide
Good sleep is essential to keep your body functioning at peak performance throughout the day. Lack of sleep can be detrimental to your overall health and can wreak havoc on your ability to get tasks done promptly and properly.
Eight hours of sleep a day or more is recommended for your body, but the amount of sleep won’t matter if you’re not getting quality sleep. If you find yourself feeling like this, it may be time to purchase a new bed, because the right one can do wonders for your quality of sleep.
Different Types of Beds
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to buying a new bed. Each bed is going to be different, as everyone has their personal preference when it comes to comfort, style and pricing.
With so many varieties out there, you might start to feel overwhelmed. Listed below are different types of beds that are available on the market today, which will hopefully help you make an informed decision.
Platform Bed
Platform beds have no box springs and have rows of flexible wooden slats or lattice structures that can help support heavier mattresses. These are ideal for supporting larger mattresses and in addition, their design helps keep the bed consistently ventilated.
Panel Bed
Panel beds consist of flat, tall wooden panels which build the headboard and footboards of the bed. This type of bed is designed for box spring mattresses and are complementary with wooden aesthetics.
Sleigh Bed
Sleigh beds consist of a scrolled head with footboards made from dense wood. Some varieties are crafted with aluminium, iron and steel. These are ideal for individuals looking for a European-style bed.
Murphy Bed
Murphy beds are increasingly becoming more popular these days. This is because they easily fold up into the walls, helping to create extra space when not in use. Moreover, they are ideal for people who live in small spaces and want to conserve floor space.
Poster/Canopy Bed
Poster and Canopy beds give a luxurious feel to the bedroom. They consist of four vertical columns constructed from wood or other materials and sometimes have designs carved into them. These beds are ideal for people who want a rich feel, with drapes hanging down from their beds.
What Bed Style Should You Choose?
When choosing a bed style, you’ll want to select one that fits in with the overall theme of your bedroom. Some will complement different styles better, but it’s always a matter of personal preference. Listed below are a few different styles:
Modern
Modern styles are often aesthetically minimal, simplistic and are usually thin and flat, but some offer contemporary designs. These would be ideal for individuals who don't want anything too fancy but still looks appealing.
Cottage
Cottage-style beds consist of lavish headboards adorned with carvings and paintings. They offer a simple yet elegant feel, with a beautiful curved headboard and footboard.
Traditional
Traditional styles offer designs from older eras; classic styles include canopy, half tester, or poster designs. This model is ideal for people who want to incorporate a timeless look, with a touch of modern style.
Mid-century
Mid-century designs offer a mix of early 1900s and traditional styles. Most of these beds provide a wooden vintage feel and usually include upholstered headboards and footboards.
How to Choose the Right Bed Frame
Almost every bed needs a frame, but there are so many different styles you can choose from. Certain bed frames only accompany certain mattress types, so make sure that the frame you buy is able to support the mattress you plan to use. Listed below are some recommendations if you’re unsure which frame to choose:
Metal Frame
Metal frames are the least expensive choice you can get for your bed. They are lightweight and easy to move around, making them perfect for smaller living spaces. They also come with adjustable features so that you can fit any mattress size.
Wood Frame
Wood frames give a rustic vintage feel, making them perfect for country or cottage-style beds, but they can be used with any style you prefer. Wooden frameworks are very customizable and can fit most artistic styles.
Upholstered Frame
Upholstered frames give a soft, vibrant addition to bedrooms, but they are often made with different fabrics which need to be cleaned regularly. Depending on the material, they can easily accommodate most bedroom styles.
Ornate Frame
Ornate frames are often very detailed and intricate; they offer a luxurious feel to any bedroom and complement a Victorian-themed room the best. If you're looking for something elegant and classy, then this framework is right for you.
Bookcase
A bookcase framework is becoming increasingly popular for young adults and students. They help create extra storage space around the headboard area and come in a variety of different styles.
How to Choose the Right Bed Size
Some people tend to move around while they are asleep whilst others sprawl themselves onto their beds. Depending if you are sharing a bed with someone else, you'll likely want to think about both of your sleeping habits to gauge how much room you'll need to be comfortable.
- Small Single - 75cm x 190cm. Small singles are best for smaller children or young adults, they do not provide much room to move around but they suffice for one person.
- Single - 90cm x 190cm. These are perfect for fitting one adult of average size but do not offer enough room if you move around in your sleep.
- Double - 135cm x 190cm. These are the perfect size to fit one to two people at a time, but they don’t offer a lot of extra space.
- King - 150cm x 190cm. They offer enough space for two people to sleep comfortably sprawled out.
- Super King - 180cm x 198cm. This is the biggest sized bed available which offers the most space. They can easily fit two to three people, but they take up bedroom space.
Factors to Consider
When buying a bed, there are a few questions you should ask yourself first. It's better to get a broad idea of what you're looking for before you go out and buy one. Listed below are a few factors you should consider:
Type
Which type of bed you choose to buy is entirely based on your preferences. Ask yourself what kind of bed would be best for yourself; do you like them softer, or how about adjustable beds? The most critical factors are going to be style and comfort - keep those two elements in mind when determining which bed you'd like.
Size
Another important thing to think about is determining which size of bed you'll need. The guide listed above for sizing can help you decide which size you'll need. Keep in mind the sleeping patterns of yourself and your partner, if you're choosing a two-person bed, as sometimes people may need more space to sleep comfortably.
Material
The material is another important factor when it comes to choosing a bed. Depending on the material of the mattress and frame, you will need to maintain and clean it regularly. If you prefer not to have to clean as often, then it's better to avoid materials that attract dirt and dust.
Price
After you have considered everything else, the next step is to set a budget for yourself. Beds can range from luxury and expensive to simple and inexpensive, based on personal preferences. Consider which factors you find essential in a bed and then set a budget. In most cases, you will be able to find a bed that fits your preferences in your price range.
Extras
Extra features are always useful to think about when purchasing a bed. However, they are not necessarily needed. If you have the additional budget, then go ahead and think about which features you'd like to have on your bed.
Some beds offer heating and cooling mechanisms, while others let you adjust the firmness of the mattress. Some beds are highly customizable and offer a wide variety of different add-ons.
Conclusion
Choosing a bed to fit your individual needs is always going to be challenging. Just make sure that you have a broad idea of what you want before you go to look for beds - this can help you from purchasing one you don't like.