Beds Buying Guide

Sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and most of us don't get enough. A bed is important in providing a comfortable, soothing, and pleasant place for you to get some much needed rest and relaxation. It can also be a beautiful addition to your bedroom furnishings and décor. With a bit of research, you'll be ready to buy your perfect bed. And then maybe even find time for a nap.

(Please note: this guide will focus on the furniture portion of your bed, not the mattress and box spring. Click here to see our Mattress Buying Guide.)

Chances are that a bed will be the largest piece of furniture in a bedroom. It will therefore be the focal point, both for form and function.

As far as function goes, you'll want your new bed to be strong, durable, a comfortable height, and the right size for your mattress. There are many beds that provide extra storage and this may be important to you. Some beds require a box spring and some beds cannot accommodate one, so this is something else to consider. You'll also need to make sure the bed can make it into your house upon delivery (most queen or king beds require some assembly, in order to fit through doors.)

As far as form goes, there are plentiful design and material choices. Your decision will greatly influence the feel of your bedroom. For example, a four poster bed will provide a more formal atmosphere; a platform bed made of leather creates a modern look. You may pick a bed that matches the rest of your bedroom furniture exactly, or one of a different material or style to provide contrast within the room.

There is a vast array of options. This guide will give you the facts you need to confidently choose the bed of your dreams.

There are some key categories of bed styles. Though there are choices outside of these general styles, this should help you narrow down your options.

Platform and Storage Beds: A platform bed has a raised surface for a mattress to rest upon directly. A box spring is not used. Platform beds generally provide a harder and firmer sleeping surface, since there is no extra box spring layer. They are also lower to the ground because of their design. Since platform beds often take up less space than more traditional options, as well as typically having simpler designs, they won't overwhelm a smaller room. They also often include storage space, such as pull-out drawers, under the mattress base, another great quality if you are short on space. A traditional platform bed does not use a headboard or footboard, but many current ones include or allow for the addition of them. Bottom line: these are a practical, versatile, and stylish choice, especially well-suited for a room with space and/or storage constraints.

Sleigh Beds: Sleigh beds are a popular traditional style. They have flared and fairly large head boards and foot boards which are usually made of wood, though leather and metal are options as well. Sleigh beds are versatile in matching other bedroom furniture, and work well both in the center of a room and against a wall. They certainly have staying power: they were popular over two centuries ago and are still a top choice. Bottom line: sleigh beds are a beautiful and elegant addition to most bedrooms.

Four Poster and Canopy Beds: These are the most traditional, formal, and often dramatic bed design options. Four poster beds have posts, with varied levels of detailing, on each end of the beds’ head boards and foot boards. To accommodate a canopy, additional support rails span from the top of each post to post. High post beds can be up to eight feet tall; low post options are up to three feet high, for a more subtle look. Most four poster beds are made of wood or metal. Often, when choosing a formal style, you will want to coordinate all of your bedroom furniture closely. Bottom line: for substantial old world glamour in a room large enough to carry it off, four poster beds are the way to go.

Slat Beds: This refers to the style of the head and foot boards, which are slatted. Traditional slatted beds are wood. The type of wood and its stain or color will have a lot to do with the look of a slat bed, with deep stains somewhat more formal, and light or white painted wood more casual. Bottom line: these types of beds can fit in with a wide range of decorating styles and are a versatile choice.

Panel Beds: In a panel bed, the head and foot boards are full panels, which are often made of wood, leather or upholstery. Panel beds can fall into a wide range of styles, depending on the material used. A wood panel bed can be a traditional, classic choice, while one made of leather or upholstery can be a modern, sleek choice. Bottom line: the look of panel beds hinge mostly on the material of the panel, with leather and upholstery making the most stylized statement.

Day Beds: A day bed maintains the appearance of a couch but includes an actual mattress and works as a comfortable bed for sleeping. It usually will have a decorative back made of metal or wood along the side of the bed that is against a wall. Day beds accommodate standard twin mattresses. A link spring, a metal grid-like structure, is used to support the mattress instead of a box spring, so that there is room for an optional trundle underneath. Bottom line: day beds are great for guest rooms or anywhere else you would like to provide additional sleeping options.

Trundle Beds: Trundle beds, which are twin size, store an additional bed underneath the main bed structure. Trundles can be metal or drawer-style. When a metal trundle is pulled out, it can pop up to the same height as the other part of the bed, effectively creating a king size bed. A drawer-style trundle pulls out but remains lower than the other bed. Neither bed includes a box spring due to space constraints. Day beds often include a trundle. Bottom line: trundles are a great way to provide extra sleeping options for guests without using much space.

Captain’s Beds: These beds are platform beds, with the mattress resting directly on the bed structure with no box spring. The difference is that they are generally higher and often include two rows of drawers underneath the bed, or even a desk. Bottom line: Captain’s beds are another space saving option and are popular for children’s rooms.

Children’s Beds: Any of the style choices mentioned will work in a children’s room, usually in a smaller size. Trundles, ideal for sleep-overs, are a great option for kids’ rooms. Platform and captain’s beds with storage are perfect for keeping toys off the floor. Sleigh beds are classic and kids won't outgrow the look. Canopy and four poster beds are fun for kids who want to pretend to be royalty. Bunk and loft beds are an additional option for children’s rooms when space is tight and siblings are sharing. And if you want a theme-oriented bed, you're sure to find one shaped like a race car, though you will end up making an additional bed purchase once your child gets older. Bottom line: with choices plentiful, consider picking a style that the kids won't outgrow anytime soon.

Metal Bed Frames: If you aren't looking for a decorative option, but want a long-lasting functional structure to keep your bed and box spring off the floor, you may just need a standard metal bed frame. Most come with rolling casters, which should be large and heavy weight, for easy moving. Frames are often adjustable in size, with extra support a must for king size mattresses. They are fairly light, easy to transport, and usually require some simple assembly. Also keep in mind that you can attach head boards and foot boards to a metal frame. Bottom line: you'll probably want to buy a bed skirt to hide the legs since they are not attractive, but over all, it’s a sound budget choice for mattress support, either for the long term or while you consider a future furniture investment.

The material of the bed will have a great influence on its look, feel and quality. Top choices are covered below.

Wood: Wood beds are very popular and come in a wide variety of styles. Wood is appropriate for just about every type of bed discussed above, and spans decorating tastes from formal to contemporary to country. Popular choices are the hard woods, including cherry, maple, mahogany, and oak. A quality wood bed should be sturdy and strong. Finish is an important element in wood beds. Sheen, color, and durability are important finish qualities. Stain choices range from clear to dark in color, low to high in sheen. Painted wood is another option, with white and black as popular picks.

Metal: Metal, such as iron and steel, can provide a clean simple look or suit more ornate tastes, depending on the complexity of the design. A classic open-rail design with finials can complement almost any bedroom furniture. A wrought iron bed with intricate flower designs holds a romantic appeal. Regardless of the style, a metal bed can balance the look of a room that otherwise includes all wood furniture. When shopping for metal beds, look at the detailing and metal finish to make sure they suit your taste. Also make sure that welding is smooth and secure.

Upholstered Fabric and Leather: Upholstered fabric and leather beds generally have a sophisticated, contemporary and luxurious look. These can also be very comfortable choices, since there is often cushioning underneath the upholstery. In choosing fabrics and leather, you'll have many colors and textures to consider. Also make sure you like the stitching details. The construction underneath the upholstery should be heavy duty and durable, as in any bed. Review cleaning and care instructions before committing to this style. You probably won't want to eat ice cream in this type of bed.

A key décor factor will be the size of your room. You need to take careful measurements to determine what bed you should purchase. As discussed above, many bed styles, including day beds, trundles, and platforms, are designed specifically to make the most of limited spaces. Other styles, such as four poster beds, will overwhelm a smaller room. Consider the scale of the bed as compared to your other bedroom furniture.

You should also decide whether you would like a fully coordinated and matching bedroom set for a more traditional look, or if you would like to mix styles for a more casual or eclectic style. Most metal beds look great with wood furniture. You can also mix light and dark wood stains for a less uniform feel.

Keep in mind that though many beds are available with head boards, foot boards, and side rails as one integral piece, you can also purchase beds that have a basic metal frame and a head board, which can be a pleasing understated look. Or you can skip the headboard all together and dress up your bed with pillows, a bed skirt, and other decorative touches, an appealing budget choice.

Here are some style terms and how they apply to bed choices, though always keep in mind that your taste is more important than any style label.

Traditional/Classic: Wood is a traditional, classic choice. The bed and other furniture usually match closely for a balanced and uniform look in this style. Sleigh beds are a great traditional choice.

Eclectic: This refers to mixing a number of styles within a room, adding interest to the space. Mixing a metal bed with a couple of painted antiques dressers would be one option for presenting an eclectic look.

Contemporary/Modern: A contemporary bed will have a minimalist feel with clean lines. An understated leather panel bed is a contemporary choice.

Country/Rustic: Country furniture is warm and casual. Pieces do not usually match exactly but blend for a comfortable look. Wood or metal finishes would be subdued, not glossy. A rustic wood bed with a light finish could be a cozy country pick.

Formal: Formal bedroom furniture tends to be larger in scale, with darker wood finishes. The formal bed standard is the four poster, with or without a canopy, an elegant and grand choice.

Some construction parameters vary according to material, but the main requirement is that a bed be built to last. There are key details of workmanship worth noticing. For all beds, check that the joints are secure and that the bed feels solid, steady, and balanced. Legs should be even and should not rock. If the bed includes drawers, dove-tail joints are the most durable. Also check that drawers glide smoothly on their slides. Always make sure that any stains, paints, or finishes on wood or metal are consistent and smooth. In all cases, handmade craftsmanship adds value and durability, as well as making beds more expensive.

In wood beds, mortise and tenon joints, which are basically square pegs wedged firmly and sometimes glued or pinned into square holes, are signs of quality craftsmanship. For metal beds, pieces should be welded securely and smoothly. Upholstered beds should have even and neat seams.

The mattress support is important. It ensures comfort for you and contributes to the longevity of your mattress. It should be designed to support the size of mattress that will be used, since king mattresses need far sturdier support than twins. High quality wood bed frames can offer secure mattress support. Usually wood slats that are perpendicular to the bed rails are used to hold the mattress and box spring. Quality metal frames are strong and reliable. Most come with rolling casters, which should be large and heavy weight. Metal frames are often adjustable in size, with extra support a must for king size mattresses.

Requiring light assembly, either by you or by the delivery company, is common even with expensive pieces and can greatly ease delivery.

You should measure the size of your room and consider how much space is used by your other furniture in order to choose your bed size. Beds are generally sold as twin, full, queen, full/queen, king, or California king size. In general, twin beds work for children's rooms and smaller guest rooms, while full, queen, king, or California king beds are well-suited for master bedrooms and more spacious guest rooms. Day beds and trundles are usually only available as twins. When considering one of the king sizes, be sure to carefully consider your space. Though roomy and luxurious, these sizes fill a room faster than you'd expect.

Since these sizes correspond to the standard mattress sizes, it should be easy to pair up your bed with the right mattress and box spring. Even so, it’s worth double checking the bed measurements just to be sure they match.

Bed prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. A simple metal bed frame is the most affordable option, and can be bought for $50 to $100. Once you get into furniture quality beds, prices vary vastly, from low hundreds to high thousands, depending on size, material quality, craftsmanship, and even designer. There are many choices of attractive and durable beds for under $1,000, and even under $500. If you are looking for an upscale choice, there are just as many options in the over $1,000 range. You will be able to find virtually any style bed in any price range, so set your budget and start shopping.

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