There’s no overstating the importance of the right bed. Since we all spend
on average about one third of our lives in between the covers, it’s a necessity to get it right. Not to mention the aesthetic impact a bed can have on the bedroom space, with the power to
turn it into either a comforting haven or a cramped dungeon. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of beds on offer, from a single divan to a super king ornate frame, to help you make the best decision for your home.
Skip to: Key Considerations
Choosing a bed frame can be quite a complicated task with many different things to think about. To save you some time and brain power, here are a few of the most important considerations when choosing between types of beds:
Room Size and Shape
First things first, the bed must fit in the room. Make sure that you measure your space accurately, whilst leaving enough room for any other
furniture. This could involve comparing the measurements of the frame (more on this later) with your room measurements to figure out just how much of the floor space it will take up. Not to mention, if you have a particularly oddly shaped room, consider if there is somewhere that the bed can sit comfortably without facing obstacles from jutting walls or oddly positioned built-in furniture.
As well as other furniture, you may want to factor in empty space to your measurements. For the bedroom,
negative space is particularly important to boost relaxation, stress relief, and emotional balance. So, if you’re constantly squeezing between items to get into bed, it’s probably a good time for a downsize.
Aesthetics
The look and feel of your bed can go an incredibly long way in the overall atmosphere and effect of your room. You’ll want to ensure that your chosen frame matches your personal taste as well as the design style. For instance, a simple and sleek metal frame might work wonders in an upbeat, urban apartment, whereas a rustic and antique wooden frame is likely a better fit for period homes.
It can also pay off to think about the adaptability of the frame. For instance,
wooden frames are relatively easy to
upcycle and repaint to match a new interior, whereas divan beds with a fixed fabric can be less flexible.
Maintenance requirements
Speaking of divan beds, they often require more maintenance than their metal or wooden counterparts, simply due to their soft furnishing status. Whilst the latter may only require regular dusting every now and then, fabric bases require more thorough cleaning to maintain their appearance. That being said, you are likely to be rewarded with a cosier and homelier feel.
Plus, wooden and metal frames are not without their own maintenance tasks. For metal beds, tightening screws, applying lubrication, and protecting them from moisture are all key considerations, whereas some
wooden frames may require a polishing from time to time.
Who is it for?
It might seem obvious, but who is using the bed is an important factor to take into consideration. For couples, you’ll want to make sure that there’s enough space for the both of you to sleep comfortably (without any feet hanging over the edge!). Similarly, for parents, the balance of safety and novelty might be a key concern, especially when it comes to popular children’s options like bunk beds.
Additional Features
Additional features such as inbuilt shelving, storage spaces, lighting, and even a TV, can provide the ultimate comfort to your bedframe. For example, some modern bedframes feature a larger than usual footboard that hides a TV screen inside, the perfect companion to a lazy day.
Types of Beds by Size
We’ve mentioned size briefly already, but
thankfully the measurements of bed frames tend to be the same industry-wide, meaning we can give you a quick breakdown of the most common bed frame sizes at a glance. Of course, be sure to check the measurements of your specific frame, but it can be useful to position yourself among the following when you start looking:
(Psst… If you’ve already purchased a mattress, make sure to match the size of the bed to it!)
| UK Bed Sizes |
Typical Dimensions |
Suggested Use |
| Small Single |
2’6” x 6’3” |
Younger children, particularly as a first bed |
| Single |
3’ x 6’3” |
Mostly children, but also suitable for a single adult |
| Small Double (Queen) |
4’ x 6’3” |
Ideal for a single adult but may be suitable for a couple particularly in smaller rooms |
| Double |
4’6” x 6’3” |
Ideal baseline for couples |
| King |
5’ x 6’6” |
Best for couples with an extra layer of comfort |
| Super King |
6’ x 6’6” |
Suitable only really for larger bedrooms, offering a level of luxury. |
Varieties of Bed Bases
Once you’ve determined the size of the bed frame, there are two main types of bed bases to choose from. Both are popular options, but they each have different features.
Slats
First up, slats. You’ll typically find
slatted bed bases on traditional bedsteads (those frames with four legs, typically wood or metal). The open design allows for more airflow than a divan bed, and their bowed shape allows for a softer mattress experience.
There are two types of slatted bases. The first,
rigid bed slats give the bed a firmer feel since they have very limited give, whereas
flexible slats tend to have better comfort levels as they work
with the mattress to create a level of springiness.
Whichever you choose, slats can break relatively easily if too much weight is applied to the bed in a concentrated space, so slatted options might not be the best for parents with particularly excitable little ones. However, slatted beds tend to be more cost-effective than their divan counterparts, maintaining their position as a popular choice.
Divan
Onto divan bases. To put it simply, divan beds are available in three main varieties.
Sprung edge divans feature a pocket spring unit mounted on the frame that increases the durability of the bed as well as the level of luxury and comfort.
Firm edge divans are similar but have a smaller number of springs within a wooden frame, making it a less soft option. The most popular type of divan base though,
platform top divans, are firmer and cheaper than the sprung equivalents.
No matter which divan you pick, this type of bed is incredibly useful if you’re dealing with a particularly small area. Most models are available with some kind of inbuilt storage within the frame itself, from drawers, to shelves, to lift-up tops. They also tend to be more durable than slatted options, though this also makes them heavier to move.
Types of Bed Frames by Material
Once you’ve got your type of base sorted, it’s time to think about types of bed frame materials. Whilst the market is growing each and every day, you have three main options to choose from:
wood,
upholstery, and
metal. Notice that divan bases tend to only be available in upholstery options – each of the factors on this list is interconnected depending on your priorities!
The Timeless Classic: Wood
Wooden bed frames are the tried-and-true option. Available in a huge array of timeless finishes, and constructed from truly high-quality materials such as
oak,
pine, and mahogany, wood bed frames are a great option for any bedroom.
Aside from the flexibility of design, wood bed frames offer excellent durability and longevity, lasting for decades. Plus, when compared with metal bed frames, they are much less likely to squeak or creak offering a comfortable, quiet, and stable sleeping environment.
The King of Comfort: Upholstered
Upholstered beds are the way to go for the ultimate comforting feel, combining style with practicality. The padded fabric offers a soft and inviting feel, making them perfect for those who enjoy sitting up in bed.
Additionally, upholstered beds are available in a wide variety of colours and textures, making it an easy task to find a material that matches your aesthetic. Likewise, they are available at a variety of price points from affordable synthetic fabrics to complicated and premium designs.
However, there is a slight drawback in the fact that upholstered frames require a more complicated cleaning and maintenance process, a key consideration for those with busy (or messy) lifestyles.
The Solid and Stylish: Metal
Metal bed frames offer unrivalled strength, together with relatively low maintenance requirements, making them a long-lasting solution. That being said, budget metal frames can loosen quickly, resulting in that horrible screeching metal-on-metal sound we all know and hate.
Some may say that metal frames can lack the aesthetic appeal of other options, often feeling quite cold. However, as the bed frame market has evolved, metal frames are now available in a wide variety of colours, styles, and finishes. Plus, they are relatively manoeuvrable and easy to repaint, making them a great choice for situations where flexibility is required.
Different Styles of Bed Frames
Now that we’ve covered the size, bases, and materials of bed frames, it’s time to get creative. Below, we’ve curated an inexhaustible list of our favourite bed frame design ideas:
1. Ottoman
Ottoman bed frames are a type of divan frame that - through the power of piston assist - allows you to lift the base to reveal a storage compartment or two beneath the mattress: handy, right?
2. Sleigh
Sleigh beds originated in France in the early 19
th century, and we’d definitely say that they have a certain
je ne sais quoi about them. Typically made from the highest quality woods and fabrics, their distinctive shape with rounded edges and soft lines creates a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere.
3. Day Beds
Day beds are the epitome of functionality and style. Sofa by day and bed by night, they offer an added sleeping space that is perfect for accommodating guests or making the most of a small room.
4. Four Poster and Canopy
It’s in the name – a four-poster bed frame has four vertical posts at each corner that adds a touch of grandeur to any space. If you connect the four posts with a horizontal panel that hangs curtains, then you’ve got yourself a canopy bed.
Whilst canopy and four poster frames might instantly bring to mind bulky 16
th century beds, modern adaptations use thinner frames and sleek lines to create a minimalist atmosphere.
5. Bunk Beds, Mid, and High Sleepers
High sleeper beds allow for a usable area below the bed frame. Suitable for older children and teenagers, they are great space-saving options whilst providing an extra touch of novelty. Lower the bed slightly and you have a mid-sleeper. Add another bed below instead of a desk or shelving, and you’ve got a bunk bed.
Whatever your choice of the high sleeper/bunk bed variety, these space-saving solutions offer smart and versatile frames for growing families, shared rooms and compact spaces.
6. Antique
With small, ornate detailing, this style of bed frame is perfect if you’re looking for an eye-catching centrepiece to your period-inspired room. Opt for sturdy and high-quality materials like solid wood or brass to keep the frame functional and durable.
7. French
With sweeping curves, a French style bed frame exudes elegance, making it a beautiful focal point. Perfect for vintage, shabby chic, or traditional interiors, you’re sure to fall in love with their romantic atmosphere.
8. Country
Sometimes you can’t beat simple. If it’s relaxation and spaciousness you’re looking for,
a country style bed should be your new favourite. Inspired by rural life, these frames are simplistic and approachable, commonly made of wood, and often featuring simple panelling in the headboard.
Comfort, Sorted
With so many types of beds available, choosing the right one really does come down to personal preference, space and functionality. Each type of bed offers unique benefits, ensuring you can create a stylish and comfortable sleep environment to suit you and your aesthetic. Ultimately, the right bed is an investment in restful sleep and personal well-being, so we hope to have helped with the decision at least a little bit!
A fan of warm wood frames? Why not check out
our range of high-quality beds? Or, if you’re looking for more inspiration and design advice, grab a cuppa and browse through the rest of
our blog – we’ll see you there!
