How to Choose the Beds
Everything You Need To Know Before Choosing A New Bed
Spending roughly one-third of our lives in bed on average, a good night's sleep is crucial for our daily functioning. Thus, when it's time to invest in a new bed, remember that you're not just purchasing a piece of furniture but making an investment in yourself. With careful consideration and thoughtfulness, a well-chosen bed can significantly enhance both your health and overall quality of life.
What is A Bed Frame or Bedstead?
A bed frame, also known as a bedstead, is a piece of furniture that provides support and stability to a mattress and its occupants. It typically consists of a rectangular frame made of metal or wood, with horizontal slats or a solid platform to hold the mattress. The bed frame may also include a headboard, footboard, and side rails for added aesthetics and safety. Bed frames come in various styles, sizes, and materials, allowing for customization to suit different preferences and bedroom decor. They play a crucial role in elevating the mattress off the ground, providing structural integrity, and enhancing the overall comfort and appearance of the bed.
Types Of Bed Frame
Bed frames come in various types and styles, each offering different features and benefits. Here are some common types of bed frames:
- Platform Bed Frame: A platform bed frame consists of a solid, flat surface that supports the mattress directly, eliminating the need for a box spring. These frames often have slats or a solid platform for mattress support.
- Panel Bed Frame: Panel bed frames have a headboard and footboard made of panels or wooden planks. They come in various designs and can give your bedroom a more traditional or classic look.
- Sleigh Bed Frame: Sleigh beds have a distinct curved headboard and footboard that resemble a sleigh, hence the name. They are often made of wood or metal and add a touch of elegance to the room.
- Canopy Bed Frame: Canopy beds have four tall posts at the corners, which can be connected with crossbeams to support a canopy or curtains. They create a dramatic and romantic look and offer options for adding decorative fabrics.
- Four-Poster Bed Frame: Four-poster beds are similar to canopy beds but do not have a canopy. They have four tall posts at the corners that can be decorative or functional to support a tester, curtains, or drapes.
- Storage Bed Frame: Storage beds are designed with built-in storage compartments, drawers, or shelves underneath the mattress support. They are great for maximizing storage space in smaller bedrooms.
- Adjustable Bed Frame: Adjustable bed frames allow you to change the position of the head and foot of the bed, providing customizable comfort for reading, watching TV, or sleeping.
- Bunk Bed Frame: Bunk beds have two or more beds stacked on top of each other, making them ideal for saving space in shared bedrooms or guest rooms.
- Loft Bed Frame: Loft beds are elevated beds with open space underneath, allowing you to use the area for a desk, storage, or another piece of furniture.
- Daybed Frame: Daybeds serve as both a sofa and a bed. They have a headboard and sometimes two sides, allowing them to function as seating during the day and a bed at night.
- Trundle Bed Frame: Trundle beds have a secondary bed that can be stored underneath the main bed when not in use, making them a convenient option for accommodating guests.
- Murphy Bed Frame: Also known as wall beds or fold-down beds, Murphy beds can be folded up and stored vertically against the wall, saving space in smaller rooms or multipurpose areas.
Things To Consider When Choosing Your Own Bed
Which room is it intended for?
Before purchasing a bed, it's important to determine its intended purpose and the suitable size based on the room it will be placed in. For instance, if it's intended for the master bedroom, a king size or queen size bed will be needed. For individuals sharing a room with a roommate, two single beds are recommended. In kids' rooms, options range from cots to bunk beds. However, for a guestroom, a simple twin bed or single bed, depending on the room size, will suffice.
Pro Tip: Ensure your bedroom has enough space to move around comfortably, so leave at least a 2-feet area around the bed for movement.
Size considerations
- For an average Indian, a Queen size bed (5*6.5 feet) is a suitable choice.
- For taller individuals over 6 feet, a King size bed (6.3*6.7 feet) is required.
- Kids generally do well with a single bed or a bunk bed, which can be customized based on the room size.
- A single bed is usually 3 feet wide and 6.2 feet long, making it suitable for singles and guest rooms.
- For nurseries, a cot is a viable option.
- If you already have a mattress, make sure to consider its size before making a bed purchase.
Material and Quality
Choose from materials like solid wood (teak wood, mango wood, or Sheesham) or engineered wood (plywood, MDF, etc.). Solid wood furniture tends to last longer but is susceptible to termites. Engineered wood offers some protection against pests. Before buying, test the quality and check warranties and clauses.
Headboard or not?
According to Feng Shui, a headboard symbolizes stability and balance. A headboard can be beneficial for resting your back or sitting up in bed for activities like reading or solving crossword puzzles. However, padded wall panelling behind the bed can serve as a headboard, rendering a separate headboard unnecessary.
Do I need extended storage?
If you have limited space in your home, consider storage beds to maximize storage capacity. Options include traditional drawer systems or hydraulic systems. Some stores offer solid wood fully hydraulic beds. Research under bed storage ideas for more options.
What's my budget?
While there are various choices available, consider your budget when purchasing a bed. Solid wood beds are generally more expensive compared to engineered materials. Similarly, king size beds are costlier than single beds. Additionally, storage options like hydraulic systems are pricier than drawers. Take your time to carefully weigh your options before investing in a bed.
