Thinking about buying a new bed?
There are dozens of options to choose from ranging from ornate Victorian-style beds to simple platforms.
The best choice will depend on what style you want for your bedroom (vintage, traditional, modern etc.), budget, storage space and how long you want the bed to last among other factors.
To help you find the right one for your needs, here are the most common types of beds.
1. Platform bed
If you are looking for a simple and affordable bed, a platform bed is the best. These beds have a very basic and utilitarian design.
They have a lower profile than most other beds and usually don’t include a headboard (though you can add one separately).
Unlike a metal or wooden frame, a platform bed can support a mattress without the need of a box spring.
Some platform beds come with a solid surface, others have wooden slats and others use a metal base for extra support.
Most platform beds have a solid finish but some are upholstered to create a softer and more luxurious style.
2. Canopy bed
If you want a more traditional feel, get a canopy bed. This type of bed has history going back to medieval Europe where it was a sign of extravagance and wealth.
A traditional canopy bed consists of ornate posters with a canopy draped over them. It may or may not have side curtains.
Modern canopy beds are more minimalist with most using thin wooden or metal posters and less-ornate canopy fabrics.
3. Poster bed
A poster bed is a canopy bed without the canopy. The four posters are simply there for decoration.
A traditional poster bed will feature a lot of intricate detail on the posts, headboard and footboard. Modern styles opt for smoother looks and little to no decorative details.
There are several styles of poster beds including low poster beds and half poster beds.
4. Bunk bed
This is a practical choice for homes with kids. A bunk bed usually consists of two twin size beds stacked on top of each other with a ladder providing easy access to the top bed. It’s also called a double decker.
Today, there are many bunk bed styles.
Loft bunk beds feature just one bed at the top and an integrated desk or couch below. This one is perfect for adults living in small spaces.
There are also bunk beds that have two different bed sizes: a full bed below and a twin bed above. These are ideal for guest bedrooms where you can have adults and kids sleeping on the same bunk bed.
You can also get a triple bunk bed that features three beds.
5. Sleigh bed
As you may have guessed, a sleigh bed resembles a sleigh. The bed has an arched headboard and footboard and a fairly low profile.
Sleigh beds are almost always made from wood and can be quite heavy. But their compact design works great for small bedrooms.
6. Murphy bed
This is a great option for bedrooms with limited space. That’s because the Murphy bed conveniently folds up into the wall or closet when not in use.
7. Bed frames
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a bed, consider buying a simple bed frame.
Bed frames are inexpensive but offer excellent support and can last for years. Most are made from metal.
Most bed frames are designed for use with a box spring, a platform bed or a divan.
8. Ottoman and Divan beds
Ottoman and Divan beds are great choices for those who want storage space under the bed.
I recommend one of these beds if you don’t have enough storage space in your bedroom or need a place to store bulky bedding and winter wear.
An Ottoman bed features a large undivided storage space underneath that you access by lifting the base and the mattress.
The bed has a hinge and gas pistons to make lifting easy and safe.
A Divan doesn’t lift upwards. Instead it features side drawers that you simply pull out.
9. Sofa beds and Day beds
If you are looking for a versatile bed for guests or a small house, I recommend a sofa bed or day bed.
These are beds that can be used as normal couches during the day and transformed into a bed at night or when there’s a guest.
There are many different types of sofa beds with the most common being clic clac sofa beds.
10. Adjustable bed
Ever wished you could recline on your bed as you read a book or watch a movie?
What you need is an adjustable bed. This is a powered bed with hinges along its length that can reposition the bed in several ways.
You can lay flat, recline the upper part, lift the lower part or elevate both the lower and upper part for a zero gravity feel.
Adjustable beds are great for people with back problems and anyone who needs to sleep in a specific position to increase blood flow.
