At first glance, picking the right bed doesn’t seem too complicated, right? You just need to browse online or in a store, pick a size, get what looks nice, and then you’re good to go. But in reality, your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom. This one decision will affect your comfort, your mood, and your room’s overall functionality. Whether it’s for a large master suite or a modest guest room, there’s more to selecting the perfect bed than just going for what looks good. There’s a lot to consider and this article will help guide you through all of that.
Who Will Use the Bed?
A lot of factors go into choosing the right bed. Most people will first think of sizes and styles, but there’s one thing that you need to consider before all of that. Ask yourself, who is going to use the bed? Thinking about the user is where comfort and usability start.
Kids or Adults
Is the bed you’re shopping around for going to be for a child or a fully-grown adult? If it’s a child, how old are they? Until what age will they use this bed? The youngest ones will likely use a crib or toddler bed. When they get a little older and taller, you’ll want to get something bigger. Some suppliers have junior sized mattresses. They even have extendable mattresses that can grow with your child. Of course, there’s also the option of going straight for a Standard Twin or Standard Full size bed. Going the route means they can use the same bed even when they become teens.
Adults, on the other hand, have different priorities from kids. They may need extra support and prioritize added comfort. They’re also more likely to need special features such as extra storage or the ability to adjust the bed angle. Lastly, adults are simply larger and taller than children, and need a bed to match. A Standard Twin may not be long enough for a tall adult, but moving up to a Full XL may do the trick.
Single or Couple
After asking who is going to use the bed, the next question ought to be, “how many?” Is this bed going to be for one person or for a couple? For singles, the choice isn’t too complicated. They can choose based on available bedroom space or their own personal preferences. For a couple, however, there needs to be enough space for them to stretch out. They’re going to need at least a Standard Queen bed for comfort. If a pet or a child occasionally shares the space with them, then a Standard King or a California King size bed may be a better option.
Other Personal Needs
Despite beds coming in standard sizes, people are anything but standard. There may be other requirements that need considering. Take for example, the elderly or those with mobility issues, the height of their bed will be an important factor. Beds that are too high increase the risk of falls when getting in and out of their beds. Beds that are too low, on the other hand, make it difficult to stand up.
Another consideration is if the bed user experiences any chronic pain. It’ll be tough to get a good night’s sleep if constant pain is keeping you up. Beds also have features that can alleviate those symptoms! Modern mattress technology, such as memory foam and the like, help relieve pressure and conform to the body for added support. Some bed frames have adjustment features to allow for custom sleeping positions, again helping relieve pain.
These are just a few common special needs that a person may have. If we talk about all the possible ones, it could be an article on its own! As long as you consider who will be using the bed, you’re unlikely to make a mistake.
What is the Bedroom Like?
After the user, the next most important consideration is the size of the bedroom itself. We don’t want our room to feel cramped and crowded. Bedrooms are for relaxing, after all.
Bedroom Size vs Standard Mattress Sizes
Mattresses come in a number of standard sizes from the very skinny Standard Twin to the enormous California King. But just because a King fits in your room doesn’t mean that you should get one. Ideally you should have at least 24 inches of clearance around the sides and foot of the bed for easy movement.
In smaller bedrooms where you want to maximize space, you can place your bed at the corner. Just be mindful of the downsides. If the bed is used by a couple, it makes it harder to get in and out—especially for the one sleeping next to the wall. It also becomes more difficult to make the bed as one side is inaccessible. Not much for a problem on small beds, but definitely an issue for a Queen or King size bed.
Other Bedroom Furniture
Most people won’t have just a bed and nothing else in their room. There will almost always be other furniture in a bedroom such as nightstands, dressers, desks, etc. Even a large room will quickly feel small if you fill it up with furniture.
Remember the 24-inch clearance we mentioned just earlier? Your furniture shouldn’t eat into this space. The goal is to have clear lines of circulation around your room so that it doesn’t feel cramped and stay functional. You can either downsize your bed or opt for more compact dressers and nightstands if you’re tight on space.
Different bed sizes in the same 12 ft x 12 ft bedroom.
Matching Your Bedroom’s Style
Last, but not the least, is your bedroom’s aesthetic. Your bed should complement the rest of your space, not clash with it. And given its size, a badly matching bed is definitely gonna stick out like a sore thumb!
Are you going for a more modern or contemporary bedroom look? A sleek low platform bed in matte black or natural wood might be the perfect fit. What if your tastes lean toward something more classic and traditional? You can go for a bed with ornate detailing or a large upholstered headboard. You can even opt for a four-poster bed if you want to go all-in with the traditional luxury vibe.
That’s not to say you can’t put a simple sleek bed in a classically styled room or vice versa. Mixing styles, when done carefully, can make for a great look. What you need to pay attention to instead are your bedroom’s colors and finishes. Coordinate wood tones, fabric textures, and colors to keep your space harmonious. Striking the right mix of matching and contrasting finishes can be challenging, but getting it right can transform your bedroom into a space that truly reflects your style.
What Features Do You Need?
After considering the user and room, next you have to think about the bed itself. Beds can be for more than just sleeping! Here are a few extras you can consider:
Storage
Our beds occupy a lot of real estate, especially if you get a larger one. To fully maximize the space, many people look for beds that come with storage options. Beds with drawers or lift-up storage are perfect for storing extra beddings, bulky seasonal clothing, and other items. Bookcase headboards are another form of built-in bed storage. This works well in kids rooms for keeping books, toys, and alarm clocks within arm’s reach. You can even use both headboard and underbed storage if you really want maximum functionality!
Convertible Beds and Murphy Beds
If you need a room to do double duty, then you can consider convertible beds or Murphy beds. A Murphy bed, also called a wall bed, folds vertically into a wall or cabinet when not in use. A convertible bed, on the other hand, is a bed that transforms into another form of furniture—often a sofa or chaise.
These two types of beds are great for saving space, and are the perfect option for beds that only see occasional use. Guest rooms often go unused for most of the year except for holiday family visits. By using a Murphy bed or convertible bed, you can use the same room as a kids play room, family room, or entertainment room for the rest of the year.
Built-in Outlets, Lighting, and USB Ports
Having a bed with built-in electronics might not be a common thing on people’s bed shopping checklists, but they add a ton of convenience! After all, our modern lifestyles practically demand this. By having these built-in, you can declutter nightstands of chargers, skip having to reach for wall sockets, and be free of tangled cords. These features keep essentials like phones, tablets, and lamps within easy reach. It’s a small quality of life upgrade that will be greatly appreciated by those who value a tech-forward and clutter free bedroom environment.
Should I Get a Custom Bed?
The perfect bed is more than just about having a space to sleep—it’s about how the bed fits your life, your space, and your style. If you have unique space constraints, specialized needs, or very specific aesthetic goals, then a custom bed might be worth the investment. Custom beds can be tailored to meet your exact needs that something off the shelf might not provide.
Considering we spend about one-third of our lives in bed, then investing in a custom bed is not just a luxury. It’s a thoughtful and practical choice.
If you’ve done your research, but can’t seem to find an off-the-shelf solution for your bedroom, then let us help. Wood & Co. specializes in bespoke woodworking and millwork. With our expertise and experience, we can design and craft the ideal custom bed for your specific needs.
