When you’re ready to rest, it’s easier to relax and unwind when you’re sleeping on the right bed. And because we know style preference varies by sleeper, our bed buying guide can make the selection process easier. Get inside information and specifics that matter just as much as comfort for a restful night’s sleep.
How to Choose the Right Bed
A bed just doesn’t look like a bed until that mattress is off the floor and cradled within a quality frame. A headboard, footboard, and frame gives a bed structure, presence, and personality. There are many different types of beds for your design aesthetic, room size, and living situation. Take time to consider these factors before you buy, so you are pleased with your purchase for years to come.
Different Types of Beds
Here are a few examples of the most popular bed designs, including buying tips and pros and cons of each bed type:
Selecting a Bed Design Style
Bed frame designs come in a wide range of styles from traditional to contemporary. With so many options available, you can easily outfit your guest room in farmhouse chic or turn your master bedroom into a mid-century modern retreat. Don’t know the difference? Just like that fluffy comforter, we’ve got you covered:

Generally flaunts wooden construction with crown molding and turned or carved legs for a decorative touch. This style’s enduring quality will complement a larger variety of other home furnishings so even as you update the rest of your décor as years go by, your traditional bed will always tie the room together.

Make a statement with cool metallic and weathered finishes. The industrial style hides nothing, emphasizing every pronounced piece of its construction so as to catch the eye and excite the imagination. Think sharp lines and abrupt mechanical connections paired with luxurious linens. It’s a look that perfectly pairs the elegant with the rustic.

Rustic or reclaimed styles depict a country or cabin-inspired design consisting of lighter woods and distressed details for a rugged, antiqued appearance that radiates both warmth and character.

Few looks are as refreshing as the seaside bedroom. Crisp white linens and nautical décor in colors matching soft sand and cool waters make every trip to a coastal bedroom feel like a relaxing retreat.

Delicate details and distressed finishes make up the vintage-inspired farmhouse motif that adds undeniable cottage comfort to any bedroom.

Mid-century style puts function over frills, but novelty abounds with fun geometric shapes, organic curves, and soothing, clean lines.

Mission or Shaker-inspired pieces are defined by their exposed carpentry, hardy oak, and rich stained finishes. Distinguished by simple Craftsman design and materials, a good Mission piece showcases expert hand craftsmanship.

Contemporary bedroom décor marries traditional and modern aesthetics to create something that’s timelessly tailored, yet fashion-forward with neutral-hued linens, lavish finishes, and fetching accents.
Standard Bed Sizes
The last thing you want is cramped quarters that will restrict your body’s natural shift during sleep or, worse, have you falling out of bed and onto the floor. So before you buy, you’ll want to consider your room’s shape and available space, if you sleep alone or not, and the size of other furniture that’s going in the room. Lastly, make sure to measure door openings to ensure your bed will fit into your home come delivery day. The most popular bed sizes are as follows:
- Twin – 39 x 75 inches
- Twin XL – 39 x 80 inches
- Full/Double – 54 x 75 inches
- Queen – 60 x 80 inches
- King – 76 x 80 inches
- California King – 72 x 84 inches
Popular Bed Materials
For every bed design, style, and size, you’ll also have a choice of materials. The best bed material for your space will depend on your room’s aesthetic as well as the maintenance and durability you prefer. For example, a solid wood or metal bed can be nearly maintenance free, while an upholstered or leather bed can require cleaning and conditioning. You’ll also want to consider if you are matching the bed to a dresser or other furnishings, and how the bed’s material will coordinate with the rest of the room.
Scroll through these different bed materials to get an idea of the different options for your new bedroom furniture:
Bed Ideas for Small Spaces
Short on space? Whether you need a bed for an apartment or a guest room, it’s important to maximize your space. Large, bulky beds may not fit in the space or be practical for your home. In these cases you may want to consider buying a bed that does double duty as extra seating, offers storage, or has space for extra sleepers.
To learn more about space-saving bed options, check out these buying guides to help you in your shopping journey:
Bunk Beds
Double up on space with the shopping tips in our Bunk Bed Buying Guide.
Sofa Beds
Go multi-functional and learn How to Choose the Best Sofa Bed.
Daybeds
Seating and sleeping space in one. Read our Daybed Buying Guide for tips.
Planning for Your New Bed
You can assemble a frame with everyday tools, so don’t worry about the setup that comes with more elaborate designs. Just select one that’s durable, dependable, and showcases a style to match your taste.
Designing or refurbishing your bedroom does not have to be overly expensive if you do it correctly. That’s why it’s important to have a budget plan in mind before you start buying pieces of bedroom furniture to complement your style. Buying your dream bed and then not being able to afford the amazing bedding is disappointing. Keep in mind your overall budget and the cost of the items (including all of the decorative elements) before starting, to ensure you have the right pieces at the right price.
If it’s been a few years since you replaced your mattress, now may be a good time to upgrade it as well. Read How to Choose a Mattress to learn the ins and outs of mattress shopping, including some options that may be new to you.
Eclectic, boho, transitional, or traditional — there’s a bed for all decorating themes and personal styles. Now that you have a clear understanding of your options, what’s next? Choosing the bed that fulfills all your wants and needs. Follow the tips in this bed shopping guide and you’ll be on your way to sweet dreams.
Want to learn more? Read these related bedroom furnishing guides:
- See what’s on trend. Read Master Bedroom Furniture & Design Trends for fresh ideas.
- Undecided on a foundation? Read Platform Bed vs. Box Springs: How to Choose.
- Add the finishing touch with our Bed Pillow Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Perfect Pillow.