Bed Buying Guide

The most common because it’s so beautifully versatile, platform beds have a fairly straightforward look featuring a low-sitting, solid base. From sleek and minimalistic to bold and creative, the platform bed is a mid-century inspired masterpiece. Its low profile has a headboard with either a solid base or ornamental legs. The platform bed does not require a box spring. Wooden slats or an interlaced foundation are customary and support a mattress only.

Though budget-friendly and comfy, a platform isn’t for everyone, particularly if physical limitations exist. Most have heavy frames or a lack of space beneath the low frame. Minimal drawbacks aside, this option is visually simple and works well in small spaces or open floor plans. This is a basic flat, firm, and stable structure that looks as sturdy as it feels.

A classic bed with flourish, sleigh beds feature curved or scrolled boards for an enchanting look inspired by 19th century French sleighs. This is an ideal choice of someone who appreciates classic, antique style.

The shape offers a high back and raised footboard. Sleigh beds come in solid wood and upholstered designs. Taller sleepers might find the raised foot base a bit constraining. Sleigh beds made of high-quality solid wood are heavier, while upholstered models are slightly lighter.

For more durability, choose a wood frame instead of metal. Modern, open bedrooms or those with unique interior architecture like exposed wood beams or ornate molding are perfect spaces for this type of bed.

Available in wood, metal, or an upholstered design, the panel bed includes a headboard and footboard in one piece (some models have headboard-only varieties). These designs are great for bed placement flat against the wall. The panel detailing is usually vertical and can include slats, raised panels, and inset panels. Wide side panels partially or fully conceal the box spring but not the mattress.

Styles of panel beds also include wicker, upholstery, metal rods, and wood slat models. Panel beds are usually higher than a platform bed and have a classic, traditional look. However, the need for a box spring, frame, and rails will also impact your budget.

Poster beds, also called four-post beds, have an elegant bed frame that feature corner columns often with elaborate carvings and finial details for a truly majestic look. The posts usually have varying heights and there’s also an option to include a canopy if you choose.

Poster beds mainly have a headboard and no footboard. Most are made from oak or other sturdy woods. Heights vary by style, often ranging from slight clearance of the mattress to near ceiling height, which may pose a problem for rooms with limited ceiling clearance.

With a beautifully crafted bed frame, the canopy bed takes the ornate four-poster bed and adds connecting crossbeams ready to be dressed up with lavish fabric for a more dramatic presentation. For romantics, a canopy bed is a fitting backdrop for decorative fabric that can be closed or left open at leisure.

Given their size, canopy beds are great focal points in lofty spaces with high ceilings. They’re prone to collecting dust on the canopy, which, by the way, can be a fun temptation for household pets if the fabric drapes on the floor.

Adjustable beds (also called power beds or power bases) adjust to different levels for comfort or medical necessity. Today’s designs are quite the improvement over traditional adjustable beds because they easily move from upright to lounge to a flat position as needed. This proves helpful when you need extra head, neck, or lumbar support to watch TV, read, or relax.

Couples rejoice! Adjustability is usually on each side of the bed, and it’s ideal to relieve pain, combat snoring, and improve sleep quality. Remember that this type of bed requires a compatible mattress and available electrical outlet. Adjustable beds can be pricey and vary in terms of motor quality, too.

When space matters, consider a Murphy bed. Its space-saving design makes the Murphy bed the hero of a studio apartment or shared space. These beds have a hinged frame, allowing them to fold neatly into a wall when not in use. Some models even come with shelves, built-in storage units, and nightstands.

Unlike a sofa bed, there are no cushions, sheets, or comforter storage issues to deal with. Murphy beds with shelving give you added storage space, and they’re a lower-cost alternative to sleeper sofas.

Bunk beds are essentially two stacked beds. Each offers flexibility to add and remove bed frames on a whim. Kid-friendly, sleepover faves, and ultimate space savers, they feature trendy styles like:

• Loft: A raised bed with stairs and a workspace below
• Trundle: A traditional bunk bed with a pull-out trundle bed under the lower mattress
• Futon: A bed that transitions from a couch into a sleeping space
• L-Shaped: An “L” shape sleeper in futon or standard bed design

However, bunk beds aren’t just for kids. They’re great choices for a dorm room, guest room, or studio apartment. Read our Loft Beds for Adults Buying Guide for helpful tips.

Multipurpose in every way, a daybed functions as a bed, couch, or chaise lounge for a living or guest room. Frames are commonly twin-sized in combinations of wood or metal. Daybeds may also come with storage trundles, side rails, or armrests.

One consideration is the need for a supportive back wall, as it’s harder to create a “back” of pillows if they don’t have anything to rest against. But if you haven’t looked at daybeds lately, take a peek. You may be surprised at the range of beautiful and trendy daybed styles available.

The Daybed Buying Guide will walk you through a variety of daybed styles and features.