How To Choose The Right Bed For Your Bedroom
When it comes to creating an inviting, comfortable, and functional bedroom, selecting the right bed is paramount. It's not just about choosing a piece of furniture; it's about investing in your comfort, health, and quality of life.
The process of choosing a bed might seem straightforward, but there is much more to consider than simply picking a style that you like. From considering the size of your room to figuring out what storage options will best suit your needs, each factor plays a significant role in making an informed decision.
Whether you're a homeowner looking to redecorate your bedroom, seeking a better night's sleep, or dealing with specific needs such as back problems, this guide offers practical tips and insights to help you choose the right bed for your bedroom.
Consider The Size Of Your Bedroom
Choosing the right bed for your room begins with a keen understanding of your bedroom's size and layout. The bed, often the largest piece of furniture in the room, will significantly impact your space, both in terms of practicality and aesthetics.
To make an informed decision, start by taking precise measurements of your room. Measure the width, length, and even the height (particularly if you're considering a four-poster or bunk bed!). Make a note of where windows, doors, and built-in features like closets or radiators are located, as these will impact where you can place your bed.
Remember, you’re not just accommodating the bed itself. Account for other bedroom essentials such as bedside tables, a dresser, a chair, or a desk if needed. Also, don't forget to consider the space you need for pathways, to open drawers, and for getting in and out of bed comfortably. As a rule of thumb, you should aim for at least two feet of clear space around your bed to allow for easy movement.
Choosing the right size bed also means considering the scale in relation to the rest of the room. A bed that's too large can make a room feel crowded and may hinder easy access to windows, closets, and doors. Conversely, a bed that's too small may not provide the comfort you need and can make the room feel unbalanced.
What Are The Different Types Of Beds?
When shopping for a bed, the variety of options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Understanding the distinct types of beds available on the market is an essential step towards making an informed decision that fits your specific needs and preferences. Here, we take a closer look at the different types of beds available to choose from, so you can be ensured you choose the right bed for you and your bedroom.
Divan Beds
Divan beds have become a staple in many homes due to their unique combination of comfort, style, and practicality. This style of bed is essentially a two-part base unit that comes with a matching mattress. The base, which sits directly on the floor, provides a sturdy and stable foundation. It's typically constructed from wooden material, providing rigidity and durability.
One of the most distinctive features of divan beds is their storage capabilities. The base often incorporates drawers or compartments, offering a seamless solution for storing items like linens, pillows, clothing, or seasonal items. This integrated storage functionality can be a game-changer in keeping your bedroom tidy and clutter-free, making divan beds an excellent choice for rooms where space is at a premium.
The base of divan beds is usually upholstered in fabric. This fabric can come in a variety of colours and textures, providing the flexibility to match the bed to your existing decor and style preferences. Whether you prefer a muted, neutral colour for a minimalist aesthetic or a vibrant, bold hue to make a statement, there's a divan bed to suit your taste.
In terms of style, the clean lines and understated elegance of divan beds allow them to fit seamlessly into almost any interior design scheme. They provide a blank canvas that you can accessorise with a headboard of your choice to create a unique look. From traditional wooden headboards to plush, upholstered ones, the options are vast and varied, enabling you to personalise your divan bed according to your taste.
Ottoman Beds
If you're in search of a storage solution that keeps your items out of sight and well-organised, an Ottoman bed might be the perfect fit for you. Ottoman beds are defined by their unique storage functionality, as unlike conventional beds, this bed's entire base can be lifted to reveal a large storage area. This innovative design makes full use of the bed's footprint, providing an abundant space to store bedding, clothes, or any other items, effectively minimising clutter in your bedroom.
Ottoman beds typically feature a sturdy wooden base that offers excellent durability. The base is generally upholstered in fabric, which can come in a wide range of colours and textures to suit your bedroom's decor. From neutral tones for a minimalist aesthetic to bolder hues for a more dramatic effect, you can select an Ottoman bed that complements your personal style.
The benefits of Ottoman beds extend beyond their storage capabilities and aesthetics. The solid construction of the base provides even support for the mattress, enhancing comfort levels and often extending the lifespan of the mattress.
This style of bed is also available in a variety of sizes, from single and double, right up to king and super king sizes. Whether you need a compact bed for a small bedroom or a spacious bed for a master suite, there's an Ottoman bed to suit your space.
Guest Beds
Guest beds are a crucial element in any home that often hosts visitors. They offer a comfortable sleeping solution for guests while ensuring efficient use of space. Often known as a trundle bed, a guest bed typically comprises a single bed with another bed tucked away beneath it. When not in use, the second bed fits neatly under the main bed, saving valuable floor space. When you have guests, the second bed can be easily rolled out, providing a comfortable place for your guests to sleep.
One of the standout features of guest beds is their space-saving design. The tucked-away second bed is discrete and doesn't encroach upon the room's floor space when not in use, making it an excellent choice for small bedrooms, home offices, or multi-purpose rooms.
In terms of materials, guest beds often feature sturdy wooden or metal frames that ensure durability and longevity. The variety of materials and designs allows you to choose a guest bed that matches your room's decor and style. When it comes to style, guest beds offer flexibility. They come in a wide range of designs, from traditional to modern, allowing them to fit seamlessly into any decor scheme. Some guest beds even feature a design where the pull-out bed rises to the height of the main bed, creating a larger sleeping surface or a double bed.
Adjustable Beds
Adjustable beds bring the comfort and flexibility of personalised sleeping positions to your bedroom. They are a perfect choice for those with specific health needs or those who simply value the convenience of customisability. These beds feature a multi-hinged lying surface that can be profiled to several different positions.
This means you can elevate or lower different parts of the bed to suit your comfort needs. They even often come with a remote control, making it easy for you to adjust your bed to the desired position.The key feature of adjustable beds is their adaptability. With the ability to change the bed's profile, you can enjoy a better night's sleep, enhance comfort while reading or watching TV, or alleviate specific health issues such as back pain, sleep apnea, or circulation problems.
Adjustable beds usually come with a sturdy metal frame for enhanced durability and strength. They are typically paired with specific types of mattresses, such as memory foam or latex, which can flex with the adjustable base while providing excellent comfort and support.
These beds are available in various sizes, from single to king size. Some larger models offer dual controls, allowing each side of the bed to be adjusted independently – a perfect solution for couples with different comfort preferences. While the focus of these beds is largely on functionality and comfort, they don't compromise on aesthetics. Most models come in a range of colours and finishes, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your bedroom decor.
Making The Most Of Your Storage Options
In an ideal world, we'd all have ample space in our bedrooms for not just our beds, but all our belongings too. Realistically, though, many of us face challenges when it comes to bedroom storage. This is where choosing a bed with integrated storage options can make a substantial difference, helping you maintain an organised, clutter-free space conducive to restful sleep.
Storage beds, like divan beds or ottoman beds, are increasingly popular because they offer substantial hidden storage without sacrificing style or comfort. For instance, divan beds come with built-in drawers, providing an excellent place to store seasonal clothes, bedding, or even books and other odds and ends that can contribute to a cluttered room.
On the other hand, ottoman beds, which lift up to reveal a large storage area within the bed frame, are another practical solution. Their easy-lift mechanism ensures effortless access to your belongings while offering an abundance of storage space. They're particularly ideal for smaller bedrooms where floor space is at a premium, or for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic without visible clutter.
Storage beds are not just about functionality; they can be stylish too. With an array of designs, colours, and materials available, a storage bed can serve as the centrepiece of your bedroom decor, while discreetly keeping your belongings out of sight.
When considering storage options, think about your specific needs. How much additional storage space do you need? What items will you be storing? Are they heavy or light, large or small? The answers to these questions will help you choose between divan, ottoman, or even other styles of beds with storage.
Don’t overlook the space-saving potential of your bed's foot-end, either. A neatly designed end-of-bed storage bench or trunk can serve as both storage and seating area, enhancing your bedroom's functionality and style.
Best Beds For Back Support
Our beds play a pivotal role in maintaining our health and well-being, particularly when it comes to back health. Choosing a bed that offers adequate support can mean the difference between waking up refreshed and rejuvenated, or stiff and in pain.
It's important to understand that back pain is a highly individual experience, and what works best for one person may not work for another. The 'right' bed for back support can vary significantly depending on individual needs and preferences.
Adjustable beds are a fantastic option for those dealing with back pain or other health issues. With the ability to elevate or lower different sections of the bed, you can customise your sleeping position to relieve pressure on the back and provide optimal comfort. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as sciatica or spinal stenosis, where specific positions can help reduce pain.
For those who prefer a traditional bed style, certain models of divan beds are also suitable for back support. Look for a divan bed with a high-quality, firm mattress designed to offer enhanced back support. Some divan beds even come with orthopaedic mattresses, combining style, functionality, and health benefits.
When considering a bed for back support, remember that the mattress is just as important as the bed frame, if not more so. Look for mattresses made with high-quality materials that offer a combination of comfort and support. Memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses, and pocket sprung mattresses are all excellent options for back pain as they mould to the shape of your body, offering personalised support.
While choosing a bed for back support, it's vital to try before you buy, if possible. This way, you can get a feel for the level of support and comfort the bed offers. Listen to your body and pay attention to how your back feels when lying on the bed. You can visit our fully furnished, heated showroom and test them for yourself!
How Your Bed & Mattress Work Together
The relationship between your bed and mattress is a symbiotic one. They work together to provide the foundation for a good night's sleep, combining their individual qualities to ensure you wake up refreshed, revitalised, and ready for the day.
Firstly, it's important to realise that while a bed frame gives your bedroom character and style, it also serves a more practical purpose. The bed frame supports the mattress, elevating it off the ground to a comfortable height and providing a stable surface that can affect the lifespan and comfort level of your mattress. A well-constructed, sturdy bed frame can reduce wear and tear on your mattress, thereby extending its life.
On the other hand, the mattress contributes significantly to the comfort aspect of your sleeping environment. It is the part of your bed that comes into direct contact with your body and therefore plays a vital role in determining how well you sleep. The right mattress can offer body-contouring support, alleviate pressure points, and maintain the natural alignment of your spine.
Choosing a mattress that complements your bed frame is crucial. Not every mattress suits every bed or person, and the type of bed you have can limit your mattress choices. For example, slatted bed frames can require specific types of mattresses, while others like divan or adjustable beds may come with their own specially designed mattresses.
It's essential to remember that the mattress and bed base age together. When you replace your mattress, it may be worth considering whether your bed frame needs replacing too. An old bed frame with a brand new mattress may not offer the optimal support and comfort you'd expect from a new sleep system.
Tips On Choosing A Headboard
The bed often serves as the focal point of a bedroom, and the headboard is the crowning glory of the bed. While it may seem like a secondary consideration, the headboard can dramatically alter the overall look and feel of your bedroom, adding a personal touch and enhancing the aesthetics of the space. Choosing the right headboard can tie together your interior design scheme and provide an extra layer of comfort and utility.
When choosing a headboard, start by considering the style you want. Do you prefer a traditional look, a modern aesthetic, or perhaps a rustic charm? At M6 Beds, we offer an array of headboards to cater to every design preference, from classic wooden and sleek metal to plush upholstered styles.
The size of your headboard is also an important consideration. It should proportionally match the size of your bed and room. For example, a large, statement headboard can be the perfect centrepiece in a spacious bedroom, while a more modest, sleek design might be suitable for a smaller room. However, it's not just about width - the height of your headboard can influence the overall feel of your room, too. A tall headboard can make a room feel grand and luxurious, while a short or no headboard can give a minimalist or modern vibe.
Materials matter when it comes to choosing a headboard. Wooden headboards can add a timeless, traditional appeal to your room. Metal headboards, on the other hand, can give a more industrial or modern feel. Upholstered headboards offer a sense of luxury and comfort and can be covered in various fabrics, from soft velvet to durable leather, in a myriad of colours.
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