The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bed For Your Room

It’s no exaggeration to say that your bed frame choice will set the style and feel of your bedroom. After all, it is the biggest piece of furniture in the room, and it naturally draws the eye because bedrooms are for… sleeping!

So, how do you go about choosing the perfect bed? Read on for a head start:

It all starts with the size

Before you consider headboards and styles, the first decision is what size bed you need. Too small, and you’ll feel cramped, but too big, and your room will look overstuffed.

A good rule of thumb is to allow 75cm of walking space around the bed for easy movement. If you’re in a small space, you may need to downsize from your ideal—a double bed is 135cm wide, while a king size tops out at 150cm.

Got a sprawling main suite? A roomy super king at 180cm wide or even an emperor size (a massive 200cm) could be just the ticket.

High or low?

Low-profile beds have a minimalist, streamlined aesthetic that works particularly well in small spaces, lofts, or modern décor schemes. 

Their low-slung bases, just a few inches off the floor, create an airy, open vibe and make ceilings feel taller. Climbing in and out could be a bit trickier, though.

On the other hand, high-profile beds have a superb, luxurious presence that commands attention – towering frames with dramatic headboards and raised foundations are perfect for creating an indulgent, boutique hotel-inspired ambience. 

Make a style statement

Now for the fun part – picking the style that speaks to you. From ultra-modern and minimalist to vintage glam, there’s a bed frame out there to suit every taste.

For a sleek, streamlined vibe, look for a low-profile upholstered number like the Julian Bowen Rosa (pictured above) or go full mid-century with a beauty like the Urban Beds Infinity (pictured below). Craving drama? A winged headboard or classic sleigh bed adds an elegant focal point. The Bedmr Warwick is pure vintage sophistication.

Consider built-in storage

Many upholstered beds come with roomy drawers or an ottoman base that lifts to reveal a cavernous under-bed compartment. The Kaydian Design Walkworth and Bedmr Osborne are prime examples of supremely chic storage ottoman beds. 

Low-ceiling bedrooms are also well-served by half-opening ottoman beds like the Giltedge Beds Half Opening Ottoman Base (pictured below).

If you want a classic wooden bed, the Birlea Phoenix Wooden Ottoman Bed is a perfect choice with its classy rustic stain finish.

Mattress matters

All that lovely framing would be for nought without the perfect mattress inside. Luckily, there’s a mattress for every sleep style and preference.

Side sleepers do well with a plush, pressure-relieving mattress of medium firmness. For cloud-like comfort, try the ultra-supportive Giltedge Beds Sensations 1500 or Dormeo Octasmart Premium Hybrid Deluxe (pictured below). Back and stomach sleepers may prefer slightly firmer options, like the Giltedge Beds Adapt 1000.

If you sleep hot, look for mattresses with cooling gel, graphite, or heat-dissipating coatings to help you chill out. And remember – you can always flip between a cool and cosy side with a winter/summer mattress.

Finding budget bliss

Creating your dream bed scenario doesn’t have to break the bank if you focus your splurge on the key pieces that matter most – a well-made, comfortable mattress and a quality headboard to lean back against.

Dressing your bedroom can be cheaper than you think, too. Scour charity shops and thrift stores for solid wood dresser-to-nightstand transformations. Or make a statement with wallpaper artwork and a fresh coat of cheerful, warm-toned paint. Sumptuous textiles like velvet and faux fur add oodles of luxe for very little.

*This is a collaborative post