Choosing a Bed for Your Master Bedroom

What Kind of Bed Do I Need?

Since you will be purchasing a bed to fit a particular mattress size, here is a brief outline of the most common mattress sizes available. Keep in mind, that while most bedroom furniture manufacturers conform to standardized measurements, they also might offer “custom” sizes, ones that are slightly smaller or larger than industry standards; before making a final decision, make sure that you will be able to buy bedding for the size of bed/mattress you have selected.

Twin beds, also known as single beds, are 39” wide and 75” long. They are a popular choice for a child’s room or a dual purpose room such as a den/guest room. The twin X-long or extra long single bed is a variation on the regular twin. It is the same width as a twin bed but is 5” longer. Because of the additional length, it is better suited for a teen or an adult when furnishing a dorm room, a teen’s bedroom or a guest room.

The double bed, also called a full bed, is 54” wide and 75” in length. For two people, the actual sleeping area for each person is 27”. It is a popular choice for a single person or a couple furnishing a smaller sized bedroom. When buying a double bed or headboard, note that many of them will be able to accommodate a queen mattress.

The queen bed is 6” wider and 5” longer than a double bed. Some manufacturers advertise “Olympic” Queen Beds that are slightly larger than the dimensions of the standard queen bed, and are generally considered to be a “custom” size. A popular choice for two people needing more sleeping room, the sleeping area of the queen bed for each person is 30”.

The standard king bed is also known as the eastern king bed. The width is 76" and the length is 80”. It is the widest standard sized bed available; it not easily moved upstairs or through narrow, winding hallways. The sleeping area per person is the same as for a twin bed.

The California king bed, also referred to as the western king bed, is 72” wide and 84” in length. It is the longest standard sized bed available; total sleeping area for one person is 36”. Both the standard king and California king bed sets come with one mattress and two half-width box springs to make moving the bed more manageable; still, it can’t be moved easily, especially by just one person.

What Type of Bed should I select?

Sleigh beds are characterized by elegant, curving lines and a distinctive, romantic feel. Because the style is so eye-catching, there are some things to consider. The height of a wood sleigh headboard determines how prominent the bed will be in the context of the room. If you want it to be the focal point of your bedroom, choose a taller headboard/footboard; if you want the feel of a sleigh bed but without the impact of showpiece furniture, select a shorter headboard. When shopping for a metal sleigh bed, pay attention to the style and finish. Since metal is more closely associated with contemporary rather than traditional style, consider the room’s décor and match your choice accordingly.

The four poster bed, since it first appeared in the Middle Ages, continues to be a popular style choice today. They make a dramatic statement because they draw the eye into the center of the room. They are characterized by four posts at each corner; they can be of equal or varying height and can be tall or short, short defined as the post being 3 feet high. A pencil bed is a type of four poster, named for its tall, thin, tapered posts. The most commonly used material for four poster beds is wood, but metal is also a popular. To add texture to your bedroom select a four poster bed that uses both metal and wood for added visual effect.

The canopy bed is essentially a four poster bed with a covering. Canopies can be made of a variety of materials, including fabric, wood and even roped wire detailing. To soften the dramatic appearance of the four poster bed, select a fabric canopy with a border frill or one with draped swatches. Formal canopies can include curtain panels that can be closed or left open, making the bed into a room within a room. But less elaborate canopy beds can also add a touch of elegance and a sense of intimacy to any bedroom. A canopy frame can be added to most four poster beds where the posts of the bed are of equal height. When purchasing a canopy bed, check to see if the material is or is not included; some manufacturers will not include the covering, allowing you the option of matching the canopy to your curtains, bedding or color scheme.

Because platform beds are simple in form, they were once considered a solely modern design. Due to their popularity, they are now available in a variety of styles ranging from country to traditional. Platform beds require just a regular innerspring mattress or a futon mattress, eliminating the need for a box spring, which makes them economical. Since the bed is generally not as high as a standard bed, using a platform bed as the focal point will make the room appear larger and more spacious.

Panel beds have headboards and footboards that are usually all of one piece, without spindles or slats, and are straight up and down, so that they can stand flat against the wall. Panel detailing is mostly vertical, but can also be horizontal. As a variation on the typical panel bed, some types do include decorative slats that allow you to partially see through the headboard. Panel beds can incorporate architectural details like metal lattice work above wood paneling. Other common architectural features used in panel beds are shaped moldings, raised panels, inset panels and the popular arched tri-panel design.