Buying a new bed is a big decision as a restful night’s sleep is more important for our health and well-being than many of us think, and we don’t buy a new bed often. An uncomfortable or unsupportive bed can lead to poor sleep quality, back pain, and overall discomfort, which can affect our daily lives. On the other hand, the right bed can enhance your sleep quality, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready to face the day.
So, choosing the right bed for your home significantly affects many parts of your life and can be challenging. This guide will look at ten essential tips for choosing the perfect bed, such as the right bed frame material and style, the right mattress, and more.
Tip 1: Determine Your Budget
As mentioned, buying a new bed is something we rarely do, and if you want a good-quality bed, choosing the first and cheapest frame and mattress you see won’t do. Therefore, your journey to choosing the right bed begins with setting a budget, as it helps you narrow down your options and ensures you spend your money wisely. Since beds cover a wide range from budget-friendly to high-end luxury, a clear budget can help you stay on track.
To help you set a realistic budget, consider the following:
- Compare Prices: Take the time to compare prices across different stores and online platforms. This comparison can help you find the best deals and avoid overspending, as pricing varies wildly between stores and providers.
- Look for Sales and Promotions: Many stores offer discounts during holiday seasons or clearance sales. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to get a better deal. But don’t let a “deal” fool you; you might still be able to get the same or similar bed for cheaper at a different store.
- Consider Long-term Investment: View your bed as a long-term investment in sleep, health, and well-being. It’s one of the areas of your home where spending a bit more upfront can make a big difference.
Tip 2: Know Your Mattress Size
With a wide variety of mattress sizes available, ensuring your bed frame matches your mattress size is critical. The most common mattress sizes are Twin, Full, Queen, and King, but you might also come across variations like Twin XL, Full XL and California King.
Before shopping for a bed frame, measure your mattress’s length, width, and height. This measurement ensures that the bed frame you choose will fit perfectly.
Twin: 38” x 75”
Twin XL: 38″ x 80″
Full: 54” x 75”
Full XL: 54″ x 80″
Queen: 60” x 80”
King: 76” x 80”
California King: 72″ x 84″
If you use mattress toppers or additional bedding, consider these when measuring to ensure the bed frame accommodates the extra height.
Tip 3: Consider the Bed Frame Style
The bed frame style is less of a functional and more of an aesthetic choice, but it can still significantly impact your bedroom.
The most common bed frame styles are:
- Platform Beds: These beds have a low profile and often don’t need a box spring. They’re ideal for a minimalist look and support most mattresses.
- Sleigh Beds: Contrary to popular belief, these beds don’t come with a free reindeer. They are characterized by their distinctive curved headboards and footboards, which allow you to bring a touch of elegance and traditional charm to your bedroom.
- Canopy Beds: If you want to give your bedroom a dramatic and luxurious look, a canopy bed is precisely what you’re looking for. With four posts and a connecting frame, they require a larger space and higher ceilings.
- Upholstered Beds: Upholstered beds feature fabric or leather upholstery on the headboard and sometimes the frame, offering a plush and sophisticated appearance.
- Storage Beds: These come with built-in storage options like drawers or lift-up bases, making them practical for small spaces.
Tip 4: Select the Right Material
Another factor to consider when choosing the right bed is the bed frame material, which affects durability, maintenance, and comfort.
Wood has the advantages of a classic appearance, high durability, and a wide range of finishes that allow you to find the right colour to match your design. On the other hand, it can get heavy and expensive and require more regular maintenance to prevent damage, especially from moisture and pests.
Metal frames are generally lighter and often more affordable. They are also resistant to pest damage and come in various styles and colours, from contemporary to vintage. However, metal can be more prone to squeaking and may not offer the same level of warmth as wood.
Finally, upholstered beds add comfort and luxury to your bedroom, with soft surfaces ideal for leaning against while reading or watching TV. Unfortunately, they can also be harder to clean and maintain, as they can attract and retain dust and allergens, and the fabric could also wear out over time.
Tip 5: Assess Storage Needs
Especially if your bedroom has limited space, you really value storage solutions that can help you keep things neat and tidy. Storage beds are a great and practical solution to keeping your bedroom organized and clutter-free.
There is a variety of different kinds of storage beds to choose from:
- Platform Beds with Drawers: These beds have built-in drawers underneath, perfect for storing clothes, linens, or other items.
- Captain’s Beds: Typically come with multiple drawers on one or both sides of the bed. They offer significant storage space.
- Ottoman Beds: Feature a lift-up mattress base that reveals a large storage area underneath. They are ideal for storing bulky items.
To help you choose which of these might best suit your bedroom needs, consider how often you’ll need to access the storage. Drawers offer easy access, while ottoman beds provide ample space for less frequently used items.
Tip 6: Check the Bed Frame’s Sturdiness
If you want a comfortable sleeping experience and durability, you’ll want a sturdy bed frame. A well-built bed frame supports the mattress and prevents sagging, protecting your mattress from prematurely wearing out.
Look for bed frames made from high-quality materials like solid wood or thick metal. These materials may cost a bit more upfront but are more durable and offer better support. Also, inspect the construction of the bed frame. Joints and connections should be secure and stable. Avoid frames that wobble or creak. When researching, ensure the bed frame can support the combined weight of the mattress and sleepers. Manufacturers often provide weight limits for their products.
Tip 7: Choose a Comfortable Mattress
One of the most critical factors in choosing the right bed is the mattress. We recommend doing your research on different types of mattresses to ensure you get the right support and comfort.
Memory foam mattresses are known for their excellent support and pressure relief. The memory form contours to the body’s shape, providing customized comfort.
Traditional spring mattresses use coils to provide support. They offer good airflow, making them cooler to sleep on.
Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of memory foam and spring mattresses. They provide the support of coils with the comfort of foam.
Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex. They are durable, provide good support, and are also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
A critical factor of mattress comfort is its firmness. It should provide adequate support to maintain proper spine alignment while sleeping comfortably.
Tip 8: Factor in Bed Height
Bed height can affect both the ease of getting in and out of bed and the overall aesthetics of your bedroom.
- Accessibility: Ensure the bed height is comfortable for you. Platform beds might be ideal if you have mobility issues or prefer a lower bed. Higher beds, such as those with box springs, can offer easier access for taller individuals.
- Room Layout: Consider how the bed height fits within your room’s overall layout. A higher bed can create a sense of grandeur, while a lower bed can make a room feel more spacious.
- Aesthetics: The bed’s height should complement the other furniture in your bedroom. Ensure it matches the scale and style of your other pieces.
Tip 9: Consider Additional Features
Over the years, modern beds have evolved from their standard forms to incorporate additional features to enhance comfort and functionality. Adjustable bases have become popular, allowing you to change the position of the mattress, which can be beneficial for reading, watching TV, or improving sleep posture. Adding a headboard or footboard can enhance the look of your bed and provide additional support.
If you don’t want the hassle of a lamp on your bedside table, some bed frames come with built-in lighting, adding a touch of luxury and convenience. And, keeping up with the times, many modern beds also offer USB ports to charge your devices for added convenience.
Tip 10: Think About Long-Term Maintenance
Last but not least, maintenance requirements should play a role in your research on choosing your perfect bed. Striking the right balance between convenience and maintaining the longevity of your bed frame and mattress can ensure your bed remains in good condition for many years.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your bed frame. Different materials require different cleaning methods.
- Wood: Use a damp cloth and mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish.
- Metal: Wipe down with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, use a mild detergent.
- Upholstered: Regularly vacuum to remove dust and debris. Spot clean stains with appropriate fabric cleaner.
Also, mattress protectors should be considered to prevent spills and stains. They can also protect against dust mites and allergens. Periodically check and tighten any screws or bolts to maintain the sturdiness of your bed frame. Rotate or flip your mattress regularly to ensure even wear.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bed for your home hinges on several factors, from budget and style to the right mattress and functionality. By following these ten essential tips, you can ensure that your next bed provides the comfort, support, and durability needed for a good night’s sleep.
We encourage you to share your experiences and insights in the comments below. For more tips and a wide selection of quality beds, visit the Urban Accents website.
If you are curious and want to design a custom sectional, Urban Accents Furniture offers a wide variety of beds and bedroom furniture to help you find your dream bed.
Family-owned and locally operated since 2002, Urban Accents Furniture is your destination for high-end furniture for affordable prices. With a wide range of custom furniture, like custom beds and headboards, sofas and custom sectional sofas, custom ottomans and benches, and accent chairs, you can find your perfect piece from the comfort of your home! Take advantage of our Canada-wide shipping to deliver your choice to your doorstep.
Urban Accents Furniture – your place for beds and more in Toronto and beyond!