Bed Buying 101: Types of Beds
Sleep in style.
Your bedroom should be an oasis – a retreat from the daily hustle and bustle – which is why you want it to feel as cozy and comfortable as possible. As the natural focal point of the space, the bed you choose can define your bedroom’s overall look and feel. We've rounded up all the different types of beds and bed frames to help you pick the best bed style for your rest and rejuvenation needs.
In this guide:
Bed Designs
Box Spring Requirements
Beds for Extra Spaces
Kids Bed Styles
Bed Sizes
Bed Designs
Bed styles come in a variety of designs. From wingback to four-poster, here are our the most popular bed designs:
- Standard: This basic bed option includes a flat panel headboard and contains minimal design elements. These are the most simple and usually budget-friendly options available – ideal for if you are in search of a no-frills and cost-effective bed.
- Wingback: A wingback headboard has two decorative side panels jutting out from either side. The wingback addition is simple, but it adds a level of design and luxury to your bed.
- Bookcase: Bookcase beds add function to form with built-in shelves and other storage components meant to hold items you won’t need to get out of bed to reach. They are also space-saving, giving you extra shelving without the need for an entire bookcase or other large furniture item.
- Slat/Spindle: A slat or spindle headboard design is highlighted by a headboard and/or footboard made of vertical or horizontal slats or rails. Wooden slat beds tend to look more clean-cut and fresh while metal slat beds invoke more of a vintage rustic or farmhouse feel.
- Sleigh: The distinctive outward-arching shape of a sleigh bed’s headboard and footboard evokes the curves of an old-fashioned sleigh, which gives this bed its name. Sleigh beds may claim more floor space than other bed styles of the same size. These beds can come in ornately designed, darkly stained wood styles or simpler, sleeker modern designs.
- Murphy: Murphy beds are built to be concealed – they fold up into a wall panel for easy storage and space conservation. The wall mount can have the appearance of a closet, dresser, or bureau or be equipped with lights, bookshelves, and other storage components for maximum utility. Interested in this bed type? Review What Is a Murphy Bed? How to Buy the Best Murphy Bed for Your Space.
- Open-Frame: Open-frame bed designs have headboards and footboards featuring free-flowing or organic lines. This design sometimes includes slat beds. Depending on the form and material, they can fit in industrial, modern, farmhouse, or traditional style homes.
- Canopy: The sister of the four-poster, canopy beds feature tall posts with crossbeams that connect them at the top. Classically outfitted with curtains for more privacy, modern versions of this bed trade that romantic aesthetic for the crisp look of straight, unadorned lines. Because of their volume, this style of bed looks best in rooms with tall ceilings.
- Four-Poster: Four-poster beds are defined by the decorative posts that rise up from each corner of the bed frame. The posts vary in height, some protruding only a couple inches above the mattress and others extending to almost ceiling-height. Ornate posts bring rustic, regal charm, though simpler designs are just as grand.
Some beds require a box spring as a support layer between the bed and the mattress. This added layer provides extra height, ventilation, and protection for your mattress.
- Panel: Support beams are minimal, set low to the ground, and tend to be bookended by a headboard and footboard. Box springs are required for this type of bed. Check out What Is a Panel Bed? for more on this type of bed.
- Platform: A box spring isn't required for a platform bed. The mattress sits on top of the platform bed frame. The mattress is supported by several close-together slats that are level with the top of the platform. Platform beds are sleek in design and typically lack a footboard. Take a look at What Is a Platform Bed? to read up on this box-spring-free design.
Tip!
Interested in learning more about box springs and if you need one? Check out What Is a Box Spring? for more details.
Beds for Extra Spaces
Whether you're furnishing a guest room or den, there are different types of beds that work perfectly for bonus spaces.
- Daybed: This multifunctional option doubles as a sofa and is meant to be placed against a wall. The headboard and footboard of a daybed act as the sofa arms, and some styles also have a sideboard that stands in for a sofa back. Learn more about these kinds of beds in What Is a Daybed? or explore our top daybeds in The 23 Best Daybeds for Every Small-Space Bedroom.
- Futon: A traditional Japanese futon is a malleable mattress that can be laid directly on the floor for comfortable sleeping. Modern iterations of the classic futon look more like simple, low-to-the-ground sofas with cushioned upholstery perfect for lounging. Get more info about futons in What Is a Futon? or explore these Types of Futons to find your perfect match.
- Convertible: If you want to become a master of a multifunctional space, consider convertible furniture that can be transformed from comfy seating into a flat bed. The back or front panels on convertible furniture fold out for comfortable sleeping. They can come in the form of a sofa, chair, ottoman, and sectional.
With space-saving designs and fun features, there are several bed styles available that’ll help get kids excited for bedtime.
- Bunk Bed: A kids’ favorite, bunk beds make the most of the space by stacking two beds on top of each other. The top bunk is accessible by a built-in ladder or miniature staircase. Review A Quick & Easy Guide to Bunk Bed Sizes to learn more about your size options.
- Loft: Elevated above the ground and accessible by ladder, loft beds have room beneath them that can be used as a work space, a lounge area, or additional storage. They’re stylish and space-friendly.
- Trundle: A sleepover signature, trundle beds have a large under-bed drawer that slides out fully to fit an entire second mattress. Take a look at What Is a Trundle Bed? to get more info about this versatile type of bed.
When browsing through different types of beds, there are several bed sizes to choose from. Before you start your bed frame search, make sure you know what size bed you’ll need. We've outlined different size beds with the most popular bed dimensions below are width by length.
- Twin/Single: 38" x 75"
- Extra-Long Twin: 38" x 80"
- Full/Double: 54" x 75"
- Queen: 60" x 80"
- King: 76" x 80"
- California King: 72" x 84"
Tip!
Looking for more information about different types of bed sizes? Check out our guide What Are the Most Common Bed Sizes?
