Bed Buying 101: Understanding Bed Sizes and Styles

When it comes to buying Amish bedroom furniture, you can always be sure that you are getting a piece made with high-quality materials and superb craftsmanship that will last and look beautiful for years to come. But how can you be sure that you are getting the perfect bed to suit your style and your needs? Well, have no fear, this handy guide is here to teach you the basics and help you make the best decision for you!

Sizes:

As you may have guessed, the best place to start in your search for the ideal bed is determining which size you need. Most beds come in four standard sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, and King. Occasionally, some builders will also offer a California King size. The standard mattress dimensions for these bed sizes are as listed below:

• Twin: 38"W x 75"L
• Full: 54"W x 75"L
• Queen: 60"W x 80"L
• King: 76"W x 80"L
• California King: 72"W x 84”L 

When deciding which size you need, you have to consider who will be using the bed. Commonly, Twin and Full size beds are best for children or single sleepers. However, most adults will be more comfortable in a Queen or King size bed; a Queen size bed works well for couples or single sleepers with pets, and a King size bed works well for couples, with or without furry friends. 

But don’t forget to take the room size into account as well! Before you buy that luxurious King size bed, you’ll need to check the dimensions and carefully measure your room to ensure you will have adequate space between the bed and any walls, doors, or furniture. At the very least, you should leave 22 inches of walking space on all sides of your bed, but between 2 to 3 feet of walking space is ideal.

Styles:

Now comes the slightly more complicated bit: choosing a bed style. First, you’ll need to decide what look you’re going for in your bedroom? Do you want contemporary? Rustic or Mid-century modern? Or perhaps something more formal or traditional? 

Once you’ve chosen a style, it’s time to determine what type of bed you want. One quick thing to consider is whether you would like a wood bed or an upholstered bed. Wood beds are more conventional, but upholstered beds can add a nice touch of warmth and texture to your bedroom. However, with wood beds, there tend to be more bed types available; we’ll focus on some of the most common ones here.

Platform Beds:

A platform bed is a bed frame wherein the mattress is typically supported by a series of closely-spaced slats or a solid surface of wood. In a platform bed, the mattress sits level with the edge of the platform, and there is usually no footboard. The biggest benefit of a platform bed is that there is no need for a box spring.

Panel Beds:

A panel bed is a very simple bed frame. It typically consists of a flat paneled headboard and footboard; though, some panel beds can be ordered with a low, non-paneled footboard. Due to the simplicity of the panel bed, it is available in many woods and styles, including bed frames with fabric or leather panel inserts.

Slat Beds:

As the name suggests, a slat bed is a bed frame in which the headboard and footboard are constructed of vertical or horizontal slats. Like panel beds, this classic bed frame allows for a great deal of variety and can work with several design styles, depending on the width and spacing of the slats.

Sleigh Beds:

A sleigh bed has a very recognizable, sinuous look. Modeled after old-time sleighs, these beds feature curved headboards and footboards and tend towards a more formal, elegant style. But be aware: sleigh beds typically will take up a bit more space in your room, so plan accordingly.

Poster Beds:

A poster bed is aptly named for the posts that sit at the four corners of the bed. Depending on the style, these posts can range from a few inches in height to a few feet; some poster beds even feature high posts at the head of the bed and low posts at the foot of the bed to allow for more space. Poster beds most commonly are made with flat posts, but pencil poster beds, with curved posts that taper to a point, are also available.

Canopy Bed:

Much like a poster bed, a canopy bed features four posts at the corners of the bed, but on a canopy bed, these posts are joined together at the top by crossbeams. Typically, classic canopy beds have curtains or some form of fabric draped down along the crossbeams to create a sense of privacy, and they work best in bedrooms with high ceilings.

Bookcase Beds:

For those who love to read or just want to be able to keep things close at hand, a bookcase bed is a great option. With built-in storage and shelves and available in several woods and styles, these beds are the perfect combination of form and function.

Bunk Beds and Loft Beds:

For those looking for a bed for their children or for those who need to be economic with space while maximizing functionality, a bunk bed or loft bed could be the way to go. Bunk beds, with one bed elevated over another, are a great solution if you need to have multiple people sleep in one room; they are offered in a range of sizes and layouts, including Twin over Twin bunks, Twin over Full bunks, and L-Shaped bunks.

Loft beds, on the other hand, feature a suspended bed, accessed by a ladder or stairs, that sits over an open area; this open area can house a dresser for additional storage, a desk to create a workspace, or a futon to add seating and sleeping space. With their potential for double duty, loft beds are perfect for making the most of the space you have, and with such a variety available, it’s easy to find the right bunk bed or loft bed to suit your specific needs.

Buying a new bed can be daunting. With an Amish-built bed, you can rest assured that you are purchasing a quality piece of furniture that will last, but when there are so many sizes and styles out there, it can be difficult to know what is right for you. Whether you’re leaning towards a Queen sleigh bed or a set of Twin bunk beds, let this guide be your starting point in exploring the many options available to you. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the bedroom furniture offered here at Geitgey’s Amish Country Furnishings, feel free to call, email, or visit. Our sales team would be glad to help you find your perfect bed!