Choosing the right mattress is undoubtedly important when designing your bed space— but the bed frame matters too. A good bed frame provides a supportive foundation for your mattress while acting as a centerpiece of your bedroom design.
There are many different types of beds to consider, but which one is right for you? This blog goes over various bed styles, ranging in aesthetic, functionality and price. We'll also touch on sizing and mattress materials.
Let's get started.
Types of Bed Sizes
Before selecting a bed frame, you should know what size you need. Standard bed sizes include twin, twin XL (extra-long), full (also known as double), queen, king and California king (aka Cal king).
See our Mattress Size and Dimension Guide for more details about each measurement.
Types of Bed Frames: Designs and Styles
There are many different kinds of bed frames to choose from. In terms of design, there are a wide range of options. The most popular styles include four-posters, canopy beds, panel beds, upholstered bed frames, platform beds, sleigh, mid-century, wrought iron, slat, spindle, storage, Murphy, and adjustable beds.
The dimensions for standard bed sizes generally refer to mattress sizes. For example, if you're buying a queen bed frame, the mattress will be 60 x 80 inches, but the frame will take up more sleeping space. With this in mind, be sure to check the bed frame's dimensions before ordering to ensure it'll fit.
What to Consider When Buying a Bed Frame
There are a few things to consider when shopping for a bed. This includes the size of your bedroom, what frame style you want, how high you want your bed to be, what mattress you choose, whether you need a box spring and, of course, your budget.
Keep reading for details.
Bedroom Size
Before buying a bed frame, first think about what size will fit in your bedroom. You should have at least enough space to walk all the way around the bed and, ideally, fit other furniture items, like nightstands, a dresser, a chair and maybe a vanity.
Bed Frame Style
Next, consider what frame style you want. If your home design leans more traditional or rustic, you might consider a four-poster bed or a wrought-iron frame. If your taste is more modern or minimalist, a low-profile mid-century modern frame, a slat bed or a simple platform bed could be a better choice.
Bed Height
Some bed frames (like platform and mid-century styles) sit lower to the floor, while other styles (such as four-posters and canopy beds) may be taller. This is mostly a matter of preference. If you want to increase the height of your bed, you can always add a box spring.
Box Spring
Most bed frames on the market today don't require box springs. They were originally intended to provide more support for the mattress. These days, people often use a bed frame with a box spring simply to make their beds taller.
Mattress
The thickness of your mattress will also affect how tall your bed is, as well as the overall comfort. There are a few types of mattresses to choose from (more on this below), but any standard mattress size will fit on its correlating bed size.
Budget
You should also consider your budget. Bed frame prices can cost as little as $150 or upwards of $5,000. You don't need to get the most expensive option, though it might be worth investing in a high-quality, durable frame that'll last several years.
Check out these 26 Bed Frame Ideas for inspiration and tips for choosing one for your sleeping quarters.
Types of Kids' Beds
What types of beds are good for children's rooms? Twins are typically the best size for kids, and you can get bed frames in any of the styles outlined above. Spindle beds, panel beds and storage beds with drawers are top choices.
That said, here are a few more popular styles for kids' bedrooms.
Daybed
Sofa by day, bed by night, a day bed is a versatile option for a child's bedroom. It's usually placed against a wall. This saves floor space, and you can position decorative pillows on the side to create a comfy backrest for reading or hanging out with friends.
Daybeds also work well in sunrooms, guest rooms, studios and home offices.
Bunk Beds
Bunk beds probably need no explanation. They're essentially a twin bed with a bed underneath, with a ladder or some sort of climbing wall to access the top bed. This is a good choice for siblings, and kids who often have friends stay overnight.
Trundle Bed
Trundle beds are perfect for kids' rooms because they have an additional built-in bed that pulls out. This mattress-bed frame combo makes it easy for your child to accommodate their friends for sleepovers without the need for a bunk bed. You can find trundle beds in twin and full sizes.
Loft Bed
A loft bed looks similar to a bunk bed, but instead of a bed on the bottom level, there's an open, usable space. Often big enough for a small kids' sofa or desk, the space can be used as a reading nook, play area or homework station.
Bookcase Bed
A bookcase bed is simply a bed frame with built-in bookshelves or storage space, either above the headboard, within the footboard or in an L-shape on two sides. The frame itself can be various styles, like platform or panel.
Types of Mattresses
Now that you know about the various types of beds, let's touch on the most common mattress types: foam, innerspring and hybrid.
Foam
Foam mattresses are most often made of memory foam, though they can contain other types, like high-density or gel-infused foam. These materials conform to the body and help minimize motion transfer. An all-foam mattress is generally the most affordable option.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses were the gold standard for most of the 20th century. They consist of metal springs within a quilted encasing. They may also feature cotton-filled pillow tops for extra plushness and comfort.
Hybrid Mattress
Hybrid mattresses combine traditional coils (ideally fabric-encased micro-coils) with other materials, like foam, cotton or wool. For lots of folks, the multi-layered design is the most comfortable, supportive, pressure-relieving option.
What Is a Hybrid Mattress? Read our blog for more details.
Types of Bed Sheets
The best bed sheets are linen, percale, brushed cotton and organic cotton. Here's what to know.
Linen
Linen is sourced from super-long and notably durable flax plant fibers. The finished textile is known for its light, billowy qualities and casually elegant appeal.
Percale
Percale bedding is woven from extra-long-staple Turkish cotton with a plain square weave. It's soft and breathable, with a smooth matte finish.
Sateen
Sateen is also loomed from extra-long-staple Turkish cotton, but instead of a plain weave, it's made with a satin weave, which makes it slightly thicker with a subtle sheen.
Brushed Cotton
Brushed cotton is known for its buttery-soft feel. It's finished with a combing technique on one side, which enhances insulation without sacrificing breathability.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton sheets are woven from organically grown cotton fibers. Boasting a GOTSⓇ (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, you can be confident that every stage of the supply chain is environmentally friendly.
Types of Beds FAQ
Find answers to frequently asked questions about types of beds below.
How many types of bed sizes are there?
There are six standard types of bed sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king. Beyond that, there are some less common made-to-order sizes, like short queen and Alaska king.
What type of bed is best for back pain?
Bed types that help alleviate back pain usually have more to do with the mattress than the frame. Research suggests that medium-firm mattresses provide the most relief.
What are really high beds called?
Extremely high beds with usable floor space underneath are called loft beds. Other than that, the tallest frame styles are typically four-posters and canopy beds, though it varies by design.
How many types of king beds are there?
There are at least seven types of king beds. This includes regular king, California king, split king, Alaska king, Texas king, Wyoming king and Alberta king.
What Is the Biggest Bed Size? Check out our article for more details.
High-Quality Bedroom Essentials From Parachute
Now that you're up to speed on the various types of beds, you're ready to choose one for your space. At Parachute, our handcrafted bed frames are durable and tasteful, with styles ranging from upholstered headboards to mid-century to wooden panel.
We also carry one of the best mattresses available on the market – our sustainably sourced, medium-firm Eco Mattress. The high-quality bed pillows, bedding, throws, nightstands, bedside lamps and other bedroom essentials are worth exploring too.
Need help choosing furniture, colors or materials for your sleeping quarters? An experienced design specialist from Parachute is here to help. Schedule your complimentary virtual consultation today!
Read Next:
What (and Who) Is The Parachute Design Services Team?
7 Key Pieces for Designing a Bedroom
Guide to Design and Decor Ideas for Your Home
External Sources:
Caggiari G, et al. What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. J Orthop Traumatol 22, 51 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-021-00616-