The average person spends 6.8 hours per night asleep. In an average lifespan of 72 years, this translates to roughly 20 years in bed. That’s a huge figure, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly: investigating the different types of bed available and deciding which design works both for your health and your interior space is a worthwhile investment.
The luxury buyers’ guide to types of bed
Ornate elegance
Some types of bed have survived the test of time, and will forever be a symbol of both comfort and class. Chief among them is the four-poster bed, a piece with a firm place in history – although few people realise just how versatile and modern they can be.
Opting for light woods like pine, and elegant, carved patterns or simple art deco lines will help your four poster blend into your modern décor. Alternately, take advantage of the frame for canopies and curtains, switching between fresh fabrics to reflect the latest styles.
Storage solutions
Ottoman and divan beds are defined by the simple box base with space for storage. Consequently, they’ve long been one of the go-to types of bed for people who want something clean and easy to integrate and fairly unobtrusive.
Premium solid wood options have a strong presence in any bedroom. When paired with dark wooden floors and lots of natural colours and textures, they create a wonderfully organic feel.
Comfortable classics
The majority of beds, however, are the classic slatted base on legs. They’re easy to clean around and under and because of their simple design, can be tailored to individual tastes. Whether that’s by adding head and foot boards, or shaping custom feet to match your mid century style, this piece is the most versatile.
Cosy rooms will benefit from upholstered bed frames, which lend themselves to lavish cushioned headboards. Bold designers can make these stand out with patterned fabrics and extra details like seams and buttons. Industrial spaces, meanwhile, are well suited to plainer, even metallic finishes, while period properties will naturally suit carved wooden options. More daring designers can even blend the two: for example, the curves of a French-style sleigh bed have been adopted by modern designers to add flair to modern bedrooms, too.
Minmalist bedding
Raised floor beds in the Japanese style may seem austere, but with the right cushions and bedding, they lend themselves to a friendly wabi sabi design approach, especially if you add drapes to the mix.
Woven rattan bed frames are also making an appearance as natural textures continue their ascendancy in furniture design. Alongside more traditional, ornately carved box beds, these pair well with boldly coloured bedding and oversized pillows.
The smart way to sleep
Design isn’t all about craftsmanship, however. Smart technology is introducing swathes of exciting new innovations to the home, and the bedroom is no exception.
There are already smart mattresses on the market that give you the latest data on your sleeping habits, and even adjust their firmness to match your preferences. Now smart bed frames have arrived to help you adopt the ideal position for a good night’s sleep.
Quality rest isn’t just about the size and shape of your bed, of course. Bedroom design plays a big role too, from creating a calm environment to ensuring good air circulation.