Beds

How to Choose the Right Bed for Your Bedroom

Choosing between different beds should be based on more than appearance. The right option needs to fit your room, provide enough sleeping space and work with the way you use your bedroom every day.

Start with the room measurements. Measure the available floor space, but also consider how much clearance will remain around the bed once bedside tables, wardrobes and other furniture are in place. A frame that technically fits the room may still feel too large if it restricts access to drawers, doors or wardrobes.

The mattress size is another important factor. A bed frame is usually larger than the mattress it supports because of the headboard, side rails and foot end. This means customers should always compare the overall product dimensions rather than relying only on labels such as double or king size.

If you are replacing an existing frame, do not assume a new model will occupy exactly the same space. Upholstered frames, statement headboards and storage mechanisms can increase the external dimensions considerably.

Before buying, think about:

- Who will use the bed?
- How much sleeping space do they need?
- Is under-bed storage important?
- Does the room have enough access around the frame?
- Will the frame fit through doors, hallways and staircases?
- Do you already have a compatible mattress?

These checks can prevent common buying mistakes and make it easier to compare beds according to real household needs.

Understanding Common Bed Sizes

Different bedrooms need different bed sizes. A larger bed can provide more sleeping space, but it also requires more room around the frame.

Single Beds

Single beds are generally suited to one sleeper and are commonly used in children's bedrooms, guest rooms and compact spaces. They are useful where floor space is limited and you still need room for wardrobes, desks or storage furniture.

Small Double Beds

A small double can offer more sleeping room than a single without occupying as much space as a standard double. This size can work well in compact bedrooms where a full double frame would make movement around the room difficult. It can also suit one adult who prefers additional sleeping width while still wanting to preserve useful floor space.

Double Beds

Double beds are among the most versatile options for UK bedrooms. They can suit couples, individual sleepers who prefer extra room, and guest bedrooms. A double bed frame can work particularly well in medium-sized bedrooms where there is enough space for bedside furniture on either side.

King Size Beds

King-size beds provide additional sleeping width and length compared with a standard double. They are particularly useful for couples who want more personal sleeping space, but the room should be measured carefully before buying. The larger frame can also affect access to bedside tables, wardrobes and bedroom doors.

Super King Beds

A super king is one of the largest common household sizes and is best suited to spacious bedrooms. It can provide generous sleeping room for couples, but the total floor area required is significant once the full bed frame is considered. This size should be chosen only after checking both bedroom dimensions and delivery access.

Bed Frames: What Should You Look For?

The bed frame is the structural foundation of the sleeping setup, so appearance should not be the only buying factor. A good frame should be suitable for the mattress size, fit the room comfortably, and provide the type of base support required by the mattress.

Frames can vary in construction, height, headboard design, and storage features.

When comparing a bed frame, check:

- Overall width and length
- Headboard height
- Clearance underneath
- Base type
- Storage mechanism if included
- Maximum recommended mattress size
- Assembly requirements
- Access into the bedroom

This information is more useful than choosing only by visual style.

A large headboard can create a strong focal point, but it may also affect placement if there are wall-mounted shelves, sloping ceilings or low windows. Similarly, a tall footboard can influence how open the bedroom feels, particularly in smaller rooms.

Storage Beds vs Standard Beds

Storage is one of the most practical differences between modern beds. A standard frame focuses mainly on mattress support and bedroom styling. A storage bed adds usable space beneath the mattress or frame.

This can be particularly valuable in flats, smaller homes and bedrooms with limited wardrobe space.

Ottoman Beds

Ottoman beds use a lifting mechanism to provide access to storage underneath the mattress platform. Depending on the design, the base may lift from the side or the foot end.

The main advantage is that a large proportion of the footprint can be used for storage. This can make an ottoman bed frame useful for bedding, spare pillows, seasonal clothing and other items that would otherwise require separate storage furniture.

Drawer Storage Beds

Some frames use built-in drawers instead of a lifting base. Drawers can provide straightforward access without lifting the mattress platform, but they require clearance beside the bed.

Before choosing this type, check that drawers will be able to open fully without hitting wardrobes, bedside tables or walls.

Which Storage Option Is Better?

Ottoman storage can make better use of the space directly under the mattress and may suit rooms where side clearance is limited. Drawer storage can be convenient when you prefer quick access to smaller items. A standard bed frame may be better if storage is not necessary and you want a simpler construction.

Upholstered Beds vs Wooden Beds

Material and construction influence both the appearance and maintenance of beds.

Upholstered Beds

Upholstered designs usually feature fabric across the headboard, side rails or complete frame.

They can make a bedroom feel softer and are often available with padded headboards, making them useful for customers who regularly sit upright in bed. Fabric should be vacuumed periodically using a suitable upholstery attachment to remove dust from the surface and seams.

Spills should be treated according to the individual upholstery care instructions.

Wooden Beds

Wooden beds provide a firmer, more structured appearance and can suit both traditional and contemporary bedrooms depending on the finish. Routine care usually involves removing dust with a soft cloth.

Wood frames can also make it easier to introduce other materials through bedding, rugs and bedside furniture without creating too much visual texture.

Which One Is Right for You?

Choose upholstered beds if you want a softer appearance and padded surfaces.

Choose wooden frames if you prefer a more structured finish and straightforward surface maintenance.

The choice should also account for the rest of the bedroom. A heavily upholstered room may benefit from the contrast of wood, while a minimalist room may suit a softer fabric headboard.

Why Choose Furniture Instore?

Furniture Instore gives customers the opportunity to compare beds according to bedroom size, storage requirements and preferred frame style rather than choosing solely by appearance.

Our range is designed to cover different household needs, from compact bedroom solutions to larger frames for main bedrooms. You can compare standard bed frame designs with storage options such as ottoman styles, helping you decide whether additional under-bed space would be useful in your home.

For our beds, delivery time is the same as our sofas; we deliver in 7-10 working days across the UK.