Types of Beds

Platform beds have a low profile frame that doesn't require a box spring. The mattress is supported by slats or a built-in flat board. A platform’s headboard and sides are often upholstered to add comfort and softness. The sleek lines of a platform bed make it one of the most popular types of modern beds.

Pros:

• Budget friendly
• No need for a box spring
• Ideal for memory foam or latex mattresses

Cons:

• Limited support for different body types
• Upholstery can require frequent maintenance

Panel beds have a wood headboard and footboard. Most often the wood panels are solid but sometimes they can have spindles. Panel beds come in a variety of finishes, from sophisticated stains to rustic looks. The style of these types of beds work well with most bedroom looks.

Pros:

• Timeless design
• Made well, durable
• Strong enough to support large, heavy mattresses

Cons:

• May require higher upfront investment
• Limited underbed storage space

Murphy beds fold up and fit against a wall when closed. They can also be installed in a wall. They are one of the best types of beds for small living spaces such studio apartments or dorm rooms. Murphy beds are also a great way to turn almost any room into a guest room for overnight guests.

Pros:

• Space-saving
• Can include built-in storage
• Easy to convert
• Can include mattress

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment
• May need to be installed by professionals

Bunk beds are a traditional choice for kids rooms. Bunk beds are available in different bed styles. However, the most popular style features one twin bed stacked over another. Loft beds are like a bunk bed but have room underneath the top bunk for a desk, dresser or futon.

Pros:

• Ideal for shared bedrooms
• Favorite sleeping style for children
• Can have built-in storage space or desks

Cons:

• Thinner, less comfortable mattress

Canopy beds can make any bedroom feel elegant and cozy. Canopy beds are similar to a four-poster bed. They are built with four vertical poles but connected by a top frame. You can drape decorative fabric over this top frame for a luxurious look. Or leave the top frame bare and you'll have the look of one of the most popular types of modern beds.

Pros:

• Sophisticated, luxe design
• Durable, long-lasting construction
• Privacy, coziness

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment
• Heavy, difficult to move alone

Daybeds turn any room into multi-purpose spaces. They can serve as a bed for sleeping or become a sofa or lounging area. Daybeds are great for home offices and guest rooms. Most have built in support for a twin-sized mattress. For more sleeping space, choose a daybed with a trundle.

Pros:

• Comes in a variety of styles
• Budget friendly
• Optional trundle or storage

Cons:

• Thinner mattress
• Singular sleeping space

Rollaway beds are a convenient way to have a bed that doesn't take up space in a room. A popular choice for overnight or unexpected guests, rollaway beds fold up and roll into a closet or corner after use. These types of beds also come handy in a small or studio apartment.

Pros:

• Budget friendly
• Easy to store and useCons:
• Not as comfortable as other options
• Only a few styles available

Adjustable beds or reclining beds allow you to sit upright in bed or lay flat. They are a more relaxing way to read, watch TV or just relax. Adjustable beds can also help those with medical issues such as sleep apnea rest more comfortably.

Pros:

• Customizable positions
• Can relieve neck, back or joint pain
• Some models have massage settings and USB ports

Cons:

• Higher upfront investment
• Can require repairs and regular maintenance

Sleigh beds or scroll beds have a distinctive, curved headboard and footboard. With their classic sleigh design, they instantly become the focal point of any bedroom. Sleigh beds have a refined, vintage look and are made of real wood in rich finishes.

Pros:

• Luxurious, comfortable for two
• Well made, timeless
• Durable and sturdy

Cons:

• Large footprint, heavy to move
• Higher upfront investment

Futon beds are basically foldable mattresses that do double duty as a bed and sofa. Popular in apartments and dorms, this space-saving furniture is very versatile. It has frames in different styles and mattress covers that come in a variety of fabrics and colors.

Pros:

• Budget friendly
• Multi-functional
• Lightweight, easy to move around

Cons:

• Limited comfort, thin or hard mattress
• Frame may require repair or replacement

Storage beds have built-in drawers or a hinged frame that lifts to reveal a roomy storage compartment. They’re a great choice for bedrooms that don’t have room for a traditional dresser or lack closet space. Storage bed styles include classic, modern, rustic and more.

Pros:

• Budget friendly
• Easy open and close
• More storage

Cons:

• Thinner mattress may be less comfortable
• Mechanism may need repairs

The size of a bed determines how many people can sleep comfortably. Some types of beds come in every size but there are several that don’t. When choosing between bed styles, make sure you’re factoring in the size. Below are the five most common mattress sizes:

• Twin beds are made to comfortably accommodate one average-sized adult or a child.
• Full-size beds are a little wider than a twin. They are good for one adult or two children.
• Queen-size beds are wider and longer than full ones. Two adults can rest comfortably or one adult who prefers the space.
• King-size beds are a spacious choice for couples or taller sleepers.
• California king-size beds are one of the largest bed sizes. They provide plenty of room for couples and sleepers who need more room.