For each of us, the bed is a daily companion that welcomes us into the bedroom to enjoy a restful night’s sleep. However, with the growing variety of bed types and models available, it has become more difficult to choose a bed for adults.
There are indeed many factors to consider, and many questions come up regularly, starting with: What size bed should I choose? While the issue of bed size is essential to making the best possible choice, it’s also crucial to consider other aspects of bedding, such as the type of bed, the quality of the bed frame materials, and how it pairs with the mattress and box spring.
We’ve put together an overview of the key factors to consider before making a decision and purchasing a new adult bed.
What kind of bed should you choose?
There are several types of beds, so that everyone can find the one that suits them best based on their priorities: comfort, materials, the amount of space available in the bedroom, or even the ability to store items under the bed.
The Classic or Standard Bed
The classic bed is the one that embodies the way most people imagine a bed. Made of a wooden or metal frame, the bed encloses the box spring and the mattress. Some beds come with a headboard, while others do not come with one as standard, leaving you the choice of whether or not to add one from among the many decorative and aesthetic options available.
For optimal comfort and a more pleasant sleeping experience, it is recommended to choose a headboard made of natural materials, such as wood and linen, and to avoid synthetic materials. The bed frame may have metal legs that support the box spring and mattress. In this case, the stability of the entire bedding setup depends on the quality and sturdiness of the bed legs. Conversely, some bed models are designed to accommodate a box spring with its own legs, which will therefore ensure the stability of the bedding. This point is worth emphasizing, as it is sometimes possible to find box springs without legs; in such cases, it is necessary to make sure to purchase legs and ensure their height matches that of the bed frame.
When it comes to dimensions, there are many options available, allowing everyone to find a bed that fits all the mattress and box spring sizes on the market.
The storage bed: the perfect space-saving solution
As its name suggests, a storage bed serves a dual purpose as both a bed and a storage unit. A storage bed is an option that provides storage space located under the mattress and box spring, which is completely concealed by the bed frame.
The space-saving feature in the bedroom is undoubtedly the main advantage of this storage bed. Specifically, a handle allows you to effortlessly lift the bed frame and mattress—with the help of hydraulic pistons—revealing a storage compartment that spans the entire width of the bed. To ensure sturdiness and a long lifespan, we recommend choosing a storage bed made of solid wood, reinforced with a steel frame. Due to its design, the storage bed usually comes with a built-in bed base, as it is attached to the hydraulic pistons. It is therefore important to choose a model that includes a slatted bed base, which ensures better airflow beneath the mattress.
The pull-out bed: a double bed that fits into the space of a single bed
A trundle bed looks like a single bed, but it has a second mattress hidden in a drawer that can be pulled out and raised to form a double bed.
This clever design is practical for small spaces, but is primarily intended as a supplementary option for the second bed. In fact, if you need a double bed on a daily basis, you might as well opt for a full-size double bed right from the start—it’s more comfortable and offers a wider selection of mattresses and box springs.
The loft bed
Still with the goal of saving space in the bedroom, a loft bed consists of a raised structure that leaves space on the floor underneath the bed.
When choosing a double loft bed, keep in mind that, in most cases, the mattress rests directly on a wooden floor without a proper box spring, which is far from ideal for sleep quality. Furthermore, this type of bed has a significant impact on the aesthetic appeal of a bedroom due to its bulky nature. In addition, a large loft bed for adults can make the room in which it is placed feel very dark.
The dimensions of a double bed: length, width, and height
The standard dimensions of a double bed are 140 x 190 cm. However, for many years now, a variety of other bed sizes have been added to the lineup to accommodate all body types and preferences.
So now it's possible to sleep in a bed that measures:
- 140 x 200 cm;
- 160 x 200 cm (Queen size);
- 180 x 200 cm (King size).
Since these dimensions are now standardized, it’s easy to find a bed, box spring, and mattress of the same size. The same goes for bedding. Sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and comforters are available in all sizes.
The size of the bedding set should be chosen based on the body type of the tallest or heaviest person who will be using the bed. Ideally, it is recommended to choose a bed that is about 20 cm longer than the tallest occupant. It’s also important to consider the height of the bed—known as the seat height—which is generally a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to sleep close to the floor, while others enjoy sleeping higher up and being able to sit comfortably on the edge of the bed.
How do you choose the right size for your mattress?
Choosing a mattress involves many different factors. When it comes to dimensions, it’s clear that the size of the bed, the size of the box spring, and the size of the mattress must all match perfectly. To ensure the mattress fits properly within the bed frame, it should generally be 2 cm smaller than the standard dimensions listed. This way, the mattress doesn’t have to be forced into the bed frame, nor does it leave any gaps, ensuring optimal comfort.
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