To stay healthy and in good spirits, the quality of your sleep is crucial. At night, the body slows down to allow cells to regenerate and repair themselves, the brain to process and assimilate information, and the digestive system to rest. While fatigue can lead to irritability, weariness, and even depression, an evening routine helps you fall asleep easily. Say goodbye to screens at least an hour before bed, hello to relaxation, and stick to a regular bedtime. However, without the right bed, all these efforts are in vain.
The bed is undoubtedly the place where we spend the most time in our lives. This constant companion provides not only a place for our nightly sleep, but also for quiet moments, naps, sleeping in, or when we’re sick. All of these reasons explain why it’s so important to choose your bedding and box spring carefully. From dimensions to comfort and design, this comprehensive buying guide covers all the essential criteria for selecting the right bed.
How do you choose the right size bed?
People often tend to choose the size of a bed based on the available space in the bedroom. However, the real deciding factor should be the sleeper: their body type, build, and sleeping habits. The most common advice is to choose a mattress that is 15 to 20 cm longer than your height.
A single bed for a child's room or as a guest bed
It has to be said: the single bed isn’t exactly all the rage among adults. Although its length of 190 cm or 200 cm meets the same standards as a double bed, its width of 90 cm is uncomfortable for many people seeking comfort—and, above all, space—while they sleep. Yet the single bed hasn’t had its last word. Perfect for small spaces, it’s ideal for a teenager’s or young adult’s bedroom. It’s also all the rage as a guest bed, in the form of a trendy armchair or chaise longue. Its size is a real asset to the decor, while also proving practical when it comes to hosting a guest.
The double bed: the standard adult bed
These days, the double bed is no longer reserved for couples; it has become the standard for adult beds. Its comfortable dimensions —140x190 cm or 140x200 cm—feel like a king-size bed when you’re sleeping alone. According to the Acticouple study, commissioned by the Association Pour la Literie (APL), a wide bed reduces the number of times you wake up during the night by 25%, while increasing deep sleep time by 15%. A double bed is therefore the bare minimum to avoid being disturbed by your partner’s nighttime movements when you’re in a relationship. In fact, these couples often opt for even more spacious beds.
The non-standard dimensions of queen-size and king-size beds
Growing in popularity in France, the queen-size bed—which measures 160x200 cm—offers true comfort to couples who don’t want to compromise on the quality of their sleep. These beds are also better suited for taller or heavier individuals. Even the most discerning sleepers tend to be drawn to the majestic king-size bed with its extra-large dimensions of 180x200 cm, or even 200x200 cm. As for very tall people, they may opt for the super king-size bed, measuring 240x240 cm, if the size of their bedroom allows it, since it’s recommended to leave a minimum of 60 cm of space between the edges of the bed and the wall on each side.
What is the ideal height for a good bed?
Often overlooked, bed height is more important than it seems, because getting out of bed should not require any special effort, as this could have an impact on your health. Repeatedly using improper movements to stand up or lie down can indeed lead to back, knee, or hip problems; it can even exacerbate existing conditions, such as lower back pain or chronic pain.
In reality, the taller a person is, the higher the bed should be—and vice versa. Most models from bedding manufacturers range from 50 to 55 cm, which is a size suitable for someone between 1.75 m and 1.90 m tall. However, it is possible to adjust this by choosing a thicker mattress or changing the bed legs.
What materials should you choose for a high-quality bed?
Good support ensures restful, rejuvenating nights of sleep, which is why you should carefully consider the materials used in your bed. Pollutants are everywhere in the home. VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are released from adhesives and paints found in furniture and building materials. They can cause irritation, respiratory problems, and allergies.
You should therefore pay special attention to this factor when choosing your bed. It is strongly recommended that you opt for a solid wood frame that has not been treated with chemicals, is painted with water-based paint, and is unvarnished. When it comes to mattresses, choose natural materials such as latex, linen, coconut fiber, or organic cotton.
What style of bed should you choose for your bedroom?
There’s nothing quite like a cozy, comfortable space to drift peacefully off to sleep. Whether you prefer classic, vintage, Scandinavian, modern, or industrial interior design, there’s a vast array of bed styles to choose from. How do you know which one to pick? Let’s take a look at the latest trends for both children and adults.
The Different Types of Cradles and Cribs for Babies
When it comes to setting up the nursery, parents are never short on ideas. For newborns, cribs are the way to go. Wicker bassinets with old-world charm sit side by side with cozy, minimalist Scandinavian designs. Starting at 6 months—or earlier, for those who skip the bassinet—the traditional crib with slats is a must-have. While crib designs are constantly evolving, offering increasingly adorable aesthetics, it’s important not to overlook safety concerns and to prioritize healthy, chemical-free materials, such as solid wood. The latest addition to the baby bed lineup is the co-sleeping bed, which attaches to the parents’ bed and is making a splash in current interior design trends.
The Children's Bed: An Important Transition
Little ones love to show off their skills to their parents. Very quickly, they begin to express their desire for freedom and independence by trying to climb the rails of their cribs. There’s no mistaking it—it’s time to move on to a big-kid bed. A children’s bed provides a sense of security and gently supports their development. The design and values it embodies should be considered based on each family’s needs:
- The loft bed is close to the floor to prevent falls and encourage independence;
- The boat-shaped bed retains its protective sides, while leaving openings to make it easy to get in and out of bed;
- The loft bed and the bunk bed, which are accessed by a ladder, are reserved for older children for obvious safety reasons.
Adult Beds That Make a Difference
It’s impossible to talk about adult beds without mentioning the most practical models. The bed with drawers provides storage space, while the sleeper sofa offers real space-saving benefits in small spaces. The combination bed prioritizes comfort by providing optimal sleeping independence. Today, these functional solutions address the key challenges of design, making the constraints of everyday life more pleasant.
When it comes to style, there’s a wide variety to choose from. The timeless canopy bed sits alongside the Scandinavian bed with its clean, sleek lines. The contemporary bed pairs just as well with Japanese-inspired or industrial aesthetics. Meanwhile, beds made of natural materials—such as solid oak or rattan—appeal to fans of rustic, modern, or ethnic decor.
How do you choose a headboard?
Originally designed to insulate the bed from the cold coming through the wall, the headboard is now chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons. Sometimes padded or upholstered, it can be paired with built-in drawers or nightstands. Upholstery materials can be selected based on the bedroom’s ambiance or ease of maintenance. However, solid wood or natural fibers are preferable for health and environmental reasons. Another essential consideration is that the dimensions must be suited to the size of the bed frame so that the headboard doesn’t go unnoticed or appear out of proportion.
What kind of bed should you choose if you have back pain?
To choose the right bed if you have back pain, you need to pay attention to specific factors:
- The height of the bed should promote balance and be appropriate for the sleeper's height;
- A slatted bed base is recommended; it should consist of at least 16 slats—preferably wide and fixed—to enhance the support and firmness of the mattress;
- The electric bed is fully adjustable and helps relieve back pain or joint problems by allowing the sleeper to find the ideal position;
- The mattress must provide good support to ensure a good night’s sleep for people with back pain; keep in mind that memory foam mattresses or natural latex mattresses are highly recommended.
How can you properly care for your bed and mattress?
A well-maintained bed lasts longer over the years, but it also contributes to better health. In the bedroom, dust, dust mites, mold, and pollutants can cause a number of allergies and respiratory problems. A few simple steps can help minimize these risks:
- Ventilate the room for at least 10 minutes every day;
- Vacuum the mattress, box spring, and bed frame regularly;
- flip your mattress every 2 months;
- Change the bed linens once a week;
- Put the pillows and comforters out in the sun from time to time.
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