It’s not all about finding a bed that looks nice and suits your décor.  There are a few other factors that you may want to consider to make this purchase an investment for the future.  As we spend a 3^rd of our lives sleeping, it’s worth taking a little time and consideration when choosing the right bed frame. Here are just a few things you might want to think about before handing over your hard-earned cash.

Colour and style

As your bed is the largest piece of furniture within the bedroom it automatically becomes the focal point and therefore should be a statement piece.  As such it’s important the ensure it fits in with the rest of the décor.  Whether it’s a suede divan bed, a rustic wooden bed or even a four poster bed, you’ll want to take your time and shop around to find the perfect match that suits your own personal tastes.  With so many different beds available on the market it can be quite a daunting task but don’t feel pressured into making a hasty decision, as this will likely be an expensive purchase.

Robustness

With expense in mind you’ll likely want something that’s going to last you some time.  Cheap soft-wood bed frames are more likely to crack and break with heavy use, especially in kids’ rooms.  More durable frames such as metal of hard-wood are normally designed to last but can cost much more.  So, choose wisely, investing in a decent frame now could save you another reasonable purchase in the near future.  If possible, always test a bed before purchasing.  Check for build quality, weak joins and construction materials.  If buying online always read customer reviews and ensure the company has a decent returns policy.

Size

It’s important to always measure the size of a room before buying a bed.  Ensure you can navigate around the sides of the bed and have enough space for bedside tables etc.  It’s a good idea to mark out the area on your bedroom floor with some masking tape or even pillows to get a sense of the bed size.  In the UK there are six normal sizes available for bed frames and mattresses.  Starting with the smallest these are:

• Small single – 75cm x 190cm
• Single – 90cm x 190cm
• Small double – 120cm x 190cm
• Double – 135cm x 190cm
• King – 150cm x 190cm
• Super king – 180cm x 190cm

Height is also an important factor to consider, from both an overall height and a mattress (platform height) perspective.  A four poster or canopy bed will be tall and unsuitable for rooms with low ceilings so be sure to check this beforehand.  Box spring beds tend to be a little higher off the ground than platform beds so be sure to check which you require before starting your search.

Storage

If you are short on space you might be looking for a bed that has storage built in or has a reasonable amount of clearance so that items can be placed underneath the mattress.  If like me, you are looking for a bed that restricts access due to the collection of dust and dirt you’ll likely want a low-lying bed or something with pull out drawers.  Many modern and contemporary style beds have low lying mattresses whereas older style metal framed beds are normally higher off the ground.

Kids beds – The big bed transition

A first adult bed is a big deal for any child. It’s a massive milestone moment for both you and them. It also means finally getting rid of that bulky cot! There’s just one problem; even a child who thinks they can’t wait for the change, may struggle to adjust. Going from a cot to a bed is a big deal.  It’s changing everything they are used to at night time and you could be in for some disturbed nights whilst they adjust to the change.   The days and weeks after this transition can become a bedtime bedlam which leaves everyone missing out on sleep.

Consider a bed with sides for your kids

Those crib bars are likely one of the main reasons for your desire to change here. Up to a certain age, they become a hazard rather than a help. Yet, those bars create a real sense of safety for a little one. And, your child has been sleeping in that protection since day one. It should come as no surprise that not having anything on the edge of the bed could be a bit of a shock to the system. It could also stop them from getting the sleep they need. To make sure that doesn’t happen, consider a bed with sides. Character beds, for instance, often have raised sides. If you can’t find a bed which fits, you could even invest in rails which you attach. Over time, you may find your child can do without. But, these can make a massive difference during that transition period. It will also provide you with peace of mind that they can’t fall out in the night, or it’s less likely they will.

Conclusion

There are many more things that you might want to consider when buying a bed but hopefully you now know what to look for when buying a bed frame.  Just remember to research fully and take your time before making a purchase.  Making the wrong choice can be very frustrating, time consuming and costly.  Take a look at this infographic for more great ideas.