If you’re about to buy a new bed, you surely know it’s no small investment. That’s why it’s important to choose carefully and find one you’ll be happy with and that will serve you well for many years. We’ll advise you on how to navigate the endless number of models on the market today and how to choose the right bed for your ideas and needs. So let’s get started.
1. Bed price
We’ll start with a somewhat unusual criterion. But often the budget is the first thing we’re clear about, and we have to go by it. If you’re looking for something affordable, the simplest solution is to buy a bed frame and fit it with a suitable bed base and a quality mattress. Don’t worry that the price will come at the expense of quality or design – today the range of beds is so wide that it’s no problem to choose well even in a lower price range.
2. Bed construction
You probably already know, who you’re buying the new bed for and where it will go. Its construction should be chosen accordingly. The most common types are classic single and double beds. Especially in children’s rooms, bunk beds with two beds stacked on top of each other are popular for saving space, as are loft beds, where the bed is “upstairs” and the space underneath can be used, for example, for a desk. Another solution for children’s or guest rooms is a trundle bed. A classic single bed has, instead of storage space at the bottom, a pull-out bed for occasional sleeping.
3. Bed size
We should have enough space and comfort while sleeping. You can use a simple formula to calculate, the minimum length your bed should have: add 20-25 cm to your height. For a double bed, the size should be calculated based on the taller partner. The standard bed length is 200 cm, but that may not be enough for taller people. The bed width is usually 90 cm for a single bed and 160 or 180 cm for a double bed. You’ll also find many non-standard sizes: a 110-120 cm wide single bed for extra comfort, 140 cm as a king-size single or a smaller double, 200 cm or more for an extra-large double bed. If you have enough space in your house or apartment, definitely treat yourself to a larger bed for maximum comfort. You’ll see it’s worth it!
4.Bed height (sleeping surface)
Besides the length and width of the bed, there’s a third dimension: the height of the bed or sleeping surface. Note that we don’t mean the overall height of the bed including the headboard, which manufacturers usually state. So don’t hesitate to ask about the height of the sleeping surface. The standard is 40–50 cm, for children’s beds around 40 cm. The recommended minimum bed height is 25 cm (without the headboard). At this height we are protected from the cold coming off the floor and we don’t breathe in stirred-up dust. Some people feel better in a low bed, but keep in mind that it is harder to get up from (you have to rise from a squat), and it can also be impractical when making the bed and changing the linen. On the other hand, a higher bed (around 60 cm) makes getting up very easy – you step out of it with your legs almost straight. That is why it is suitable for seniors and people with joint problems. The height of the bed can also be adjusted by choosing the mattress and an adjustable bed base.
5.Bed materials
Solid wood, particleboard, metal or upholstery? The material the bed is made of is also one of its important features. Which one you choose depends mainly on your budget and taste. Follow the style and colors you already have in your bedroom so that the bed fits in nicely and completes a harmonious whole. We hope we have helped you find your way through the various criteria for choosing the ideal bed for you. Choose carefully and don’t be afraid to ask the manufacturer or retailer about anything you want to know. After all, as the legendary Czech actress and comedian Helena Růžičková said: “Even if a person had ten homes with three hundred beds in them, they can only ever sleep in one.”
Could you also use a mattress or a bed base for your new bed? Browse our Benab mattress catalogs!