Best Beds

Types of beds

When we talk about beds, we’re talking about a bed base or a bed frame - that is, the structure that your mattress sits on top of. The type of bed you choose will depend on your style preference, your storage needs, and your budget.

Timber beds

Timber beds are the most popular bed type in Australia. Wooden bed frames are versatile style-wise - they can be traditional and understated, or more ornate with carved headboards and other features. If you want a bed frame with storage, timber beds are most likely to have drawers underneath, letting you make the most of the space under your bed.

Timber beds may also be easier to match with the other furniture in your room, as most bedroom furniture is wooden. Some brands also sell matching sets, such as bedside tables or a set of drawers that match your bed - taking a lot of the work out of interior decorating for you.

Bed slats

If you’re shopping for a timber, metal, or upholstered bed, you’ll likely hear about bed slats, which are the series of planks that lie across the width of a bed. They’re usually made from a strong wood, and can be bought separately to a bed, making them easily replaceable if some slats break.

There are two types of bed slats - neither is better than the other, and people’s choice in bed slats almost always boils down to their own sleeping preferences.

Solid bed frame slats are straight planks, and are often made from a sturdy wood such as pine.

Sprung bed frame slats are slightly curved or bowed, and are usually made from more flexible wood.

Metal beds

Metal beds are highly durable, and can look great in modern spaces, particularly if you’re going for a more industrial aesthetic. They offer up clean lines, and are less susceptible to showing the signs of general wear and tear.

Upholstered beds

The bedframe of an upholstered bed is constructed with wood or metal, but these beds are covered in upholstery - that is, the frame is padded and wrapped in fabric. They can give your room a luxurious feel, particularly if the bed is upholstered in a more lavish fabric such as velvet.

You can find beds with or without headboards or bed heads. One advantage of an upholstered bed is that if it has a headboard, it’ll likely be quite comfortable to lean against. This may be more important for people who like to sit up in bed, for example to read or to watch television. If you do this and you sleep with a lot of cushions, then there may be little difference between an upholstered headboard and stacking up your cushions against a timber or metal headboard.

Ensemble beds

An ensemble base consists of a bed base and a mattress that is made to suit your base, making it a great option for bed buyers who don’t have a mattress yet, or are worried about their mattress not ‘perfectly’ fitting their frame (although if you’re investing in a good quality base this generally shouldn’t be a problem).

Beds for children

Choosing the right bed can help your child sleep better. Because children’s rooms are often smaller, consider getting a loft bed, which is a bunk bed with a desk underneath.

You can also get kids beds - that is, beds specifically made for children - which can be even smaller than a single bed. They can also come in interesting designs, such as a princess bed or a car bed - although you should consider the possibility of your child outgrowing these quickly.

Other bed types

• Adjustable beds: Adjustable beds (also known as ‘electric bed bases’ can be controlled to adjust the angle and position of your mattress, making them versatile for different sleeping and sitting positions. These folding beds are great for elderly people or those undergoing physical rehabilitation, as lying at an angle can help ease swelling or poor circulation.
• Bunk beds: Bunk beds are two beds stacked on top of each other, and are most often made from timber or metal. They’re space saving, and a good option for kids, however you should double check a bunk bed’s safety features before purchasing one (such as rails on the top bunk to stop the person sleeping in it from falling off).
• Futon beds: A futon bed is a bed that can also fold up into a sofa, and because of this, they’re designed for thinner mattresses which can easily fold up into a seat (making these unsuitable for those who want more support in their mattress).
• Trundle beds: A trundle bed is a bed that has a second bed underneath it, which is pulled out like a drawer when it needs to be used. They’re a good way to save space, and can be a good option for a parent or parents sharing a room with their child, or for those just wanting an extra bed when they have visitors over.
• Canopy beds: A canopy bed, or four poster bed, can give your bedroom a decadent, regal feel. Having curtains and hanging linen can help keep you warm during winter, but these beds are generally a lot more time-consuming and difficult to clean than other beds.

Bed sizes

Often bed retailers will urge you to buy the biggest bed you can fit in your room in an effort to upsell, but just because a king size bed fits in your room, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

For a bed to be comfortable, the mattress should be at least 10cm longer than the tallest person who’ll be sleeping on it. If a tall person will be sleeping on the bed, you should also consider getting a bed with a low (or no) footboard so that they can stretch out easily.

If you’re unsure which sized bed suits you, here are the different options for mattress sizes:

• Single: 92 x 188cm
• King single: 107 x 203cm
• Double: 138 x 188cm
• Queen: 153 x 203cm
• King: 183 x 203cm
• Super king: 203 x 203cm

Beds for smaller spaces

When outfitting a smaller bedroom, a storage bed may help you put the little space you have to good use. These styles can come with built-in drawers under your mattress, so you can do away with a tallboy.

When measuring up your bedroom to determine how big of a bed you want or need, take into consideration that some beds take up more space than the mattress which lies on top of them. If you’re looking to save space, you might want to consider opting for a frame without a chunky headboard or footboard. Finding out the dimensions of your bed, and not just your mattress, will help you plan out your room accordingly.

An often-overlooked size consideration is the height of your bed. If you have a bedroom on the smaller side or with low ceilings, getting a higher bed could potentially make your room seem smaller than it is.

Bed quality and maintenance

Generally, the more expensive the bed, the higher quality it is - however there are lots of good quality beds at affordable price points. For timber beds, going in store and checking the weight and solidity can sometimes be a telltale sign of its quality (good quality wood is generally heavier, and a well-designed bed shouldn’t be wiggling when you apply any pressure to it).

Taking care of your bed may also improve the chances of you enjoying them for years to come. Tighten the screws on a bed frame every six months - this will prevent it from becoming loose which can also stop any creaking that occurs.

For timber and metal frames, you can give them a quick wipe down every week to get rid of any dust and allergens. If allergies are still an issue despite regular cleaning, consider investing in a high quality mattress protector that protects you from irritants in your mattress.

Cleaning an upholstered bed can be a bit trickier, as fabric is a bigger bacteria magnet. You should be vacuuming an upholstered headboard weekly, and also using a fabric disinfectant spray to treat the surface of your bed.

Assembling a bed

Assembly is usually just needed for timber and metal beds, although you can find other bed types that need assembling. While it may sound like a bit of a drag buying a bed that needs assembling (not all beds come with instructions as straightforward as those of Ikea beds), these beds are also a lot easier to transport around, fit between doors, and carry up stairs.

Consider the layout of your home and where your new bed will be - you may be better off with a bed frame rather than a bed base if the bedroom it’s going to isn’t easily accessible.

How much should you spend on a bed?

For a queen bed frame, prices can range anywhere from $89 to over $20000, with most priced between $300 and $1500.

Because of the amount of time we spend in bed (almost 3000 hours a year if you’re getting 8 hours a night) and the importance of quality sleep, a bed may be a long-term investment. If this is the case for you, think down the line - not just about how you’ll use it now, but how you could use it years down the line when your circumstances may change.

Spending more can often ensure you get a bed that lasts, so you can avoid the hassle of finding yourself back at square one when your bed gives out and you have to buy another one. For many, you can’t put a price on sleeping safe and sound. With that being said, not everyone is in a position to fork out loads of money on a bed, so as long as you’re considering what you yourself want and need from your bed, then you’re off to an excellent start.