It’s the centrepiece of a room where you’ll spend lots of your time, but selecting a bed is no easy feat. The perfect bed isn’t just the ticket to an incredible sleep, but it will also be the thing that ties your bedroom together stylistically – the focal point that establishes the tone for the rest of your decor.

So, if you’re thinking about purchasing a new bed, there’s more to it than a cushy mattress. Consider everything from the headboard to your bedding and linens as a step towards curating an idyllic and dreamy place to sleep. Sound easier said than done? You’re right, but with a few handy design tools up your sleeve, and some valuable knowledge, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge. Keep reading to get started on your journey to discovering the right bed for you and your space.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A NEW BED

Like we’ve already established, purchasing a bed is a huge step, whether you’re starting from scratch in a new home or are replacing an old faithful with an exciting upgrade. There are a few elements to be considered, including the actual bed frame or Headboard and Base combo, as well as styling factors like your bedding and decor items, including throw pillows and blankets. Let’s start with the foundations – the bed itself.

Deciding on your format

First things first, you’ll want to decide whether you’re going for an all-in-one bed, or whether you prefer a bed base and bed head combination. Each of these have their pros and cons, but here’s a quick wrap-up of each that should help you make your decision.

A bed frame is one piece, which means that you’ll only have to click ‘add to cart’ once, and hey presto – your perfect bed, sorted! They’re extremely convenient in terms of instant styling, and ensure that you aren’t scrambling as you try to make two pieces work together aesthetically. But, on the other hand, they do have a certain rigidity that some people – possibly the more experienced interior lovers amongst us – aren’t convinced by. You’ll have less choice and will need to be very sure that you’re happy with your bed, as taking apart and modifying bed frames is difficult. They’re also harder to move, so if you live a nomadic lifestyle, you might prefer different choices.

That takes us to the alternative, the Complete bed, combo. It gives the creative and agile decorator a way to tick all of the boxes in once, combining (for instance) a soft and comfortable fabric headboard with the matching boxes as a base. You’ll need to triple-check that there’s an easy and stable way to pair the two pieces together, by using the bed base and mattress to anchor your headboard to the wall.

Picking a headboard

If you’ve decided to combine a headboard with a bed base to create a beautiful place to catch some sleep, then your first step is deciding on the right headboard. This should almost always take precedence over selecting a bed base, as the bed head will be the focal piece of the room and is likely to be more intricate or eye-catching than the base, which is partially hidden by your bedding.

There are two common types of Headboards – wooden and upholstered. Just like many other elements you’ll have to consider throughout the bed-buying process, there are upsides and downsides; pluses and minuses. It’s all about working out what suits you, your style and your unique living and family situation, so keep these in your mind as you decide.

Wooden bed frames are versatile, durable and make a bold statement that can be tailored to your own individual design tendencies. They’ll last an age if you take care of them well (like you would any other wooden piece, with regular dusting and polishing) and often are adaptable enough to transcend trends. However, keep in mind that if you like to lean back in bed with a book, to do some work or to watch your favourite show, then you might need to rethink your choice of wooden headboard – or at least invest in some style cushions to rest your head against. Wooden pieces are also heavy, which means they’ll be harder to move or shift if necessary.

As we always recommend, look to the influences and elements that are already present in your other furniture and decor pieces, and find ways to translate them into your new purchase.

On the other hand, you’ve got the option of an upholstered headboard. They’re softer, both in look and physical feel, and give your bedroom a cosy yet chic look. Upholstered headboards are great if you spend a lot of time propped up in bed, as they present an instantaneous place to rest your head and chill out in the mornings and at night. You’ve got a huge range of materials at your fingertips, too, including velvet, linen, cotton, boucle and even leather, which makes an upholstered headboard just as versatile as a choice as a wooden one.

The last thing to evaluate when picking out a headboard is the size. You’ll want to ensure that it’s not just the appropriate width for your mattress and bed base, but that it’s the right height. Measure from where the headboard element starts to the top and use this figure to inform whether it’s the right choice for you – a too-tall piece will look awkward, whereas a piece that falls short will create discomfort when you’re resting up against it in bed.

Choosing a bed base

With a beautiful headboard ready to go, it’s time to talk bed bases. They’re arguably not as crucial visually as the headboard, but functionally, are a key thing to consider, as they’ll be responsible for supporting your weight every night for years to come.

There are a few types of bed base around, including those that are flat to the floor, bed bases with legs, and pieces that incorporate a ‘footboard’. Where a piece that’s flat to the floor might not look as chic, it’s your best option for stability and structural integrity, as it will completely support the mattress, your bedding, and you! Many bed bases in this style are very simplistic, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, you’ll be able to find something that really suits your aesthetic.

Whatever style of bed base you choose, it’s important that it works for your own household needs. Ask yourself: Does this base support the weight of who’s sleeping in the bed? Does it complement the other pieces in the room? How about the headboard – do the two items mesh together well? Is it the right height to facilitate comfortable sleep the way I like it, and does it fit physically with my mattress? Considering each of these things throughout the buying process will guarantee you’re able to get wear out of your new bed base, and that a peaceful night’s sleep is an everyday occurrence.

Selecting a bed frame

If you’ve decided, on the other hand, to go the bed frame route, your decisions will be condensed into one. However, it’s just as important to find the right fit here than it is when working with multiple pieces. There’s a huge range of bed frame styles out there on the market so, let’s explore a few things that’ll guide you through this selection process.

Just like finding the right headboard and bed base, you’ll need to think about aesthetics, and whether the bed itself suits your needs. Because bed frames have a built-in headboard, the same principles of comfort apply. But, you’ll also need to think about size more closely when purchasing an all-in-one bed frame, as they’re inherently configured to suit a specific mattress size. Be sure to really eye off those measurements, including elevation and headboard height, before you bite the bullet on a new bed frame.

Sourcing the perfect bedding and decor

With everything else locked and loaded, the last step is the fun part – styling! Your bed is a huge opportunity (both figuratively and literally!) to express your unique style in your bedroom, and creating something that looks good is bound to translate into feeling good.

Starting with bedding and linens, you’ll pick out sheets and a bedspread or quilt cover. So, what’s the difference? Well, a bedspread (also known as a comforter) doesn’t require a quilt insert, meaning you can dress up your bed and transform the space in one simple step. However, these are traditionally thinner and more suited to the summer months or those who like to add warmth to their bed in other ways, with blankets and so on. On the other hand, a quilt cover requires an insert purchased separately. This gives you more flexibility, as you can purchase a whole range of quilts, including extra-warm, summer-friendly and hypoallergenic, allowing you to switch it up as necessary.

When it comes to the design of your bed, there are so many gorgeous options – and they seem to keep on coming practically every day! This is your chance to really express your own personal style and reflect other elements of the room to create a beautiful and cohesive look. Consider pulling out accent colours from the room and splashing them across the bed to make a bold statement, or using neutrals to draw the eye to a particular focal point. Patterns and textures are also on the table, with trends from boucle to gingham making their way onto our beds.

The final step is adding those final touches; the accents that can make a bed feel warm and inviting. Consider a throw blanket at the foot of the bed for warmth, a touch of colour or texture, and some more versatility. Cushions and pillows give the bed a cosy feel and are must-haves if you like to sit up in bed to work, read or watch television. Some might prefer traditional, small cushions whereas others will love a large, overstuffed pillow to prop themselves up as they relax. Be sure to play with these elements and try different arrangements and colour schemes until you feel as if your bed looks like a welcoming paradise – yes, that’s the benchmark!

The process of buying a bed is undeniably full of decisions, but it doesn’t have to be complicated – in fact, it’s full of fun and many an opportunity to really show off what makes your style and point of view unique. Start out with the bed itself, and then move onto the practicalities before topping it off with the stylish stuff!

Of course, if you don’t know where to start on your bed-buying journey, right here’s a pretty good place – our wide range of chic and expertly constructed beds has something for everyone.