Choosing right bed is a very personal decision

Most of us choose a bed design based on our likes, personality and style, which seems perfectly appropriate because studies have found that we spend about a third of our lives in bed. Consequently it goes without saying that your bed should be the most comfortable piece of furniture you own.

And with the bed being the focal point of the bedroom, it probably has the most effect on your mood because while your actual physical comfort is provided chiefly by your mattress set, your mental comfort (which is just as important) is, no doubt, influenced to a large extent by the design and statement of your bed. It’s a given that different styles of beds work for different people and different bedrooms, but one thing is for sure: It’s always the dominant design element chiefly responsible for what one experiences when entering that space.

Whether you’re elegant and sophisticated, or casual and whimsical, whether minimalist, eclectic, classic or bohemian, choosing a bed style that you like has often been, in my experience, one of the very first items that comes up on a client’s decorating list. Often a client’s choice will not only prove to be a reflection of the kind of person he or she is but will define the entire feeling of the bedroom.

With beds taking up as much area as they often do in a room, it’s wise to first map out the available space before deciding on your bed. Keep in mind the time-honored saying: Measure twice and cut once.

I suggest using painters tape on the carpet or flooring to measure out the size and location of the bed. Be sure to allow extra space for a frame with a headboard and footboard and not just for the mattress size.

It’s always wise to make sure that the bed and frame will allow a comfortable amount of space in the room. This might seem overly simplistic, but, believe me, mistakes are often made, and small rooms may often wind up with some very large beds and closet doors that don’t open all the way.

Because the bed you choose sets the tone for your room, try to select one that fits well with your existing decor. There are several main categories of bed styles that most of us choose from in this process.

Your selection will not only be influenced by your personality and approach to life but also by the considerations of space and budget. Among the most popular choices are the following:

n Contemporary beds have a sleek look and are characterized by clean lines, low headboard and little or no decoration. A platform is the generic term for any bed that has a raised, flat base and slats for support.

It requires a mattress only and eliminates the box spring while offering an appealing modern look. It’s great for a minimalist look and great for small spaces and is often preferred by those who are straight-forward in their opinions and feel comfortable with a more impersonal look.

A wonderful alternative to the slats is a fully upholstered box spring, which appears much like the deck of a sofa or chair, as it can help make changing the bed linens a less arduous task while saving fingernails at the same time. Personally, I heartily recommend this alternative.

n Four poster and canopy beds are often the choice of those who prefer the exotic to the mundane. This style is more often than not ornate and appeals to those who choose to sleep in a more decadent atmosphere where they can tune out the world while sleeping on a theatrical “stage” sometimes adorned with drapes and/or canopy.

The possibilities are endless but always romantic and of great appeal to those with style and panache. Depending upon just how far you choose to go in creating your own private haven, this look can become expensive. When fully draped and canopied, this type of bed is best suited to large, open bedrooms with high ceilings in order to ensure a balanced look.

n Sleigh beds are characteristic of a curved and rather large and regal looking headboard and footboard. Once again, this type of bed will most often appeal to those wanting style, elegance and sophistication in their bedroom. This creates a nostalgic look largely due to the fact that the style resembles the shape of a horse-drawn sleigh.

n Brass and wrought iron beds have the ability to take us back to a simpler, less hectic time and, in doing so, help to bring us some respite from today’s fast-paced world. These beds will no doubt appeal to those with a more traditional and even an old-fashioned mindset as they conjure feelings of old world charm and elegance.

Consider which of the above styles or themes you would like to have in your own bedroom. Consider, if you will, the finish and construction that will best blend with the overall look of your decor.

Be sure to take into account the size of your bedroom, the ceiling height, the bed height, the lighting and the size of the person or couple that will be sleeping in the bed. You might even go so far as to consider the location of the room.

All of these factors should go into your final choice as you keep in mind that choosing the right bed style is, without a doubt, the most important and fundamental consideration for your bedroom and just may be the most basic expression of your personality.

My advice as to the size of the bed you should get: Get the biggest one your bedroom and budget will allow.

Stephen Leon is a licensed interior designer and president of Soleil Design (www.soleildezine.com); he has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years. He is past president of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and is a certified professional in green residential design. Questions can be sent to soleildesign@cox.net.