Beds reflect owners’ true personalities, styles

"Mr. Big Movie Star" hadn't quite attained superstar status when I first worked with him, but his quirky personality and reputed fascination for vampires and creatures of the insect kingdom were soon plainly evident to me.

I was asked to design a bed for his new home in the Hollywood Hills, whereupon he proudly handed me four boxes containing perfectly preserved Amazonian beetles that looked more like cockroaches on steroids than anything else. Once I learned that his plan was to display these creatures in his bed, night tables and TV cabinet (and stopped myself from fainting at the very thought), I suggested that I design the unit in the shape of a bat. This idea immediately caught his fancy (no surprise there) and we were off and running.

Actually, I'd been noticing for some time how most clients seemed to choose their bed design based on their likes, personality and style, which is perfectly appropriate and a darn good idea too because studies have found that we spend about a third of our life in bed.

So, whether it's modern or traditional design that appeals to you, choosing a bed style that you like has often, in my experience, been one of the very first items that comes up on a client's decorating list. There's little doubt that a client's choice will not only prove to be a reflection of the kind of person he or she is, but will actually define the entire feeling of the bedroom. And being the dominant design item, the bed is responsible for what he/she and others will experience when entering that space.

There are several main categories of bed styles that most of us choose from in this process, and your selection will not only be influenced by your personality and approach to life, but also by the ever-important considerations of space and budget.

Contemporary beds: are by and large characteristic of clean angles and rather simple designs, such as the platform, which is the generic term for any bed that has a raised, flat base and slats for support. It only requires a mattress and totally eliminates the box spring. It's a sleek look due to its clean lines, low headboard and little, if any, decoration. It's great for a minimalist look and for small spaces, and is often preferred by those who are straight-forward in their opinions and feel comfortable with a more impersonal look. (Note: It's been my experience that most American clients are happiest when sleeping on a mattress and box spring. I know I am. And this "look" can be simulated to some extent by having your box spring upholstered.)

Four poster and canopy beds: are often the choice of those who prefer the exotic to the mundane. They're usually ornate and appeal to those who choose to sleep in a more decadent atmosphere where they can tune out the world while sleeping on a theatrical "stage" 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 how far you'd like to go creating your own private haven, this look can be 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.

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 of us wanting style, elegance and sophistication in our bedroom. Its nostalgic look, no doubt, is due to the fact that this style resembles the shape of a horse-drawn sleigh. It's definitely not your average bed, but still one of my best-selling designs when characterized by exaggerated head and footboards for an extremely, over-the-top glamorous look.

Brass and wrought iron beds: have the ability to take us back to a simpler, less hectic time and maybe bring us some respite from today's fast-paced world. These beds will appeal to those with a more traditional and even an old-fashioned mind-set as they conjure up feelings of Old World elegance and charm.

Consider which of the above styles or themes you want your bedroom to have. Consider the finish and construction that will blend with the overall look of your bedroom. Be sure to take into account the size of your bedroom, the ceiling height, the bed height, the lighting and certainly the size of the person or couple that will be sleeping in the bed. You might even consider the location in the room. All these factors should go into your final choice as you keep in mind that choosing the right bed style for yourself is, without a doubt, the most important consideration for bedroom decorating.

When all is said and done, you'll find that it really isn't necessary to "break the bank" when buying a bed that complements your décor. Just be sure to keep in mind that bed styles do range from simple to elaborate, large to small, and metal to wood. Your preference in style will always reflect your personality because the bedroom is the one place in your home where you can "let your hair down" and be the person you really are.

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

Stephen Leon is a licensed interior designer and president of Soleil Design International; he has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years. He has served on the board of directors 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 stephen@soleildesigninter
national.com.