17 Types of Beds Explained

Which bed type is right for you 

 

Apart from differences between beds such as bed sizes, there are different types of beds depending on the type of base. 

 

This is a brief overview of the types of beds to give you some inspiration if you are looking for a new bed. 

 

Here is a list of different bed types you may come across when looking for a new bed:

  1. Platform beds
  2. Box spring beds
  3. Divan beds
  4. Ottoman beds
  5. Trundle beds
  6. Futon beds
  7. Convertible sofa beds
  8. Bunk beds
  9. Loft beds
  10. Canopy beds
  11. Adjustable beds
  12. Smart beds
  13. Murphy beds
  14. Storage beds
  15. Day beds
  16. Adjustable air beds
  17. Water beds 

 

As there is plenty to choose from you probably want to know what criteria to use when choosing a bed and which bed type will be right for you.

 

Choosing the right bed 

What bed is right for me?

 

The type of bed which is right for you will depend on your body built, sleeping position, whether you need to use the space under the bed for storage, as well as your bedroom size and your individual taste in design style. 

 

Bed selection criteria 

 

What to look at when choosing a bed?

 

Which bed features are important when choosing a bed? What’s marketing noise and which features really improve your sleep? There is a lot of noise around bed offers, promotions, special features etc. What really matters is the combination of support and softness the bed gives. 

 

The most important decision impacting your sleep comfort is the choice between a platform bed and a box spring. So I will start with these two types of beds and cover some more details about them. Then I will briefly describe the other types. 

 

 

Types of bed frames

Box spring vs solid bed frame

 

The choice between a box spring and a platform bed is the main decision you need to make when buying a bed base. 



Platform beds

 

What is a platform bed?

 

A platform bed is a sturdy base with a solid top surface, which supports the mattress.

It’s more durable than a box spring and more affordable too. This type of bed often comes with storage, however not as much storage as other types, as platform beds are often lower than others. 

 

No need for a box spring

Platform beds don’t require a box spring and it’s fairly easy to match them with the mattress. They provide strong, firm support and some sleepers may find them too firm. 

 

In terms of the design, platform beds can have a classic or a modern, sleek look and they are usually made of wood or metal. 

 

A variant or this bed type is a frame with a slatted top (with solid or spring slats). 



 

Box spring bed

 

What is a box spring?

 

A box spring is a type of bed base – a box made of a wooden frame with springs in the top part and covered with fabric. It firms up the mattress providing a solid foundation and giving some softness at the same time. A box spring makes the mattress softer, more comfortable and allows better airflow. It Protects the mattress from the shock of motions and can extend its lifespan. It can also provide an extra height to the bed. 

 

The drawbacks of a box spring are its higher cost and that it may be noisy. 

 

If you decide to go for a spring box, make sure that the size matches the size of the mattress



Do I need a box spring?

 

Whether you need a boxspring depends on your mattress and the type of bed frame.

You will need a box spring if you want to:

  • have extra support
  • increase the bed height
  • improve airflow 

 

 

More types of beds

 

Divan beds

 

What is a divan bed?

 

A divan bed is a bed with a box base and a mattress on it. Divan beds offer practical storage space, are durable and budget-friendly. 

You will find more about divan beds here:



 

Ottoman beds

 

What are ottoman beds?

 

Ottoman beds are a variant of divan beds with ottoman storage, where the top board of the bed lifts up. It can open up at the end or on the side of the bed. 

 

 

Trundle beds

 

What is a trundle bed?

 

A trundle bed is a 2-in-1 type of bed with two separate single mattresses, so two people can sleep separately. The lower bed has wheels and can be pulled out or stored under the main bed.



 

Futon beds

 

What is a futon bed?

 

A futon bed is a type of sofa bed with a wooden frame and a flexible mattress. Because the mattress is flexible, it can be rolled out or folded up. The convertible frame can serve as a bed base or as a sofa. A futon mattress can be used without the frame, directly on the floor – this is how it was used originally. 

 

Futon beds are good for small spaces and they are surprisingly comfortable too. 

 

 

Convertible sofa beds

 

What is a sofa bed?

 

A sofa bed is a multifunctional type of furniture, which can serve as a sofa or can be pulled out and used as a bed. They are a good solution for guest rooms or living rooms where they can be used as a couch or for guests staying over. 

 

 

Bunk beds

What is a bunk bed? 

Bunk beds are where one bed frame is mounted on top of another. They are great space savers and a very popular solution for kids. 

 

 

Loft beds

What are loft beds?

Loft beds are similar to bunk beds. The difference is that instead of the lower bed the space under the top bed is used for a desk, storage or play area for kids.

 

 

Canopy beds

What is a canopy bed?

A canopy bed has four tall posts on the corners with a frame on top. This type of bed is a practical solution where you can hang a mosquitera or it simply can add style to your bedroom. 

 

 

Adjustable beds

What are adjustable beds?

Adjustable beds are electric powered beds where the head and foot areas can be raised. They can be regulated with a remote control or a smartphone app and some have storage space underneath.

 

Some extra features you can get with adjustable beds include:

  • Massager
  • Anti-snore mode
  • Zero gravity feature
  • Head tilt feature
  • USB charging ports
  • Smartphone app controls 

 

 

Smart beds

What are smart beds? 

Smart beds are an extended version of adjustable beds. Apart from the option to change the height of specific bed areas, they have built in various gadgets, which makes them a great thing for tech lovers. The features of smart beds may include:

  • underbed lights
  • sleep trackers 
  • voice control
  • built-in TV
  • sound system 
  • temperature control 




 

Murphy bed

What are Murphy beds?

Murphy beds, also called a pull down or wall beds can be stored vertically against the wall. They are fantastic space savers and can have very attractive modern designs. 

Storage beds

The term storage beds may refer to other types of beds I talk about here, such as divan beds, ottoman beds, loft beds and other types of beds where you can use the space under the bed for storage. 

Day beds

What are day beds?

Day beds are convertible beds which can function as a couch, shezlong or bed.

They often come with storage and can be of a double or single size. 

 

 

Adjustable air beds

What are adjustable air beds?

Adjustable air beds usually have one or two air chambers in the mattress. The unique feature of an adjustable air bed is the possibility to choose the amount of air inside the bed chambers and the softness of the mattress. Adding more air makes the mattress firmer while deflating it makes it softer. 

 

 

Water beds

 

What is a water bed?

A water bed is a bed with a mattress filled with water. They are very comfortable as they minimise pressure and help relax the muscles surrounding the spine. People suffering from back pain can manage pain by using this type of bed. Moreover, they can come as heated waterbeds, where you can regulate the temperature.

 

 

Types of beds for small rooms

 

What are the best beds for small rooms? 

 

If you are looking for a space-saving solution, these are the types of beds which help you use space most efficiently. Depending on your needs and design preferences you may choose: 

  • Trundle bed
  • Murphy bed
  • Bunk bed
  • Day bed
  • Futon bed
  • Convertible sofa bed 
  • Divan bed