Beds: Five Important Shopping Decisions

When you’re shopping for a new bed there are many different choices and directions you can go when choosing the bed that’s right for you. Whether you’re into traditional or modern bedroom furniture choosing the size, materials or where your bed is made can be important decisions when you’re ready to add that new bed to your décor. In this article we’ll look at the five most important points to consider when selecting a new bed and how that choice can be an extension of your own style and tastes.

1. Choosing your bed based on style. Now lets be honest, each one of us has a unique style all our own and we like to express that style through the furniture, artwork and home accessories we have around us. Choosing a bed fits into this much the same way. If your tastes are traditional, modern or transitional you’ll want to keep the style of bed you choose in that same range to better coordinate with the rest of your home.

2. Finding the right construction materials. Today’s furniture is offered in a wide array of materials ranging from solid hardwoods such as oak, maple and hickory to more industrial steels with powder coat finishes. Besides domestic hardwoods and steel many of today’s beds are also being offered in upholstery such as fabric or leather while many others are introducing glass or other transparent materials to create unique designs. You’ll want to find a nice cross between materials that are strong and durable but also blend in nicely with your bedroom décor.

3. Should I buy import or domestic? Another interesting choice in beds is the fact you can choose from beds made overseas in places like Europe or Asia. Maybe you’re interested in imported beds closer to home found in North America from Canada or Mexico. Or maybe you’re ready to choose a bed made in the United States. Selecting a bed based on where it is made can be a choice that many of us find to be an important factor in our purchasing decision.

4. Choose your bed based on availability. Many of us want what we want and we want it now. That is perfectly acceptable and in fact understandable. There are manufacturers who mass produce beds in a specific style and color. These beds will often be available in a warehouse for quick delivery. However there are also manufacturers who make your bed to order just for you. These beds typically can be customized with special options, woods, metal finishes or other features that you choose. These beds may take longer to receive but allow you more choices to make the bed to your own style.

5. Figuring out the size of bed you need. This may actually be one of the easiest things to overlook when choosing a new bed. The size of bed you’ve been living with for years may not be the size you want to stick with but you’ve become so used to the bed you’re not quite ready to make a change yet. Look at the size of your room and who will be using the bed and ask yourself the following:

A.) Is the bed size currently in the room too large for the room?
B.) Is there enough space to fit a larger size bed into the space?
C.) Are we not satisfied with the current size of our bed?
D.) Do we have any issues with feet going over the end of our bed?
E.) Has the bed become uncomfortable because it’s too small?

If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions then it’s time to consider a change in the size of your bed. The majority of bed sizes sold throughout North America is the queen size bed. Here is a list of sizes that are available to you. I’m sure some of them you’re familiar with while others may be new to you.

- Twin Size (39 in. x 75 in.)
- Full Size (54 in. x 75 in.)
- Queen Size (60 in. x 80 in.)
- King Size (76 in. x 80 in.)

- Twin Extra Long XL (39 in. x 80 in.)
- Full Extra Long XL (54 in. x 80 in.)
- California King (72 in. x 85 in.)

In this article we’ve discussed the five most important points to consider when buying a new bed. Choosing the right style bed for your décor. This means selecting from traditional, transitional or modern designs that fit in with your own personal tastes. Finding the right construction materials means you’ll be picking from wood, metal or glass in the bedroom furniture you’ll find while shopping. Making the decision between import or domestic products can also be a choice you’ll want to make. There are many designs made in Europe and Asia from exotic materials and these can be a unique addition to your own home décor. Or you can choose from domestic bed designs made in the United States from craftsmen who bench build beds based on options and finishes you choose. Finding a bed based on availability may also be something to consider depending on how quickly you need somethingversus having a bed made to more specific choices that better suit your own needs. Finally you’ll want to determine the right size of bedfor your space. Taking a look at the size of bed you currently have, the size of your space and if you’re currently comfortable can be the difference to making a better night’s sleep.