How to buy a bed

What Kind of Children's Bed Do I Need?

The most popular size of bed for a child’s room is the twin or single bed. Twin beds are 39” wide and 75” long. The twin X-long or extra long single bed, is the same width as the twin but is 5” longer, and might be better suited for a teen’s room because of the additional length. If you want to purchase a custom size mattress or bed, take into account that many bedding manufacturers will offer sheets and comforters designed especially for children in twin sizes only.

A captain’s bed is also called a mate’s bed. By placing the mattress on top of a set of drawers or a combination of drawers and cubbyholes, it converts the unused space beneath the bed into a convenient storage area.  To add even more storage options, select a captain’s bed with a bookcase headboard. If you are decorating the room for two children, using matching captain’s beds would be an ideal way of defining each child’s individual space. It is also an excellent choice for eliminating one more place monsters can hide.

A trundle bed is essentially two beds in one. The second bed pulls out from underneath the first when needed and can be retracted when not in use. The majority of trundle beds are available in just twin size, which is the main reason this type of bed is popular for a child’s room. Perfect for sleepovers or unexpected guests, a trundle bed is more convenient and manageable than an air mattress. Trundle beds slide in and out on a type of track system, much like a large drawer, that might or might not include casters. When the extra bed is no longer needed, the trundle compartment of some models can be used as a storage area by removing the mattress.

A common choice when decorating a small or shared bedroom, the bunk bed is basically two beds stacked one on top of the other. Utilizing the space in the room vertically rather than horizontally, this saves the floor space for other interesting things like a chest of drawers, a toy chest or a desk with hutch. Supported by four poles at each corner of the bed, the top bunk is typically accessed by a ladder and is either fully or semi enclosed by railings to prevent the child from falling out of bed. Most styles of bunk beds will break down into two free standing beds: should more space become available or they simply outgrow the bunk bed style, this will give you the option of giving them separate beds without have to purchase new ones.

A variation on the bunk bed, the loft bed is essentially the top bunk only, providing free space beneath the bed for a study or activity area. Loft beds are available in a variety of configurations and materials, including storage drawers and cubbyholes, built-in or free standing desks or activity tables. Combining the loft bed concept with the bunk bed, another version of the loft bed allows the bottom bunk to be free standing beneath the upper bunk, and might include a desk and optional storage.

The four poster bed is a timeless choice for a child’s bedroom. Depending on the style of the décor, they can be country charming, dramatically whimsical or comfortably sporty. They are characterized by four posts at each corner that are of equal or varying height. The most popular construction material for four poster beds is wood. Classic in style and elegant in design, a four poster can last through the young adult years, simply by removing and/or replacing the furniture the child’s outgrown and updating the bedding and color scheme.

Still the number one choice for princess themed rooms, the canopy bed is a four poster bed with a covering. Canopies can be made of a variety of materials, even roped wire detailing. To soften the dramatic appearance of the four poster bed, select a fabric canopy with a border frill or one with draped swatches. A canopy frame can be added to most four poster beds where the posts of the bed are of equal height. When purchasing a canopy bed, confirm if the material is or is not included; some manufacturers will not include the canopy fabric, allowing you the option to match it to your curtains, bedding and/or color scheme. Typically chosen to decorate girls’ room, a canopy bed can be the perfect focal point in a boy’s room, depending on the material and style.

Sleigh beds are characterized by elegant, curving lines and a distinctive, romantic feel. The height of the headboard determines how eye-catching the bed will be as a focal point in the room; the taller the headboard/footboard, the more it will dominate the room. For decorating a child’s bedroom, if you want the feel of a sleigh bed but would like to minimize its visual impact, select a shorter headboard. Originally a style associated with the Victorian era, sleigh beds for children can possess both period and modern details like bun feet, carved accents, bright colors and the use of contrasting finishes.