Types of Bed: Sizes, Frames, Designs & Styles

A bed is the centerpiece of any bedroom – it can truly make or break the space. However, with so many bed types available, it’s easy to stick to what you’ve always known instead of exploring the full range of options. In a world full of choices, we sometimes need shortcuts.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking to break free from old habits and find a bed that truly fits your home. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to a wide variety of bed frame types and styles, all organized by the key decisions you’ll need to make.

No matter what you value – whether it’s size, storage, durability, design, or a mix of these – we hope this ultimate list will help you discover the perfect bed for your needs.

Standard bed sizes (in the UK)

The first decision you’ll face is choosing the size of your bed. Bed sizes can vary from country to country, and shopping online can make it a bit confusing. For clarity, the sizes listed below are standard in the UK.

It’s generally a good idea to go for the largest bed that fits your space and budget. Keep in mind that costs – including mattresses, duvets, covers, etc. – will increase with bed size.

Here’s a quick overview of UK bed sizes, followed by images that help visualize how comfortable each size might feel. The images are roughly to scale, assuming an average height of 175 cm for a male figure and 160 cm for a female figure.

The image above should give you a sense of the relative sizes of each bed option. One key thing to note is that there are only two bed lengths in the UK: 190 cm and 200 cm. If you’re on the taller side, it’s worth opting for at least a king-size bed to avoid the uncomfortable issue of “floating toes”!

Small single

Dimensions: W: 75 cm x H: 190 cm | W: 2’6” x H: 6’3”

As shown, the small single – the smallest standard size in the UK – is quite a snug fit for the average adult male. It’s better suited for children or as temporary accommodation for guests.

Single

Dimensions: W: 90 cm x H: 190 cm | W: 3’ x H: 6’3”

As the name suggests, a single bed is perfect for most individuals, except those who toss and turn a lot, sleep like a “starfish,” or are taller. If you’re over six feet, consider exploring options like a king-size bed or larger.

Small double

Dimensions: W: 120 cm x H: 190 cm | W: 4’ x H: 6’3”

Also known as a four-foot or Queen-size bed, a small double offers a comfortable, roomy sleep for one adult. It can also accommodate two children comfortably. However, while it’s an appealing budget option, we don’t typically recommend it for couples, as it may feel a bit cramped unless both partners sleep on their sides.

Double

Dimensions: W: 135 cm x H: 190 cm | W: 4’6” x H: 6’3”

A double bed is a good option for couples to consider. If both of you are deep, still sleepers, it will provide a solid night’s rest. However, if one of you struggles to sleep, likes to stretch out, or moves around, we recommend trying a king-size bed – it’s worth the investment.

King

Dimensions: W: 150 cm x H: 200 cm | W: 5’ x H: 6’6”

For most, the king-size bed strikes the best balance between budget and comfort, offering couples more space to move around and get comfortable. It’s also a better choice for those over six feet tall, as it’s the first standard size to extend to 200 cm in length.

From a design perspective, a king-size bed is the first that truly fills a room and feels like a centerpiece. If you can afford it and have the space, it’s a great option for any room other than an occasional guest bedroom.

Super king

Dimensions: W: 180 cm x H: 200 cm | W: 6’ x H: 6’6”

For those who won’t compromise on comfort and believe that a great day starts with a great night’s sleep, the super king is the ultimate choice.

As shown in the summary table above, the jump from king to super king is the largest of all – 30 cm in width, which is the same as the difference between a single and a small double. In fact, it’s exactly twice the width of a single bed, which is often mistakenly thought to be the size of a “double.”

If money and space aren’t major concerns, the super king is the largest standard size worth considering.

Emperor

Dimensions: W: 200 cm x H: 200 cm | W: 6’6” x H: 6’6”

An emperor-size bed is a rare find – few bedmakers offer anything larger than a super king. It represents the ultimate in luxury and comfort. However, most people will likely find it exceeds their needs and may even feel a bit excessive.

In short, we’d recommend an emperor bed only if you have a very large space to fill. Otherwise, a super king offers all the luxury you could need.

Basic bed base types

Once you’ve selected the right size, it’s important to understand the different types of bed bases – the foundation that supports your mattress.

At a basic level, bed bases fall into two main categories: “divan beds” and “bedsteads,” as explained below. There are also a few other base types worth mentioning.

While each bed base comes in various styles and materials, the key distinction lies in how the mattress is supported. While other special variants exist, these basics will cover more than ninety percent of the beds you’ll encounter.

Bedstead (or bed frame)

A “bedstead” or “bed frame” is the classic, timeless style, typically consisting of several parts, including a headboard, footboard, and siderails. Compared to a divan bed (described below), this style may seem like the only option – it’s the standard.

The beauty of a bedstead lies in its wide variety of designs and materials, ranging from wood and metal to rattan. The defining feature of a bedstead is that the mattress is supported by slats or springs suspended from the siderails.

Slatted bedstead

The slatted bedstead is the quintessential bed – the one a child would draw if asked to sketch a bed. It’s the same bed seen in “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” or “Bedknobs and Broomsticks.”

Though available in many styles, the core design remains simple: a frame with slats (usually wooden or plastic) suspended from the siderails.

Spring bedstead

A spring bedstead is similar to a slatted bedstead, but instead of slats, it features a lattice of springs suspended from the siderails. While popular in the Edwardian era and early 20th century, spring bedsteads are now mostly found as antiques or in inexpensive metal frames.

Divan bed

At its simplest, a divan bed is a sturdy frame wrapped in fabric. Some sit directly on the floor, while others are equipped with small feet or casters.

The divan bed is a relatively modern invention that has gained so much popularity that it’s often contrasted with the traditional bedstead (or bed frame). If you’ve ever visited IKEA, you’ve likely seen a divan bed.

The naming can be confusing. While modern divan beds are sometimes linked to ancient Turkish divans—upholstered seats typically placed against a wall—the connection is questionable at best. It’s likely a product of clever marketing!

In the UK, divans are similar to what’s known as box-spring beds in the US. Given that the box spring was invented in the late 19th century, it seems a more likely ancestor for the modern divan.

Sprung-top divan

The sprung-top divan is likely the most popular option and probably the original design that evolved from the earliest box-spring beds. In a sprung-top divan, the upholstered box frame functions as a true box spring, with a layer of springs supporting the top platform where the mattress rests.

This design tends to be more comfortable and expensive than the simpler platform-top divan, which is described below.

Platform-top divan

In a confusing twist, modern divans have taken a different direction. While a classic divan bed is essentially an upholstered box spring frame, modern versions have removed the springs, leaving just an upholstered box. A platform-top divan is simply an upholstered frame.

The result is a bed that mimics the familiar divan design, but without the manufacturing complexity and associated costs.

Others

Bed frames and divans are often contrasted as the two main types of bed bases. While these are the primary options, there are other variants worth mentioning.

Storage bed

A storage bed is any bed that offers additional storage, such as compartments or drawers, often hidden from view. Technically, a storage bed can be a divan, bed frame, or even something else entirely.

Ottoman bed

An Ottoman bed is a type of storage bed where the entire base lifts—typically with the help of hydraulics—to reveal a large storage space. A full Ottoman offers storage across the entire footprint of the bed, while a half Ottoman features a smaller cavity that only occupies part of the bed.

Bunk bed

When space is limited, the beloved bunk bed offers a practical solution. A bunk bed consists of one bed frame stacked on top of another, allowing multiple beds to occupy the same floor space as just one. It’s the go-to choice for environments with limited space and many occupants, such as hostels, prisons, and sibling bedrooms (much to their chagrin).

Loft bunk bed

A loft bed is similar to a bunk bed but without the lower bed frame, creating extra vertical space underneath. This free space is often used for a desk, study area, or storage.

Day bed

The often-overlooked but versatile daybed is a blend of a bed and a sofa. Unlike a sofa bed or futon, it elegantly serves both functions simultaneously, without the hassle of folding or pinched fingers. It’s the perfect solution for outdoor lounging, an afternoon nap, or even extra guest sleeping when needed.

Platform and panel beds

Unlike bedsteads and divans, our American cousins often refer to panel and platform beds alongside box springs. If you’ve been confused by these terms online, this transatlantic difference might be the cause.

In the US, panel beds are similar to what we’d call a bedstead or bed frame, though often without slats or a base. Platform beds, on the other hand, are modern-style bedsteads with slats. Box-spring bases are typically added to panel beds to support the mattress.

Bed materials

Another important factor in narrowing down your options is selecting the primary material for your bed. While the possibilities are virtually limitless, the headings below highlight some of the most popular choices.

Wood

After the humble sleeping mat, the wooden bed is likely the most ancient and time-honoured solution to our age-old quest for a good night’s sleep. Today, wooden beds suit both period and contemporary settings, with styles ranging from traditional wood panel beds to modern Japanese-inspired platform beds.

Metal

Metal beds are often a more affordable and durable option for the modern home. However, it’s also possible to find beautiful, unique metal beds that are perfect for a master bedroom, especially in wrought iron or the popular industrial style.

Wrought iron bed

While metal at their core, wrought iron beds deserve special attention for their unique style. Unlike most modern metal beds, which are mass-produced and budget-friendly, wrought iron beds are a luxury item. These beds are often meticulously handcrafted with ornate designs that harken back to the classic styles of the Victorian era.

Upholstered

Today, the majority of upholstered beds are divans in the common “divan” style – the simple upholstered frames you might find in IKEA. However, there are other options, from lavish “French” beds, which mimic the rococo style of Louis-era beds, to tufted upholstery, the buttoned style featured most famously on Chesterfield sofas.

Velvet

While a type of upholstered bed, the velvet bed deserves special mention for its distinct style and dedicated following. Velvet beds are typically tufted, though you can also find stunning examples in both simple and patterned velvet designs.

Leather

Leather and faux-leather beds also deserve special mention, as they tend to suit more contemporary settings compared to other upholstered beds. However, tufted leather beds that mimic the style of a Chesterfield can work well in traditional settings, especially those with a modern twist.

Wicker or rattan

The wicker or rattan style bed (which, technically speaking, may be neither wicker nor rattan) is a striking alternative to the commonplace options. Although perhaps less versatile, this rarer material can make a remarkable centrepiece in the right environment. What’s more, some designs combine wicker-style elements with wood and other materials to soften the overall impression.

Common bed types

Beyond the size, base or material, there are a few classic bed designs that transcend broader categories to stand all on their own.

TV bed

As the name suggests, a TV bed houses a television within the bed frame. The TV might be fixed in the open or easily concealed in the frame or built-in cabinet. The ultimate indulgence for those that enjoy a Netflix night in.

Bookcase bed

Alternatively, if you prefer your Shakespeare to your Stranger Things, a bookcase bed instead integrates a bookshelf or shelves into the frame. The result is a space-saving but attractive solution for the more cultured among us, working especially well for children.

Sleigh bed

A sleigh bed has a curved headboard and footboard resembling a sleigh or sled. An ornate sleigh bed can be somewhat imposing, leaving you feeling a little like the White Witch on a tour through Narnia – a feeling we do not oppose. However, more modern, subtler variants can offer an understated but noteworthy focal point to almost any bedroom.

Adjustable bed

An adjustable bed features multiple hinges so that the profile of the bed can be adjusted for different lying positions. At home, adjustable beds are commonly used to alleviate health conditions or to improve sleep. However, there are plenty that enjoy these beds for the lifestyle benefits they offer, including optimised settings for reading, relaxing and sleeping.

Four-poster bed

Favoured by nobility since medieval times, the unmistakable four-poster bed is an icon of luxury. Few other options can compete when it comes to scale and grandeur.

You’ll occasionally see it claimed that four-posters feature only four posts while a canopy or tester bed includes the full overhead canopy; however, the distinction between these beds is not so clear. Traditional four-poster beds can and usually do include an overhead canopy, as this furniture makers’ guide from 1793 attests: ‘the comfortable and artistic old-fashioned four-poster, with its carved columns, footboard, and canopy, has become a thing of the past’.

Fortunately, they were wrong.

Tester bed

By now, a “tester” bed is almost identical to a four-poster bed. The “tester” refers specifically to the canopy itself, which was once separate from the bed frame and suspended from the ceiling or wall. In fact, you can also find “testers” on tombs and church pulpits.

However, in general, the phrase “tester bed” brings to mind either an actual historical bed or very traditional, ornate four-posters. It would be unusual to refer to a modern four-poster as a tester bed, even though you might be technically correct.

Canopy bed

A canopy bed is a more general term that refers to any bed with a canopy regardless of the style. Canopy beds include four-posters and testers, but also other configurations where the canopy is not part of the bed frame, or simply more exotic examples like the “Polish bed” (or “lit à la polonaise” in French).

As a result, “canopy bed” might be a more appropriate term for modern “four-posters” that do not resemble their historical ancestors.

Half-tester bed

A half-tester bed, also known as a half-poster or even half-canopy, is a bed where the “tester”, or canopy, reaches only partially across the bed, usually from the headboard side. Again, “half-tester” tends to refer to historical or historically-inspired beds, while “half-poster” or “half-canopy” are commonly used to refer to modern examples.

Pencil post bed

A pencil post bed is a type of four-poster with a straightforward design and slender, tapered posts. In the past, these plainer beds were the choice of those that could not stretch to a full, extravagantly carved four-poster.

Today, these beds are usually built without a canopy and offer a more modern take on a truly ancient design.

Wingback bed

A wingback bed features a sweeping headboard that curves or scrolls inwards towards the edges, usually with a much lower footboard. It’s a formidable design that brings a regal grandeur to any bedroom.

Spool bed (or Jenny Lind bed)

A spool bed, bobbin bed or Jenny Lind bed is perhaps the most distinctive of any bed design, featuring thin supports with ornamental knobs or “bobbins”. The style originated with woodworkers using lathes in the late 17th century – who gave us the surname “Turner”.

In the 19th century, machine lathes enabled mass production and popularised the style as part of a colonial revival in the US. The phenomenally popular Swedish singer Jenny Lind was said to have slept on one during her tour of America in the 1850s, forever attaching her name to the style.

Spindle bed

The spindle bed has the same roots as the more dramatic spool bed but with simple, unornamented supports. The result is an unpretentious bed that feels well suited to its puritan origins. Modern spindle beds are incredibly versatile, fitting equally well in traditional or modern, Scandinavian-inspired environments.

Mission bed

Mission beds are somewhere between the traditional and the modern. Originating in the late 19th century, “mission furniture” was a response to the excessive ornamentation of Victorian furnishings. The result is a practical bed made up of strong perpendicular lines and traditionally made with oak wood.

Round bed

A round bed is exactly as advertised: a circular or elliptically shaped bed. These beds are perhaps too connotative of the swinging bachelor of earlier years. Hugh Hefner apparently owned a round bed that rotated, had a stereo console and wet bar.

Hanging bed

A hanging bed is suspended from the ceiling or another support structure. It’s a style that works best in modern settings or outdoors, especially where you can reasonably expect a sunny snooze.

Pallet bed

A pallet bed is usually a DIY design that upcycles transport pallets into a usable bed. Although certainly not for everyone, a pallet bed can be a surprisingly attractive solution that promotes a sustainable future.

Bed styles

As well as specific bed designs, there are a number of broader styles that are recognisable. These styles can include many of the beds we’ve already shared but with a particular flavour. If you don’t have a specific design in mind, this list should help to find some direction.

Modern bed styles

At the highest level, most bed designs can be broken down into traditional and modern styles. The list below is an incomplete list of some of the most popular contemporary styles.

Scandinavian beds

Popularly characterised by IKEA, the ​Scandinavian aesthetic emphasises simplicity and functionality, often using solid, lighter woods, even textures and neutral colours. Beds in this style usually have a simple geometry with wooden frames that highlight the natural grain.

Mid-century beds

The mid-century modern movement (or MCM) was a post-war aesthetic centred primarily in the US. It is that 50s, Modernist style that dominates TV shows like Mad Men, similar to the Scandi-style but with darker woods and slightly more ornamentation.

MCM beds are simply designed, just like Scandinavian-style beds, but often in darker woods and with occasional leather or upholstered details.

Industrial beds

The industrial style, or “industrial chic”, takes its cue from old factories and other industrial spaces. It incorporates bare brick, raw or black-painted metals and wood – especially wood that appears reclaimed or distressed.

Industrial-style beds tend to be made of black metal and raw-looking wood, occasionally with metal elements that mimic piping.

Traditional bed styles

On the opposing side, several classic bed styles remain popular. And don’t be fooled: it’s perfectly possible to fit a traditional bed into a modern home!

Antique beds

A catch-all term that can refer to genuinely old beds of high quality or interest, or simply to beds that imitate the timeless styles of historical templates. In other words, this category would include classic wrought iron beds, four-posters, mission beds, french beds and much more.

French beds

“French” beds usually refer to modern beds that imitate the stylings of Louis-era or rococo beds, especially those with ornate woodwork and tufted upholstery.

Although these beds are emphatically traditional in spirit, they can work surprisingly well in modern settings, underpinning what is often referred to as transitional design – artfully mixing the old and new.

Country beds

The country style is an unpretentious aesthetic inspired by rural, farmhouse life and characterised by simplicity and informality, with common woods, pastel colours and simple ornamentation.

Country beds tend to be straightforward wooden bedsteads, occasionally painted in creams or pastels, and often with simple panelling in the headboard or tailboard.

Gothic beds

Gothic design seeks inspiration from the tastes of early Medieval Europeans, incorporating pointed arches and elaborate ornamentation, especially tracery – the division of elements into sections using ribs.

In fact, modern gothic beds tend to imitate the later gothic revival of the Victorian era, where the original gothic ideas were celebrated and accentuated. The resulting beds somewhat resemble the facade of a cathedral, but subtle examples can be stunning.

Temporary bed types

In addition to your main bedrooms, many homes need extra capacity to sleep guests. Beyond dedicated guest bedrooms, if you’re lucky enough to have them, many of us rely on temporary beds that can be easily hidden away. The following list covers some of the main options.

Sofa bed

Probably the most popular option here in the UK, a sofa bed appears like a standard sofa (or couch) that can be folded out or otherwise transformed to reveal a bed. It’s an ingeniously practical solution that needs no further explanation.

Futon

Often confused with a sofa bed, a Western futon bed (as opposed to a traditional Japanese futon) is effectively a sofa bed where the mattress doubles up as the sofa cushions. In short, if your sofa bed requires that you first remove the main support cushions, it’s likely not a futon.

Trundle bed

A trundle bed (or truckle bed) is a low bed that can be pulled or rolled out from beneath another bed. It’s a simple, space-saving solution that works especially well for children. You can even purchase a pop-up trundle that can be elevated to the height of a standard bed.

Murphy bed

A Murphy bed, or wall bed, is a bed that can be folded up and stored vertically inside or against a wall or cabinet. It’s arguably the only option that allows you to save space with a fully-sized, uncompromised bed.

Camp bed

A camp bed is likely the most compromised option: a simple collapsible frame with just a basic canvas, linen or similar covering. Although camp beds have been the temporary choice of armies since the Romans, they are probably unsuitable for any but the most forgiving guests.

Z bed

A “Z bed” is quite simply a camp-style bed that can be folded up into the shape of a Z. In fact, many modern variants simply fold upwards and in half for storage. The result is a basic solution that provides a little more comfort than a standard camp bed.

Hammock

Although not necessarily temporary, a hammock can be an excellent option for those lulled to sleep by a gentle sway. What’s more, though not everyone is comfortable sleeping in a hammock overnight, it can offer a unique place to lounge in the day, especially when placed outdoors.

Which type of bed is best?

With so many options to choose from, we hope we’ve convinced you that there is no one-size-fits-all. We recommend that you first explore the available sizes and bed bases, which might narrow down your options; but, otherwise, the best bed is the one that you can happily imagine living with (and in!) every day.

Of course, for us, our very own range of wrought iron beds is at the top of the list. It’s because we see each bed lovingly handcrafted to the highest possible standards here in our workshop in Norfolk, from plain iron bar to final artifact. The result is a durable, stunning heirloom that works in both traditional and modern settings.