Design of Double Beds: What to Choose?

Photo 1 — Double bed made of solid wood with carved headboard, made in Italy

Double Bed: Sizes

Before choosing this bulky piece of furniture, you need to decide what space the double bed can and should occupy. The sizes of double beds can be standard and non-standard. European standards are a width of 180-200 cm with a mattress length of 200-210 cm, the most common option is 180×200 cm. It should be known that American standards differ slightly and are expressed in different units of measurement.

Tip: If you choose a madeinUSA bed, don't hesitate to convert inches to centimeters so as not to accidentally order a too-short or narrow model. In addition, converting inches to centimeters results in fractional numbers, so buying a bed made in the USA and a European mattress won't work (unless you order the mattress custom). Therefore, it is advisable to buy an American mattress with an American bed.

Photo 2 — Minimalist double bed White, made of light wood

Regarding non-standard sizes, you can let your imagination run free: a bed of any layout can be made on individual order. If you don't have enough imagination but still want something special, just browse the catalogs of well-known brands: any respected furniture brand has unique bed designs in its collections.

Tip: When considering buying a non-standard size bed, keep in mind that this will require purchasing bedding and duvets of the same non-standard size.

Photo 3 — Double bed made of ash, Beatrice

Double Bed: Materials

As in the production of any other furniture, three main types of materials are used in manufacturing double beds.

• Wood is undoubtedly considered the most health-friendly, quality and noble raw material for furniture. The richness of natural patterns and color makes this material universal from a decorative point of view. Wood is suitable for classic, country and modern interior design styles alike. The best choice is solid wood beds that can be left unprocessed or finished with varnish, have a minimalist design or rich carving;
• Particle board is widely used in bed manufacturing. The appearance of quality boards can skillfully imitate wood, and the strength of such furniture may not be inferior to wooden ones;
• Metal beds are often associated with Soviet-era models equipped with a sagging grid, sleeping on which feels like in a hammock. Today, metal beds represent a completely different type of furniture and are a trending style gaining popularity. They are characterized by strength, practicality, and aesthetics. Depending on the design, a metal bed can become an ornament for any bedroom.

The variety of materials does not end here: for example, leather beds with soft headboards and soft upholstery, fabric draping, etc. Also, there are affordable rubber beds such as the inflatable double bed Intex, which perfectly serve as extra sleeping space for guests.

Photo 4 — Cast iron double bed Incanto from the Dimore collection by Valente

Double Bed: Design

Looking at the configurations, features of mechanisms and appearance of double beds, eyes just can't help but wander. Let's try to systematize the assortment offered by stores according to several criteria.

Upholstery and Headboard

Mainly double beds are produced without upholstery, but there are also fully soft models and models with only a soft headboard. Regarding the latter, you can choose a model with or without a headboard. The material, size, shape and, generally speaking, the presence of this part will depend on the overall design of the bed. At the same time, the headboard is one of its parts that attracts attention most and thus sets a certain tone.

Photo 5 — Soft double bed Jacopo

Storage Space

Depending on whether additional storage space is provided, three types of beds can be distinguished:

• regular double bed;
• double bed with a lifting mechanism;
• double bed with drawers.

The first type is a bed on legs, under which no storage spaces are provided. If desired, you can buy special wooden or particle board boxes for storing items separately. For example, such boxes are available in IKEA furniture catalogs.

Photo 6 — Double bed with a lifting mechanism

A double bed with a lifting mechanism implies that the bottom of the bed up to floor level is closed, the frame with slats and mattress is raised up, and all internal space, usually divided in half by a partition, can be used for storing blankets, duvets, bedding and whatever you like.

Attention: A double bed with drawers does not have a lifting mechanism but is equipped with large sliding shelves like in a wardrobe. These models combine the functionality of a bed and an additional cabinet or sideboard.

Photo 7 — Marco bed with sliding drawers from Chaswood manufacturer

Transformable Double Bed

Considering the needs of modern people for increased furniture functionality and space-saving, a concept called a transformable bed has emerged. A double bed with transformation capabilities can be of several types, for example:

• a wardrobe bed allows storing the sleeping area in a vertical position; when needed for sleep, it is a full-size bed with an orthopedic mattress, and when space is needed, just closed wardrobe doors;

Photo 8 — Wardrobe bed frees up a lot of space

• round beds often consist of two or four segments connected by special brackets or straps; when needed for sleep, just place the mattress on top, and when space is to be freed up, hide the mattress and disconnect the fasteners;

Photo 9 — Round double bed IKEA Sultan Sandane made of four segments

• a sliding double bed can be hidden in a platform or furniture wall, and even, as an option for rooms with high ceilings, suspended at height.

Photo 10 — Sliding double bed pulled out from a DIY platform

This is still not all possible options. For example, another idea for those who like height – a stationary double bed-attic.

Double Bed: Price?

The cost will depend on the size and configuration of the double bed being sold. Prices range from 1500 to 60000 UAH (of course, this is very approximate – perfection has no limits). Cheaper options are just the bed frame, while higher prices may include both the frame and mattress. For a full double bed with a mattress, you need about 5-8 thousand UAH.