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How to Choose a Bed: 5 Handy Tips

Wondering how to choose a bed that will be both comfortable and attractive in your bedroom? Make sure you know the basics, like overall dimensions for headboard height and width, but also pay attention to details that require more consideration. Use these tips to guide your bed selection process. With some planning, you can arrive at the right choice that balances style and substance for a good night's sleep.

1. Consider Height

Do you have kids or pets that like to climb into bed with you? Or perhaps you have some mobility issues that make bending over a bit of a challenge. It's important to think about things like this when choosing a bed because height matters for accessibility.
 
The lower the bed, the easier it is for little ones to get in. The higher it is, the friendlier it is to those who can't bend down very far. Don't forget to incorporate mattress and box spring height — if applicable — into the equation. A combined height of about 30 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress is usually considered high, while a height of about 18 inches is low. If you want something less extreme, aim for something in the middle.

2. Don't Forget Storage

Beds take up a lot of space in a room, and that can end up being pretty inefficient if your storage options are limited. Storage beds like the James or Helix style can give you some extra room for everything from extra linens to out-of-season clothes or weekend activity gear.
 
If you aren't sure what kind of storage your new house or apartment offers, it can be helpful to err on the side of caution and get a bed with built-in storage or with enough clearance between the frame and the floor to allow the use of under-bed storage bins.

3. Choose the Right Headboard Material

Headboard material can have a strong impact on style in your room, but color and texture aren't the only important things to consider. If you like to sit up in bed and lean against your headboard, for example, it may be nice to choose a padded, upholstered style rather than a wooden design.

4. Understand the Base

Some beds have bases that use slats or other support pieces that don't require a box spring or foundation. Others are designed specifically to support one of these foundational pieces. Make sure you know which of these styles you're choosing. If you plan to use your own mattress with your bed, make sure you aren't getting a bed style that requires a piece you don't have.

5. Stay True to Your Style

Do you prefer a modern style with clean lines, or is classic glamour more in line with your bedroom style? Bedroom sets are always an option, but you may find yourself wanting to assemble your own pieces. If this is the case, start by picking the bed you want and choosing end tables, dressers, and accents that have a similar look and feel.
 
For example, the James bed blends a classic upholstered look with simple, clean lines. That means you can choose a dresser or nightstand set that embraces this ethos to create a coordinated mix of pieces.
 
By now, you should feel confident that you know what to look for in a bed. Visit CORT Furniture Rental to choose a bed to anchor the most important room in your house.