When decorating our own homes, we tend to focus on the areas guests will see: the living room, kitchen, guest bathroom, etc. Thus, the master bedroom in a house is oftentimes overlooked in interior design. We concentrate on this space last or as finances allow because we all aim to make a perfect, outward appearance. We tell ourselves we can deal with the room, deal with the mismatched pieces of furniture, the pictures not on the wall and the books spread all about because we just haven’t yet bought that bookcase we want. But, it shouldn’t be this way. The master bedroom should be the first thing we tackle in a new place. After all, isn’t it our oasis? Isn’t the bedroom where we lay our heads each night to rejuvenate ourselves for the next day and to calm our bodies after the hectic days we all endure?
Why not make it the center for relaxation in your home? To start, focus on the bed. The bed will typically be the focal point of the room and thus will influence how the rest of the room is styled. Here we aim to help you decipher what kind bed is right for you. We want you to dream happily in your bedroom and for once, put yourself first.
Platform Beds – Platform beds are one of the oldest bed styles around albeit they are one of the most popular modern choices due to their minimalist style and easy design aspects. Usually low to the ground, platform beds are made without head boards or foot boards and can often be crafted to house extra storage space below the mattress. Typically built of solid wood, platform beds erase the need for the extra box spring most bed styles require and due to their low-key, unobtrusive fashion; are easy to fit into a number of interior design styles and can be effortlessly paired with existing room accents.
Sleigh Beds – As part of the Romanticism Period, sleigh beds were introduced to the United States in the early 19th century. Reminiscent of the artistic movement, sleigh beds are typically adorned with curved or scrolled foot and head boards that resemble antiqued sleighs. Often made of wood, the tall foot and head board pair makes for the center piece of a bedroom and are usually celebrated with classic or traditional interior design styles. Modern construction of the sleigh bed notes to a more casual and less exaggerated design and can often be made out of a variety of metals.
Upholstered Beds – Upholstered beds are just as they sound. They are foot and head boards (not all come with a foot board) that are dressed in some sort of fabric. Although they are typically upholstered in linen, leather or velvet, these types of beds can be made of really any type of textile on the market. Upholstered beds are commonly used in traditional or chic bedrooms as they portray a softer, dreamier look than wood or metal beds.
Four Poster Beds – Dating back to the 16th Century, four poster beds are one of the most traditional and romantic styled beds on the market today. Ornate with long posts on each corner of the bed, four poster beds were originally designed to be able to hang drapes or curtains around the bed frame to protect from drafts, insects, and outside observers while sleeping. Usually made of solid wood, these bed frames create a focal point in any bedroom and appeal to those who love dramatic and luxurious looks.
Canopy Beds – Similar to four poster beds, canopy beds are made with posts at each corner of the bed that extend a number of feet above the mattress in addition to also having cross beams that connect each of the beams over head. Designed originally to hang large fabric drapes directly above the bed, canopy beds are often seen decorated with light sheer fabrics draped around their sides. Similar to four poster beds, canopy beds create a luxurious and romantic essence in a room.
Low Post Beds – Low post beds are beds that have four posts on each corner similar to that of four poster or canopy beds; but, with the posts being much shorter (or lower). The posts on these types of beds typically do not exceed the height of the headboard and are often adorned with some sort of ornamental top. Low post beds can be made of wood and metal and can be used in most design styles as they are more casual than four poster beds but more elaborate than platform beds.