Discover 18 Types of Beds

What are the types of bed? If you’re in the middle of deciding which bed to pick for your home or bedroom or camping activities, you must keep reading to discover the many types of them, each offering distinct features to compare and study well.  In the following, let’s discuss the types and later decide which one to buy.

Different Types of Bed

1. Air Beds

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An airbed is also known as an air mattress, a blow-up or inflated one and usually made of PVC. Recent models also are in rubber versions or textile-reinforced urethane plastic. When deflated, airbeds can be folded or rolled up for easy storage.  These beds are great choices as temporary bedding for guests as they’re storable or camping trips because they’re portable.  Airbeds are inflated manually by blowing air into a valve or automatically with an electric pump. There are also models that automatically inflate just by opening its valve. These beds follow the same sizing rules as other mattresses and have firmness variations based on the level of inflation applied. Nevertheless, this type of bed allows for custom firmness, setting it soft or firm per user preference.

2. Bunk Beds

   

The next type of bed is the bunk bed, which is a stack of at least two beds. They have wooden beams or metal poles, connecting its bottom to the top.  Users should climb a ladder that is attached to the bed in order to climb to the top bunk.

You will normally see bunk beds in children’s rooms because families can put the two beds in the space needed for a single bed, helping those, especially in small apartments and flats.  These beds are also used in bomb shelters, homeless shelters and public facilities. They’re also in fire halls and military camps.

3. Cabin Beds

    https://www.cuckooland.com/brand/asoral/kids-cabin-bed-with-8-drawers-and-ladder

These beds are also space saving like bunk beds, so they’re also in children’s rooms. Many size options are available, adding versatility to a limitedly sized bedroom as well.  There are also no box spring components, so users don’t have to deal with creaks and squeaky springs.

Users can choose from four types of cabin beds.  One is the Asian cabin bed, modelled after tatami beds in Asian culture. It is known for offering calmness in a room’s decoration. On the other hand is the modern type of makes use of simple and clean designs, often the minimalist approach.

There is also the storage cabin bed that has desks, wardrobes, drawers and shelves, among other storage options, in it.  Finally, there is the traditional type, offering American style furniture known around the world and blending the styles of other beds.

4. Canopy (Four-Poster) Beds

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Somewhat similar to four-poster beds, canopy beds have posts, each extending at least four feet high above the bed’s mattress.  This bed is also known for its decorative or ornate fabric draped across its upper portion.  The solid cloth swatch creates a canopy over the bed, and so the name.

5. Divan Beds

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From the Persian word “devan,” a divan bed is a couch-like bed. It is also called a box-spring-based bed in many countries. Commonly used by the people in the Middle East, divan beds are long mattress seats laid against a room’s side, upon a raised frame or structure or upon the floor, and it has cushions to lean against for support.  A divan has two parts: the bed base and the mattress.

It offers users with a wide range of size options such as 4ft small double, 3ft single and 5ft king, among others. Users looking for storage choose it for the large storage options offered, such as continental drawers, end drawers and sliders and two or four drawer options.

6. Feather Beds

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As the name implies, these are beds filled with feathers and are commonly placed above an existing mattress.  A feather bed offers a support layer for the pressure points, such as the back, hips and shoulders, creating a more comfortable feeling and providing a better sleep.  Some people describe the feeling as if they’re sleeping on a cloud for the extraordinary sleeping experience it offers. Users can select from a wide range of construction types to suit their requirements, including the level of support that a feather bed can deliver.

7. Futons

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Futon beds are made of a mattress and a duvet. These are pliable elements, which can be inflated, folded and stored when needed.  For some families using it, they fold and store it at daytime, opening up space in the room, which can be used for other purposes aside from a bedroom.  A tatami or a mat used as a flooring material in Japanese homes offer a support base for the futon bed versus other hardwood flooring types such as stone. Users fold these beds daily and then hang outdoors so that they can prevent moulds from developing on it.  When in Japan, you will see futon beds hanging over a balcony for airing in the sun or being dried using a futon dryer for those that cannot hang their beds outdoors.

8. Hammocks

     https://pixabay.com/en/hammock-rest-resting-place-rock-2879621/

Described as a bed made with rope mesh or canvas, a hammock is usually suspended in mid-air. It is supported by connected cords to its base. The cords are then positioned on the ends of the bed, which is supported by a tree when outdoors.

Hammocks can also be used indoors, usually supported by sunken posts, which can be built into a wooden frame through a cohesive material.  One has a curved top and bottom that can prevent the blankets and pillows from falling and moving. These beds are relaxing especially that it is hung in a rocking motion, which resembles the movement of a boat sailing at sea. For additional support and comfort, mattresses can be used in a hammock also known for alleviating back pain and allowing basic stretching. It might also loosen tight muscles and align the spine in the process.

9. Loft Beds

    https://www.furnitureinfashion.net/Blog/adult-loft-beds-space-saving-solutions-with-storage/

They are raised, single beds with high enough support for opening up floor area space used for specific purposes. Users that don’t need two beds in the room but an elevated feeling choose loft beds.  They also select it for children’s rooms because they can free the space for a play area underneath the bed. Families also use the lower area for a storage space for bookshelves and dressers or adding a sofa or a desk. Loft beds are also re-configurable anytime as a bunk bed, and users can make them as low or high lofts.

10. Murphy (Wall) Beds

     https://makespace.com/blog/posts/loft-bed-murphy-bed-storage-bed-comparison/

A  Murphy bed was invented in 1894 and since then has become one of the most reliable beds on the market.  It has a patented-spring loaded mechanism that lets users open it single-handedly and offers a leg support extending or refracting automatically. Another space-saving type of bed is wall beds or Murphy beds designed for small apartments and flats. One is installed through hinging the frame that lets the bed to tilt vertically.  It can also be stored in a cabinet or a closet as needed.

There are also models made with bi-fold doors hinging and overlapping to the side. Lastly are those offering both bi-fold and hideaway pocket doors that can be collapsed into the side cabinets when needed.

11. Platform Beds

     https://www.naturalbedcompany.co.uk/product/oregon-platform-wooden-bed/

They have a base made of a raised and level horizontal and solid frame.  It also comes with a section that has a lattice structure or wooden slat rows, which are meant for supporting the mattress. This type of platform offers ventilation and a flexible support for a mattress. With it, there is no need for a second mattress or a box spring.

12. Sleep Number Bed

     https://bestmattress.reviews/sleep-number-bed-reviews/

It is an adjustable airbed designed and made to allow users to change the support and firmness of the bed with just a click of a button.  These beds are popular among couples because they can adjust each of the air chamber based on each of their preferred setting. The numbers available are from “0 to 100,” higher means firmer or more air.  At this point, the most popular number range goes between 35 and 40 because it provides pressure relief and great support.

Overall, sleep number beds are very customizable and convenient for anyone because no user has to compromise but choose their number.  The sleep number bed includes one remote control, but the dual air chamber models have two remote controls.

13. Sleeping Bags

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They are literally insulated coverings or lightweight quilts that users can close with a zipper to form a tube. A sleeping bag is used by campers because it is portable and lightweight. It is also the excellent choice for families who love hill climbing or walking and hiking, as it can provide each of them with thermal insulation and warmth through its down insulation.   It has a bottom that provides sleepers with cushioning. However, a camp cot or a sleeping pad must be used aside from the sleeping bag to achieve better cushioning.

For protection against a moist ground, a groundsheet must be used underneath.  This bed also has a water-repellent or water-resistant cover for protection against light precipitation or wind chill.  But for that purpose, users should use a tent in addition to the sleeping bag.

14. Sleigh Beds

     https://www.homelement.com/Homelegance-Furniture-Inglewood-Sleigh-Platform-Bed-with-Storage-1402SL-1-p-25328.html

They’re called sleigh beds for a reason mainly because of design.  It features a scrolled/curved foot as well as headboards that look like that of a sleigh or sled. As an influence of the American and French Empire period (19^th century), a sled bed is also made of heavy wood.  Recent models, however, are made from different materials aside from wood, and a few include steel, iron and aluminium and do not have much elaborate headboards and foot versus earlier versions did.

15. Sofa Beds

     http://blog.homearena.co.uk/8-benefits-of-sofa-beds/

Also called a sleeper sofa or a bed-couch in the US, a sofa bed is literally a couch that hides a thin mattress and a metal frame underneath the cushions. This bed can be opened up at nighttime and closed at daytime to make space. While using futon mattress is a common practice for makers, a sofa bed is still different from a futon bed.

16. Space Saving Beds

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There are many kinds of space saving beds discussed above.  They’re called space saving because they fit even the most modest proportions. Some feature rollaway trundles, under-stair alcove beds or suspended nests. Another type of a space-saving option is the ottoman bed, which is chosen as the storage option it offers. For example, you can store your clothes, your children’s toys or any other things in the storage bed.  All you need is to lift the lid to open the bed-sized box! Nevertheless, choosing space saving beds is for you if you’re looking to make use of a small space better.

17. Trundle Beds

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These are a pair of beds; one is a standard bed and the other is on casters. The second can be stored just beneath the first bed. It is also a space-saving bed that allows an extra bed when needed.  Thus, it is not wasting any space. Depending on the model selected, a trundle bed can be used as chaise lounges, daybeds or as a couch. You can choose it if you’re living in close quarters or small apartments if you have a large family.

18. Water Beds

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Also called the flotation mattress or water mattress, waterbeds live by its name! They are filled with water. These beds also offer medical therapies for users, especially through the 19^th century. Its modern version was invented and patented in 1971 in San Francisco, California, and since then has become very popular in the 80s.  One thing about waterbeds that make them unique is their ability to keep a balanced temperature.  They also offer patients with sleep and medical therapy in the process especially those suffering from pains and backaches.

Each bed type has its characteristics and features. Be sure to compare and weigh your options well based on the factors you deem important. You may also think of the purpose you intend to use it for (e.g. camping – sleeping bag; freeing up space – hammocks, trundle beds…)

Have you chosen the type of bed you’re looking for? Tell us in the comment section below. Finally, spread the word and inform others about the types of beds on social media today!