When buying a new bed, many are unaware of the variety of options available. From beds with built-in speakers to beds that hang from the ceiling, we cover 75 different types of beds and frames that will fit just about any style.
Next time you’re in the market for a new bed, don’t settle for a simple one. Use our guide to find the perfect bed for your home and lifestyle.
Before choosing which bed style you want, you have to pick the proper size. Do you need a king or California king? A twin or a twin XL? We cover every type of bed size below.
A twin mattress is the smallest bed on the market. It is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. It’s a great space-saving bed for single sleepers, kids, and bunk beds.
Dimensions: 38” x 75” | 96.5 x 190.5cm
The twin XL mattress is about five inches longer than the twin mattress. It is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. It’s great for taller teenagers, dorm rooms, and single sleepers with limited space.
Dimensions: 38” x 80” | 96.5 x 203cm
A full mattress (also called a double) is 53 inches wide and 75 inches long. It’s 16 inches wider than a twin. The full-size bed is great for single sleepers like young adults or recent grads. It can also work nicely in guest rooms.
Dimensions: 53” x 75” | 134.5 x 190.5cm
The queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. It offers plenty of space for single sleepers and works best for couples. Queen-sized beds fit great in master bedrooms that are at least 10 x 10 feet.
Dimensions: 60” x 80” | 152.5 x 203cm
A king mattress is the widest mattress on the market at 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. This bed size is great for single sleepers who like to sprawl out or couples with kids and pets.
Dimensions: 76” x 80” | 193 x 203cm
The California king mattress is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. It’s the longest mattress on the market, making it great for sleepers six feet and taller. The California king bed can fit two people comfortably, however, any more than that and the sleeping space may feel cramped.
Dimensions: 72” x 84” | 183 x 213cm
Now that you know what bed size you need, it’s time to pick a style to match. From sofa beds to storage beds, we cover some of the strangest and most popular types of beds below.
A daybed is an incredibly versatile bed style because it can be used as a bed, a bench, and a sofa. While it serves the same purpose as a futon, it’s a bit more elegant. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, though it’s typically used for twin beds. Daybeds are perfect for home offices, guest rooms, and even patios.
Similar to a daybed, a futon can double as a couch and bed. It is a traditional Japanese style of bedding that is perfect for small rooms and apartments. It’s a folding bed so it is easily stored and can be placed pretty much anywhere in your home.
As opposed to memory foam or spring, a waterbed is, as the name suggests, filled with water. While this isn’t the most popular type of mattress, waterbeds have several benefits, including soothing sore muscles — they’re even used in different types of physical therapy. The water can be heated to have a therapeutic effect and relieve pressure on aching joints.
While air beds are filled with air, they are different from air mattresses. Air beds are considered more permanent and are designed to be used in the home, as opposed to camping or travel. They can be used as regular beds or can even be used in pull-out couches.
Bookcase bed designs are perfect for anyone who likes to snuggle up with a good book before bed. The bed frames of these beds come complete with bookshelves in the headboard so you can easily access your favorite reads.
A Murphy bed — also known as a pull-down bed or wall bed — is for those that want to maximize their space. A Murphy bed has a hinge on one end so that it can be folded up and stored against the wall. Most beds of this style come with storage in the sides so you can make the most of your living space. These work great in studios and small apartments.
If you love things that are multifunctional, you’re going to love a convertible bed. Convertible beds can be transformed from a bed into a sofa, and vice versa. They work great in pretty much any space in your home but are most commonly used in guest rooms.
Four-poster beds are known for the distinct posts that rise up from each corner. This style of bed is a popular addition to a large bedroom. The posts can be designed in a variety of styles, from rustic to regal.
Similar to a four-poster bed, a low poster bed has posts that rise up from each corner. What makes this bed unique is the height of the posts. This type of poster bed has much lower posters that are only a few inches in height.
Just like the above poster beds, the pencil poster bed has four posts at each corner of the bed. However, the posts are much thinner and were very popular in the 18th century.
The last member of the poster bed family is the half poster bed. What makes this style of poster bed unique is the size of each poster. The posters at the foot of the bed are extremely short (even shorter than the low poster bed) and the posters at the top of the bed are regular size.
A round bed is designed in the shape of a circle. The size of this style of bed can be compared to the length of a king-sized mattress. This niche style of bed is great for lounging and works well in a TV room, theater room, or placed near large windows.
Divan beds are unique because they have a specially designed base that consists of a wooden frame encased by fabric. The base sometimes includes a headboard and drawers for extra storage. It also comes with a mattress designed to work with the base for your comfort. This type of bed is perfect for those looking to purchase a mattress and bed all in one.
An ottoman bed is built with gas-lifting hydraulics underneath the bed that lift the mattress to reveal additional storage space. This type of bed is perfect for those looking to declutter their living space and add some additional storage (without sacrificing comfort).
Similar to poster beds, a traditional canopy bed has posters rising from each corner of the bed. What makes this type of bed different is that the poster connects to create a frame around the bed. The posters of a traditional canopy bed are very thick and typically made of wood. Fabric can then be draped over the frame to create a cozy and intimate feel.
A contemporary canopy bed is the modern version of a canopy bed. It has a very thin frame and can be made from a variety of different materials to match your style. The style of this bed can work well in most bedrooms and can even add some height to the smallest rooms.
Half tester beds are very similar to poster beds, but the feet of the bed are very low and there are only posters rising from the corners near the headboard of the bed — hence the name “half.” These beds were very common back in the late 1700’s and can be seen in older style homes.
A panel bed features rails along the foot and head of the bed. This type of bed is built to support both a mattress and a mattress foundation. The base of the bed is typically made with wooden panels to increase breathability and help extend the life of your mattress and foundation.
A hanging bed does just as it sounds — it hangs from the ceiling. While unique in style, there are a variety of ways you can utilize a hanging bed in your living space. From outdoor lounge furniture to a cozy bed swing, a hanging bed is perfect for those that like to rock themselves to sleep.
An enignum bed is a unique style of canopy bed created by the Irish designer Joseph Walsh. What makes this bed so extraordinary is the design at the head of the bed. Thin pieces of wood arch over the bed and a silk curtain is usually hung over the arches to create an intimate, enchanting design.
Image credit: Floating Bed, Janjaap Ruijssenaars, Universe Architecture
A magnetic floating bed is one of the more unusual bed styles on our list. This type of bed is made of permanent magnetic material that uses opposing magnets to levitate the bed off the ground. This type of bed is considered more of a luxury item and is on the expensive side.
For all the music lovers out there, the sonic bed has a built-in speaker system that can play music while you sleep. The bed resembles a large wooden tank that stands about three feet off the ground. The mattress goes inside the frame so you are surrounded by wooden walls with built-in speakers. If you like to listen to podcasts while you sleep or wind down with some classical music, this bed could be perfect for you.
Image credit: Things I Desire
Remember when your mom used to rock you to sleep? Well, now you can have that same feeling as an adult! A rocking bed mimics that same rocking motion with a circular frame that has a motor attached. Once the motor is turned on, the bed will rock back and forth in a smooth motion, lulling you off to sleep in seconds.
The wave bed is…you guessed it — shaped like a wave. The frame of the bed is shaped like a wave and it can come in a variety of materials from leather to wood. This sleep design looks great in modern and contemporary homes.
A hammock is made of either canvas or rope and is suspended in the air by tying rope to the support of something taller. While hammocks are usually associated with outdoor lounging or camping, they have now become popular indoor beds.
Upholstered beds have frames that are made of a variety of materials including suede, velvet, and faux leather. The upholstery is laid on top of a layer of padding, making the headboards of this style of bed very soft and comfortable. It’s perfect for those that like to sit on their bed to read or work.
A lighted bed is any bed that has a headboard that has lights built-in. This style of bed is great for those that like to read in bed, or who prefer dim lighting while getting some shut-eye.
A cot bed is typically not someone’s first choice when it comes to sleeping, however, it is a very convenient option. A cot bed has wheels at the bottom of the frame and can be folded up to store easily. It’s a great sleep option when you are tight on space and have relatives or friends spending the night.
Open-frame beds are a minimalist style of bed that features a metal frame. These frames can come in a variety of styles that feature open rectangular spaces. They look great in modern homes and add some style to any bedroom.
If your home or bedroom has a specific aesthetic, you’ll likely want to get a bed to match. From traditional to Scandinavian beds, we cover different bed styles for every home.
The traditional style of bed includes a number of designs from past eras. These designs include poster beds, canopy beds, and more. The traditional bed is typically made with dark wood to capture the timeless traditional style.
A rustic bed captures the rough, aged, and natural look that many are after. This style of bed is very popular in cabins or older homes.
Similar to a rustic bed, a country-style bed has an outdoorsy and aged appeal to it. They are typically made out of wood and often feature panels at the foot and head.
A modern style bed means it is up to date with design. These types of beds are often simple and sleek. They are not too flashy and work great in almost any style of home.
Industrial beds are factory-inspired, meaning they have a wrought iron framework and a rustic feel to them. They are great statement pieces and work well in contemporary homes. If you want a cabin-feel to your bed, look for an industrial bed with wood.
Retro beds include unique vintage and antique designs. They can be made to look old-fashioned or modern and work great in mid-century modern homes.
Mission style beds are typically characterized by the use of natural wood to make a simple and elegant look. The bed frames usually feature flat panels and horizontal and vertical lines.
Cottage beds are an older style of bed that comes with a special headboard. The headboard typically has unique carvings or colors. They look great in farmhouse, country, or beach style homes.
Mid-century beds are sleek in design. They usually feature styles from the 1900s and are typically made out of wood — creating a vintage look.
French beds are classic and beautiful. They usually have extravagant upholstered headboards. They work great in master suites and can add a touch of romance to any room.
Woven (also called rattan or wicker) beds have a casual chic feel. What makes these beds so unique is the bed frame that is created by weaving wooden material. It is a great way to add texture to farmhouse, country, or beach style homes.
Distressed beds have a vintage look to them. They are made with distressed wood and are designed to intentionally show imperfections. You can even go the DIY route and create your own distressed bed with sandpaper or a paint stripper.
These Nordic-inspired beds offer a simple, clean look that’s great for modern homes. The headboards of this style bed are usually clean and made of solid wood.
Many parents will opt for a single bed or bunk bed for their little ones, however, there are several other types of kids’ beds on the market. From car beds to treehouse beds, there are a variety of beds and mattresses for kids to choose from.
While technically a bed size, single beds are commonly found in children’s rooms because of their small size. They are 36 by 75 inches, making them smaller than twin beds. Single beds are great for toddlers and small children.
Bunk beds are a very popular style of bed for children who share rooms. They save space by having one bed directly above the other to form a complete unit. A ladder is then used to get to the top bed.
Just like the name suggests, triple bunk beds have three beds. They stack directly on top of each other and can be made out of metal or wood. Triple bunk beds come in full, twin, and queen bed sizes for children of all ages.
Built-in bunk beds are built into the wall of the desired room. These beds are major space savers and can even be DIY’d.
Futon bunk beds have a bed on top with a futon below. These are very versatile and can be used in small bedrooms or studios.
Trundle beds are the opposite of bunk beds; they have a bed built in underneath that pulls out. These are another great way to save space in a kid’s bedroom and are great for sleepovers.
A loft bed is a single bed that is raised above ground leaving a comfortable space below it. It is similar to a bunk bed in that it has a ladder to reach the top, however, there is no bed underneath. This bed is great for children’s bedrooms as it leaves room underneath to create a desk or play area.
As the name suggests, L-shaped beds are L-shaped. They combine two beds to fit into a corner. This is a popular option for a kid’s bedroom because it saves space and allows siblings to sleep right by each other.
If your kids have a lot of energy, consider getting them a bed with a slide. These beds are lifted above the ground with a ladder on one side and a slide on the other. Your little ones will have so much fun getting up in the morning!
If your little one has a big imagination, they are going to love a treehouse bed. A treehouse bed is lifted above the ground and is shaped like a treehouse. This type of bed can also be made into a bunk bed if you have multiple children.
Car beds are great for kids who love cars. They can come in a variety of car styles from race cars to Jeeps. They are generally low to the ground so you don’t have to worry about them falling off.
Similar to a treehouse bed, a cabin bed is shaped like a cabin. They are typically made out of wood and are slightly elevated. They even include a roof and windows so your kids can snuggle up and pretend they’re in the woods.
Kids’ novelty beds are out of the ordinary beds that include beds shaped as boats or pirate ships. They help making going to bed fun for kids and can include beds shaped like anything from space ships to Spongebob Squarepants.
From brass bed frames to sleigh bed frames, there are a variety of bed frame styles to choose from. Make sure you pick one that fits your bed type and the rest of your bedroom decor.
A standard bed frame is low to the ground and usually has both a headboard and footboard. Box springs are needed for this type of bed frame.
A simple bed frame is very basic. It comes with legs to hold up support beams and it does not come with a headboard and footboard. You would have to buy those separately. A box spring is sometimes required. Just check the product description before buying.
A metal bed frame is solid and simple. They can withstand a large amount of weight and are very durable. There are a variety of styles of metal bed frames. Some come with headboards while others don’t.
Wood bed frames are made of thick wood and are very sturdy. They are easy to customize, however, they tend to be on the heavier side. In most cases, you don’t need a box spring with this type of bed frame. However, always make sure to check the product description before buying.
Brass bed frames have an antique look to them. Brass is a type of metal that comes in a variety of colors from golden to silvery yellow. Typically, the more silver the brass bed frame is, the cheaper it is.
Upholstered bed frames are wrapped in fabric. The fabric used can incorporate a variety of materials including suede, velvet, faux leather, and more. These bed frames can come in several designs and can often be found with embroidery and button studding.
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With a remote attached, adjustable bed frames can be altered into several different pressure-relieving positions. Both the feet and head of the bed can be raised to fit the position you’re after. It was created to help those that experience pain while they sleep. The Casper adjustable bed frame comes with a comforting massage feature with three levels of intensity.
A platform bed frame can be defined by the thick, sturdy base that holds the mattress up. Because of its base, you typically don’t need to purchase a box spring or other mattress foundation to support your mattress. However, platform bed frames are usually lower to the ground and a foundation can be added to increase the height.
Ornate bed frames usually come with intricate designs in the headboard and footboard. They can be made out of a variety of materials from iron to metal. They are complex and will add a fun design to your bedroom decor.
Wrought iron bed frames are made with one of the most durable metals. They can hold a lot of weight and will never bend. Wrought iron bed frames can also come with elaborate designs in the headboard and footboard.
Wingback bed frames are most known for their headboards. Instead of the flat headboard you typically see on bed frames, wingback bed frames feature headboards that have curved lines and protruding sides. They can be made with a variety of materials including velvet.
Just as the name implies, a sleigh bed frame resembles a sleigh. It has curved footboards and headboards typically made out of wood. It is a traditional type of bed frame that was created in the early 19th century.
A slat bed frame is one of the most simple types of bed frames you can get. It is made of planks of wood held together by rubber holders. It is essentially a base to put your mattress on.
What makes this type of bed frame unique is the row of spindles that are incorporated into the headboard and sometimes footboard. It’s a timeless look that works for just about every bedroom design.
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a new bed. Do you want a bed with extra storage or one that is easily stored? Do you want one with a fancy headboard or a simple frame? Consider your current bedroom decor and find a type of bed to match.
Next time you’re in the market for a new bed, make sure to reference our guide to help you make your decision. Once you’ve chosen a bed size, style, and frame, make sure to get a mattress and bedding to match. For more information, check out our complete guide to different types of mattresses.
We also just launched two new bed frames at Casper! The Casper Haven that is wrapped in felted wood for softness all around and the Casper Repose that offers sleek support with softened edges.