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Comfort you can lie on

Last Updated 16 February 2017, 18:24 IST

Creating an inviting, yet simple interior space is harder than it looks — particularly in bedrooms. Beds are the focal point of your bedroom decor. It dictates the placement of every other object in the room. It also acts as potential storage space and a lot more. Also, considering how we spend a third of our lives in bed, without any compromise, to help you make it your personal sanctuary, here are a few tips to choosing the right bed frame for your room.

Space
This can make or break the overall look of your bedroom. Your bed will be the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom. If you already have a mattress, place your mattress on the floor to get a sense of its size. Alternatively, use pillows or masking tape to approximate the amount of space you can spare for the bed. A large bed in a small room might be overpowering. Opt for a simple metal bed frame or a platform bed to maximise the usable space and make your bedroom visually lighter. You can even expand your storage options by choosing a bed that offers storage beneath (in the form of drawers) or shelves in the headboard.

Mattress
Your mattress is the first building block to a restful slumber. Now that you have considered the amount of space you have for the bed, it’s time to decide on the right size of the mattress. Mattresses are designed to provide the support and comfort you need to relax and rest. If you have had your mattress for a while, may be its time to evaluate and check your mattress for quality and support. Matching your specific comfort needs with the right product is a very subjective process. Make sure you test your mattress well before you buy it. The right mattress is one on which you feel no pressure, almost like you’re floating in air.

Bed frame
One of the most popular bed frame types today, the platform bed consists of a low, solid platform with a mattress resting on it. The low profile and simple lines make it a natural fit for modern and contemporary interiors. The slender profile makes it a good choice in compact rooms; however, avoid those with extended frames. When choosing a headboard, it’s important to get the proportions right. If you desire the drama of a more elaborate bed frame, consider a high headboard or four-poster bed. To avoid feeling cramped, make sure you have a high ceiling. Avoid the heartbreak (and cost) of sending back a bed by measuring twice (or more) before ordering.
Storage choices.

Thick duvets, extra pillows you’ll need for guests, winter quilts...these take up room. And stashing them away in your wardrobe or loft isn’t the best solution. This is where storage beds prove that they are worth their weight in gold. The shape and size of your room, the nature of the items you want to store and how often you want to access these decide what kind of storage bed you need. Hydraulic beds are ideal for small rooms where there isn’t enough space to pull open drawers.

If storage drawers are what you want, make sure you have enough room to open drawers on either side, or choose beds that have storage drawers that are on a single side, or along the width the foot board. If you are crunched for space, yet want to increase utilisation beneath the bed, opt for hydraulic storage beds which are easier to access, or box storage. Other bed frames incorporate shelves or cupboards within the headboard, which adds additional storage without taking up too much floor space.

Personalise it
It’s important that the room where you spend most of your life makes you feel good. If you want to create a warm, welcoming, comfortable feel, you may want to opt for a wooden bed frame, adding textures by layering sheets, quilts and pillows to set a cosy mood. Those who prefer a sleek, modern look should choose a bed frame of metal or wood with clean, minimalist lines. Once you’ve figured out what styles might fit in your bedroom, take a look at various models, including upholstered bed frames (be sure that you are able to maintain the upholstery), sleigh beds, poster beds, metal beds available in a variety of finishes, and engineered wood beds (a more economic solution) to find what suits you best.

Mix in offbeat eclectic pieces to accentuate the look — like an old bench in an eye-catching colour or quirky bedsides. Tuck a chair into a corner seat for an instant resting spot. Add character to a plain bed by draping a colourful quilt over its frame. Another quick and dramatic way to change the way your room looks is to alter the lighting. If your walls are bare, liven them up by adding some flavour with new wall-hangings. Place a nice rug on the floor, and make the room look snug, for your feet need to be cosy too!

(The author is Furniture Design Lead, Urban Ladder)

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(Published 16 February 2017, 18:24 IST)

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