Traditional beds, futons and Waterbeds
The traditional American bed has a standard steel frame and usually comes without a headboard. Bed frames come as separate pieces; the headboard, footboard and side rails are assembled to form one unit. Today, many bed frame styles, such as the look of traditional brass bed frames, are reproduced in lacquered wood.
The headboard is the element that dictates the decorative style of a bed. Rattan or wicker headboards have a casual, contemporary feel, while headboards made of fine woods, such as mahogany or walnut, create a more traditional look. Padded or upholstered headboards have a soft appeal. The ideal headboard is functional as well as attractive. For example, headboards with built-in storage are ideal options for bedrooms with limited space.
The four-poster bed frame creates a traditional quality in a bedroom, while cozy canopy beds create the feeling of a room within a room. Canopy and four-poster beds require high ceilings and a large space, or they can easily overwhelm a room. Platform beds are raised one or more steps off the floor and often feature some kind of storage space built into the frame. These beds require no box spring because the mattress sits directly on the platform. Futons and waterbeds require special frames suited to their specific mattresses.
Futon bed frames are usually made of wide wooden slats attached to a simple frame. The slats are spaced closely enough to keep the futon from sagging, and far enough apart to allow air to circulate around the mattress. Many futon bases double as sofa platforms as well.
Waterbed design has evolved dramatically since its introduction in the 1960s. For these beds, a good-quality frame plays an important role in the support of the waterbed. It is not so much the weight of the bed that is a concern-waterbeds weigh about as much as a refrigerator - it is the stress on the sides of the frame.
Tags: Bedroom
