Looking for a new bed? You will probably find that there is no bed like a bed. What is an upholstered bed and what is an American or Continental bed? What advantages does a raised or reclining bed offer? We’ll tell you what the specific terms mean, so choosing your new bed will be a breeze.
If you start picking out a new bed, you’re likely to come across terms like:
How do these beds differ from each other? We’ll tell you nothing. These names are basically synonyms for the same bed.
The American, boxspring or continental bed is characterized by a unique construction that consists of:
The frame is usually made of solid wood. In classic beds, a grid is inserted into the frame. There may be a storage space under the frame. In boxspring beds, the frame is filled with springs; it is a spring base. In English it is called a boxspring: box = frame, spring = springs.
The spring base fills in the area where a conventional bed might have storage space. At the same time, the springs replace a slatted, slatted or board grid. A sleeping mattress is placed on top of the springs.
The headboard is the dominant element of the bed. It can be either wooden or upholstered. The headboard has a practical but also decorative function. In terms of practicality, it protects the sleeper from the cold penetrating the wall. In addition, it gives him a feeling of security. You can lean against the headboard if you like to read, watch films or work in bed. Some headboards have integrated chargers, power sockets or lighting.
Headboards come in a variety of designs, so they set the look of the entire bed and greatly influence the atmosphere of the bedroom. With upholstered headboards, you have a wide range of finishes to choose from. You can opt for a minimalist finish, but also for a decorative one, where the headboard is decorated with inserts and upholstery ornaments. The headboard can be assembled from individual pieces that form patterns.
The triple mattress system is typical for boxspring beds:
Why is this bed called a high bed? Because unlike traditional beds, which have sidewalls between 35 and 45 cm high, high beds have sidewalls that are 55 cm off the ground. If you provide the bed with a high mattress (for example, 30 to 40 cm), it is indeed a high bed. The sleeping surface can therefore be up to 80 cm or more off the ground.
The high beds are easy to get out of and comfortable to lie down in. They are appreciated by all those who want to save their hip and knee joints.
An upholstered bed is one that has a frame and headboard covered with upholstery fabric. This distinguishes upholstered beds from beds with a solid frame and headboard. Bed frames that are not upholstered are usually made of only one type of material: wood, metal, laminate, etc.
The frame and headboard of an upholstered bed are also usually made of wooden boards. However, these boards are fitted with soft foams, which are then upholstered with a cover fabric. The advantage of an upholstered bed is that it has no sharp edges, so it is suitable not only for adults but also for the elderly and children.
The beds are upholstered in fabrics that are resistant to abrasion, pilling and colour fading. Some fabrics also have a special anti-stain treatment or finish that makes the upholstery easy to clean. Maintenance of an upholstered bed usually consists of vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner with a special attachment for upholstery.
Upholstery materials are not only textile, but also non-textile – for example, leather. Thanks to the wide range of upholstered beds, even allergy sufferers can sleep in an upholstered bed. Just reach for non-textile materials or leather. At Materasso, we make beds to order, so you can choose from hundreds of fabric colours and decors to match your bedroom.
A reclining bed is one that has a reclining grid. This means that the grate allows for adjustment of the inclination in the head and foot area. The positioning of the grid can be electric and manual. With manual, you have to use your own strength to adjust it. An electric reclining grill has an electric motor and electric controls, so you can adjust the optimum inclination at the touch of a button.
You’ll appreciate the head positioning when you’re reading or watching movies before bed. It is also useful for people who snore. The higher head position makes the airways more accessible. The leg positioning is great for those who are in pain:
The reclining bed is a great choice for the elderly, for people in convalescence, for workers who stand on their feet all day, but also for everyone who wants the most comfortable sleep.
The term king size bed or king size bed does not refer to the type of bed, but to its dimensions. The name came to us from English-speaking countries. For us, the meaning would be translated as: a double bed with standard dimensions. A king size bed measures 180 × 200 cm. It is ideal especially for bedrooms with a floor area of around 12 m². For larger bedrooms of 14 m² or more, you can easily fit a larger bed, which is called a super king size bed with dimensions of 200 × 200 cm.
The most popular king size beds are made in a boxspring design with a sprung base, a three mattress system and a comfortable upholstered headboard.
Bunk beds are also synonymous with bunk beds. They are the most common choice for children. Children’s bunk beds or bunk beds are ideal for small children’s rooms where you are literally fighting for every inch of space.
The children’s bunk bed consists of two beds placed on top of each other. These are classic single beds with standard dimensions 90 × 200 cm. The top bunk has a raised sidewall to protect the child from falling. The top bunk is usually reached by climbing a ladder or steps.
They are usually purchased when two children share a room. However, you can also get a bunk bed for an only child. The second bed will be for friends or visitors.
A bespoke bed means that the manufacturer will make it to your exact specifications. This step is most often taken when:
Not only classic beds, but also bunk beds and mattresses can be made to measure.
What can you dictate for custom-made beds?
What can you dictate for a custom-made mattress?
Choose a bed that is 100% comfortable for you. When choosing, take into account the size of your bedroom or child’s room, but also your health limitations. Design is also important. The bed is the biggest piece of furniture in the bedroom that attracts attention. It often determines the whole impression of the room, so take your time when choosing one.
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