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Shopping for a new bed? Before you start looking, it could be worth knowing some of the different bed types.

Beds come in many shapes and sizes to accommodate different people’s wants and needs. Below are some of the common terms used to describe these bed types and what they mean.

Adjustable bed

An adjustable bed can be mechanically raised or lowered and may have different reclining positions to allow the user to lay down or sit up. These beds are most commonly purchased for those with disabilities and may be possible to control with a remote.

Bunk bed

Bunk beds are made up of two (or sometimes three) beds on top of one another. Top bunks are accessed using a ladder or sometimes a mini staircase. They are a popular space-saving option for kids sharing a bedroom.

Divan bed

A divan bed contains in-built drawers in its base. This allows the bed to double up as a storage unit.

Double bed

Double beds are designed for couples to share, but are popular for single people too. The standard double bed size in the UK is 137cm by 190cm. Queen, King and Superking beds are all variants of a double bed that you can choose from.

Four poster bed

A four poster bed has four posts in each corner that attach to a canopy. These beds were originally designed to trap warmth in, but were historically only affordable to wealthy people. Although more affordable today, they are still commonly associated with luxury.

Futon

A futon consists of a mattress that when folded up can be used as a sofa. It is different to a sofa bed – which is primarily a sofa with a separate bed built into its base that can be folded out.

Hammock

A hammock is a hanging bed consisting of a piece of fabric attached to a rope at each end. Hammocks are often found outdoors where they can be used for reading or napping, but you can also install hammocks indoors.

High sleeper bed

A high sleeper bed consists of a tall single bed with a ladder or stairs leading up to it. Empty space is provided below the bed for placing a desk or other furniture. Some high sleeper beds even have in-built desks, wardrobes and drawers beneath them. They are most commonly targeted at kids and teens, but some are targeted at adults (including high sleeper double beds).

King bed

A king bed or king-sized bed is a large type of double bed that is 150cm by 200cm. It is larger than a queen and standard double bed, but smaller than a superking.

Murphy bed

A Murphy bed or wall bed is a bed that is stored vertically against a wall when not in use. In bedrooms with little space, a Murphy bed can allow use of extra floor space during the day. Murphy beds are typically only an option for homeowners as they have to be permanently fixed to a wall.

Queen bed

A queen bed or queen-sized bed is a double bed variant. In the UK, the term queen bed is commonly used to describe a small double bed (120cm by 190cm) making it the smallest of double bed types. US queen beds on the other hand are much bigger.

Single bed

A single bed is designed to sleep one person and measures 90cm by 190cm. It is ideal for smaller bedrooms and is one of the most common bed sizes alongside a standard double.

Sleigh bed

Sleigh beds have a frame that is shaped like a sleigh. They have both a headboard and a footboard that slopes away from the bed in a curved shape.

Sofa bed

A sofa bed is in fact a type of sofa. However, it can be converted into a bed – usually by removing the seat cushions and pulling a fold out metal bed out of the base. Sofa beds are ideal for sleeping guests if you don’t have a guest bedroom.

Superking bed

The superking is the largest size of double bed. It measures 180cm by 200cm – making it 30cm wider than a king bed. You can buy even larger beds, but mattresses and sheets are increasingly harder to find for these types of beds.

Toddler bed

Toddler beds are small single beds designed for small children who are transitioning out of a cot. They typically measure 70cm by 140cm. Many of these beds are lower to the ground to prevent kids hurting themselves if they fall out.

Trundle bed

A trundle bed consists of a main bed with a second additional bed that can be pulled out from the base. Trundle beds are ideal for guests or can be used for kids sharing a room.

TV bed

Finally, there is the option of a TV bed. This is a bed with a TV built into its footboard. This TV often slides into the base, but some have a TV that is permanently fixed. 

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