I consider the bedroom as the most private and most intimate part of a home. As the most private place in a home, the bedroom is typically designed in a romantic or intimate way, and oftentimes only a night table and a bed are found inside. Depending on your preferences, your bedroom might have a king or queen-sized bed, dressers, closets, or even a small couch. There are many others, however, who also use bedrooms as their study or small office, complete with a bookcase, desk, chairs, and even a computer. Several bedrooms even have television sets or entertainment centers inside.

Many people often have trouble understanding a lot of bedroom furniture terms, even though they see them often in furniture-related books, magazines and websites. Here’s a short list of the most common bedroom terms and their definitions.

• Armoire – This is a large, often ornate and movable wardrobe, usually having one or two doors.

• Air Bed – An inflatable mattress made out of textile-reinforced plastic or rubber, covered with cushioning and ticking.

• Bunk Bed – A pair of beds stacked one on top of the other.

• Chest – A rectangular structure usually made of wood, with a lid for storage.

• Comforter – A thick, quilted bedding stuffed with either artificial or natural stuffing, basically used as a fluffy blanket for additional warmth.

• Daybed – A bed that is also used as a seating area, usually made out of wood or metal.

• Double Bed – A bed that measures 54″ in width and 75″ in length.

• Down – Feathers that are used for padding or stuffing, usually from duck or geese.

• Duvet Cover – A type of bedding that is used as a blanket. Usually filled with down or feathers.

• Full Bed – A bed that measures 54″ in width and 75″ in length. Also known as a double bed.

• Full Motion – A waterbed that does not have wave reduction systems on it.

• Futon – A thin mattress of tufted cotton batting or similar material, placed on a floor or on a raised, foldable frame.

• Headboard – A board or panel that forms the head, as of a bed.

• King-sized Bed – A bed that measures 76″ in width and 80″ in length.

• Liner – A sheet under the waterbed which protects the mattress from punctures and leaks.

• Motion Reduced – A waterbed that uses wave reduction devices to lessen wave motions.

• Motionless – A waterbed that uses wave reduction devices to stop wave motion.

• Olympic Queen Bed – A bed measuring 66″ in width and 80″ in length.

• Pedestal Decking – A flat board that sits on a waterbed pedestal, located below the frame.

• Pillow Top Mattress – A finishing treatment where soft materials are sewn all over the mattress.

• Queen-sized Bed – A bed measuring 60″ in width and 80″ in length.

• Sleigh Bed – A bed that has a high, curved headboard and lower footboard, closely resembling that of a sleigh.

• Sleeper – A piece of furniture that can be opened up into a bed.

• Twin Bed – One of a matching pair of single beds.

A sleigh bed has long been regarded as a rather exotic piece of furniture and in some places, it is rather unheard of to have one in the bedroom. Perhaps it’s the cost and the perceived luxury value attached to it or maybe a person who is not familiar with interior design and furnishing will imagine that this piece of furniture belongs solely in the North Pole. Although this is a rather amusing thought, the fact is that a sleigh bed DOES look like Father Christmas’ most preferred vehicle. If you ran your fingers along its ornately carved structure, you will eventually reach the pinnacle of a sleigh bed’s design — its curvy top upon the headboard that is turned either inwards or outwards.

Although the sleigh bed bears historical evidence that it was inspired by the noble French people, it was in America that it became wildly popular in the early 19th century. Interestingly one can also see remnants of the ancient Roman designs on sleigh beds even in the modern world. Traditionally, sleigh beds were carved from deep mahogany wood but today, more contemporary versions are available in the US and other European countries where sleigh beds are no longer considered an opulent form of furniture due to highly competitive prices offered by manufacturers. This meant that more people can afford to enjoy the charm and novelty that come with a sleigh bed!

In the olden days, sleigh beds that bear equally high headboards and footboards are commonplace but now, modern versions have emerged with a slew of diversified designs. If you don’t want an old fashioned sleigh bed to adorn your bedroom, you can choose to purchase one with a lower footboard minus the elaborate curl on the headboard. Perusing a furniture store or catalog, one can find sleigh beds fashioned from cherry wood, light rattan, solid iron and even plush leather. Fully upholstered sleigh beds are also a desired addition to a bedroom but they may cost a little more than your average model.

If you are thinking of replacing your old bed with a sleigh bed, or even thinking of sprucing up a new home with one, find out your room’s measurement before putting down money to purchase a sleigh bed. A sleigh bed can be very bulky depending on the design and while a large room can easily accommodate a Queen or even a King-sized bed, you might have to choose a slightly more compact model minus the intricate outward curls for a smaller room. Remember, unlike conventional beds, a sleigh bed’s headboard will go lean completely flat against the wall so do think about this issue before you rush out to the furniture store with your credit card!

 

There are many child friendly beds available that can make the transition much easier. How your child sleeps at night should be a big factor in which bed you eventually choose. If your child flails around in bed then it is wise to purchase a bed that has a guard to prevent them from falling off the edge of the bed.

The biggest issue many parents find however, is that children often are scared and intimidated by sleeping in a new bed that isn’t their cot. If this is the scenario you should consider the many child friendly designs the bed manufacturing companies are designing. Silentnight have designed a range of beds specifically for young children. They come with fun headboards that will make it appear more friendly and likeable for the child, and to make it even more appealing Silentnight have stitched in a secret compartment in the headboard for your child to store things. The mattresses themselves are full-sized single bed built to the highest standards. Every component keeps kids comfy and safe, from the Miracoil spring system to the rounded edges. There is also a ‘sleepover’ function that allows you to separate the mattress from base turning it into two beds for when your child has sleepovers.

The bed comes in four different styles; two for boys and two for girls. Boys have the option of a rocket or football headboard and the girls have the option of toadstool or heart style; all styles which are pleasing to the eye and which will distract your child when the big transition occurs.