To Bed, Perchance to Sleep

Four posters so high off the ground you need a stepladder to climb into bed. These are among the solid trends in bed choices.

Traditional styles such as four posters, piers and wood bunks are popular, but different bed styles are quickly capturing a significant share of American bedrooms. There are futons in metal and mixed materials, and there’s equal interest in larger beds, referred to as “power beds,” to accommodate homes with high ceilings and dramatic master suites.

Metal bed styles

Among metal bed styles, the metal of choice is iron. Available initially in variations of black, iron beds now feature an intriguing assortment of colorful, textured and faux finishes. There are iron versions of traditional wood beds such as four posters and sleigh styles, contemporary iron canopy beds and iron day beds. Steel is another popular metal, while brass beds are still close to many consumers’ hearts.

“One trend is silver or metal-type finishes,” says one bed manufacturer. “The Victorian look is another trend in bed styles. This is not the heavily ornate Victorian bed of the 19th century, but rather an evolved Victorian that is simpler and more feminine. This Victorian influence is showing up on daybeds and metal beds alike.”

What’s next in metal bed styles? Beds for the youth market are much sought after. But the bright shiny red, black and cobalt blue metal bunk beds are being replaced by metal youth beds in richer matte finishes. Metal canopy beds are also popular, particularly for young girls.

In wood beds, some of the most successful introductions have been in the large-scaled styles. Traditionally proportioned beds are lost in new homes that feature high ceilings and massive master suites, so large-scale four posters are surging ceiling-ward, canopies are gaining ground, and beds are getting taller off the floor. Furniture companies are introducing elements of iron in their solid wood bed designs and are offering canopies, posters, and sleigh beds in their collections.

At the other end of the design scale are bed styles that are a bit more traditionally formal. Research shows that “20-somethings” are interested in more formality at home. They may not choose heavy ornamentation, but they value solid lines and excellent quality. Such formal bed collections are in increasing demand among a surprisingly young audience. Favorite finishes include solid oak, cherry and mahogany.

The Softening of Contemporary

Gives a contemporary situation into

The misconceptions that so many of us have about “contemporary design” are that a) it is too “far out”; b) it is too sterile; or c) you have to live in a metropolitan area to own contemporary. Not so to all of the above.

Today, contemporary styling is often as casual and inviting as most other style categories. Softer, more fluid lines are incorporated into architectural furnishings.

Furniture that reflects consumers’ desire to be more comfortable in their homes does not mean that designs are limited. The contemporary category today is much more about eclecticism — the blending of design elements and periods to create looks that fit naturally with almost any decorating scheme. Contemporary furniture is about making a beautiful, engaging statement in one’s home.