Double or King? How To Decide On The Size Of Your Bed

Choosing a new bed is a serious commitment - it will be your partner for years to come, and if you're going to get on well, you'll need to make sure that you choose carefully. The first decision to make is on the size of your bed - will you go for a double, or opt for a king size?

It may sound obvious, but the main consideration in this case is the size of the room, although it is not as simple as it may seem. Even if your room is huge, you may have different ideas for the space - by going for a double over a king, you may be able to fit an extra wardrobe or a stylish and seductive chaise-longue into your room plan, or, conversely, you can minimise the furniture in a small bedroom, relegating wardrobes and dressing tables to a spare room, and dedicate the whole space to the bed.

If you have the space, a king size
bed can be luxurious and inviting

The difference in sizes between a double and king is not much, but it makes a difference in room design - a double bed measures around 4'6 in width, while a king size comes in at 5', but that six inches can mean the difference between having a bedside cabinet on either side of the bed and either you or your partner having nowhere to put their bedtime drink.

Minimise furniture to maximise your bed!

As well as the size of your room, another important consideration is your sleeping habits. If you and your partner both need your own territory at night, and fight over space, then a king could give you both plenty of room to toss and turn. If you're the kind of couple who like to sleep close, you may want the cosy feeling of a double, which can be just as luxurious and romantic, providing you select some beautiful bedding to complement it.

read more...

Using Bunk Beds to Create a Beautiful Kids' Room

Picking beds for your childrens' room can be daunting, especially as kids grow up so fast - will the bed you pick today meet their needs in a year or two? A great way to get some versatility is to choose bunk beds, which can be separated when your kids outgrow them.

Bunk beds are a great way to maximise the floor space in your childrens' rooms, and even if your kids' room is on the large side, using a bunk bed can help you to create space for them to play in, or to get their homework done, without cluttering the room with furniture. When they're old enough, you can split the beds, giving each child their own separate bed, so it can be a good idea to order two matching bedside cabinets when you buy your bunk bed, so that when you split the beds you will have matching furniture.

bunk beds can be stylish as well as practical

If you need a bunk bed to make the most of a small room, why not look for a bed that includes some storage, allowing you to keep the room as clear of clutter as it can be. If the bed does not come with its own storage, you can buy under-bed storage drawers that slide out on wheels, letting your kids keep their toys carefully stored and safe from damage.

Sharing rooms can be a chore for a lot of kids, but bunk beds can be easily customised to reflect your childrens' personalities and allow them a little privacy - you can create a cosy little reading nook by mounting a curtain beneath the top bunk, allowing the bottom bunk to be curtained off into its own little room. You can also put curtains above the bed on the ceiling to allow the top bunk some privacy too. Try selecting fabrics that feature some of your kids' favourite cartoon characters to really make them feel like they have their own space.

If you need some more inspiration on how to use bunk beds to create a beautiful room for your children, check out this great feature from about.com

read more...