Investing in a new bed? One of the most important factors when choosing a bed is knowing how much space you have to work with. Whether you have a small bedroom or a big one, work out the dimensions first as this will ultimately narrow down your choice but also make the selection process easier.

Here, we talk through various types of beds, including bedsteads and divans, wood and metal frames, and storage beds.

Divans and bedsteads
 John Lewis & Partners Sweep Bed Double OrangeBUY NOW
John Lewis & Partners
Sweep Bed (Double) in Orange, from £699, John Lewis & Partners
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

• Carefully consider the size of bed you need. Standard doubles are about 135cm x 190cm, but if you or your partner are tall, a king size gives an extra 10cm in length while a super king is the same length but 30cm wider.

• However, if you have a large bedroom, buy the biggest bed your budget allows for extra comfort. 'Extensive research by Silentnight has shown that the bigger your bed, the better you sleep,' says Silentnight's bed expert Angela Moran. 'Two people sharing a bed should be sleeping on a King or Super King size; there has been a growing trend for people shifting from Double to King size mattresses.'

• Where possible, buy the divan base and mattress together to get a good feel for how firm and comfortable the mattress is.

• Bedsteads offer more decorative options than divans. A base with static slats gives firm support, or choose sprung slats if you want more give.

• But divans have advantages too. A double size bed frame actually takes up the floor space of a king size divan, so consider this when trying to save space in the bedroom.

STYLE TIP: An upholstered bed in a strong colour, with a tall headboard or ornate frame, will dramatically change the look of your room
Storage beds
Willow & Hall The Avebury Ottoman Storage Bed In Duck EggBUY NOW
Willow & Hall
The Avebury Ottoman Storage Bed In Duck Egg, from £780, Willow & Hall

• Keep clutter at bay by storing spare bedding and pillows in practical under-bed drawers.

• Alternatively, go for a standard bed frame and buy your own storage boxes to slot underneath. The Holding Company and Ikea both have good ranges.

• Other options include lift-up bases, where the entire base of the divan is used for storage.

Wooden beadsteads
Vox Nature Bed with Slatted HeadboardBUY NOW
Cuckooland
Vox Nature Bed with Slatted Headboard, from £465, Cuckooland

• Wooden bedsteads tend to have a contemporary look and can help to make a room look more spacious.

• As there's no bulky base they're easy to move and assemble.

• Most come with sprung slats or solid timber slats for a more sturdy feel. Both allow the air to circulate freely.

• If you don't want to overpower the decor, choose a pale finish, or to make a statement, go for a dark wood, painted or lacquered finish.

• The frame should last a lifetime so all you'll need to do is update the mattress every eight to 10 years.

• The most cost-effective timber is pine and as it's fairly neutral it will work well with most schemes.

STYLE TIP: Great for a small room, the slim outline of a bedstead with a floor space underneath means it doesn't look bulky.
Metal bed frames
Habitat Atlanta Black Metal Double Bed FrameBUY NOW
Habitat
Atlanta Black Metal Double Bed Frame, £225, Habitat (other sizes available)

• Although metal has a retro feel, there are lots of contemporary, classic and industrial styles to suit your bedroom scheme.

• Aluminium is lightweight so easy to move around; iron beds are usually ornate and more expensive; and brass is the most traditionally used metal and is a mid-priced, mid-weight solution.


Shop the best new season Asda bedding from George Home
Avocado bedset - George at Asda