When Mel, one of my besties called me in a panic on a Sunday afternoon, I went hunting for a new bed ….. To cut a long story short, she has left her bed at her ‘old house’ while the house is on the market, they have moved into thier beautiful new home, but they are mostly without furniture, they are sleeping on a double mattress on the ground and their bodies don’t like it. Her hubby sent her out to buy a new bed (I know right, lucky girl) and she came home empty handed.

Hence, the phone call – “I need to ask you a very important question. Bed or Bedhead?”

I answered her with another question, I’m annoying like that – “Upholstered, timber, cane, rattan or metal?”

 I am definitely not an expert in this area, but I have had a few types of beds and learnt a few things over the years. 

I have learnt that putting an ensemble with wheels on hardwood floors is not a good idea, the bed constantly moves and you are forever retrieving pillows and remote controls from behind it.

I have learnt that an upholstered bedhead, although beautiful, is a nightmare to keep clean when you have 3 kids that insist on jumping into bed for morning cuddles with vegemite covered faces. Although I do love an upholstered bed, I will wait a few years until my kids are older.

I have learnt that I prefer a bed with a footer on it. It stops all the quilts and blankets from falling off the end of the bed, which really drives me mad.

There are so many great beds out there, but as a mum with kids I usually have to make some kind of compromise between functionality, aesthetics and budget. So here’s my theory on beds and bedheads for a family with kids – If you want something upholstered then choose a bedhead, it is easier to replace the fabric if you do get a bad stain that can’t be removed, or if you get tired of your fabric choice.  If you want timber, cane, rattan or metal go for a bed frame, then you don’t have to worry about covering the ensemble base and your quilts will stay on the bed, instead of in a heap on the floor.

After much chitter chatter, Mel decided on a bed frame and her brief was for something white and clean, not rustic or shabby.

So let’s have a look at a couple of options that we both love.

Of course there are many exceptions to my ‘rules’, and each room and situation calls for a different solution. I always like to let the space talk to me, and consider how it will be used and who will use it before making any big furniture choices.

If you are an expert in this area and have some tips to share, please do, I’d love to hear them!

Hayley x

PS. Mel is also on IG, she has just started a new account with all her gorgeous home pics, you can find her at @fortheloveofmyhome

UPDATE : Mel chose the Windsor bed frame from Bed Shed, I look forward to sharing some pics with you when her Master bedroom is complete!