Buying a bed – what size, what model, and what should you look for when buying?

A bed is the most intimate piece of furniture in a home. It accompanies the quiet hours that no one else sees – the book still open at two in the morning, Sunday mornings with coffee balanced between two pillows, the first conversation after a long argument. When you close your eyes and think about your own bed stories, you rarely see the furniture itself. You see the crib with the crumpled duvet, under which you hid flashlights to secretly continue reading. The mattress on the floor in your first student flat, where Nikolaus Rammstein's first album played as you reinvented the world. The double bed, where suddenly a second head lay on the pillow in the morning – forever.

Therefore, when people buy a bed today, they are looking for more than just a piece of furniture. In this guide, we show which size, which model, and which details truly matter – so that your new bed becomes not just a place to sleep, but a piece of your own history.

Buying a bed – which bed size is right for me: 140, 160 or 180 cm?

Which bed to buy – this question almost always starts with the size. While the classic German double bed used to measure 140 × 200 cm, today 180 × 200 cm is increasingly considered standard. The trend towards more space is not without reason: one's own night's rest is coming into focus, and a comfortable bed pays off every night.

The most important bed sizes at a glance:

• 90 × 200 cm – classic single bed, ideal for students or guest rooms

• 120 × 200 cm – intermediate size for one person with freedom of movement

• 140 × 200 cm – compact double bed, ideal for narrow bedrooms

• 160 × 200 cm – the popular compromise when deciding on a 160 × 200 cm bed

• 180 × 200 cm – the current standard for couples with enough space

• 200 × 200 cm – generous bed for maximum freedom of movement

The right choice depends on the bedroom, sleeping habits, and daily routine. Those who move a lot during the night will sleep noticeably better in a wider bed. If you have limited space in the bedroom, it is better to choose a 140 cm bed with a high-quality mattress than a bed that is too large and overwhelms the room.

Practical rules of thumb for planning:

• At least 60 cm of space should remain next to the bed for movement

• Allow at least 100 cm for bedside tables on both sides

• The headboard should preferably be directly against the wall, with about 30 cm of free space on the sides

• The door swing must not hit the bed

If you want to buy a 180x200 bed but have little space, you should measure the floor plan carefully. A bed always appears larger in the room than it seems on paper. You can find suitable models in various sizes in our upholstered beds category.

Which bed frame is best – upholstered bed, wooden bed or metal frame in comparison?

Buying a bed frame is a decision for life – or at least for the next ten to fifteen years. Therefore, an honest comparison of the three most important variants is worthwhile.

Upholstered bed:

The cozy centerpiece of modern bedrooms. The padded headboard invites you to lean back and read, while the fabric looks warm and inviting. The Neria upholstered bed with integrated LED lighting in Japandi style, or the cozy PUFFRA upholstered bed with a high headboard, show how warm and personal an upholstered bed can appear. Advantages: high seating comfort, variety of fabrics and colors, many models available with storage boxes. Disadvantages: more susceptible to stains than wood, occasional maintenance required.

Wooden bed:

The classic. Solid wood from oak, walnut or pine brings warmth and a natural character to the bedroom. Advantages: extremely durable, every grain is unique, ecologically sustainable, develops a beautiful patina over the years. Disadvantages: heavier, less comfortable for leaning, fewer equipment variations with storage space.

Metal frame:

Filigree, industrial, often with visible character. Advantages: very durable, minimalist look, inexpensive in the entry-level range. Disadvantages: can make noise when moved, appears less warm than upholstered or wooden beds.

A good compromise between these options is an upholstered bed with a sturdy wooden frame – this combination offers comfort and durability. If you are looking for an particularly cozy model with a soft spring core, you will find it in the continental beds category.

Bed with or without storage box – when is a storage bed really worth it?

A bed with a storage box sounds practical – but is it really worth it? The answer depends on your living situation. For small bedrooms, old buildings without storage rooms, or for anyone who needs to store seasonal bedding, a storage bed is worth its weight in gold.

When a bed with a storage box is worthwhile:

• Small apartment without separate storage room

• Changing duvets for summer and winter

• Larger bedding collection

• Additional space for seasonal clothing

• Storage of sleeping essentials like pillows and blankets for guests

When a bed without a storage box is sufficient:

• Sufficient storage space available in the bedroom

• Clear, minimalist living style preferred

• Frequent repositioning of the bed in the room

• Very low beds where a box would detract from the aesthetics

With the STRATUS upholstered bed or the Melora upholstered bed, the bed box with a hydraulic lifting mechanism is already integrated. This means the slatted frame can be easily lifted, and the space underneath becomes a generous storage area.

A practical tip: check the height of the bed when it's extended. Some models have a very high frame with a bed box – this can make getting up difficult for older people or those with back problems. The optimal sitting height at the edge of the bed is between 45 and 55 cm.

Buying a bed online or in a furniture store – what should you consider when making the decision?

What should you look for when buying a bed? For many, the choice between buying online and buying at a furniture store remains the most difficult question. Both options have their merits, and the right decision depends on your own priorities.

Buying a bed online:

Advantages: significantly larger selection of models, colors, and materials, transparent prices, honest customer reviews, longer return periods than in stores, often better conditions, convenient home delivery.

Disadvantages: no direct trial lying possible, waiting time for delivery, larger packages require good preparation for assembly.

Buying a bed in a furniture store:

Advantages: direct trial lying and testing, personal advice, immediate impression of colors and materials, often quick pick-up possible.

Disadvantages: significantly smaller selection on site, higher prices due to staff and rental costs, often aggressive sales atmosphere, more time and travel effort.

If you want to buy a new bed, you will usually find better conditions online. A good middle ground: research online, read reviews, order fabric samples, and leisurely check the models at home. At Pillovely, you can request free fabric samples and test the color and texture directly in your bedroom – this doesn't replace trying out the bed, but it provides certainty about the look.

Practical bed buying tips for making a decision:

• Check assembly time and tools

• Read delivery conditions carefully

• Return policy is your most important friend in doubt

• Honestly read reviews from other buyers

• Check combination offers with a matching mattress

Incidentally, a suitable mattress is the other half of a good night's sleep – even the best bed frame is of little help if the mattress doesn't suit your body.

Frequently asked questions about buying a bed

How much should you spend on a good bed? 

A solid bed frame with high-quality craftsmanship typically starts at around 500 to 800 Euros. If you value details such as a hydraulic bed box, LED lighting, or special coverings, you should budget 800 to 1300 Euros.

Which bed size is ideal for two people? 

For couples, 160 × 200 cm has proven to be effective; if you want more space, choose 180 × 200 cm. The difference will be noticeable in freedom of movement and sleeping comfort.

Is a bed box really hygienic? 

Yes, if it is properly ventilated. Choose a bed with a breathable bottom and ventilate the bed box regularly.

Can you buy a bed online and still be safe? 

Yes. Reputable providers offer generous return policies, free fabric samples, and detailed product descriptions with customer reviews. If you compare carefully, you often have better experiences online.

How long should a good bed last? 

A high-quality bed frame will accompany you for ten to fifteen years or more. The mattress should be changed more frequently, usually every eight to ten years.

What color for an upholstered bed? 

Warm earth tones like caramel, sage, or greige are timeless and suit many interior styles. They create the calm atmosphere that is especially important in the bedroom.

A bed is more than a piece of furniture. It is the place where the day ends and sleep begins, where dreams start and memories rest. At Pillovely, you will find beds in warm earth tones, with the charm a personal home needs. So that every night becomes a piece of rest that you deserve.

Pillovely – for those who want more.

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