7 Different Types of Beds Explained

Not all beds are created equal - and in fact, they’re not even created for the same purpose. One person’s elegant centrepiece is another’s practical storage solution; a bed that works beautifully in a sprawling master suite can fall flat in a compact flatshare. And with the sheer number of styles available today - upholstered, modular, lift-up, wall-mounted, you name it - it’s more important than ever to understand what each type of bed actually offers. The goal isn’t just to find something that fits - it’s to find something that works. Comfortably. Cohesively. Intelligently.

Whether you’re renovating your bedroom or simply upgrading for a better night’s sleep, this is your guide to the most useful, design-conscious bed types available today - and what they’re best suited for.

beautiful woman fixing her bed

Ottoman Beds: The Storage Kings Of Smart Living

If you’re even slightly pressed for space (and most of us are), ottoman beds are the single most efficient investment you can make. They lift from the base - either manually or with electric assistance - to reveal vast, under-mattress storage that spans the entire footprint of the bed. Think towels, spare duvets, winter jumpers, suitcases, even books - all concealed within a sleek, streamlined frame. 

At Furl, we build ottomans to be both visually refined and functionally seamless. Our Max depth option offers up to 40cm of usable storage - significantly more than traditional divans or drawer-style beds. And because the mechanism lifts vertically, you don’t need floor clearance at the sides - perfect for smaller rooms, tight layouts, or corners.

Plus, the advantages of multi-functional furniture don’t just stop at storage - they look cleaner, too. No bulky drawers, no awkward handles. Just thoughtful design doing its job in silence.

Air Storage Bed

Divan Beds: Classic, But Limited

Divans are among the most traditional bed types in the UK - essentially a solid base with integrated drawers and a matching headboard. They’re typically compact, often affordable, and a popular choice for guest rooms or rental properties.

That said, divans are becoming less popular in modern homes - and for good reason. The drawer storage they offer is limited (you lose a surprising amount of volume to the drawer framework), and they require clear access on either side, which can be frustrating in smaller rooms.

Still, if you're after a low-profile option with simple storage - and you don’t mind sacrificing floor space to get it - divans can still hold their own.

Platform Beds: Minimalist And Modern

Platform beds are known for their low height, clean lines and simple construction - typically a flat base with a slatted or solid surface that eliminates the need for a box spring. They’re especially popular in minimalist interiors or Scandi-inspired homes where the focus is on unfussy silhouettes and low-slung furniture.

Visually, platform beds create a calm, grounded feel - but be aware: they offer no storage whatsoever. So unless you’re blessed with built-in wardrobes or other storage elsewhere, they may feel more form than function.

Sofa Beds: Flexible, Functional, And Underrated

A good sofa bed is more than just a last-minute guest solution - it’s a multifunctional piece that lets you reclaim square footage without sacrificing comfort. And when done right, it can be indistinguishable from a standard sofa in both style and sit.

At Furl, we offer comfortable seating that doubles as a bed, while also being designed for daily use - with proper mattresses, gas-assisted mechanisms, and a wide choice of custom upholstery options. Whether you’re working with a small studio, a home office/guest room hybrid, or you simply want more utility per square metre, a well-designed sofa bed makes space work harder.

Four-Poster And Sleigh Beds: Statement Pieces

These are less about practicality - and more about presence. A four-poster or sleigh bed makes a statement; it defines a room, adds gravitas, and speaks to a particular kind of interior (think maximalist, traditional, perhaps even a little dramatic).

While beautiful, these beds can be visually heavy - and rarely offer storage. They’re best suited to larger rooms with high ceilings and minimal clutter. In the wrong space, they can feel overwhelming or outdated - but when they’re done right, they’re truly show-stopping.

Simplicity Storage Bed
Low Storage Bed

Bunk And Loft Beds: Small Room Saviours

Commonly seen in children’s rooms or shared bedrooms, bunk beds stack sleeping space vertically - freeing up valuable floor area. Loft beds do something similar, raising the bed high enough to fit a desk or sofa underneath.

They’re brilliant for small rooms, awkward layouts, or student flats - but they’re rarely adult-appropriate unless you’re genuinely pressed for space. (And even then, comfort can be compromised.)

Still, when floor space is at a premium, they’re hard to beat.

Daybeds And Trundles: Low-Key Versatility

A daybed walks the line between seating and sleeping - essentially a single bed with side and back support, allowing it to function like a sofa during the day. Trundles offer an additional pull-out bed underneath, making them ideal for kids’ rooms, guest spaces, or anywhere flexibility is key.

They don’t offer storage (unless custom-built), but they do maximise function in limited square footage.

Final Thoughts

Every bed type has its place - but the best one for you depends on how you live. Need to store half your life under the mattress? Go ottoman. Limited on rooms but big on guests? A high-quality sofa bed will change everything. Want something grand and immersive? A four-poster can anchor the entire aesthetic.

And don’t forget: even within categories, not all beds are created equal. Construction quality, materials, mechanism, and configuration options will all determine how useful (and beautiful) your bed is in daily life.

If you’re choosing a bed right now, pause before defaulting to whatever’s familiar - and think about what your space is really asking for. Chances are, it wants something smarter.

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David Norman

David Norman is the founder of Furl, a UK-based furniture brand known for redefining how people live with space-saving, design-led storage beds and sofa beds.

With almost two decades of hands-on experience in product design, manufacturing, and brand strategy, David has built Furl into a trusted name among urban professionals seeking calm, clutter-free homes. His work has been recognised for its innovation and craftsmanship, with features in publications such as Yahoo Finance and The Telegraph.

David continues to lead Furl’s creative direction, developing furniture that solves real-world problems without compromise.