Bedroom Furniture Buying Guide

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat — a place to unwind, recharge, and feel at ease at the end of the day. The right bedroom furniture plays a big role in creating that sense of comfort and balance. Thoughtful design, quality construction, and proper scale all come together to make a bedroom feel truly inviting.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the most important choices so selecting bedroom furniture feels confident, enjoyable, and well-considered.

1. Start With How You Use Your Bedroom

Every bedroom tells a different story. Before choosing individual pieces, take a moment to think about how the space functions for you:

  • Is this a primary bedroom or a guest space?

  • Where will clothing, linens, and personal items be stored?

  • Is there room for seating, a bench, or accent pieces?

  • Will the room include seating, a bench, or additional furniture?

  • Do you prefer a fully coordinated look or a thoughtfully layered one?

Understanding how you live in the space helps guide every decision that follows.

2. Understanding Bed Sizes and Room Scale

The bed is the focal point of the bedroom, so scale is critical.

Typical bed sizes include:

  • Twin and Twin XL for compact rooms, guest rooms and kids rooms

  • Full for smaller bedrooms

  • Queen for everyday comfort and versatility

  • King for spacious primary and guest bedrooms

  • California King for a longer and less wide option

Allow adequate clearance around the bed for walking space, nightstands, and drawers. In most rooms, 30–36 inches of clearance is recommended where possible.

3. Bed Styles

Panel Beds

Panel beds feature a headboard that has panels built into it. They offer a clean, balanced look and work well in both traditional and contemporary bedrooms. A classic example of this design is the Dallas Bed, which features clean lines and solid wood construction suited to a wide range of bedroom styles.

Sleigh Beds

Sleigh beds feature a headboard, and sometimes a footboard, that arch outward. The sleigh bed style is very common for those seeking a more traditional motif. Sleigh bed styling can be seen in pieces like the Lodge Sleigh Bed, which highlights the gently curved headboard typical of traditional designs.

Spindle Beds

Popular in the mission and traditional styles, spindle beds offer several individual spindles on the headboard and footboard. A representative spindle design is the Stick Mission Bed, which showcases evenly spaced spindles and a lighter, more open appearance.

Platform Beds

Platform beds support the mattress without the need for a box spring. They create a lower, streamlined profile and are well suited to modern or minimalist spaces. Platform construction is demonstrated by beds such as the Modern Platform Bed, which supports the mattress directly for a low-profile, streamlined look.

Storage Beds

Storage beds incorporate drawers or compartments beneath the mattress. They’re a practical choice for maximizing space, especially in smaller bedrooms. It's like buying a dresser and a bed all in one. An example of this approach is the Charlotte Storage Bed, which integrates drawers beneath the mattress to provide functional, built-in storage.

Pier Beds

Pier beds feature a headboard flanked by vertical storage towers, often referred to as “piers.” These piers typically include shelving, drawers, or cabinets, providing built-in storage and display space while visually framing the bed. Pier beds create a strong architectural presence and work especially well in larger bedrooms where added storage and visual balance are desired. A well-known example of this style is the Mid Wall Pier Bed, which combines integrated storage with solid wood construction for a cohesive, built-in look.

4. Dressers, Chests, and Storage Pieces

A complete bedroom includes ample storage to keep the space feeling calm and organized.

Dressers

Dressers provide generous horizontal storage and often serve as a visual counterbalance to the bed. They work well beneath mirrors or artwork and anchor larger walls.

Chests of Drawers

Chests add vertical storage while taking up less floor space. They’re ideal for filling narrower walls or completing a furniture grouping.

Armoires and Wardrobes

Armoires add enclosed storage and visual weight, making them a strong choice for bedrooms that benefit from additional organization or a furniture-forward design.

5. Nightstands and Bedside Storage

Nightstands provide both function and balance to the bed.

Consider:

  • Height relative to the mattress

  • Number of drawers or shelves needed

  • Surface space for lighting and personal items

Matching nightstands create symmetry, while mixed styles can add a more relaxed, collected look.

6. Key Construction Components

Drawer Materials

Our drawer boxes are always constructed of solid wood on all 4 sides with a plywood bottom. Some sets features solid poplar drawer construction while others feature maple construction.

Dovetail Drawers

Dovetail drawers use interlocking wood joints that mechanically lock the drawer front and sides together. This traditional construction provides superior strength, smooth operation, and long-term durability compared to stapled or glued drawers.

Ball Bearing Drawer Slides

Ball bearing drawer slides use precision steel bearings to support smooth, quiet drawer movement. This construction allows drawers to operate easily under weight and maintain consistent performance over time.

Bed Brackets

Our beds feature steel corner bracket assembly for a very durable and sturdy bed assembly.

7. Finish and Wood Selection

Wood species and finish play a major role in the overall feel of the room.

Lighter woods and finishes tend to create an open, airy atmosphere, while darker finishes add warmth and a sense of richness. Because bedroom furniture is viewed up close, choosing a finish you’ll enjoy long term is especially important.

8. Customization Options

Our hand-crafted bedroom pieces are made to order and offer customization such as:

  • Choice of wood species

  • Finish and stain options

  • Hardware selection

Customization ensures your bedroom furniture fits your space and style precisely.

9. Solid Wood vs. Veneer Construction

Bedroom furniture benefits greatly from solid wood construction. Solid hardwood pieces offer:

  • Long-term durability

  • Structural stability for daily use

  • Natural grain variation and character

  • The ability to refinish over time

Amish-crafted bedroom furniture is built from solid hardwood rather than particle board or thin veneers, resulting in furniture designed to last for generations.

10. Craftsmanship and Lead Times

Handcrafted bedroom furniture is built with care, one piece at a time. While lead times are longer than mass-produced furniture, the result is superior construction, attention to detail, and lasting value.

11. Final Thoughts

A well-designed bedroom should feel calm, balanced, and personal. By focusing on scale, construction, storage, and customization, you can choose bedroom furniture that enhances both comfort and everyday living.

If you have questions about sizing, layouts, or customization, our team is always happy to help you create a bedroom that feels just right.