How To Choose The Perfect Oak Bed For Your Bedroom
Choosing the right bed is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when furnishing your bedroom. Not only does your bed serve as the room’s focal point, but it also plays a crucial role in your comfort, sleep quality, and the overall aesthetic of your space. When it comes to combining durability, timeless style, and natural beauty, oak beds stand out as an exceptional choice.
At House of Oak, we understand that selecting the perfect oak bed involves more than simply picking a design you like. From considering your bedroom’s dimensions to understanding different oak finishes and bed styles, there are several factors to weigh before making your investment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to choose an oak bed that suits your space, style, and practical needs.
Why Choose An Oak Bed?
Before diving into the selection process, it’s worth understanding why oak remains such a popular choice for bedroom furniture. Oak is renowned for its exceptional durability and strength, making it ideal for furniture that needs to withstand daily use for decades. Unlike softer woods or manufactured materials, a quality oak bed frame will maintain its structural integrity year after year, providing reliable support and excellent value for money.
The natural grain patterns and warm tones of oak bring character and warmth to any bedroom. Whether you prefer the lighter, honey tones of natural oak or the richer, deeper hues of darker finishes, oak furniture adds a sense of quality and craftsmanship that’s immediately apparent. Oak’s versatility also means it complements both traditional and contemporary bedroom styles, making it a safe investment even if your décor preferences change over time.
From an environmental perspective, oak is a sustainable choice when sourced responsibly. Oak trees are abundant, and reputable furniture makers ensure their oak comes from well-managed forests. The longevity of oak furniture also means fewer replacements over your lifetime, reducing waste and making it an eco-conscious option for your home.
Assessing Your Bedroom Space
The first step in choosing the perfect oak bed is understanding your available space. A bed that’s too large will overwhelm a small bedroom and make movement difficult, while a bed that’s too small can look lost in a spacious master suite.
Measure Your Room
Start by measuring your bedroom’s length and width, taking note of any architectural features such as alcoves, sloped ceilings, or bay windows that might affect bed placement. Remember to account for other essential furniture pieces like wardrobes, bedside tables, and dressing tables when calculating your available floor space.
As a general rule, you should aim to leave at least 60-70cm of clearance on either side of the bed for easy access and movement. You’ll also want to ensure there’s adequate space at the foot of the bed – ideally around 90cm – to allow for comfortable movement around the room and to open wardrobe doors or drawers without obstruction.
Consider Ceiling Height
If you’re considering a four-poster oak bed or a bed with a tall headboard, ceiling height becomes an important consideration. Measure from floor to ceiling and ensure your chosen bed won’t make the room feel cramped or claustrophobic. In rooms with lower ceilings, opt for beds with lower-profile headboards or sleigh bed designs that draw the eye horizontally rather than vertically.
Think About Doorways & Staircases
Before falling in love with a particular oak bed, consider the practicalities of delivery and installation. Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure your chosen bed frame can be manoeuvred into your bedroom. Many oak beds are delivered in sections for easier assembly, but it’s always worth checking dimensions beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Selecting The Right Bed Size
Once you’ve established how much space you have available, you can determine which bed size will work best for your needs.
Single & Small Double Beds
Single beds and small double beds are ideal for children’s rooms, guest bedrooms, or smaller master bedrooms where space is at a premium. At House of Oak, our single beds and compact double options provide all the quality and craftsmanship of our larger pieces while maximising floor space in more modest rooms.
Double Beds
Standard double beds remain the most popular choice for couples in average-sized bedrooms. They offer a comfortable sleeping space for two without dominating the room, leaving adequate space for other furniture and easy movement.
King & Super King Beds
For those with larger bedrooms or who simply prefer more sleeping space, king-size beds and super king beds provide luxurious comfort. These larger sizes are particularly beneficial for taller individuals, restless sleepers, or couples who appreciate extra room. Our king-size oak beds and super king options make a stunning statement in spacious master bedrooms, serving as a true centrepiece for the room.
When choosing your bed size, consider not just your current needs but also potential future requirements. If you’re furnishing a child’s bedroom, a larger single or small double bed will serve them well into their teenage years and beyond.
Understanding Oak Bed Styles
Oak beds come in a variety of styles, each bringing its own character and aesthetic to your bedroom. Understanding the different options will help you choose a design that complements your existing décor and personal taste.
Characterised by their curved headboards and footboards that resemble a sleigh, these beds bring a touch of elegance and traditional charm to any bedroom. Sleigh beds work particularly well in period properties or rooms decorated in classic or country styles. The substantial presence of a solid oak sleigh bed creates a sense of luxury and comfort.
Panel beds feature flat, panelled headboards and sometimes footboards, offering a more understated and versatile look. This style works equally well in traditional and contemporary settings, making it an excellent choice if you like to update your bedroom décor regularly. Panel beds can range from simple, clean-lined designs to more ornate versions with decorative detailing.
For those seeking to make a dramatic statement, four-poster oak beds bring grandeur and romance to a bedroom. Modern four-poster designs have evolved from their heavy, traditional predecessors, with many contemporary versions featuring clean lines and minimal ornamentation. These beds work best in larger bedrooms with high ceilings where they can be fully appreciated.
If you prefer a more contemporary aesthetic or have a bedroom with lower ceilings, low-profile oak beds offer a sleek, modern look. These designs typically feature lower headboards and eliminate the footboard entirely, creating a sense of space and simplicity. Platform beds with integrated storage can be particularly practical in smaller bedrooms where maximising space is essential.
Oak beds with built-in storage offer an excellent solution for bedrooms where space is at a premium. Drawer storage beds typically feature two to four drawers built into the bed base, providing convenient storage for bedding, clothing, or other items while maintaining the beautiful appearance of solid oak furniture.
Choosing The Right Oak Finish
The finish you choose for your oak bed will significantly impact the overall look and feel of your bedroom. Oak furniture is available in a variety of finishes, each offering distinct aesthetic qualities.
Natural Oak
Natural or light oak finishes showcase the wood’s inherent beauty, displaying the grain patterns and warm, honey tones that make oak so appealing. Natural oak finishes work beautifully in Scandinavian-inspired interiors, coastal themes, or any space where you want to create a light, airy atmosphere. This finish also makes rooms feel more spacious and bright, making it an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or those with limited natural light.
Medium Oak
Medium oak finishes offer a balance between the lightness of natural oak and the richness of darker stains. This versatile option suits a wide range of interior styles and colour schemes, making it a popular choice for those who like to update their bedroom décor periodically without replacing furniture.
Dark Oak And Walnut Finishes
For a more dramatic, sophisticated look, dark oak or walnut-stained finishes bring depth and richness to a bedroom. These finishes work particularly well in larger rooms with good natural light, where they create a sense of warmth and luxury without making the space feel too dark or enclosed. Dark oak beds pair beautifully with lighter walls and soft furnishings, creating an elegant contrast.
Painted Oak
While solid oak is stunning in its natural state, painted oak beds offer another dimension of versatility. Painted finishes allow you to introduce colour into your bedroom while still benefiting from the durability and quality of solid oak construction. Popular choices include soft greys, crisp whites, and deep blues, all of which can be easily coordinated with changing décor trends.
At House of Oak, we offer a range of finishes across our bedroom furniture collection, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your interior style.
Matching Your Bed To Your Bedroom Style
Your oak bed should complement and enhance your bedroom’s overall aesthetic rather than clash with it. Consider your existing décor and the atmosphere you want to create.
Traditional And Country Styles
If your bedroom features traditional or country-style décor, consider oak beds with more ornate detailing, such as sleigh beds or panel beds with decorative carving. Medium to dark oak finishes work particularly well in these settings, paired with classic fabrics like florals, checks, or stripes.
Contemporary And Modern Interiors
For contemporary bedrooms, look for oak beds with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and lower profiles. Natural or light oak finishes complement modern interiors beautifully, especially when paired with neutral colour palettes and simple, unfussy soft furnishings.
Scandinavian Style
The Scandinavian aesthetic celebrates natural materials, simplicity, and functionality – making oak beds a perfect fit. Choose designs with clean lines in natural or light oak finishes, and pair them with white or pale grey walls, minimal accessories, and plenty of natural light.
Industrial Style
Oak beds can work surprisingly well in industrial-style bedrooms. Look for designs with metal accents or hardware, or pair a simple oak bed frame with industrial-style lighting and accessories. The warmth of oak helps soften the harder edges of industrial décor, creating a balanced, inviting space.
Considering Comfort And Practicality
While aesthetics are important, your oak bed must also meet your practical needs and contribute to a good night’s sleep.
Headboard Height & Design
If you enjoy reading or watching television in bed, a bed with a substantial, comfortable headboard is essential. Consider the height and angle of the headboard – some designs are more suitable for sitting up against than others. Upholstered headboards or those with a slight recline offer more comfort for extended sitting.
Bed Base & Mattress Support
The quality of your bed base affects both the longevity of your mattress and your sleep quality. Solid oak bed frames typically feature either slatted bases or solid platforms. Slatted bases allow for better air circulation around your mattress, which can help regulate temperature and prevent moisture build-up. Ensure the slats are appropriately spaced and sturdy enough to support your chosen mattress type.
Assembly & Maintenance
Oak beds are typically delivered in sections for easier transport and installation. Consider whether you’re comfortable with self-assembly or if you’ll need professional installation. Once assembled, solid oak beds require minimal maintenance – regular dusting and occasional treatment with appropriate wood care products will keep your bed looking beautiful for decades.
Coordinating Bedroom Furniture
For a cohesive look, consider coordinating your oak bed with matching bedroom furniture. At House of Oak, our bedroom furniture ranges include wardrobes, chests of drawers, and bedside tables designed to complement our bed collections. Matching furniture creates a harmonious, well-designed space and ensures consistent quality throughout your bedroom.
Budget Considerations
Oak beds are a bit of an investment, but their longevity and timeless appeal make them excellent value for money. When setting your budget, consider the bed as a long-term purchase that will serve you for many years, potentially decades.
Higher-quality oak beds feature superior construction, better finishing, and often use oak from more sustainable sources. While the initial cost may be higher, the durability and lasting beauty of a well-made oak bed mean you won’t need to replace it as you would with cheaper alternatives made from inferior materials.
At House of Oak, we pride ourselves on offering premium oak furniture at fair prices. As a family-run business, we understand the importance of value and quality, ensuring every piece we sell represents an investment you can feel confident about.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing the perfect oak bed for your bedroom involves balancing practical considerations with aesthetic preferences. Take time to measure your space accurately, consider your current and future needs, and think about how your chosen bed will work with your existing décor.
Visit our showroom to see our oak beds in person, feel the quality of the craftsmanship, and get a true sense of the different finishes and styles available. Our knowledgeable team is always happy to offer advice and answer any questions you may have about choosing the right oak bed for your home.
Remember, your bed is more than just a place to sleep – it’s the centrepiece of your bedroom and a piece of furniture you’ll interact with every day. Choosing a quality oak bed from House of Oak means investing in comfort, style, and craftsmanship that will enhance your home for years to come.
Browse our full collection of oak beds online, or contact us to discuss your requirements and find the perfect piece for your bedroom.