Sleeping is a fact of life: everyone needs a bed so they can rest and get a good night's sleep. When a client contracts you to come up with a great design for their bedroom remodel or redesign, you have to put your best foot forward. Stay knowledgeable about different styles and options for beds so you're ready to give your clients what they're looking for.

In many cases, the bed is the focal point of the room, so you can really make a statement with the type you choose. It's best to keep up with the latest trends to ensure that you can meet the needs of every client. Consider the following when meeting with a client:

1. Take the size of the room into account. Some bed styles take up more room than others.

2. Think about different stains and finishes. A bed is usually made of wood or metal, but there are many colors to choose from.

3. Find bed styles that your clients might enjoy. Examples include poster beds, canopy beds, platform beds and sleigh beds.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

See if a traditional poster bed appeals to your clients

The poster bed is one of the most popular styles around; thus, there is a wide selection to choose from. These beds tend to be bulky, so they are best for clients with large bedrooms. Many of these frames are wood, but finishes range from blonde to dark cherry.

I recommend: Browse through the selections at CymaxStores to see if one of the beds fits your client's taste. Havertys Furniture Companies also has a nice variety.

Maximize space with a bed that has storage components

Sometimes, you'll work with clients who can't fit an entire bedroom set into their bedrooms. So, to increase the amount of storage space your client has to use, you can buy a bed that incorporates drawers and shelves right into it.

I recommend: Consider the "underbed dresser" system offered by Anderson Manufacturing. Choose from the multitude of designs available at One Way Furniture.

Find a platform bed provider for clients who prefer a more minimalist design

A platform bed has a small headboard and a small footboard, if there is a footboard at all. They are very basic and most of them have clean lines, which is a very modern style. These types of beds work well for clients who don't like ornate details and have simple but sophisticated tastes.

I recommend: Check out the Asian-inspired platform beds from Haiku Designs. Browse through the unique offerings at Crate & Barrel.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regularly attending trade shows can ensure that you always have the latest bed information. As you know, trends change rapidly and new styles are always coming out. When you attend the shows, ask designers for a bed list so you can keep track of what each one offers.