Buying guide for best sleigh beds
Are you considering redecorating your bedroom? If you’re doing a complete overhaul, you’re probably thinking about changing the furniture — namely, the bed. As the name implies, it’s certainly the focal point of the bedroom. It’s no surprise that the rest of the room is usually designed around it, which is why you should consider a sleigh bed.
Sleigh beds feature a classic design with a gently curving headboard and footboard. They’re known for a regal, elongated profile that is romantic and welcoming. Traditionally made of wood, sleigh beds have also adopted modern trends to keep them in the forefront of bedroom interior design. They’re now made of metal and fabric, and in some cases, embrace trundle bed features. If you’re sold on the silhouette, sleigh beds are also manufactured for children’s beds, and there are even convertible styles for toddlers and young children.
If you see a sleigh bed in your immediate future, it’s time to do your homework. We’re chiming in with this definitive buying guide, so you can choose the right one to help you rest easy. Check out our favorites, too.
Key considerations
Components
Scrolled headboard and footboard: Sleigh beds are best known for their scrolled headboard and footboard. While there’s always a scrolled headboard, there are some design differences when it comes to the footboard. Generally speaking, the footboard is much smaller than the headboard, and in some beds there’s no footboard at all. These designs are simpler, and if you’re short on space in your bedroom, one might save you an extra couple inches.
Feet: Sleigh bed feet can be just as stylish as the rest of the bed. Simple feet are wooden pegs, while more ornate designs include round, scrolled, and cabriole. Certain feet are also equipped with felt or nonslip pads to prevent damage to floors.
Frame: The long bed rails can be simple and unembellished or embrace the rest of the sleigh bed’s ornate design. Rails can feature crown molding, carving, or even drawers. Regardless of the exterior design, their main function, along with the perpendicular slats, is to provide a solid foundation to support the mattress.
Size
Sleigh beds are available in any bed size, but with that said, not every sleigh bed design comes in all sizes. The most common sizes by far are king and queen. It’s harder to find sleigh beds for twin and full mattresses, and there are only a handful of toddler sleigh beds on the market.
Box spring
When it comes to box springs, about half of sleigh beds need one. Others are designed to accommodate just the mattress. If your mattress is unusually soft, it might lack adequate support resting on just the slats. Sleigh beds that require a box spring don’t usually come with one. You will need to purchase one separately.
Assembly
Given their size, sleigh beds arrive at your home unassembled. If you have power tools, you can put it together yourself, a task that will be much easier with a second pair of hands. More complicated beds can take hours to assemble, in which case, calling an expert is recommended.
Expert Tip
Since sleigh beds sit higher off the floor than some other beds, they’re an ideal choice for individuals who have difficulty getting in and out of bed or bending down to make the bed.
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Features
Materials
Wood: Wood is by far the most popular material choice for sleigh beds. Mahogany, cherry, pine, and walnut are common, and some sleigh beds feature a combination of woods. Wood is relatively easy to maintain, and certain styles are budget-friendly, but if they get scratched, the repairs can be rather costly.
Metal: Metal is growing in popularity for sleigh beds, especially for simple and country chic décor. Some metal beds incorporate wood accents to achieve a modern, mixed-media look. While metal is modestly priced and can change the entire look of a bedroom, a metal bed frame may require regular retightening of the hardware.
Upholstery: For a truly regal, over-the-top look, there are also upholstered sleigh beds. In these styles, the traditional wood or metal frame is covered in velvet, tapestry, or heavyweight linen. Upholstered sleigh beds certainly elevate the bedroom with a romantic vibe, but the fabric covering can be difficult to clean if there’s a major stain.
Designs
Sleigh beds have some design variations, but not many. There are hybrid trundle styles that incorporate drawers or compartments and sometimes an additional mattress for a second sleeper. While harder to find, they’re an ideal choice if you need additional storage and your room can’t accommodate an extra dresser.
Convertible toddler sleigh beds are becoming popular, because the rails are removable once your child is old enough to sleep safely without them. One is ideal if you want your child to have quality bedroom furniture. Once they outgrow it, the sleigh bed can be enjoyed as additional seating in a playroom until your child reaches the weight limit, which is usually 50 pounds.
Expert Tip
If you like the idea of extra storage options, look for a hybrid sleigh/trundle bed with drawers.
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Accessories
Furniture sliders: SuperSliders
Sleigh beds can be heavy, and moving one can be quite an ordeal, so make the job easier on yourself. We like these furniture sliders by SuperSliders, which make it simple to slide large furniture by yourself. This set comes with a smooth plastic surface for carpets and plush covers for hardwood floors.
Accent throw: Bourina Textured Throw
An accent throw is a nice finishing touch for your sleigh bed. We like this 50 x 60-inch cyan throw from Bourina, whose texture is simple yet adds a bit of depth. Made from super-soft 100% acrylic, it also has tassels that, when draped over the sleigh bed, add elegance to your whole bedding set.
Accent pillow cover: OiseauVoler Throw Pillow Cases
Add a finishing touch to a freshly made bed with new accent pillow covers. We like these from OiseauVoler, which feature a neutral background and 3D sunflowers. Since they’re available in a dozen colors, it’s easy to find one that complements your bedding and bedroom décor.
Sleigh bed prices
Sleigh beds are priced between $225 and $2,500. It’s a broad range that depends on a number of variables, including size, materials, and durability.
Inexpensive: For $225 to $400, you’ll find mostly toddler, twin, and full sleigh beds made of wood. There are some queen and king beds in this range, but not many. Some designs in this range are poor quality, so you’ll need to closely examine yours after assembly.
Mid-range: For $400 to $1,000, you have a much bigger selection when it comes to materials and sizes. Not only are there traditional wood styles, there are also modern ones made of metal and fabric. Sleigh beds in this range are generally good to great quality, so it’s where you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
Expensive: For $1,000 and up, expect to see high-quality sleigh beds made from the finest wood from premium furniture brands. As these designs are more sophisticated, the beds often require expert assembly. With that said, these sleigh beds definitely stand the test of time, so one makes a worthwhile long-term investment.
Expert Tip
Maintain the finish of your sleigh bed by regularly treating it with the appropriate products. Wood beds do well with furniture polish, and most metal beds do well with dish soap and water.
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Tips
- Measure first. If the sleigh bed is larger than your old bed, take measurements to see whether it will fit in your bedroom with ample space around it. You might need to rearrange furniture to accommodate it.
- Upgrade your bedding. Since you’re already enjoying a brand-new bed, treat yourself to a new bedding set for a refresh, new look.
- Stain other furniture to match. If your major expenditure is a sleigh bed, you can save money on the rest of your bedroom furniture by investing in an inexpensive wood set and staining or finishing it to match the bed.
- Clean under the sleigh bed. Since sleigh beds are raised, remember to dust and vacuum underneath yours. Use a dust mop with a long handle to reach if you’re unable to move the bed.
Other products we considered
We like the romantic look of the Baxton Studio Platform Sleigh Bed. Fully upholstered in velvet, its crown jewel is the quilted velvet headboard with faux crystal buttons. The black painted feet add a touch of regal elegance at the bottom. With a sprung slatted base, you don’t even need to use a box spring if your mattress is firm enough on its own. For an added touch of sophistication, this sleigh bed sits higher off the floor than others.
To add a charming touch to a children’s bedroom, consider the DaVinci Sleigh Toddler Bed. It meets CPSC safety standards, as well as ASTM international safety standards, and has a non-toxic finish that is lead- and phthalate-free. The bed is made of New Zealand pine, and the side rails are ultra-sturdy to protect your toddler. Available in espresso, rich cherry, and white, there’s a finish to match any décor.
FAQ
Q. I scratched my wooden sleigh bed. Now what?
A. If you’d like to play it safe, you can defer to a carpenter or furniture expert to treat the scratch. Depending on how large or deep it is, you might be able to handle it yourself. There are many scratch-repair products on the market, some of which just color the scratch while others fill it with synthetic materials of the same color. Once you fix the scratch, you might need to retreat it occasionally. Another option is to sand down the wood and refinish it.
Q. What’s the best way to style a sleigh bed when it’s made?
A. Besides bold pillows, which are an easy addition, consider adding an eye-catching accent throw to the end of the bed. You could choose one with a wild design made of chunky, ornate materials, or you could dig in your own closet and add a knitted or crocheted throw. You could also layer thinner throws across one corner of the bed. Place a plain one on the bottom and then add a bolder throw with patterns or embellishments on top.
Q. Do I have to get the rest of the matching bedroom furniture when I purchase a sleigh bed?
A. No. If you’re getting a wooden bed and want it to match the furniture you already have, stick to the same finish. If you love a wooden sleigh bed, but the finish is completely different than your bedroom furniture, it’s worth refinishing. Most metal sleigh beds, especially wrought iron, are versatile enough to fit in with most wooden furniture styles.
