As an interior designer, I’ve always believed that the bed is far more than a piece of furniture – it’s the heart of the bedroom, the anchor of your private sanctuary, and source of your daily restoration as well as a reflection of your personal taste. At Claudia Dorsch Interiors we consider the design of a bed not just as a matter of aesthetics but also as a balance between comfort, function, and individuality. Let’s explore how the perfect bed can transform your space and how thoughtful choices, from bed frames to linens, can create a haven of luxury, relaxation and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
1. The Bed Frame sets the Stage
The bed frame is both the practical foundation and the visual anchor of your bedroom. Its design not only shapes the look of the room but also has practical consequences. Considerations you want to make are:
- Height of overall bed. You can play with the legs, the base or frame and the depth (thickness of the mattress). Higher beds are typically more classic looking and can be more comfortable (especially as you get older), but this will affect your bedside table, your lighting, switches and sockets and should be viewed in relation to your ceiling height. The typical range of bed heights I consider is 40 to 70 cm. Recently we learned that for bedrooms with underfloor heating we should raise beds by up to 10cm off the floor for the wooden floors to breathe and heat to circulate efficiently.
- Framed Beds: do you prefer a bed where the mattress sits inside a frame or not? Usually these are made of wood but this can also be a steel or brass frame such as the classic Cornish wrought iron beds. Many classical traditional beds whether French antiques, German, Scandinavian, American and British beds were traditionally crafted with a solid timber frame. We have successfully retrofitted antique or vintage frames with modern slats from TRECA PARIS and then added bespoke mattresses, we have even increased the length of antique beds by working with our restorer.
- Divan beds : This is your typical frameless upholstered base which includes a body of springs to offer additional support and comfort. Typically these divans can range in height from 17 to 30cm. You then add your choice of style and height of legs and the mattress and you can add a topper for additional luxury. My favourite brand of beds that I use in all my properties and which we typically supply for high end projects is TRECA PARIS. Their options are so varied, they use all NATURAL MATERIALS and they can make bespoke sizes, that means I can create any look and comfort desired.
- Custom Creations: Bespoke bed frames tailored to your room’s proportions and design preferences ensure seamless harmony with your space. At Claudia Dorsch Interiors, we work closely with master craftsmen to create one-of-a-kind designs that blend beauty and functionality. I design beds in collaboration with various brands such as Turnpost, Natural Bed Company and EPOC – they offer exquisite ranges of handcrafted, luxury beds that combine timeless style with exceptional comfort.
2. Statement Headboards
We could devote an entire article to headboards. These elements are visually even more noticeable than the bed frame, they determine the aesthetic of your bedroom ambiance and they do affect your comfort. You want to ensure it is high enough to lean back comfortably. The choice of fabric or leather (or wood) affects durability and the tactile experience. Be careful to choose a composition , texture and pattern which is forgiving to damp or oily hair.
There is no limit to the imagination when considering headboard shapes and styles. We have hung leather boards on hooks or draped antique textiles on the wall. We have commissioned hand carved and then upholstered panels.
We have built bespoke very tall or very wide wall to wall panelling depending on the effect and shape of the room we wish to accentuate.
A striking shaped headboard can elevate your bed into a dramatic focal point. The shape and choice of fabric is one of the most versatile ways to personalise your bed, and you can change this over time.
3. Under-Bed Storage: Style Meets Practicality
I have always told clients if you are short of storage, your bed can offer you as much as an extra wardrobe. Incorporating storage into your bed design is a brilliant way to maximise functionality without compromising aesthetics. Thoughtful under-bed storage solutions ensure that even small spaces can feel organised and luxurious. There are essentially two categories of solutions and wherever possible I would opt for the lift up. I recommend that you ensure to integrate slats or springs into the platform on which the mattress sits this will improve your sleep comfort.
- Integrated drawers: Beds with built-in drawers (divan bases) offer a compact store for linens, seasonal clothing, or accessories. Ensure that you have enough space to pull out the drawers and beware that you will see seams in the fabric covering of the base.
- Lift-up storage beds: Hydraulic or lift-up mechanisms allow for larger storage compartments beneath the mattress, perfect for stowing away bulkier items like suitcases or duvets. You can also consider them to swap over your winter/summer wardrobe to free up your closets. Depending on the height of bed you are happy to create you can add up to 30cm internal storage. We typically work with EPOC, COLUNEX, Furl and Treca for ottoman lift beds.
Beyond under-bed storage, consider bespoke solutions that integrate seamlessly into the room’s design. We design these solutions regularly in our chalet projects where space is often very limited around the beds in the small mountain properties. But these designs can be applied anywhere to add smart additional shelving and remember to fit sockets and USBC plugs.
- Bedside storage: Built-in bedside tables or shelving units designed as part of the bed frame can provide functional storage while maintaining a cohesive look.
- Headboard storage: Some custom headboards include discreet compartments or shelving, ideal for keeping books, lighting controls, or personal items within easy reach.
4. Accessorising the Bed: Adding Layers of Style
The bed’s accessories – cushions, throws, and bedding – are where design meets comfort. These elements allow you to play with textures, colours, and seasonal themes, adding depth and character to the space.
- Cushions: Layering cushions in different sizes, shapes, and textures creates a polished look. Start with larger, supportive pillows at the back and finish with smaller, decorative cushions for a touch of personality.
- Throws: A well-chosen throw draped over the foot of the bed introduces an extra layer of style. Opt for cashmere, textured knits, or patterned textiles to complement your room’s palette.
- Personalised touches: Add monogrammed cushions or throws to bring a sense of individuality and luxury to your bedding ensemble.
- Curtains behind the headboard: For a modern, dramatic twist, consider introducing a curtain behind the headboard. This can add softness, create the illusion of height, and frame the bed beautifully. Choose rich, flowing fabrics or light sheers, depending on the desired effect.
5. Bed Linens: Dressing Your Bed in Luxury
Bed linens are the final, transformative layer, turning your bed into a tactile experience of indulgence. The right linens elevate not just the bed but the entire room. I am particularly fond of designing bespoke bedlinen in plain colours with borders and trims to match the room scheme. I will typically design for our projects two sets per room with the same basecloth but slight variations on trims and borders.
- Fabric matters: Opt for high-thread-count Egyptian cotton, linen, or silk for sheets and duvet covers. These materials feel exquisite against the skin and bring a sense of luxury to everyday life. Linen, in particular, has a timeless appeal, with its natural texture adding depth and an effortless elegance.
- Seasonal layers: Adjust your bed dressing to reflect the seasons. In summer, light, breathable fabrics like percale or linen keep the bed cool and airy, while in winter, plush throws, wool blankets, and quilted coverlets create a cocoon of warmth.
- Play with patterns and colours: While crisp white bedding remains a classic choice, don’t shy away from experimenting with colour and pattern. Subtle tones like soft greys or muted pastels create a serene backdrop, while bold hues or prints can add character and flair. The key is to balance your linens with the room’s overall palette for a cohesive look! In almost all my project I design custom bedlinen with collaboration from Heirlooms, their sheets and covers are exquite and the possibility to tailor your style is endless!
Choosing the perfect bed is like picking the right outfit – it should look great, feel even better, and make you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Sleep in style, wake up refreshed, and invest in your most precious asset: “Sleep is the single most effective thing we can do to reset our brain and body health each day.” Matthew Walker, neuroscientist and author of Why We Sleep.
Stay inspired, stay sophisticated – and rested!
