Brezlin

Bed Design Guidelines

1. A lower bed makes a room look larger than a higher bed and creates a less formal appearance.
2. Most beds are designed so that the top of the mattress is 16" to 24" from the floor.
3. For maximum comfort, the bed should be 6" to 8" longer than the height of the person that will be using it.
4. To provide clearance for bed covers, allow 1" extra length and 1/2" to 1" extra width for the bed frame.
5. Mattress and box spring dimensions often differ from the "standards" so measure them before designing the bed frame.
6. The top of the headboard should be at least a foot above the top of the mattress. If a footboard is planned, aesthetics are enhanced by making it shorter than the headboard.
7. Most beds are designed with knock-down joinery to simplify moving and storage.
8. Make allowances for wood movement if using solid wood for the headboard. One approach is to oversize the mortises in the bed posts where the tenons on the headboard attach. Another approach is to cut a double mortise/tenon and allow one tenon to float by not gluing it in place.
9. Most headboards, footboards, and sideboards are made from 4/4 or 5/4 material. The use of thicker material is generally not necessary.
10. Give consideration to a platform bed rather than a conventional bed with a box spring. This approach can save money, enable the use of narrower stock for the sideboards, and provide greater clearance under the bed (box springs are often set close to the floor to put the mattress at a suitable height).

Adult Bed Specifications

• Height to top of mattress 16"-24"
• Best mattress height for sitting 17"-18"
• Best mattress height for changing sheets 24"
• Acceptable toe room for platform beds 6"-8""

Bunk Bed Specifications

• Overall height 60"-87"
• Height to top of lower mattress 16"-24"
• Height to top of upper mattress from top of lower mattress 30"-45"

Crib Specifications

• Mattress height adjustment 31" to 39"
• Spacing between slats 2-1/4"
• Height-floor to top of crib 48"

Cradle Specifications

• Width x Height 22" x 36"
• Height (top) 22" average
• Height (swing type) 40" average

Bedroom Storage Specifications

• Hanging space for long coats and dresses 58"-64"
• Hanging space for jackets and shirts 32"-36"
• Clothing storage unit depth 24"
• Drawer depth (shirts sweaters towels) 16"-20"

Standard Dimensions of Adult Mattresses

 

Mattress	Width	Length
Bunk	30", 33"	75"
Single	36"	75"
Twin	39"	75", 80", 84"
Double	54"	75", 80"
Queen	60"	80", 84"
King	76"	80", 84"

Standard Dimensions of Juvenile Mattresses

 

Mattress	Width	Length
Bassinet	18"	36"
Bassinet	22 1/4"	38 3/4"
Junior Crib	23"	46"
Junior Crib	25 1/4"	50 3/4"
6-year Crib	27"	51"
6-year Crib	31 1/4"	56 3/4"
Youth Bed	33"	66"
Youth Bed	36"	76"

Standard Thicknesses of Mattresses and Box springs

Type	Thickness
Inner Spring	5 1/2" - 6 1/2"
Foam	4" - 7 1/2"
Box spring	5 1/2" - 9"
Futon	3" - 6"

Standard Dimensions of Bedroom Furniture

Item	Height	Width	Depth
Dresser (bureau)	29" - 37"	36" - 48"	18" - 24"
Chest of drawers	42" - 56"	32" - 40"	18" - 22"
Double Dresser	26" - 34"	60" - 72"	18" - 22"
Night stand	16" - 25"	18" - 28"	16" - 22"
Blanket Chest	16" - 20"	32" - 54"	14" - 22"