You've planned, designed and decorated your new sleep space, now its time to furnish it. Muranos Furniture of Staten Island NY understands finding the right furniture for your bedroom will go a long way towards improving your quality of sleep, as well as creating a space that's comfortable, stylish and practical.

There are a few things to understand.

Lets get down to The Basics

A bedroom is far more than just a place to sleep - unless you're a college student - and there's more to furnishing, than throwing a few pieces together and hoping it works. But, family palace or crash pad, there are certain basic elements common to every bedroom. The key is not to cram in too much - keep the furniture to the minimum and add character and warmth with bedding, upholstery and drapes. Most of all, keep it neat. There's no way you can relax in  clutter.

Bedroom Signature Series by Ashley

The basis of every bedroom is the bed, storage for clothes in the form of a wardrobe and possibly a chest of drawers. Bedside tables are a must for many of us, and, depending on the amount of space and your personal taste, you may want to include a dressing table, TV Hutch, chair, ottoman or a bench.

Which Bed to Buy?

Beds are divided into two types - platforms and bedframes. A platform consists of a mattress on a matching upholstered base, with both parts sold together. The base is usually available with the option of storage drawers, which are roomy enough for spare duvets and pillows. A bedstead is a metal or wooden frame, with a mattress on top, purchased as a package, or separately. A bowed or sprung slatted base will give better support than solid slats.

Some bedrails incorporate storage, but in most cases you'll need to buy extra drawers or boxes. Make sure there's enough space under the bed and go for ones on castors that slide out smoothly and can be tucked right underneath.

How Big Should a Bed Be?

Classic Dimensions (W x L)

Single 39in x 75in
Full 54in x 75in
Queen  60in x 80in
King 76in x 80in
California King 72in x 84in

If space is an issue, don't go for bedframe with footboards - such as sleigh beds or platforms - as these take up more room than more simple designs. And it's worth remembering that bedrails are generally slightly smaller than bedframes, although the mattresses are the same size.

Finding A Headboard

The headboard is the part of the bed you really notice and very much dictates the style of the room. While bedrails are usually sold without them, so they need to be bought separately, they are integrated into bedframes.

There's a vast selection, ranging from barely there, low level wooden platforms, for a contemporary, understated feel, through to ornate, wrought iron models for a vintage or boudoir effect. Look out for modern four posters in iron or dark wood, and sleigh beds in wood or upholstered in leather. Oversized, high headboards are particularly fashionable, in faux suede, velvet, or other sumptuous fabrics.

Go Without A Headboard

Pile on the style with pillows and cushions and do without a headboard completely, or create your own, individual design by hanging a length of fabric, a wall hanging or even a rug behind the bed from a narrow pole or row of hooks.

Or, set the bed away from the wall abit and put a shelf at headboard level - this can act as a headboard/storage shelf and bedside tables all at once, and can look fab if it's stocked with books, pictures and lamps.

Design An Alternative

Other alternatives to conventional headboards include optional wall panels which sit behind the bed and incorporate bedside tables - perfect for a highly contemporary, streamlined feel. Or get a carpenter to fit a length of wood which reaches right up the ceiling, and add a narrow shelf for books or favorite photos.

Look for Further articles on Buying a Wardrobe, Bedside Table andDressing Tables coming soon in our best efforts to help you design and implement a one of a kind bedroom for your tastes.