7 Sleigh Bed Ideas to Enhance a Bedroom + Tips / Tricks

A bed isn’t just made for sleep, it’s also designed to enhance the overall aesthetics of a bedroom. While some people prefer having a standard-looking bed with no particular decorative elements, others favor beds that feature some sort of ornaments, curves, or other attractive details. If you wish to spruce up your bedroom, then consider using a decorative bed such as a sleigh bed. We’ll cover some of our favorite sleigh bed ideas in this article.

A sleigh bed features a curved or scrolled footboard and headboard. As the name suggests, the bed looks like a sleigh. Different sleigh bed ideas include woven wicker sleigh beds, lattice design sleigh beds, upholstered sleigh beds, wrought iron sleigh beds, minimalistic nordic sleigh beds, storage sleigh beds, and modern upside-down sleigh beds.

In this article, we’ll help you find the right sleigh bed design to complement the overall look of your bedroom. After reading the article, you will also be able to easily update your old sleigh bed design or simply dress it up.

What Is a Sleigh Bed?

Sleigh beds are available in different styles and colors and can be made of different materials to complement the style of your bedroom. Our sleigh bed height guide will offer you some additional information too.

A sleigh bed is a style of bed that is shaped like a sled. It is characterized by a curved or scrolled footboard and headboard. Although sleigh beds date back to the 1800s, they are still very popular.

Below are 7 sleigh bed ideas with pictures to help you choose one that fits your style and preference.

1. Woven Wicker Sleigh Bed

Woven wicker sleigh beds are ideal for rustic-style bedrooms where other similar pieces of furniture are present. This bed style is also appealing in beach houses.The material is relatively lightweight, which makes the sleigh bed easy to move. Woven wicker sleigh beds are also relatively inexpensive in comparison to vintage or ultra-modern beds.

If you decide on getting a woven wicker sleigh bed for your bedroom, consider adding two wicker side tables on each side of the bed to create a finished look. You can use a wicker dresser that matches your sleigh bed as well or you can use traditional wooden furniture instead for a cohesive look. This woven wicker sleigh bed on Amazon delivers comfort and style along with its contemporary sleek design.

2. Lattice Design Sleigh Bed

Lattice is a decorative structure with different-shaped cuttings or grids. Lattice design is used in a variety of furniture pieces and a sleigh bed is no exception. Due to the cuttings within the foot and headboard, lattice sleigh beds aren’t as bulky as regular sleigh beds made of wood.

Lattice sleigh beds are lightweight and ideal in vintage or rustic-style bedrooms. However, they are not always suitable in modern-style bedrooms. Take a look at this lattice sleigh bed which gives a bedroom a soft, warm, traditional bedroom appearance.

Did you know that you can even change the rails on a sleigh bed? Make sure to read our related article on how to replace sleigh bed rails to find out more.

3. Upholstered Sleigh Bed

Upholstered sleigh beds are among the most popular sleigh bed designs worldwide. They are incredibly versatile, and make your bedroom look much more luxurious. Upholstered sleigh beds can suit any type of room, but they are mostly found in modern bedrooms. The padding over the sleigh bed foot and headboard creates a comfortable and cozy environment for rest or sleep.

The bed is incredibly soft to touch and exceptionally safe for the kids. What makes upholstered sleigh beds even more convenient is the fact that they are available in a wide spectrum of colors and they typically feature removable padding for easy cleaning. This luxurious upholstered sleigh bed on Amazon will create a spectacular focal point in your bedroom with its velvety smooth fabric and design.

4. Wrought Iron Sleigh Bed

If you are a fan of rustic-style furniture, consider getting a wrought iron sleigh bed for your bedroom. This sleigh bed comprises curved metal foot and headboards with a variety of ornaments on each side of the bed. The majority of wrought iron sleigh beds have features from early american design.

Although wrought iron sleigh beds are pretty heavy, they aren’t as bulky as classic wood sleigh beds. The metalwork gives the bed a unique and gorgeous appearance.

While metal sleigh beds are ideal for rustic-style bedrooms, avoid using them in rooms where your kids are allowed to play. The ornaments might be too sharp sometimes and they can cause injuries. This wrought iron sleigh bed creates a beautiful silhouette.

5. Minimalistic Nordic Sleigh Bed

Nordic furniture is characterized by clean, simple, and minimalistic designs. Nordic sleigh beds deliver a soft and light appearance in comparison to traditional bulky sleigh beds. They look perfect in modern and minimalist bedrooms. They lack sharp edges or ornaments, which makes them safe for childrens’ bedrooms. This nordic sleigh bed from Amazon is an excellent addition to any room with a variety of decorating styles.

Did you know that you can even replace a sleigh bed footboard? Make sure to check out our related article to find out how.

6. Storage Sleigh Bed

Storage sleigh beds are a useful investment, which offer both a practical and stylish bed. They are ideal for small apartments and bedrooms where there is a lack of storage space. Some sleigh beds include drawers below the bed, while other models feature storage space under the mattress and require you to lift the mattress to access the storage.

Although both types of storage sleigh beds are convenient, the latter is a bit less practical since it requires lifting the mattress every time you want to access the storage area. This sleigh bed with storage drawers underneath is elegant, practical, and useful all at once.

Storage sleigh beds can be quite heavy to move around when cleaning because of their added storage space and drawers. If you need to move your sleigh bed then read our article on how to move a platform bed which has helpful details for moving heavy pieces of furniture around.

7. Modern Upside-Down Sleigh Bed

Contemporary sleigh bed design without underbed storage

Not every sleigh bed design is made for modern-style bedrooms. There are some traditional sleigh beds that create a statement in ultra-modern bedrooms. Some models feature a footboard in an upside-down position, making the bed look like a sleigh. Another major difference between a traditional and a modern sleigh bed is that the foot and headboard are slimmer, which gives the bed a lightweight appearance. This low-profile modern sleigh bed with no hard edges is one of a kind addition to any contemporary bedroom.

Make sure to also check out these 6 different sleigh bed styles & which one is right for you. Also, have you ever wondered what the difference is when comparing a sleigh bed vs a canopy bed? Make sure to check out our article to find out!

How to Update a Sleigh Bed With a Sleigh Bed Makeover

As the years pass and decor trends change, there may come a time when you want to upgrade the look of your sleigh bed.

To update a sleigh bed, paint it a new color, add wood detailing, add a bed canopy, or upholster the foot and headboard of the sleigh bed.

Paint A Sleigh Bed To Match Room Decor

The easiest and probably the most affordable way to upgrade your sleigh bed is to simply change its color. Select a color that matches the style and color of your bedroom. A neutral color is always a good idea, as it ensures a timeless interior. It will always be considered a classic regardless of whether you prefer modern or rustic designs. Take a look at this guide on how to paint a bed frame to learn more about the steps you should take or avoid in order to achieve good painting results.

Remove all bedding from the bed and protect the floor so that the paint does not stain the surrounding area. Make sure you choose the right specialty paint for specific applications, depending on the material your sleigh bed is made of. Read this article from ScienceDirect regarding non-toxic water-based paints that are safe to use in house interiors.

Add Wood Detailing to A Sleigh Bed For a Luxurious Look

If your sleigh bed looks plain and you want to add a vibrant touch to it, then consider adding some wood ornaments to the foot and headboard. If you are good at woodworking, then you can order some decorative wood pieces like these to glue on your headboard. You can even hire a carpenter to add wood detailing to your sleigh bed. Upgrading your bed this way is less costly than buying a brand new sleigh bed.

Add a Bed Canopy to Make a Sleigh Bed Look Cozy

Adding a bed canopy will create a cozy atmosphere and will make your sleigh bed look splendid and luxurious. A bed canopy like this one also delivers warmth, privacy, and blocks insects. For more information on the advantages of a canopy, read our article on canopy beds.

Upholster the Footboard and Headboard

Upholstering the footboard and headboard of your sleigh bed will give the bed a much more luxurious look. A padded bed frame is quite soft and kid-friendly, so upholstering a sleigh bed is a great idea for parents of young children. You will need to remove and reattach your headboard and footboard so have a look at our article on how to attach a headboard for helpful tips.

For further instructions on how to upholster a headboard, see this article by Hannah Bruneman. You can also achieve the same look with this grey upholstery fabric and staple gun from Amazon.

Also, be sure to take a look at our related article listing 6 simple sleigh bed decorating ideas for additional tips and tricks.

Are Sleigh Beds Out of Style?

When investing in a solid piece of furniture like a sleigh bed, you want to be sure that the bed’s style and design doesn’t become dated too quickly and turn unfashionable. Fortunately, sleigh beds have been around for many years and their silhouette remains a favorite amongst interior designers.

Sleigh beds are not out of style since they come in a variety of designs, colors, and features, making it quite easy to find the right sleigh bed for any type of bedroom. Depending on personal preferences and the overall look of a home, sleigh beds can fit a room with vintage, modern, or contemporary decor.

If you still don’t think a sleigh bed is right for you, check out this related article comparing a sleigh bed vs a panel bed for more information.

How to Make A Sleigh Bed and Dress it Up

Since sleigh beds include a curved footboard, you should not dress them up the same way you do with regular beds because you will want to show off its curvy contours rather than hide them under bedding. Here are three easy steps you should follow.

To properly dress up a sleigh bed, select bedding that doesn’t cover the curves of the bed frame, then add a bedspread that hangs up to 2 inches below the rails, and finally add patterned pillows on top of the sleigh bed to match room decor.

You may also be interested in learning if a sleigh bed need a box spring. Make sure to read our related article to find out.

Step 1. Select Bedding That Doesn’t Cover the Curves of the Sleigh Bed Frame

The very first thing you should do is purchase the right bedding for your sleigh bed. Since sleigh beds are unique for their curvy foot and headboard, you do not want to cover them up. You should also avoid hiding the sleigh bed rails under the bedding. Hence, select bedding according to the dimensions of your sleigh bed.

While bed skirts are ideal for covering the lower part of the bed, avoid using them when dressing up a sleigh bed because they may hide sleigh bed rails which are meant to be a prominent feature.

Another thing you should consider is that the bedding for your sleigh bed should be plain. Avoid using bedspreads with ruffles or any other decorative elements. Instead, use classic bedding to highlight the beauty of your sleigh bed rails, and be sure to tuck the duvet or comforter inside the sleigh bed frame. This comforter set from Amazon has raised tufts that add just enough accent to a gorgeous sleigh bed like this one.

Step 2. Dress Up The Sleigh Bed With a Quilt That Hangs Up to 2 Inches Below the Rails

Avoid using a floor-length bedspread to dress up your sleigh bed. Instead, choose a duvet cover, a quilt, or a comforter that hangs no more than 2 inches below the rails on each side. Tuck the foot and sides of the cover behind the footboard and rails to give the bed a fresh and tidy appearance. Simple, beautiful white or pale coloured bedding would be perfect, creating an elegant and classic look.

Most types of sleigh bed have enough of a frame and base to support the mattress. However, if you are using a box spring, then you may want to use a bed skirt to keep it stylishly camouflaged. You could install a bed skirt behind and beneath the footboard and side rails. However, if you want a sleeker look, then skip the bed skirt and hide your box spring with a decorative cover like a fitted sheet or box spring cover. Check our article on bed skirts alternatives to find out what works best for you to hide your box spring without covering the features of a sleigh bed.

Step 3. Decorate The Sleigh Bed With Patterned Pillows

Choose rectangular pillows that aren’t too thick so that they don’t cover too much of the headboard—especially if your mattress is already quite thick. Accent your bed with decorative throw pillows of different shapes placed above or in front of your main sleeping pillows. A long bolster pillow placed against the footboard of your sleigh bed will complement the beautiful curving silhouette of the bed. You can also add a folded blanket across the footboard for an extra elegant touch. This chunky knit bed throw from Amazon will add texture and warmth to the sleigh bed without being overpowering.

7 Sleigh Bed Ideas to Enhance Your Bedroom