If sleeping helps people live better, a well-designed bed helps to create happier spaces. The realm of skilled artisan upholsters par excellence, beds have undergone few transformations – at least as far as our Western tradition goes. More than anything else, updated in size to accommodate the growing population, during the twentieth century the materials of the frame – mainly in wood and iron profiles – and production techniques have remained, more or less, unchanged. But the Nathalie bed by Vico Magistretti for Flou triggered a new revolution. It was the first industrial product – padded and with removable covers – where frame and fabric became a single thing and would, subsequently, include storage space under the mattress. This “textile bed” launched experimentation in padding and cushioned headboards, which can also tilt and are present in many later models by other brands. Another important innovation comes from the notion of placing a bed at the centre of a room, emphasising the compositional and functional design of the back of headboards, which may include shelves or storage units or even a sophisticated reclining system. Thus, beds can satisfy the needs of open spaces and lofts that require more versatile products, to be seen at 360°, as in the growing hotel contract sector, in which rooms are increasingly conceived as open, multipurpose spaces with storage units, closets, beds and sinks that seamlessly integrate with the space. The rigidity that has distinguished bedrooms up to now, with headboards resting against walls, night tables on each side and accompanying wardrobes is gradually disappearing.
20 unforgettable designer beds
Innovation in technology and type that have reinvented, especially over the past forty years, beds – the quintessence of rest.
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- Valentina Croci
- 06 July 2019
This is one of the first designs by the Venetian architect duo who, while students, were keenly sensitive to furniture design and aesthetics inspired by Carlo Scarpa. Vanessa revisits the tradition of metal frame beds and plays with the folded iron edges that, twisted, may seem thick or slender. Bed with frame, footboard and headboard in painted metal. Available in single or queen-size in the colours: China red, white or black. Dimensions: 70x200x220 cm
For the occasional guest, or those who have little space or no extra bedroom: here is an emergency solution. Magistretti has created a compact sofa bed, with a discreet look, ready to transform through simple and automatic gestures. Key words: limited clutter and great lightness. Bed in natural waxed maple wood treated with natural linseed oil. The mattress is in padded polyester, covered in orange or natural cotton, while the two pillows in cotton come in yellow or blue, or a natural cotton colour. The backrest bar can be removed and comes in blue wood. Dimensions: 66x77x190 cm
For the occasional guest, or those who have little space or no extra bedroom: here is an emergency solution. Magistretti has created a compact sofa bed, with a discreet look, ready to transform through simple and automatic gestures. Key words: limited clutter and great lightness. Bed in natural waxed maple wood treated with natural linseed oil. The mattress is in padded polyester, covered in orange or natural cotton, while the two pillows in cotton come in yellow or blue, or a natural cotton colour. The backrest bar can be removed and comes in blue wood. Dimensions: 66x77x190 cm
For the occasional guest, or those who have little space or no extra bedroom: here is an emergency solution. Magistretti has created a compact sofa bed, with a discreet look, ready to transform through simple and automatic gestures. Key words: limited clutter and great lightness. Bed in natural waxed maple wood treated with natural linseed oil. The mattress is in padded polyester, covered in orange or natural cotton, while the two pillows in cotton come in yellow or blue, or a natural cotton colour. The backrest bar can be removed and comes in blue wood. Dimensions: 66x77x190 cm
Queen-size bed characterised by a minimal silhouette, due to the fabric that from the headboard stretches all the way down to the footboard like a rolled-up sheet. Another design element is the slender, slightly leaning supports with visible attachments to the main frame. The entire supporting structure is composed of separate elements that are easy to assemble and take apart. Bed with headboard and footboard in leather or fabric, also available with double-face covers. Range of fabrics to choose from. Dimensions: 90x187x229 cm
The accessory blanket takes centre stage here and replaces the headboard. The soft cover is seamlessly tied to the base of the bed and, from the footboard, unfolds and then rolls up to create the headboard. “For me, making a bed comfortable, also on a perception level, seemed like a fundamental starting point. This led to the choice for a blanket, for all it represents in our imaginary,” Busana explains. Bed with wooden and metal frame, padded upholstery. Dimensions: 70x175/180/200/215x255/260 cm
The accessory blanket takes centre stage here and replaces the headboard. The soft cover is seamlessly tied to the base of the bed and, from the footboard, unfolds and then rolls up to create the headboard. “For me, making a bed comfortable, also on a perception level, seemed like a fundamental starting point. This led to the choice for a blanket, for all it represents in our imaginary,” Busana explains. Bed with wooden and metal frame, padded upholstery. Dimensions: 70x175/180/200/215x255/260 cm
A canopy bed with a very slender frame and visually stunning – minimal. In the version with the painted white structure, the bed almost seems to disappear and blends in with the background wall plaster. Bed in powder-coated steel frame, opaque white or opaque black, adjustable feet. Headboard with plywood panels, polyurethane foam and polyester velveteen textiles. Canopy available in white cotton with ties on the sides and polyamide tulle insect netting. Dimensions: 200x182x211 cm
This bed stands out for its uninterrupted geometric and padded look, with uniform thicknesses, from the headboard to the bedframe. Metal night tables covered in leather are included on the sides of the headboard, offering an integrated solution. The design plays upon the contrast between the soft part and the two geometric side elements that however, since they are in leather, are soft to touch. Simple but not minimal design. Bed with wooden frame, polyurethane padding and removable covers. Metal night tables in white, grey, dark brown, black, olive green, red and sand coloured leather. Dimensions: 64x210x238 cm
This bed stands out for its uninterrupted geometric and padded look, with uniform thicknesses, from the headboard to the bedframe. Metal night tables covered in leather are included on the sides of the headboard, offering an integrated solution. The design plays upon the contrast between the soft part and the two geometric side elements that however, since they are in leather, are soft to touch. Simple but not minimal design. Bed with wooden frame, polyurethane padding and removable covers. Metal night tables in white, grey, dark brown, black, olive green, red and sand coloured leather. Dimensions: 64x210x238 cm
“During those years, quilts were fashionable: I simply thought about extending it, covering the (often ugly looking) base of the bed. Rosario Messina, the enthusiast co-owner of the new-born Flou, immediately understood the potential. We almost naturally thought about the possibilities of changing the covers and studying coordinated bed sheets that, by liberating the bedroom from tradition, we introduced greater freedom in the choice of colours and pairings”. This is how Vico Magistretti summed up the innovation of Nathalie, the first “textile bed” with removable covers in which bed, accessories and linens come together in a single design. Bed with wooden frame and padding with removable covers. Dimensions: 95x188x210 cm
“During those years, quilts were fashionable: I simply thought about extending it, covering the (often ugly looking) base of the bed. Rosario Messina, the enthusiast co-owner of the new-born Flou, immediately understood the potential. We almost naturally thought about the possibilities of changing the covers and studying coordinated bed sheets that, by liberating the bedroom from tradition, we introduced greater freedom in the choice of colours and pairings”. This is how Vico Magistretti summed up the innovation of Nathalie, the first “textile bed” with removable covers in which bed, accessories and linens come together in a single design. Bed with wooden frame and padding with removable covers. Dimensions: 95x188x210 cm
The classic Bergère armchair with comfortable backrest and “flaps” is now also a padded bed, with the same name. A recognisable signature style and ability to play upon typologies and proportions, this bed reflects the design practice of Paola Navone. Padded bed with removable covers and detachable frame, textile or eco-leather upholstery. Dimensions: 109x191x235 cm
The classic Bergère armchair with comfortable backrest and “flaps” is now also a padded bed, with the same name. A recognisable signature style and ability to play upon typologies and proportions, this bed reflects the design practice of Paola Navone. Padded bed with removable covers and detachable frame, textile or eco-leather upholstery. Dimensions: 109x191x235 cm
The Kao bed joins allusions to Japanese aesthetics and some types of objects, like rice-paper screens supported by wooden frames, with the Giorgetti woodworking tradition and padding. The headboard’s wooden inserts, which resemble a rod used to roll up parchment, visually lighten the frame even though their purpose is purely aesthetic. Queen-size bed with poplar plywood headboard, polyurethane foam, inserts in Brazil-wood blocks and polished iron, like the feet. The upholstery comes in fabric or leather. The bedframe offers super-light wooden slats. Dimensions: 111/146x198x218 cm
The Kao bed joins allusions to Japanese aesthetics and some types of objects, like rice-paper screens supported by wooden frames, with the Giorgetti woodworking tradition and padding. The headboard’s wooden inserts, which resemble a rod used to roll up parchment, visually lighten the frame even though their purpose is purely aesthetic. Queen-size bed with poplar plywood headboard, polyurethane foam, inserts in Brazil-wood blocks and polished iron, like the feet. The upholstery comes in fabric or leather. The bedframe offers super-light wooden slats. Dimensions: 111/146x198x218 cm
In 1978, Hästens introduced the iconic Blue Check, the checkered pattern inextricably associated with the brand of mattresses made by hand in a workshop in Köping, Sweden. The pattern was then re-interpreted by Bernadotte & Kylberg who created two new fabrics for mattresses, bedframes and headboards, joining the Blue Check with Cubism. The result is a pattern with four colour fields that create an abstract image and sense of motion. Two whole workdays are needed to make just one of these. Hästens beds are made by hand with stacked materials in different layers. Top mattress: 2 layers of reinforced pure cotton, 2 layers of cotton and wool, 2 layers of horsetail hair, 1 layer of cotton and wool. Middle mattress: 2 layers of reinforced pure cotton, 4 layers of horsetail hair, 10 layers of cotton and wool, an individual pocket-spring system, height 18 cm, 4 reinforced corner springs (covered in linen), to ensure the greatest comfort and stability while sitting on the edges. Base mattress: a layer of reinforced pure cotton fabric, 1 layer of horsetail hair, 2 layers of cotton and wool, an individual pocket-spring system, height 8 cm, 2 layers of linen that provide soundproofing and minimal static electricity, Bonnell spring system, height 13 cm, with machine-knotted helicoid springs. Frame in solid Swedish pinewood, height 16.8 cm, with covering in cotton that protects the bed from below. Size made to measure.
In 1978, Hästens introduced the iconic Blue Check, the checkered pattern inextricably associated with the brand of mattresses made by hand in a workshop in Köping, Sweden. The pattern was then re-interpreted by Bernadotte & Kylberg who created two new fabrics for mattresses, bedframes and headboards, joining the Blue Check with Cubism. The result is a pattern with four colour fields that create an abstract image and sense of motion. Two whole workdays are needed to make just one of these. Hästens beds are made by hand with stacked materials in different layers. Top mattress: 2 layers of reinforced pure cotton, 2 layers of cotton and wool, 2 layers of horsetail hair, 1 layer of cotton and wool. Middle mattress: 2 layers of reinforced pure cotton, 4 layers of horsetail hair, 10 layers of cotton and wool, an individual pocket-spring system, height 18 cm, 4 reinforced corner springs (covered in linen), to ensure the greatest comfort and stability while sitting on the edges. Base mattress: a layer of reinforced pure cotton fabric, 1 layer of horsetail hair, 2 layers of cotton and wool, an individual pocket-spring system, height 8 cm, 2 layers of linen that provide soundproofing and minimal static electricity, Bonnell spring system, height 13 cm, with machine-knotted helicoid springs. Frame in solid Swedish pinewood, height 16.8 cm, with covering in cotton that protects the bed from below. Size made to measure.
With the Colletto bed it is like sleeping nestled inside a barrier: a soft foam ring, placed inside the mattress, creates an intimate atmosphere. The ring can be rolled up or unrolled like a turtleneck (colletto), hence its name. Depending on its extension, the bed can take on different shapes. It is part of the Lago Design collection, which is born from a collaboration between Daniele Lago and emerging designers. Bed with headboard in stretch fabric and soft foam padding. Dimensions: 180x200 cm
With the Colletto bed it is like sleeping nestled inside a barrier: a soft foam ring, placed inside the mattress, creates an intimate atmosphere. The ring can be rolled up or unrolled like a turtleneck (colletto), hence its name. Depending on its extension, the bed can take on different shapes. It is part of the Lago Design collection, which is born from a collaboration between Daniele Lago and emerging designers. Bed with headboard in stretch fabric and soft foam padding. Dimensions: 180x200 cm
With the Colletto bed it is like sleeping nestled inside a barrier: a soft foam ring, placed inside the mattress, creates an intimate atmosphere. The ring can be rolled up or unrolled like a turtleneck (colletto), hence its name. Depending on its extension, the bed can take on different shapes. It is part of the Lago Design collection, which is born from a collaboration between Daniele Lago and emerging designers. Bed with headboard in stretch fabric and soft foam padding. Dimensions: 180x200 cm
An irregular yet symmetrical headboard distinguishes Dream View, which explores the theme of padded and textile-covered beds. The frame is light, emphasised by metal feet that elongate the form. The headboard calls to mind the shape of a sofa backrest and allows the bed to be placed even at the centre of a room. It represents the identity of the Lema brand, with an industrial yet bespoke soul. Bed covered in fabric with frame in dark painted metal. The upholstery can also be in leather or eco-leather. Dimensions: 99.8x173/183/193x213 cm
An irregular yet symmetrical headboard distinguishes Dream View, which explores the theme of padded and textile-covered beds. The frame is light, emphasised by metal feet that elongate the form. The headboard calls to mind the shape of a sofa backrest and allows the bed to be placed even at the centre of a room. It represents the identity of the Lema brand, with an industrial yet bespoke soul. Bed covered in fabric with frame in dark painted metal. The upholstery can also be in leather or eco-leather. Dimensions: 99.8x173/183/193x213 cm
An irregular yet symmetrical headboard distinguishes Dream View, which explores the theme of padded and textile-covered beds. The frame is light, emphasised by metal feet that elongate the form. The headboard calls to mind the shape of a sofa backrest and allows the bed to be placed even at the centre of a room. It represents the identity of the Lema brand, with an industrial yet bespoke soul. Bed covered in fabric with frame in dark painted metal. The upholstery can also be in leather or eco-leather. Dimensions: 99.8x173/183/193x213 cm
A solution suited to guestrooms or single rooms with a supplementary bed to be tucked away in an integrated drawer. Even its sofa bed structure, with no headboard or bedframe, is reduced to the minimum to be included in spaces of a small size. The bed can be moved on wheels and placed in the middle of rooms. Bed with laminated particleboard, 4 lockable castors. When pulled out, this occasional bed rises to the same height as the main bed, thanks to its automatically unfolding feet. Mattress dimensions: 88x187 cm
A solution suited to guestrooms or single rooms with a supplementary bed to be tucked away in an integrated drawer. Even its sofa bed structure, with no headboard or bedframe, is reduced to the minimum to be included in spaces of a small size. The bed can be moved on wheels and placed in the middle of rooms. Bed with laminated particleboard, 4 lockable castors. When pulled out, this occasional bed rises to the same height as the main bed, thanks to its automatically unfolding feet. Mattress dimensions: 88x187 cm
The headboard, continuing for the entire length and then folding upon itself, calls to mind the shape of a paperclip, hence its name. But this is not a mere aesthetic whim: the headboard can be adjusted to different positions to favour reading or resting while allowing the bed to be placed at the centre of the room. Bed with tilting headboard in cold-foamed polyurethane and metal insert. Bedframe with panels in Birch plywood and average-density fibre, padded with self-extinguishing foam polythene. Light velvet cover, also available in other fabrics and in leather. Dimensions: 79x214x228/253 cm
The theme of the capitonné, characteristic craftsmanship by the company from Tolentino, is used for the headboard on this bed, which combines the more theatrical and voluminous part of the headboard to the more linear and simpler silhouette of the frame, also covered in leather. The result is an inviting feeling offered by a product that seems modern yet timeless. The bed is also available with a storage unit. Bed with headboard in Birch plywood, MDF and aged beech wood and poplar blocks. The base, with light padding in polyurethane foam, is available in the smooth or capitonné versions (De Luxe version). It is made with fir strips on the sides and in poplar plywood for the footboard. The feet are in steel cylinders painted black. Upholstery in Frau Leather. Dimensions: 101x222x237 cm
The clean, continuous lines of the frame are also found in the headboard that folds in two places. Lipla expresses the minimal style of Jean Marie Massaud, which is not merely aesthetical but also practical. In fact, the tilting headboard allows for an integrated back unit that can act as a support surface or night table with drawers, thus making this bed suited to the middle of a room. Bed with frame and headboard in leather, eco-leather or in fabric with back unit in polished lacquered wood. Dimensions without back unit: 70.3x192/212x243 cm; 70.3x225x246 cm
The clean, continuous lines of the frame are also found in the headboard that folds in two places. Lipla expresses the minimal style of Jean Marie Massaud, which is not merely aesthetical but also practical. In fact, the tilting headboard allows for an integrated back unit that can act as a support surface or night table with drawers, thus making this bed suited to the middle of a room. Bed with frame and headboard in leather, eco-leather or in fabric with back unit in polished lacquered wood. Dimensions without back unit: 70.3x192/212x243 cm; 70.3x225x246 cm
The clean, continuous lines of the frame are also found in the headboard that folds in two places. Lipla expresses the minimal style of Jean Marie Massaud, which is not merely aesthetical but also practical. In fact, the tilting headboard allows for an integrated back unit that can act as a support surface or night table with drawers, thus making this bed suited to the middle of a room. Bed with frame and headboard in leather, eco-leather or in fabric with back unit in polished lacquered wood. Dimensions without back unit: 70.3x192/212x243 cm; 70.3x225x246 cm
Calling to mind the long and large slats of wood used on rafts, this bed designed by Renzo and Matteo Piano perhaps evokes their origins from Genoa and the world of boating. The frame in solid wood emphasises the company’s craftsmanship: the slender slats are assembled with small stainless steel elements that make the bed seem suspended. Frame in solid walnut wood and finishes with base of oil / natural wax of vegetable origin with pine extracts. Mattress rests directly on bedframe. Dimensions: 84.5x208x225 cm
The bed references the origins of its type: the traditional quilted cushions stitched by hand. The headboard is in fact composed of three elements with padded cushions, while the bedframe continues with this idea of plushness, with a padded fabric edge and hand stitching. The name refers to the traditional Chinese game, similar to Dominos, where players create compositions using rectangular tiles. Bed covered in printed fabric or single-colour fabric with hand-stitched cushions and padded frame. The structure is in solid fir and pine plywood. Dimensions: 102x230x246 cm
More than a bed this is a living system, in so far as the headboard on the back includes a wardrobe or storage unit. This is Monica Graffeo’s answer to the social evolution of homes and lifestyles, which necessitate hybrid solutions that can adapt to different needs. In fact, the bed can also be used as a separé in an open space. Frame in lightweight metal and panels covered as backrests on the front part, while on the back a clothes rack and shelf in wood. The bed can be covered with a vast range of fabrics. Dimensions: 180x200/160x200 cm
A bed upholstered in fabric or leather, with minimal size. Despite the clean silhouette and somewhat austere simplicity, the padding makes the overall design inviting. This is a long seller, and goes against the pop style that characterises the design trio from Milan who for Zanotta also made the Blow inflatable armchair. Frame in steel with curved beech wood slats. Removable covers in fabric or hide or, non-removable, in leather. Dimensions: 67x208x203/210 cm