A hotel bed design looks calm because it is simple: a tall padded headboard, a plain base, white layered bedding and good lights on both sides. You can copy almost all of it at home, and the same thinking helps if you are fitting out rooms for a guest house, homestay or hostel.
Below are 6 original beds: three in the 5 star style and three hard wearing frames for small hotels and hostels. Each lists size and build. To get the headboard wall right, see our bed back wall designs; for cushioned panels, browse headboard designs.
5 Star Hotel Bed Design: Tall Headboards and Clean Bases
Luxury hotels use full width headboards, hidden legs and fabric bases. Every hotel room bed design here also works in a master bedroom.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildFabric panels, ply base
- StorageNone, platform base
The headboard spans the wall from corner to corner, with bedside tables tucked into its side panels. It makes even a plain room look planned.
Tell your carpenterAsk for the headboard panels fixed to wall battens, so the bed can be pulled out for cleaning.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildPly, walnut veneer
- StorageSide drawers
A walnut panel headboard with a slim ledge holds a book and phone. Two swing arm lights are fixed on it, a typical business hotel touch.
Tell your carpenterAsk for wiring channels inside the panel before veneer is applied, with a socket on each side.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildFabric, ply, solid frame
- StorageNone, closed base
A deep base wrapped in grey fabric hides the legs and gives the tall, plump look of a hotel bed. Add a 2 inch topper on the mattress for the same feel.
Tell your carpenterMake the base tall enough that the mattress top sits about 24 inches off the floor, like hotel beds.
Hostel Bed Design and Small Hotel Bed Design for Tight Rooms
Rooms in hostels, PGs and small hotels need beds that are tough, easy to clean and quick to repair. These three are built for heavy use.
- SizeSingle 36 x 75 in
- BuildMS tube, grey powder
- StorageLockable box
A steel single with a lockable box under the mattress gives each guest secure storage. Easy to wipe and nothing for bugs to hide in.
Tell your carpenterAsk for a hasp on the box so guests can use their own padlock.
- Size2 singles, 36 x 75 in
- BuildPly, teak laminate
- StorageNone, raised legs
Two singles with a shared side table fit a 10 x 12 ft twin room. Pushed together, they make a king for families.
Tell your carpenterUse laminate with edge banding and metal leg caps; housekeeping trolleys bump frames daily.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildRubberwood, natural PU
- StorageNone, open legs
Raised 8 inches on legs, this solid wood double lets housekeeping mop underneath in seconds. A plain upholstered headboard can be re-covered later.
Tell your carpenterAsk for a removable headboard cover with a zip, so it can be washed between guests.
How to Get the Hotel Room Bed Design at Home
- Tall headboard: at least 2 ft above the mattress, padded or panelled, wider than the bed if the wall allows.
- Raised mattress: a deep base and a topper bring the top close to 24 inches.
- White layers: a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and a duvet in white or ivory.
- Pillows: two sleeping pillows each, plus one or two cushions.
- Bed runner: a band of colour across the foot of the bed.
- Matching lights: one lamp on each side, with its own switch.
For the bed, hotel design rules are simple: fewer colours, more texture. Keep the floor around the bed clear, hide wires behind the headboard, and use curtains that block outside light fully. These small habits do as much for the hotel feel as the frame itself.
Hotel Bed Runner Design Ideas
A bed runner is a strip of fabric about 18 to 24 inches wide laid across the lower third of the bed. It protects the white duvet from shoes and luggage, and adds colour. Choose velvet or silk-look fabric for a richer room, cotton for daily use. Match it to one cushion and the curtains. A runner longer than the bed by 6 to 8 inches on each side hangs neatly.
Hotels change runners with the season or the festival calendar while the white bedding stays the same. You can do the same at home: keep two or three runners in different colours and swap them, which costs far less than a new bed sheet set.
Hotel Bed vs Home Bed
| Point | Hotel bed | Typical home bed |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Closed fabric base or platform | Box storage |
| Headboard | Wall mounted, full width | Fixed to the bed |
| Bedding | White, layered, washed often | Coloured prints |
| Storage | Usually none | Very important |
At home you can keep box storage and still copy the headboard and bedding. Upholstery, wall panels and wired lights cost more; plain white bedding and a runner cost very little. See our bed sheet designs for layering.
Questions people ask
Why do hotel beds feel so comfortable?
They use a thick mattress with a topper, many pillows and crisp sheets. The tall base also makes getting in and out easy.
What size bed do hotels use?
Most double rooms use a king or queen; twin rooms use two singles that can be joined. Pick by room width and how many people sleep there.
Which is the best hostel bed design?
A steel or MS frame with a lockable box. It is strong, easy to clean and gives guests a safe place for bags. Our iron bed design page has more metal frames.
Can I see more hotel bed design images for small rooms?
The twin room and raised wooden double above suit rooms of 10 x 12 ft or smaller. Keep the headboard tall and the bedding white.
Is a hotel bed design wood or fabric?
Both. Business hotels often use wood panel headboards; luxury hotels prefer fabric. A wood frame with a fabric panel gives you both looks.
Do hotel beds have storage?
Rarely, as guests do not need it. At home, keep a hydraulic box under a hotel style headboard for the best of both.