I like the second one better (though they're both nice). It's more interesting against the wall due to the arch. Plus, it's not quite as busy as the first one.

Besides, with the higher bottom posts on the first one, you may find yourself hanging shirts and stuff from it, making your room look messy. I doubt you'll do it with the lower one because the posts are so low.

The first one because . . . I dunno, I just do. :-)

I prefer the first. It reminds me of my antique brass headboard. It also seems slightly more substantial, but that could be a trick of the camera. Can you get just the headboard and skip the footboard? I'm not sure you will be able to lean against the second one to fold laundry.

Sky

I like them both -- they are quite similar. The first is more masculine and substantial. The second is more feminine and curvy. I wouldn't like the feeling of those metal knobs, personally, because I sit up in bed a lot to read. But it really depends on what feel you are going for in the room. What will you be doing with the window? What is your other furniture like? Do you want feminine and pretty or more solid, simple, and masculine?

I like them both and for very different reasons!

#1 is so rectangular and that echoes all the squared off angles in the room: window, blinds, side chests, trim on the chest doors, area rug and the rug pattern, etc., etc....you get my point. I like this as it is very orderly and right-brained. :)

#2 throws a curve into all the angles and that adds an interesting contrast to the entire feel of the room. I like this one because it adds a more gentle, softer feel to the space.

Your DH likes #1 because it is more massive and therefore more manly!

How's that for adding to the decision!

I like the rectangular one better because it has a slightly beefier look. It has more horizontal bars and chunkier "knuckles" (I don't know what those things are called where bars intersect!). Its design appeals to me more for some reason. It also looks more expensive than the second one.

Have you ever slept on a bed frame like this? Are you prepared for how uncomfortable it can be to have your head against a skinny pole instead of a solid headboard? The pillow and even your head may fall between the bars if you lean up against the frame looking for some kind of support. Is this a bed you think you'll sit up in a lot to watch TV or to read? Have those pillow shams ready to pop behind your pillow, they can act as a solid surface to rest against.

My guest room has a twin bed frame similar to your first style and I love the look but there's a problem in the structural design of it. The footboard wobbles because they didn't put a second crossbar at the point where it connects to the mattress frame. Picture a sideways "T". Had they added a metal diagonal bar the footboard (and headboard) wouldn't be able to move. If you can, examine how the bed is constructed so you don't end up with the wobble effect.

I like the first one. It has a nice balance of masculine and feminine. The second one looks more like a girl's bed.

I agree with flyingflower's recommendation! A couple of Euro sized pillows will do the trick nicely.

I like the 1st one but when I saw where it's going, I could picture the round one. The Round one seems a bit dated to me for some reason. Reminds me of the 80's just a bit, don't know why. Are you doing a window treatment of any kind?

I'm not a big fan of a footboard. I would prefer a headboard ONLY. A footboard makes it hard to make the bed with the covers getting stuck down in there while you sleep and believe me I don't need anything that makes making a bed any harder! Also, for the sheer conveinence of being able to sit at the end of my bed while putting on socks, shoes etc. And I'm in the camp of wanting a solid headboard for comforts sake since I watch TV nightly before turning in.

While I like the idea of throwing a curve into the mix like #2, I prefer #1 as it has more interest and looks more substantial with the knuckles and cross bars. I agree with the others, though to make sure it is comfortable when propping up your pillows to read.

Have you considered any other placement for the bed that does not come in front of the windows? Perhaps on the opposite wall or a corner arrangement? You have some pretty window trim and it would be nice to put some treatments up there as well.

I like the first one, however is it going to be placed in front of the window? Can you place against a wall like the picture?

My first thought (as always, LOL) is to rearrange the room so that the bed is NOT in front of the windows. Can we see the rest of the space?

However, if that is not possible, or you simply like the location, I would ask if you will be adding any other window treatments like a valance or panels to soften the window area. If yes, then I think I would go with the arched headboard, and NO footboard, to work with the softer feel that some drapery would create. If no additional window treatments are intended, then I would go with the rectangular one to echo the window shapes, again without the footboard.

LOL - I'm as confused as ever which to choose. DH likes the footboard idea. I want just a headboard - still working that one, but he rarely has an opinion so when he does I'd like to listen. I think the brand is the same so I wonder if I could get the lower footboard with the first (probably not)

This is the best place for the bed for many reasons (click on the bedroom pic for more pics). Some of the reasons are space room is only 12 ft wide and doors to the bathroom open into the room so only wall with no windows where it would fit would make the sides really cramped feeling (king size and 2' night stands) and it is then too close to the bathroom for noise and light coming out which is a problem due to DH and I's schedule differences and nowhere to put the dresser either then.

For window treatments I was thinking a iron look rod with white twill grommet drapes hanging behind (I'd make them so they only exist in my mind right now). I don't want a feminine look or a masculine one. I'd like something in between. Simple would be best and a bit rustic doesn't hurt if mixed in. We don't have pics or accessories yet as they are still in boxes somewhere.

As for sitting and reading against it. Don't think that will ever happen as I've yet to do that in any bed so not so worried about that. Any other issues with open beds like that? Never had one so don't know what to expect.

I think Bed #1 looks more substantial and expensive.

What store are these beds from?

try_hard

Definitely #1. It's more substantial and looks richer. #2, IMHO looks cheaper and doesn't stand out.

The second bed works better in front of the window. The simple yet elegant lines don't fight the window. I also think if you are just using a headboard, #2 works better. # 1 is the blank wall option - sturdy and with a lot of presence. I think patterned bedding - a little like what is pictured on #1 would also enhance the look of #2.

lyfia, I have an iron sleigh bed so it's open also. I read in bed every night but I've never been one to lean on the headboard (I prefer to lay on my side) so it's never been a problem. I don't think you're going to have any problem with it being open unless your teddy bear crawls too far up or something :-) I think the the openness at the foot makes it easier to make up and I do love the look of a footboard. I think the metal beds like that are great for large beds because it keeps it from being as overwhelming or heavy especially in a smaller space. I think they're both nice but if I had to vote I guess I'd pick #1 just because it seems a little more unique. When you're choosing, remember that your pillow shams are going to hide a lot of the lower part of the headboard. Show us pics when you decide!

They are both nice and either one you will love. I just like the first one better since it has more design to it and looks richer.

#1 - Why? To be honest, it reminds me very much of my Great-Grandmother(who lived to be 100)'s bed, which even as a kid I admired. Just the way it appears to be constructed is beautiful, with the joints and such.

Our bed is somewhat similar to the ones you're looking at.

I prefer the lower footboard of #2. We watch TV in bed and a higher footboard would block our view of the screen.
But I like the look of #1 better.
As far as comfort, the headboard we have is fine. We're propped up with pillows and our heads don't touch the metal. And the bed doesn't wobble, either.

I had hoped by posting here that I would come to some clarity one way or another, but I'm as undecided as ever. The TV viewing is a good point as I'm not sure what it's like from DH's side. Mine would still be OK.

Maybe what it comes down to is that I'm not excited about either one and should start looking for something else. Just hard to find something we both like in a California King (which we need if DH is getting his footboard)

Here is a link that might be useful: Pics of beds from this site

I like the Granville bed by Wesley Allen. Did you see that one?

monablair - right now I'm slapping my forehead in a duh "coulda had a v8" style. I didn't even bother looking at the others on that site.

I did find some others I like and one that I really like is way out of budget. I do prefer to have some sort of post on the edges to anchor it.

Really like this one, but out of budget

How about this one? More substantial, but lower foot board altough still a bit heigh.

or I'm open to other suggestions from anywhere as long as they are CA King and provide some type of air circulation. Slat beds are ok with me, but DH is on the fence on it and a lower footboard (DH got to have the footboard). No sleighs either due to extra space they eat up.

Oops relized both are out of budget right now. I looked at the headboard price only for the last one.

Do you have to have a headboard? Here is something totally different, not sure if you'll like it but it's inexpensive and DIY.
The side boxes can be bought or made, and the sheers don't need anything but hanging. You could just do the simple sheers over the window or both? I'd keep the lamps you have to add some more height, and maybe add a couple dangly gem thingy's to the bottom too or not : )
What do you think?
{{!gwi}}

If you don't want your windows to fog up, you must avoid all heavy breathing in there. ;D

Melanie Antique pewter bed?

Wow! Those beds are $$$!!
In case you find one you like in your price range and the footboard is a tad high, you could "lower" it with a thicker mattress or box spring.