When you decide to buy a bed, you probably have a particular style in mind or at least a certain application for the bed. The question arises, though, when you've chosen the type of bed that you want, how do you narrow down your choices? If you are looking at metal beds, for example, how do you choose whether you want brass beds or aluminum beds? Both materials are sturdy and can work in a variety of applications, but there are some various criteria to consider before making a final purchasing decision. Here are a few tips to get you started.

If you are looking for a metal canopy bed, don't choose aluminum. While aluminum is an excellent material for some types of beds, especially kids' bunk beds where you need something lighter, easier to move, and less expensive so it's more easily replaced, it doesn't work well with a canopy bed. A brass canopy bed is preferable for several reasons. First of all, it just looks better. You may have to polish it once in awhile, but it won't get dull and rusty looking like aluminum. Also, aluminum bed posts on the canopy bed can get extremely cold, whereas brass, while still cooling off as metal tends to do, won't shock you should your toe touch it.

A metal headboard is a matter of personal taste. If you are planning on having a metal headboard (aside from wrought iron, which is a much more popular choice), again keep in mind the possibility of coming into contact with cold metal. A wooden or wrought iron headboard is more commonly decided upon, but if you must choose between aluminum and brass, brass headboards will take the cake any day. Again, you don't have to worry about flaking paint, rust, or other discoloration. Simply wipe off fingerprints and polish once in awhile for maintenance and shine.

A metal day bed is a great choice for a little girl's room. In this instance, you can use either brass or aluminum, since you may wish to repaint the aluminum as the girl grows into a young woman and changes the decor in her room. A day bed can last a long time in either material and blend well with a number of decoration ideas. This choice is based purely on personal taste, though price may become a determining factor, with aluminum being a less expensive way to furnish the room.

When looking at discount metal beds, you may want to stick with aluminum, as you'll pay more for a brass bed that is probably an alloy anyway. In order to reduce cost on the manufacture of such beds, the brass will be mixed with impurities and not be true brass, which can even compromise the strength and solidity of the metal, making it softer or more malleable. Neither of these properties is especially desirable in a bed of any kind. Aluminum, being less expensive anyway, will usually be as sturdy in discount beds as in higher-end models.