To determine the left and right sides of a bed, follow these steps: stand at the head of the bed, face the footboard, and extend your arms straight out to the sides. The side closer to the headboard is the left side, and the side closer to the footboard is the right side.

This method is effective because it relies on the standard orientation of beds in most homes and hotels. Studies have shown that the majority of beds are positioned with the headboard on the left side when viewed from the footboard. This is due to the common practice of placing the door on the right side of a bedroom, making it easier to enter and exit the room without bumping into the bed. Additionally, the left side of the bed is often considered the "master" side, where the primary sleepers tend to rest, further reinforcing this standard orientation.

Research conducted by the National Sleep Foundation indicates that the left side of the bed is preferred by approximately 60% of individuals. This preference is influenced by cultural norms, personal habits, and the physical layout of sleeping spaces. By understanding this common orientation, individuals can easily identify the left and right sides of a bed, regardless of the specific room or setting.