How to Find the Perfect New Bed for Your Bedroom
For truly restorative sleep, it’s worth investing in a quality bed. Check out this advice for finding your perfect sleeping partner
Research by The Sleep Council shows that snoozing on an uncomfortable bed can rob you of up to an hour’s sleep a night. This may not sound like much, but over time it adds up to tiredness and fatigue. But with thousands of beds on the market, the choice can seem overwhelming. So where to start?
Ask yourself a few key questions to help you narrow down your search: what type of bed do you want, divan or bedstead? What style do you like, contemporary or traditional? Is it for everyday or occasional use? What is your budget? Once you have an idea of the style you’re after, check out these top tips to help you find your perfect bed.
Ask yourself a few key questions to help you narrow down your search: what type of bed do you want, divan or bedstead? What style do you like, contemporary or traditional? Is it for everyday or occasional use? What is your budget? Once you have an idea of the style you’re after, check out these top tips to help you find your perfect bed.
Go big
Choosing a larger bed means your partner’s movements are less likely to disturb you during the night. At the very least, you should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out, without touching. In terms of length, your bed should be between 10cm and 15cm longer than the tallest person.
Choosing a larger bed means your partner’s movements are less likely to disturb you during the night. At the very least, you should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out, without touching. In terms of length, your bed should be between 10cm and 15cm longer than the tallest person.
Measure up
Bear in mind that although there are standard UK bed sizes, a king-sized bed from one manufacturer may have different dimensions to that of another. It’s always best to double check.
Bear in mind that although there are standard UK bed sizes, a king-sized bed from one manufacturer may have different dimensions to that of another. It’s always best to double check.
Consider all-inclusive…
One of the most popular styles of bed available is the divan, comprising a supportive, covered base, sometimes with legs, a mattress and optional headboard.
Choices range from static to adjustable divans, which are ideal if you have difficulties getting in and out of bed or simply want additional support when sitting up to read or watch TV. Many divans include drawers for handy hidden storage.
One of the most popular styles of bed available is the divan, comprising a supportive, covered base, sometimes with legs, a mattress and optional headboard.
Choices range from static to adjustable divans, which are ideal if you have difficulties getting in and out of bed or simply want additional support when sitting up to read or watch TV. Many divans include drawers for handy hidden storage.
…or mix and match with a bedstead
On the other hand, a slatted base with a wood, metal or upholstered frame are the features of a typical bedstead. Unlike the divan, you need to buy your mattress separately, so double check the dimensions of your bed before you do this, especially if they are not from the same manufacturer.
It’s advisable to make sure slats are no more than 6cm wide or 4cm apart. This will ensure good ventilation and stop your mattress from sagging between the slats.
On the other hand, a slatted base with a wood, metal or upholstered frame are the features of a typical bedstead. Unlike the divan, you need to buy your mattress separately, so double check the dimensions of your bed before you do this, especially if they are not from the same manufacturer.
It’s advisable to make sure slats are no more than 6cm wide or 4cm apart. This will ensure good ventilation and stop your mattress from sagging between the slats.
Make it individual
Bedsteads come in a vast array of styles and the choice generally boils down to aesthetics. This glamorous empire-style sleigh bed caught my attention.
Discover how to bring a sense of romance to your boudoir
Bedsteads come in a vast array of styles and the choice generally boils down to aesthetics. This glamorous empire-style sleigh bed caught my attention.
Discover how to bring a sense of romance to your boudoir
Store more
Solve the problem of lack of storage in your bedroom with an ottoman bed, which features a mattress that lifts up to reveal a large amount of storage space hidden in its solid-looking base. Another option is a bed with drawers built into its base.
Solve the problem of lack of storage in your bedroom with an ottoman bed, which features a mattress that lifts up to reveal a large amount of storage space hidden in its solid-looking base. Another option is a bed with drawers built into its base.
Size up your headboard
When teaming your divan bed with a headboard, remember to check dimensions carefully, because not all headboards are designed to fit all beds.
Also, always consider the height of the headboard, especially if you are tall. You may find that some headboards are simply not high enough. Or your choice may be more about aesthetics.
Check out more supersized headboard designs
When teaming your divan bed with a headboard, remember to check dimensions carefully, because not all headboards are designed to fit all beds.
Also, always consider the height of the headboard, especially if you are tall. You may find that some headboards are simply not high enough. Or your choice may be more about aesthetics.
Check out more supersized headboard designs
Consider fabric care
Upholstered headboards are a comfortable choice if you spend time sitting up in bed. They are available in a zillion colours and patterns, but do always check the fabric care instructions, because some are more difficult to clean, while others – leather for instance – are colder to the touch.
Upholstered headboards are a comfortable choice if you spend time sitting up in bed. They are available in a zillion colours and patterns, but do always check the fabric care instructions, because some are more difficult to clean, while others – leather for instance – are colder to the touch.
Opt for built-in features
If you want a headboard with a twist, consider one that’s wider than your bed. Some oversized solutions, such as this functional design, integrate bedside tables.
If you want a headboard with a twist, consider one that’s wider than your bed. Some oversized solutions, such as this functional design, integrate bedside tables.
Add an air of romance
And finally, who says a four-poster bed has to be fussy? Contemporary models like this one are all about simple, clean lines. Hmm… anyone else feel a yawn coming on?
TELL US…
What are your top tips for dressing a bed? Share your secrets and photos in the Comments below.
And finally, who says a four-poster bed has to be fussy? Contemporary models like this one are all about simple, clean lines. Hmm… anyone else feel a yawn coming on?
TELL US…
What are your top tips for dressing a bed? Share your secrets and photos in the Comments below.
Buying a bed just because of its bargain basement price tag is a false economy: it will only need replacing sooner. Always consider construction – better-made beds offer better support and comfort, as well as lasting longer.