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Our guide to buying the perfect bed

Our guide to buying the perfect bed

Want to buy a bed? Read this guide first!


We humans spend more than a third of our life in bed. (That’s around 230,000 hours, if you were wondering.) Plus, the quality of our sleep is also extremely important for maintaining our health – particularly in terms of our mood, our brain performance, and protecting us from a range of disorders. So, there’s more to buying a bed than making sure it complements a bedroom’s design. The choice we make will have a significant impact on our wellbeing. To help you make the right decision when you come to buy a bed, this guide will take you through the essential factors to consider when selecting your new setup, including the types of beds and mattresses that are available, size considerations, materials, budget, and additional features that might be a deal breaker for you.

Understanding your own unique needs (and the needs of your sleeping partner)

Before diving into the specifics, you’ll need to determine what you and your sleeping partner will need from your new bed for the most restful experience for the both of you.

Consider your sleeping position

• Back sleepers will need a medium-firm mattress to provide the required amount of support and keep the spine in alignment.
• Side sleepers will benefit from a softer mattress to cushion their shoulders and hips.
• Stomach sleepers will require a firmer mattress to prevent the spine from bowing.


Think about existing health issues

• If you suffer from back pain, opt for a mattress that offers good support for the spine.
• If you are susceptible to allergies, look for hypoallergenic materials and mattresses that are resistant to dust mites and mould.
• If you’re prone to joint pain, a mattress with good pressure relief can help to alleviate overnight discomfort.

Communication is vital
If the two of you have different preferences and requirements, you’ll need to be ready to find a compromise when you buy a bed. Shop together to make sure you’re both happy with your choice and be prepared to spend a little time coming to the right conclusion – this isn’t a decision you’ll want to rush! It’s worth considering split tension mattresses, which allow you to select different levels of firmness for the left and right sides. We’ll cover these in more detail later.

Divan beds vs framed beds

Divan beds consist of a sturdy base and a mattress. They often come with built-in storage options like drawers or Ottoman-style lift-up bases, making them ideal for maximising space in smaller settings. Divans offer a clean, minimalist look and can be customised with various fabrics and headboard styles. They also provide excellent support due to their solid base, which helps to enhance the longevity of the mattress, too.

Francis Steel Velvet Ottoman Storage Bed  fully opened storage vide view

 Francis Premier Velvet Ottoman Storage Bed Frame

Framed beds, on the other hand, feature a separate frame that can be made from wood, metal, or a combination of materials. These beds often include a headboard and footboard to add decorative elements. Framed beds offer more variety in design and often allow for under-bed storage – so they’re ideal if you want to buy a bed that’s both functional and versatile. They also provide good ventilation for the mattress, which helps to prevent the build-up of moisture, mould, and unpleasant smells.

Exploring different mattress types

 

Generally speaking, your mattress should mould to the shape of your body while still offering noticeable support. If you find it difficult to fully relax your body, and/or notice certain pressure points, chances are your mattress is too firm. On the flip side, if your body slouches too significantly into the mattress and you find that your spine is forced out of alignment, it could be too soft.

Pocket sprung mattresses They’re still the typical and traditional choice – and pocket sprung mattresses are widely available. These types of mattresses use individually nested metal coils to provide support and are often topped with various padding materials for comfy cushioning.

Offering a good bounce and suitable for customers who are working to all budgets, pocket sprung mattresses are great all-round options. They tend to be cooler than foam mattresses, too. There are a few cons to these products, however – they can be prone to sagging over time (so remember to rotate and flip your mattress if possible), and they won’t totally promise motion isolation, meaning any movement is likely to be felt on the other side of the bed albeit a lot less than that of a coil sprung mattress.

You might like: Simply Support 1000 Mattress

Coil sprung mattresses
The individual coils in these mattresses respond to body pressure independently, so they’re a fantastic option for two people of vastly different weights. They’re more lightweight, they’re available in a range of firmness levels to cater for different sleep preferences, and their design often allows for more air circulation, resulting in optimum breathability. Like pocket sprung mattresses, coil sprung mattresses can begin to sag over time, leading to uneven support – and they don’t contour to the sleeper’s body shape as well as other mattress types, which could result in the formation of pressure points, particularly for side sleepers.

Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are known for their contouring properties; they conform neatly to the body’s shape. Delivering incredible pressure relief, they’re often the best choice for individuals with back or joint problems. Unlike innerspring mattresses, they have the ability to isolate motion, so can be more suitable for light sleepers. Memory foam mattresses are available in a range of firmness levels to suit everybody’s needs. Their cons? They can retain heat, and some people don’t enjoy the feeling of sinking into the memory foam. They also give off a distinct odour when bought new – and while this is perfectly safe, it can take a few days for the smell to dissipate.

You might like: Memory Pocket 1500 Mattress by Roseland Sleep

Latex mattresses
These are made from natural or synthetic latex and offer a responsive, bouncy feel. Durable, long-lasting and naturally hypoallergenic, latex products offer the same support and pressure relief with added allergy-resistant properties. However, they can be heavy and difficult to move, and they are not as widely available as their innerspring and memory foam counterparts.

Hybrid mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with foam or latex layers to provide a unique balance of support and comfort. They provide a better airflow than foam mattresses, so are an excellent option for people who need to keep cool overnight. Much like latex mattresses, though, they can be pricey – and you’ll need to do your research to make sure you invest in an item that’s good value for money, as quality can vary between brands.

Split tension mattresses
Otherwise known as half-and-half mattresses, split tension mattresses do what they say on the tin – they provide different levels of tension on each side to cater for couples who have widely different support preferences, reducing disputes when it comes to purchasing a bed that works for both parties, and leading to greater sleep satisfaction all round! The only drawback to these products is, each side will be subjected to varying levels of wear and tear, so they may need to be replaced more frequently. Remember, mattress toppers can be used to provide an extra bit of support while keeping your bedding fresh.


Cheshire Support Mattress by Roseland Sleep front lifestyle image

Size considerations

The size of your bed will play a crucial role in a comfortable night’s sleep – especially if you share the bed with a partner! – as well as the overall configuration of your bedroom. Read on for common bed sizes and their most practical uses.


 Cot

Dimensions: W 1’11” x L 3’11” / W 60cm x L 120cm

Best for: Little ones under 18 months old.

 Toddler Bed

Dimensions: W 2’3” x L 4’7” / W 70cm x L 140cm

Best for: Little ones under the age of 4.

 Small Single Bed

Dimensions: W 2'6'' x L 6'3'' / W 75cm x L 190cm

Best for: Children and single adults with limited room space.

 Single Bed

Dimensions: W 3'0'' x L 6'3” / W 90cm x L 190cm

Best for: Children and single adults.

 Small Double (Queen) Bed

Dimensions: W 4'0'' x L 6'3'' / W 120cm x L 190cm

Best for: Couples and individuals who want a bit more space.

 Double Bed

Dimensions: W 4'6'' x L 6'3'' / W 135cm x L 190cm

Best for: Single adults and couples.

 King Bed

Dimensions: W 5'0'' x L 6'6'' / W 150cm x L 200cm

Best for: Couples who prefer a more spacious setup, families with children and/or pets.

 Super King Bed

Dimensions: W 6'0'' x L 6'6'' / W 180cm x L 200cm

Best for: Taller sleepers and couples who want maximum legroom!

Penzance Bed Frame for bedroom

Common bed materials

The materials used in the construction of a bed affect its durability, comfort, and overall quality. Here are some materials commonly used in mattresses:


• Timber
Beds made from timber offer a timeless appeal that lends itself to both traditional and contemporary interior design styles. Quality wood, like oak or maple, will last for many years – so it’s worth spending a little extra on the right materials if you want to get the most from your purchase. You may need to treat the wood from time to time to make sure it remains resistant to moisture and pests. And always check to see if the wood is sustainably sourced. You might like: Lanner Oak Bed Frame


• Metal
Tough, sturdy and easy to clean and maintain, metal beds are a popular choice for customers who are looking for a more affordable alternative to wooden frames. Contemporary designs often come with the appropriate padding to ensure maximum comfort, but be aware that metal beds are more likely to creak.


• Upholstered materials
If the look and feel of your bed is just as important to you as its functionality, consider opting for frames that have been upholstered in cotton, linen, or synthetic fabrics. These have a cosier, more homely feel than timber or metal beds, and can be selected to enhance your room’s aesthetics. You will need to take extra care to clean the fabric, and you should expect it to fade and wear over time.
You might like: Duxford Grey Velvet Chesterfield Sleigh Bed


• Bamboo
It’s a sustainable and renewable option for eco-conscious sleepers. Bamboo is very strong and delivers a unique look that will suit more rustic or Asian-inspired room designs. It’s not as widely available, so you may need to widen your search to find the right bamboo bed for your space.


• Plastic
It’s often billed as one of the most cost-effective frame materials, and plastic beds are available in a wide range of shapes, styles and colours to suit even the wackiest design choices. That said, plastic can break easily under heavy weight, and it’s not the most environmentally friendly option, either.

Austin Upholstered Wooden Bed Frame

Additional features to improve your experience further

You can get even more value from your new bed by adding one or more of the below enhancements:


• Cooling technology
If you tend to sleep hot, look for mattresses with cooling gel, breathable covers, or phase-change materials.


• Edge support
Reinforced edges can provide better support and increase the usable surface area of the mattress.


• Zoned support
Some mattresses offer zoned support, with different firmness levels in specific areas to provide better spinal alignment.


• Adjustable bases
Some new beds come with adjustable bases for easy customisation. Just make sure the mattress you choose is compatible with this kind of design.


• In-built storage
If space is at a premium in your home, why not buy a bed with additional storage? Consider Ottoman beds or go for divan beds with integrated drawers at the base. Our Ryton Velvet 2 Drawer TV Bed provides in-sheet entertainment as well as plenty of drawer space!

Lastly… go for the best bed you can afford!

As you can imagine, beds (and mattresses) vary wildly in price. You can expect to pay between £200 and £800 for a quality bed – and upwards of this if you want a product with all the bells and whistles.

If you are going for affordability over durability when you buy a bed, you can expect to replace your bed sooner than if you invested in an item that’s of a more robust construction and has been designed to last. Plus, the quality of your bed will have a huge bearing on your long-term wellbeing. So, wherever possible, we’d recommend splashing out on a new bed that ticks all your boxes in terms of comfort, support and aesthetics, and is going to suit your practical requirements down to a T.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, you can view our full range of beds here.

Milo Mango & Marble Walnut 4ft6 Fluted Bed for bedroom

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