The Ultimate Bed Buying Guide

You can’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Experts have spent their lives studying the art of catching 40 winks, and its impact on our general health and happiness. With this being the case, and knowing that you’ll be spending a solid amount of time snoozing, it makes sense that you should want to seek the perfect tools to support some shut eye: a bed and mattress. Before you make your purchase, it’s worth undertaking some careful research; in this bed buying guide you’ll find all the crucial factors to consider.

What are the Signs you Need a New Bed?

You spend a third of your life asleep, but even the very best of beds won’t be up for a lifetime of snoozing. The average lifespan of a bed frame is 10 to 20 years, but this will largely depend on the quality of your chosen design. Tell-tale signs that you’re in need of a refresh include a squeaky frame, sagging in the middle or, worst of all, back ache. If you’re experiencing any (or all) of these, it’s time to start exploring alternative options. 

Where Do I Start When Buying a Bed?

There are a few considerations to make when buying a bed. You’ll need to think about the size of your space, and how large a design you can reasonably fit – whether that’s a double, queen, king or super king. You’ll also want to factor in style; if you’re looking for storage, will you require a design with drawers, for example, or a frame that has space underneath for storing possessions? Do you want your bed to be a statement feature of the space, or one that complements the rest of the furniture in the room? For your consideration, we’ve rounded up the different types of beds below.

Bed Frames:

This style is a traditional frame that stands on four legs, with the base elevated from the ground. A benefit of this type of design is that it takes up less floor space and offers the option of adding additional storage underneath. It also comes in a wide range of designs, from metal to wood to upholstered. These types of bed can be used with any mattress type, however as the mattress sits on top of the wooden frame it needs to be sturdy and firm, which some people may find less comfortable. These styles can also often be lower than other bed bases.

Divan Beds:

Most divan beds come with drawers inside the base, making them a great option if you’re looking for extra storage space. The style of your divan bed can also be updated with valances or headboards, helping them feel fresh. All of the divan beds in our collection are handmade in Britain by a family firm in Yorkshire that has been making beds for more than 30 years – so rest assured, they know exactly what needs to go into these bedroom essentials to ensure a good night’s sleep. Each sturdy, wood frame that forms our divan bases is made from Scandinavian spruce, which has a strong, fine grain. All of our models feature castors on the bottom for effortless manoeuvring and, in the case of the larger beds, the base breaks down into two parts for extra ease if (or when) it needs to be moved.

Ottoman Beds:

Another multi-functional design, ottoman bed bases feature a side or foot-end opening that can be lifted up to reveal a hollow space for storage. These are great for smaller bedrooms where there isn’t enough space to open drawers, however the storage is not as easily accessible and may be better for pieces you won’t need to use regularly.