Smart Shopper
A sound night’s sleep is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Choose the right bed and you’ll always rest easily, writes Georgia Madden.
Bed buys.
Anew bed is a big investment – in the look and feel of your bedroom as well as financially. On average, beds are only updated once a decade, so it’s essential to select a style that’s comfortable, well built and will suit your needs for years to come.
The first step in choosing the right bed is deciding whether you want it to be a feature or to blend into your bedroom scheme, says Diana Ribarevski, head of design services at Coco Republic. You should also factor in the size of the room, any prominent architectural features and your storage needs. “Try to leave a minimum of 75–80cm around the bed for people to move around comfortably,” she says.
Style-wise, there’s no shortage of options. Take your pick from opulent upholstered bed frames, low-slung platform styles, pared-back timber designs and metal frames with an industrial edge. Many include useful extras too, such as built-in storage, headboards that incorporate bedside tables and reading lights, charging stations and adjustable bases.
This season, simple lines and bold silhouettes dominate. “Upholstered bed frames in shades of grey are hot right now – grand, high-buttoned styles abound,” says Rebecca Weir, national product and marketing manager for bedding at Harvey Norman. “Beautiful statement bedheads are another big trend for 2017, and storage beds are gaining in popularity as apartment living becomes commonplace.”
Fabio Fanuli, director of Fanuli, concurs, adding, “Upholstered bedheads with metal frames are also trending, allowing you to have a bed that doesn’t take up too much space contrasted with a warm bedhead. We are seeing low-slung bases and high, dramatic bedheads
‘ SELECTING THE RIGHT SIZED BED FOR YOUR ROOM IS CRUCIAL . IF YOU NEED TO CREATE SPACE IN A SMALL BEDROOM, OPT FOR A LOW DES IGN.’ FABIO FANULI
that provide an impressive presence without dominating a room.”
Luxurious fabrics such as velvet and leather are making an appearance, as are bell-shaped and channelled bedheads, and styles that hang on the wall like art. “There’s a move away from busy patterns, with the focus on the fixing hardware, stitching, piping or the shape of the headboard itself,” says Ribarevski.
When it comes to the frame, think about functionality as well as looks, says interior designer Nina Provan of NP.CO Interiors & Styling. “If you like to sit up in
‘ THE LENGTH OF THE WARRANTY WILL GIVE YOU AN INSIGHT INTO THE QUALITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION.’ DIANA RIBAREVSKI
bed to read, an upholstered bedhead will provide more comfort than a metal or timber frame. Timber can be a great option if you want to add warmth to the room without using fabrics. Metal frames are a smart choice for children’s rooms as they are sturdy, low-maintenance and can be powdercoated in fun colours.”
Shopping for a bed should involve checking for signs of quality. “A solid frame is an indicator of how long the bed will last,” says Triana Odone, resident trend expert at King Living. Galvanisedsteel frames are a good choice as they are less prone to visible wear and tear; hardwood is naturally durable, but be sure to opt for solid timber over veneer and check the joints are well constructed.
According to Ribarevski, slats are another indicator of quality. “The greater the distance between the slats, the less supportive the bed will be and the more likely the mattress will be damaged,” she says. The optimal slats are slightly curved and should have a little natural bounce. Assess the quality of the timber or welds, the fabric or leather used, and the craftsmanship of the upholstery.
“You should also check how well the bed is finished,” says Ribarevski. “Feel around the back and base, paying attention to areas that are normally out of sight. A well-made piece will be the same quality all the way around.”