CHOOSING WISELY
From bed frame to bedding
Buying a new bed involves more than just picking out something that looks good. The mattress alone can be a purchase that takes time and effort, since it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and has staying power.
“You need to think about the mattress, foundation and pillow,” explained Michael Ortenzi, a sales associate and the national credit analyst at Dormez-Vous.
“You’ll want to choose the right combination to deliver the most restful sleep possible. It’s really about personal choice when it comes to your health and overall well-being.”
New technologies have ushered in various options when it comes to mattress materials. Today, consumers can choose from foam, hybrids, memory foam, traditional foam, and latex, which uses wool and natural fibres to help balance temperature. “
We are always concerned with what people are putting next to their bodies for eight hours a day,” Ortenzi said. “This is why we recommend replacing your mattress every eight to 10 years. There are often changes in lifestyle, activities and weight during this time period.”
The choice of mattress can also vary depending on whether it’s for an adult or a child.
“The support system has to go with the person, and children grow at night, so you want something that is not too hard or too soft, and will support them,” Ortenzi said. That means having lumbar and linear support with the appropriate pressure points. “For adults, we’re looking for more lumbar support or more coils for a bigger, heavier-set person. Perhaps they also need to elevate their head or feet for health reasons; you can find a mattress that can accommodate this.”
Next is outfitting the bed. Depending on its base, many beds may require a bedskirt along with the bedding itself. (If the bed has a solid base, as opposed to just a metal bed frame, this accessory isn’t necessary.) As for the bedding, these days monochromatic colours are in, said Jessica Dowling, head of Wayfair.ca trade services.
“Neutral colours are popular for bedding in 2017, along with jewel tones,” she said, adding that organic materials are popular for bedding fabrics but that “velvets will also be popular — for a cosy feel.”
In the end, it’s the bedding that sets the tone in a bedroom, just as a sofa defines a living room.
“It’s the anchor — the hero piece,” Dowling said. “I recommend keeping the bedroom fairly neutral and splurging on beautiful bedding that can be switched out as your tastes change.”
While trends may help steer us in a certain decor direction, the quality of the bedding should also be considered. You want something that is as stylish as it is cosy.
“Choose quality over quantity when it comes to bedding,” Dowling suggested. “You spend a lot of time in your bed, so buying sheets made of natural fibres versus manmade will last longer and, overall, will be more comfortable.”
Given the amount of time we spend in bed, it makes sense to take time and find the right combination of mattress, pillows and linens to make it a comfortable nest — a cosy home within your home.
...We recommend replacing your mattress every eight to 10 years. There are often changes in lifestyle, activities and weight during this time period.