the big ticket: the lowdown on buying a bed
A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP DOES A LOT OF GOOD – HERE ARE THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING THE RIGHT BED FOR YOU
Designing your bedroom is all about setting the scene for a good night’s sleep, and the most important part is choosing your dream bed. ‘You spend a third of your life in bed, so you should treat it like an investment,’ says interior designer, stylist and Ensemblier brand director Tara Craig. For those looking to invest wisely, here are the points to consider when choosing the right bed for you.
The standard length of a single and double bed is 190cm.
A king-size and super-king bed typically measure 200cm, so if you are particularly tall, this might be a preferable option. In terms of width, a single measures 90cm, a double is 135cm, a king-size comes to 150cm and a super king is 180cm wide.
‘You each want at least 60cm on either side of the bed to make it comfortable,’ advises Tara, which for a couple is accommodated by anything upwards of the standard double bed. Always take measurements of your room to envisage how the space will be taken up by the bed (factor in floor space and room for bedside tables) and to avoid a tight squeeze between the wall.
A solid bed frame with a one-piece base is the best option aesthetically.
‘From wooden to four-posters, a bedstead is the perfect choice if you want it to take centre stage,’ says Jennifer Fox of interior design agency, Interior Fox. A bedstead might not offer the best storage, however, while storage beds can be fitted with wheeled drawers or a hydraulic base that can be lifted. Storage beds are ideal for smaller spaces but always think about whether you have space for drawers or the height for the lift mechanism. An upholstered divan base is a versatile choice that is easy to manoeuvre and get into the house, and often comes with smart storage solutions and a headboard. For flexible spaces that operate as a bedroom only part of the time, think futons or sofa beds.
Pick a sprung bed frame for maximum comfort.
‘The base is often second thought to a mattress, but it’s of equal importance when it comes to comfort,’ says Tara. A sprung mattress that compresses onto a springy surface will be more comfortable than a sprung mattress that flattens into a hard surface. ‘People don’t know that ventilation is an important part of a good night’s sleep,’ explains Mark Tremlett, founder of organic mattress company, Naturalmat. ‘When you put a mattress on a bed frame, you need to create a circulation of air around your mattress so it performs at maximum comfort level and creates air flow for regulating temperature.’
A pocket-spring mattress is a better option over memory-foam and coil-spring mattresses.
A coil spring is connected by a continuous wire, meaning your mattress moves as one (if your partner moves at night, you move, too). A pocket spring is made up of individual springs, so any movement is isolated. Interiorsprung mattresses use a variety of fillings, chosen for their resilience and durability. Cotton is breathable, while natural fibres like silk, wool and mohair are luxurious and provide insulation. A memory-foam mattress is comfortable at first, shaping to the imprint of your body, but the foam doesn’t allow for the vital circulation of air.
A harder bed isn’t necessarily better for a bad back and correct support depends on your weight, height and sleeping position.
A general rule of thumb is that the heavier you are, the firmer the tension you need. When testing your mattress, remember that when you lie on your side, your spine should be horizontal. If in a couple, make sure you’re both involved in the testing process. Always remember a mattress topper, too, adding extra comfort and helping your bed base last longer.