Bed buying guide
How to choose the right bed for you
It’s been estimated that we spend almost a third of our lives asleep, so finding the right bed for you is important. However, with such a huge number of options available, finding the perfect match can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know to find your perfect bed.
Bed sizes
Here are the common sizes you’ll see when looking for your bed:
| Bed Size | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 60cm (23”) | 120cm (47”) | |
| 75cm (2.6’) | 190cm (6’3”) | |
| 90cm (3’) | 190cm (6'3”) | |
| 137cm (4'5”) | 190cm (6’3”) | |
| 150cm (5’) | 200cm (6’6”) | |
| 180cm (6’) | 200cm (6’6”) |
Bed size considerations
Getting the right size bed is important for a good night’s sleep, so it’s a good idea to spend some time finding the right fit for you.
What size can you fit in your bedroom?
The first consideration is the bed size you can fit into your room. You should leave enough space to comfortably walk around each side (you don’t want to be hitting your leg on the frame in the middle of the night!). It’s also important to consider the clearance you need for your other bedroom furniture. Will you have enough room to open your wardrobes and chest of drawers? Lastly, consider how the bed could impact the look and feel of the room. If you choose a bed that’s too large, you risk making your bedroom feel cramped and claustrophobic.
Top tip: Use some masking tape to mark out the size of your new bed on the floor to see how it might look.
How much space do you need?
Your bed should give you enough space to comfortably stretch out without your feet hanging over the end.
How much space do you and your partner need?
If you’re sharing your bed with a partner, it’s important to consider how you both sleep. If one or both of you is what is known as an active sleeper (moves around a lot in the night), pick a bed as large as you can to give each other enough space and prevent waking one another up at night.
When will your children grow out of their bed?
If you’re buying a bed for your child, take some time to consider how long it will be before they grow out of the bed you’ve chosen.
Bed types
There are a wide range of different bed types available to suit different needs. Here, we outline some of the most common types, along with their advantages.
Divan beds
Divan beds are built from wood which is then covered in fabric. As the mattress sits on top of the bed frame rather than needing to slot into it, these frames are usually more compact than other types.
Divan beds will often include drawers, giving you plenty of storage space for clothes or blankets. However, the design of this style of bed does mean you won’t be able to store anything underneath if there are no drawers. If you’re the sort of person who uses the space under your bed to hold clutter, this could be a bonus!
It can be slightly more difficult to clean underneath divan beds. Although, many will include wheels to make them easier to move around, which is also ideal if you like to re-arrange your room.
Ottoman beds
Ottoman beds feature a similar construction and style to divan beds. The key difference is the fact the whole bed base of an ottoman bed can be used for storage.
In an ottoman bed, the entire base that the mattress sits on is hinged, lifting up to reveal huge amounts of storage space. This style is great if your bedroom has limited storage. However, if you want to use your bed to store smaller day to day items such as clothing that you need quick access to, a divan bed is probably more practical.
Bunk beds
Bunk beds feature one bed on top of the other. These are ideal for children who are sharing a room and by combining two beds into the footprint of one, more space is freed up in the rest of the room. Some bunk beds are available with a larger bed on the top and a smaller bed on the bottom. These are great for older children who want an extra bed for when friends stay over.
Cabin beds
Cabin beds feature a similar design to bunk beds but only have one bed. The space underneath cabin beds will be used for storage, as an empty space for play, or an area for a desk. These beds are ideal for maximising the space in small bedrooms which might feel cramped with a standard bed frame.
Cots
Cot beds are designed for very small children and will usually be the first bed parents buy. They will feature rails to keep your child safe and many include extra features such as the ability to increase in size as your child grows.
Guest beds
Guest beds, as their name suggests, are beds that are designed to give your guests somewhere to stay. These beds are available in a number of different styles to suit your needs, from fold up beds, to sofa style beds that can convert into a full bed.
Bed materials
Beds can be constructed from a number of different materials, all of which have different aesthetics and advantages.
Wooden beds
Wooden beds are a popular choice as they bring a soft, natural touch to your bedroom. These beds will look at home in traditional or Scandinavian style bedrooms. Wooden beds are also highly adaptable and will look great against a huge range of other décor styles.
Metal beds
Metal beds have a tough, solid feel and aesthetic. With sleek lines and thinner frames, metal beds are ideal for modern, minimalist bedrooms. These beds are also available in more traditional designs, which are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy classic opulent styling. Metal beds are usually lighter than wooden beds, which means they’re easier to move around if you want to rearrange your room. They will also often be easier to assemble and dismantle, which is ideal if you think you’ll be moving home soon.
Fabric beds
If you want your bedroom to be a cosy sanctuary, the fabric (sometimes known as upholstered) bed is for you. These beds feature fabric or leather surrounds which are much kinder on your legs should you accidentally walk into them. If you’re someone who likes to sit up while they read in bed, fabric headboards make for a much comfier place to lean your head. These beds are available in a great range of colours, so you can find the perfect style to match your bedroom décor.
Bed extra features
When you’re choosing your bed, look out for some of these extra features.
LED lighting
The lighting in your bedroom should create a relaxing atmosphere that gets you ready to fall asleep. In many cases, your main room light just won’t do the trick, which is where beds with LED lights come in. These built in lights will create a warm glow around your bed, with some beds also including the ability to adjust the colours of these lights.
Bluetooth speakers
Whether it’s some music to send you to sleep at night or something upbeat to get you ready for the day, these beds allow you to play your music through speakers in the bed frame.
TV beds
Many people enjoy watching TV before they go to bed, which is where TV beds come in. These feature a compartment at the foot of the bed where you can mount your TV. The TV is stored away when you’re not watching it. Then, with the push of a button, it will emerge from the end of the bed ready for you to watch.
Fun designs
Whether it’s a racing car, fire truck, treehouse style or bed with a slide, we stock a great range of fun bed designs your kids will love.
