Longing for a comfy night’s sleep? We reveal all you need to know before buying the bed of your dreams – from how to choose a mattress and a frame to deciding on quality pillows and bedding…

Considering we spend quite a big chunk of our lives sleeping – usually between six and nine hours every day – it’s surprising how little most of us know about beds. Sure, we all appreciate that they need to be comfortable and, if we’re being picky, stylish enough to offer a restful sleep and match our bedroom’s aesthetic; but what exactly does that mean?

When it comes to choosing a bed that is designed to gracefully lull you to sleep and properly support your body for years to come, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account. To help you with your decision, we’ve asked the experts for their top bed buying tips. Here’s what they recommend…

Where to start

As a general rule, designers and bed manufacturers advise choosing the biggest bed and mattress that your room can accommodate, and which you can afford. “Start by measuring your space and mark out where the bed will sit,” says Adam Black, co-founder and mattress specialist at Button & Sprung. “You might find that you can choose bigger than you imagined.”

But make sure you leave enough room for any bedside tables and movement around your bed, as well, says Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse. “Give yourself at least 60cm either side of the bed and at the foot end – but stretch to a metre, if the space allows it,” adds Georgia Metcalfe, founder and creative director of French Bedroom.

“This will determine the size of the bed your space can allow for. You want to be able to move fluidly throughout the room and have options for any additional furniture.” And don’t forget to factor in any doors, windows or sockets.

When you’re done measuring, it’s time to think about the mattress. Once you have the size that works for you and your room, consider the tension. Given each person’s unique build, this is very important to get right. “A good mattress should promote proper spinal alignment, whilst catering to individual sleeping needs and positions – especially if you share a bed with a partner,” says Helen Ashmore, head of design at Laura Ashley.

“Side sleepers generally benefit from soft mattresses that contour to pressure points whereas back and stomach sleepers tend to require a firmer option to prevent excess sinking.” Meanwhile, medium comfort-grade mattresses are great all-rounders for every body type and sleeping position, adds Michael Buckle, senior mattress buyer at Dreams.

Mattress springs

To allow for equal distribution of weight and movement, Helen recommends a pocket-sprung mattress, which features individual springs, each encased in their own fabric pocket. Since your body weight will need to engage the springs, experts agree that a softer tension is better for lighter people, and a firmer for a heavier build – as, for instance, a light person on a firm mattress would not be heavy enough to do this, causing the spine to bow upwards.

Choosing a mattress with the right amount of pocket springs is key to achieving perfect support and comfort; the more the springs, the greater the comfort (and, usually, the bigger the price).

Fillings

However, not everyone will benefit from a pocket-sprung mattress, and your sleeping position will help determine the filling you opt for. “The majority of UK adults sleep on their side – if this is you, the mattress you choose should cushion vulnerable pressure points, so your best options are memory foam, gel and latex mattresses, or those with a natural filling,” says Michael.

Natural materials such as wool, silk, cotton or mohair are also recyclable and temperature-regulating, offering better breathability, while gel and latex can help in the overheating department, too. For those with allergies, though, man-made materials such as foam and latex are a wiser choice.

Front sleepers are advised to go for pocket springs or memory foam, or mattresses that combine both, while back sleepers have the most flexibility when it comes to choosing a mattress – as this position is considered very supportive of spinal alignment.

If you share a bed, consider adding a mattress topper to accommodate differing needs, says Pia Pelkonen, creative director at Pia Design. These adjust how firm or soft the bed feels without the need for a new mattress, and they can reduce wear and tear, as well. “Some brands will also offer to customise a bed with different mattresses on each side,” adds Pia.

To land on your preferred mattress, experts advise spending around 10 to 15 minutes lying on it, or for as long as needed, in all positions you’d usually sleep in. “It’s important you take your time testing mattresses at different firmness levels, or choose one with a trial period to ensure you get the balance between comfort and support just right,” says Helen. Finally, keep in mind that mattresses should be replaced every eight-to-ten years.

How do I choose a bed frame?

Prior to shopping for your bed frame, you might want to set a clear budget and try sticking to it when buying. “It can be easy to overspend when buying an item such as a bed as it’s quite a big investment,” says Ethan Fox, interiors expert from Furniture World. “That’s why it’s best to establish a budget and keep a balance between quality, style and affordability.”

From then on, it all largely comes down to personal preference. Do you need additional storage, in which case an ottoman lift, or a divan bed with drawers, would be ideal? Or are you after a more open feel, with a classic slatted frame with legs and space underneath? “Ottomans are great if you wish to store bulky or seasonal bedding, and divans are better if you want greater ease of access to everyday items such as books or folders, ” says Adam.

“If you don’t want to have storage at all within the bed, then opt for a frame design instead,” he adds. Think about the style of your bed and the impact you want it to make, too. For instance, a large headboard, or one with a bold fabric, can add some wow factor, says Audrey Williamson, buyer at Oak Furnitureland.

Bed frame designs

Georgia takes the idea one step further: “To make the bed the focal point of your room, style an upholstered patterned headboard against patterned wallpaper. But make sure to avoid clashing by choosing just one colour, and coordinate your headboard with your wall paint – such as with a floral and stripe combination.”

Some companies can also customise your bed frame, allowing you to combine different colours, fabrics and patterns to suit your needs. And if you prefer a more understated design, how about a wooden frame whose subtle grain patterns are sure to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere?

“Whether you opt for a natural stain or painted finish, this frame is versatile enough to pair with plain linens through to beautiful floral prints,” says Helen.

Whatever you decide, ensure your bed looks natural within your chosen scheme, complementing the rest of your furniture. “I’d always recommend looking into bed frames in earthy tones, like olive and dusty blue, as a first port-of-call,” says Whinnie Williams, interiors expert at Dreams. “This is because these are colours rooted in nature so they feel familiar and comforting.”

Key considerations

Other key points to consider are the intended use of your bed – do you like to sit and read, in which case an upholstered frame with cushioned headboard might be best, for example? – how sustainable you want the frame to be (think eco-friendly and robust materials such as solid wood), and whether your room is on the smaller side; if it is, a bed with a low foot end could help make it feel more open and spacious.

Finally, check whether your bed frame comes assembled before buying. “Some frames can be delivered pre-assembled, whilst others may require significant effort to put together,” says Ethan. If you’re unsure of what frame to get, reading reviews and ratings is your best bet, Ethan continues, as these will offer honest insights on comfort, durability and customer service.

Ultimately, testing goes a long way. Get a feel of that headboard, lie on that mattress, and discuss with showroom employees, to get a good sense of what model works for you. But if speed and convenience are what you’re after, some brands also offer virtual appointments where you can ask the experts about anything, before buying your bed online. All you need to do, really, is trust the pros, do your research, and get ready for some sweet dreaming.

Enjoyed this post? Click here for tips on buying the right pillow for your bed and sleeping position

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