Bed buying guide
By Ellie Reeves | 8th October 2024 | 7 min read
Did you know we spend nearly a third of our lives asleep? Finding the right bed is essential for a good night’s rest. With countless options, the perfect match can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide will take you through everything you need to know about buying a 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 sound night’s sleep, so it’s a good idea to spend some time finding the right fit for you.
What size bed can you fit in your room?
Start by figuring out how much space you have for the bed. Make sure there's room to walk comfortably around each side without bumping into anything (no one likes bruised shins at night!). Think about how your bed will affect access to wardrobes or drawers. And don’t forget, if your bed’s too big, your room could end up feeling cramped.
Top tip: Mark out your bed size with masking tape on the floor for a quick visual of how it’ll look!
How much space do you need?
Make sure your bed’s long enough for you to stretch out comfortably – no dangling feet! A bed that suits your height is key for a restful night.
How much space do you and your partner need?
If you’re sharing the bed, think about how you both sleep. If one of you is a restless sleeper, a larger bed gives you more room to move without disturbing each other in the night.
When will your children grow out of their bed?
When buying a bed for your child, it's worth thinking ahead. Children grow quickly, so consider how long the bed will last. Choosing a slightly larger bed now could save you the hassle of replacing it soon. This way, you’ll ensure they have plenty of space as they grow, and you won’t need to shop for a new bed in the near future.
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 are similar to divans, but they take storage to the next level! The entire bed base lifts up, giving you loads of space for storing bulky items – perfect for rooms with limited storage. However, if you’re after easy access for daily essentials like clothes, a divan might be the better option since it usually comes with drawers. So, if you’re short on space but need quick access to everyday bits and bobs, think about how you plan to use the storage before deciding.
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.
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, then a 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.
That wraps up this guide to buying a new bed! Take a look at our bed and mattress ranges to find the best style for your home. And now that you’ve got your bed frame sorted, it’s time to find the right mattress. Check out our mattress buying guide for shopping advice. Sweet dreams!
