A Guide To: Beds & Mattresses

Underestimating the importance of a bed is a potential health hazard. With an estimate that an average person will spend a third of their lives on their bed, tucked between the sheets, choosing the correct bed with all the essential mattress support is critical. By evaluating your needs and highlighting your preferences you have the opportunity to break free from the hectic world we call reality and fully immerse yourself in the luxury of sleep. Miscalculating the importance of this bed-to-sleep formula, however, will see you visiting the doctors for long term back pain rather than the blissful dream land. So here are a few choices of beds and mattresses that can change your sleep, health and even lifestyle.

Divan Bed - Cheap and Practical

Arguably the most widely available beds on offer with many department stores and online retailers offering cheap competitive prices and warranties. This simple bed was formerly stripped down to its bare essence and only provided customers a base with no footboard or headboard. However, with growing consumer demands most divan beds offers a headboard with the package. Although, not the most stylish bed, the divan bed offers a wide range of sizes and style to accommodate most rooms and with some divan beds consisting of built in storage space.

Bedstead - Stylish

Rather than a solid base, the bedstead offers a stylish slatted frame made from wood or metal, complete with a footboard and a headboard. A decorative choice, the bedstead offers many whimsical metal styles, wooden rigidity and leather upholstered options can transform the look of any plain room or support any themed spaces. Flat pack assembly knowledge is needed to ensure that this piece rises from its cardboard box and becomes an essential component of your room. Although the bedstead will set you back slightly more than the divan, this option will undoubtedly place your bed at the forefront of any stylish bed.

Four Poster Bed - Classic Centre Piece

This 16th century bed commands centre stage in any room. No beds, or any other pieces of furniture for that matter, can compare to the regal look of this masterpiece. Traditionally made of engraved heavy wood, the four poster bed needs a spacious room and, unsurprisingly, a big budget with an average four poster setting you back a minimum of £500. Some manufactures cater to those who wish to fill their antique style room with wooden poles, although others provide contemporary minimalist designs that can create a spacious atmosphere. Underneath storage, however, does not go well with this design.

Storage Bed - Functionality

Maximising the space in your room is an important trick that needs to be mastered when space is limited. Storage bed offers you the chance to bring comfort and practicality into one piece. More stylish than the divan, the storage bed's built in compartments sharpens the look of any room as it demolishes the possibility to dusty old storage boxes from peeking out. Choose from the side drawers that can accommodate your bed sheets or an Ottoman style that fully lifts up and help store a wider range of possessions.

Mattresses - Coiled Spring, Pocket Spring or Memory?

Coiled Spring Mattresses

A mass produced spring coiled system that fills the length and width of any mattress. Spring coil offers a range of sizes from single to king size in cheap prices. Although the spring mattress is suitable for the whole family, it is recommended to be used for a maximum of 3-5 years. Any usage afterwards creates a ‘hammock effect’ in which the spring coils rigidity decreases and causes a drip in the mattress. The spring coil quality does not compare to the memory foam, but prices starting from £80 can steer you towards this option.

Pocket Spring Mattresses

Evolution has transformed the coiled spring mattresses into a pocket spring mattresses. Freeing itself from the compact structure of a coiled spring, the spring in the pocket mattresses are not interlinked with each other, allowing it to independently move to support body shapes and sleeping positions. This innovative advancement makes pocket spring mattresses a middle to high end mattress buy and ensuring quality sleep.

Memory Mattress

When science meets sleep they create a memory mattress. Made from a layer of temperature sensitive material, the foam mattress mould to the shape of your body to help relive pain and join pressures. The moulding, additionally, reduces air circulation causing the mattress to feel warmer and making it even harder to leave the comfort of your bed. Which? voted the memory mattress the best one to use during the winter season, although the hefty price tag of over £2000 might change your opinion.