Bed buying and care guide

Bed Buying

You spend a third of your life asleep, so understanding what goes into choosing a new bed is important. A better night’s sleep in a good bed can all add up to a better you. So, check out our advice on finding the best type of bed for your home and your needs.

Beds will last a long time but, as a guide, a bed over 7 years old will begin to deteriorate quickly and beds beyond 8 years old are recommended for renewal.

Bed Buying

Given the fact that you spend a third of your life in bed, choosing the right bed for you is a very important part of life. A good night’s rest is vital to ensure you are ready for whatever the day brings. 

Beds will last a long time but, as a guide, a bed over 7 years old will begin to deteriorate quickly and beds beyond 8 years old are recommended for renewal.

Choosing your new bed

When choosing a new bed, take enough time to try out all the different options. Feel free to kick off your shoes and lie on every bed, spending enough time to consider the support and comfort you require. We have a range to suit all budgets, but the quality of material used does get better as the price increases, so it’s worth investing that little bit more if you can to get a better quality bed.

It is not advisable to change only the mattress and keep the original base, especially if you are buying a divan. The old base could reduce the useful life of the new mattress as well as the support and comfort it can offer. If you are buying a mattress to use on your own bed base, please make sure that the mattress is suitable to be used with your base. Certain mattresses are not suitable for all bases and if wrongly matched, this can cause irreparable damage. 

Most divan beds can be split in two for ease of access to upstairs bedrooms. Please ensure you make us aware of any potential access issues before ordering. Large headboards can also often cause access issues. To find out more about our free access service, speak to one of our experts.

We encourage you to test different mattresses and beds for as long as it takes to find the right one for you. We want you to be happy with your choice and fulfil your requirements. Our expert sales team are only too happy to answer any questions you may have.

Choosing your new bed

When choosing a new bed, take enough time to try out all our range of beds. Feel free to kick off your shoes and lie on every bed, spending enough time to consider the feel. We have a range to suit all budgets but the quality of material used does get better as the price increases so it’s worth investing that little bit more if you can to get a better quality bed.

It is not advisable to change only the mattress and keep the original base, especially if you are buying a divan. The old base could reduce the useful life of the new mattress as well as the support and comfort it can offer. If you are buying a mattress to use on your own bed base, please make sure that the mattress is suitable to be used with your base. Certain mattresses are not suitable for all bases and if wrongly matched, this can cause irreparable damage. 

Most divan beds can be split in two for ease of access to upstairs bedrooms.
Please ensure you make us aware of any potential access issues before ordering. Large headboards can also often cause delivery access issues (if you live in the North West you can make use our free access service).

Talk to our expert sales team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you visit our store, don’t be afraid  to lie beside your partner for as long as you want to compare beds. We want you to be happy with your choice

Bed options

There are several types of bed, varying in style and construction.
Here are the options:

Adjustable beds

Electrically adjustable beds are easy to operate and can be manoeuvred into your desired position.

Bedsteads

Some bedsteads support a mattress on solid timber slats fixed to a frame; some come with a metal frame support and integrated sprung wooden slats.

Divan beds

These are the traditional style which include both a base and a mattress. They are available with various different storage and drawer options, along with sprung and fixed bases.

Ottoman beds

Ottoman beds are a fantastic space-saving solution for all your bedding, duvets, and any other storage boxes. The mattress should always be placed on the frame. This is crucial as often the pistons will not work correctly until the mattress is in position. The pistons require the weight of the mattress to operate correctly. The frame is usually in one piece (the size of the bed) and you must measure carefully to ensure that it can be manoeuvred into your room of choice.

Guest beds

For those short of space but needing an extra bed, a single divan with a pull-out bed underneath is a great solution. However, please note these are not intended for everyday use.

Headboards

Headboards are an optional extra, but they can add the finishing touch to your bedroom.

Adjustable beds
Electrically adjustable beds are easy to operate and can be manoeuvred into any position.


Headboards
Headboards are an optional extra, but they can add the finishing touch to your bedroom.


Guest beds
For those short of space but needing an extra bed, a single divan with a pull-out bed underneath is a great solution.


Bedsteads
Most bedsteads support a mattress on solid timber slats fixed to a frame; some come with a metal frame support and integrated sprung wooden slats.


Bed surrounds
Bed surrounds give the look of a bedstead with the divan of your choice in the middle. There are no slats or support for a mattress.


Divan beds
These are the traditional style which include both a base and a mattress. They are available with various different storage and drawer options.


Ottoman beds
Ottoman beds offer great storage solutions but care should be taken to lift and close the bed without force. The frame is usually in one piece (the size of the bed) and you must measure carefully

Mattress options

Open coil mattress
Hour glass shaped springs in rows and connected together top and bottom providing good support.


Pocket sprung mattress
The springs are sewn into individual fabric pockets providing independent support where needed, profiling body shape and providing optimum support.


Pillow top mattress
A luxurious fixed top containing additional padded layers for superb comfort.


Memory foam mattress
Memory foam mattresses are durable and breathable. The material conforms to the shape of the body, reducing discomfort caused by pressure points by redistributing pressure.


Latex mattress
A natural filling with similar properties to memory foam. The latex layer moulds to provide contour support.


Mattress fillings

Interior sprung mattresses use a variety of fillings to create different properties and comfort options. Fillings are chosen for their reliability, durability, flexibility and to absorb any moisture.


Cotton is often used near the surface for its soft feel and ability to breathe and absorb moisture.


Wool is a naturally resilient fibre and creates a luxurious feel.


Foam is used for a cushioning effect.


Polyester, a synthetic material, has good recovery properties


Hair is a highly resilient fibre and is used for high luxury.


Coir fibre (made from coconut fibre) is generally used next to the spring to insulate and to prevent the spring being felt or penetrated.


Silk, cashmere, mohair and other natural fibres are used for additional luxury.

Ecotex is a sustainable fibre that is made from 100% recyclable materials that is also fully recyclable at end of life

Mattress settlement and care

Please be aware that all mattress fillings will settle and compress over the first few months of use. This is entirely normal and what makes your mattress unique to your body shape. This may be more pronounced in the more luxury end of our ranges with more fillings. Regular maintenance will be required to prolong the lifespan of your bed. Please ask your sales person for care instructions.

Mattress fillings

Interior sprung mattresses use a variety of fillings to create different properties and comfort options. Fillings are chosen for their reliability, durability, flexibility and to absorb any moisture.


Cotton is often used near the surface for its soft feel and ability to breathe and absorb moisture.


Wool is a naturally resilient fibre and creates a luxurious feel.


Foam is used for a cushioning effect.


Polyester, a synthetic material, has good recovery properties


Hair is a highly resilient fibre and is used for high luxury.


Coir fibre (made from coconut fibre) is generally used next to the spring to insulate and to prevent the spring being felt or penetrated.


Silk, cashmere, mohair and other natural fibres are used for additional luxury.

Mattress settlement and care

Please be aware that all mattress fillings will settle and compress over the first few months of use. This is entirely normal and what makes your mattress unique to your body shape. This may be more pronounced in the more luxury end of our ranges with more fillings. Regular maintenance will be required to prolong the lifespan of your bed. Please ask your sales person for care instructions.

Sofa Beds

Sofa beds are only designed for occasional use as a bed. Sofa beds are a great space saver for smaller homes, and they provide the option of an occasional sofa that converts into a bed when you need it.

Sofa beds will feel firmer than a standard sofa because of the bed mechanism. The firmness of the sleeping surface will depend on how the sofa bed works. Some pull out from the bottom of the sofa and as the sleeping surface is close to the floor, it will feel fairly firm. Those that have the metal frame mechanism that unfold to the same height as the seating area will feel more like a normal bed.

Care for your sofa bed as you do your sofa and bed. Rotate and turn the mattress according to the care instructions and don’t overload any storage space.

To make sure your sofa bed fits, we’d recommend measuring the width and the length of the sofa bed and the space you want to put it in. Make sure when you measure, you check the width and length with the bed pulled out, making sure there’s space around the sofa when the bed is pulled out, so access is easy. Sofa beds are heavy and bulky items due to the metal frame and therefore please consider any potential awkward access issues like narrow hallways, tight corners or tricky stairs.

Sofa beds are only designed for occasional use as a bed.


Because you sit on a thin layer of padding over a bed mechanism, sofa beds will feel firmer than a standard sofa. The firmness of the sleeping surface will depend on how the sofa bed works.


If the sofa bed pulls out from the bottom of the sofa so it is close to the floor it will feel fairly firm. If it is a metal frame than unfolds to the same height as the seats with support for the mattress it will feel more like a normal bed.


The best way to choose a sofa bed is to try as many as you can in store. It is also worth considering a mattress to add extra comfort.


Care for your sofa bed as you do with your sofa and bed. Rotate and turn the mattress every time the sofa bed is used and don’t overload any storage space.

Your Furniture Buying Checklist


Measure carefully!


Before you order, please make sure your chosen furniture will fit your room and can be manoeuvred into your house through the front door (or rear) and any hallways/landings. Once your furniture has been ordered, we can not accept your cancellation without a charge. If you live in a flat/apartment, please make this known to the sales person so we can help you choose something appropriate in terms of weight and size. If you live in the North West, we offer an access check service so that you can confirm that your purchase will fit into your home.


Try before you buy and ask questions


Spend as much time as you like viewing our extensive range of bedroom furniture. Ask as many questions as you like. We love to listen to your individual needs so we can assist you in making the right choice.


Protect you investment with Premier Care


Our Premier Care provides you with 5 year protection for beds, mattresses (free mattress protector available), cabinet and dining furniture. This covers stains, accidental damage and structural defects.

Top 10 Tips For Caring For Your Furniture

Top 10 Tips For Caring For Your Furniture

  1. Don’t place furniture too close to direct heat, air conditioning units or in direct sunlight.
  2. Make sure the air in your room is not too humid or too dry.
  3. Always move furniture by lifting. Dragging or pushing can damage fixings and affect stability. Some items of furniture may need to be disassembled before they can be moved.
  4. Carry stone or travertine table tops vertically, never horizontally to move them.
  5. Use table mats on all surfaces to protect the finish from hot plates and drinks.
  6. Never put hot dishes or cups onto a table top or cabinet.
  7. Take care with sharp objects such as cutlery and pens and avoid dragging crockery across your table.
  8. Never use tables to support your weight when getting up. Tables are not designed to support the weight of a person.
  9. Don’t place heavy items on drop down leaves or doors and don’t overload shelves with weight.
  10. Never rock backwards or stand on dining chairs.
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