Bed Buying Guide

Here's some information to help you...

Types of Mattresses

This can feel like a minefield but it's actually not as complex as you think. We'll try to break it down for you here in a simple way but we like being quizzed, so feel free to ask for more information.

Close up of open coil spring unit Close up of open coil spring unit

Open Coil spring mattress

  • The most commonly used springing system in the world.
  • Border rod or wire gives the mattress a firm edge and helps retain its shape.
  • Sides are generally machine stitched.
Close-up of pocket springs Close-up of pocket springs

Pocket spring mattress

  • More luxurious, with individual small springs housed in separate fabric pockets.
  • Springs work independently to respond to individual body weight.
  • Ideal if there’s a considerable weight or size variation between you and your partner.
  • Turn regularly to ensure even settlement.
  • Very good quality mattresses are hand stitched on the sides for strong, stable edges.
Mattress topper with blue gel layer on a white mattress Mattress topper with blue gel layer on a white mattress

Visco-elastic (Memory Foam) mattress

  • Body heat reacts with the foam to soften it.
  • The mattress then moulds and re-moulds to your body’s contours.
  • Provides excellent support and enables natural movement during sleep.
  • Helps to maintain correct posture and align spine horizontally when lying on your side.
  • Hypo-allergenic with anti-microbial properties.
  • Regular rotation is necessary to distribute the wear evenly.
Hand pressing down on a mattress surface to demonstrate firmness. Hand pressing down on a mattress surface to demonstrate firmness.

Latex mattress

  • Talalay latex is the finest polymer available.
  • Resilient feel with excellent durability.
  • Hypo-allergenic with anti-microbial properties.
  • Conforms to your body’s contours.
  • Breathable, so you won’t overheat.
  • No turn, but regular rotation will distribute the wear evenly.

Types of Bed Bases

Light blue upholstered bed in a room with a chair and windows. Light blue upholstered bed in a room with a chair and windows.

Divans

Divan bases act as a platform for mattresses and either have springs which allow the mattress to adapt to the body’s contours, or a solid top which provides firmer support. A divan is useful if you’re tight on space as most are available with drawers to provide additional storage. They are also no bigger than the mattress, unlike a bed frame.

Gray upholstered bed with storage compartments in a bright room. Gray upholstered bed with storage compartments in a bright room.

Ottoman/Storage Beds

With an ottoman storage base, the whole of the bed base is revealed with an easy to operate mechanism and are a fantastic idea which free up valuable space in other parts of the bedroom. Most are available as a side lift or as end end lift, which helps if one part of your room is easier to access than another.

Pink upholstered bed in a modern bedroom with white walls and large windows. Pink upholstered bed in a modern bedroom with white walls and large windows.

Frames/Bedsteads

Frames more decorative and will provide a definite classic or contemporary look to your bedroom. A ‘bowed slat’ (or ‘sprung slat’) bedstead will give more cushioned support than ‘solid slat’. Please note, the overall frame size is larger than the mattress which it is intended to accommodate. Overall sizes are shown on our website, so please check before ordering.

Gray bed with white bedding and pull-out drawer in a room with green walls and a window. Gray bed with white bedding and pull-out drawer in a room with green walls and a window.

Guest/Folding

To host, or not to host? That is the question!

We have numerous flexible solutions for overnight guests. With a small bedroom, it makes sense to use your bed as a secondary storage option too.

Bed Size Guide

Standard sizes (mattresses and divan beds)

  • Small single W75cm x L190cm / W2’6″ x L6’3″
  • Single W90cm x L190cm / W3’0″ x L6’3″
  • Small double W120cm x L190cm / W4’0″ x L6’3″
  • Double W135cm x L190cm / W4’6″ x L6’3″
  • King W150cm x L200cm / W5’0″ x L6’6″
  • Superking W180cm x L200cm / W6’0″ x L6’6″

The exception to these standard sizes are our adjustable beds, which all come L200cm / L6’6″ as standard.

As beds are handmade, there is always a slight tolerance of +/- 2cm.

Bespoke sizes can be made to order – please contact us for details.

The dimensions of a bedstead are greater than a divan base equivalent, but the mattress size required remains the same. If you need the overall sizes of a particular bed frame, these can be found on the relevant product page.

Looking after your new bed

Airing
After delivery the mattress should be aired for 4 hours to freshen and remove any aroma from storage. The mattress should be aired on a weekly basis by turning back the bed linen for a few hours.

Sprung mattresses
With sprung mattresses it’s important to turn your mattress regularly to maximise its life. Body weight compresses a mattress, leading to dips and ultimately an uneven sleeping surface. Consider a one-sided ‘no-turn’ mattress if turning a heavy mattress could be difficult. We even have a couple which are 'never need to turn or rotate'.

Circulation
Avoid using a plastic sheet on or under the mattress as this prevents air circulation and can cause condensation. We do sell breathable but waterproof mattress protectors, which we highly recommend.

Latex and visco-elastic (memory foam) mattresses
These mattresses do not need turning and in some cases only have one sleeping surface so cannot be turned but the mattress should still be rotated top-to-toe occasionally (once a month) to maximise their life. Over time these mattresses may feel as if they are gradually getting softer, as cells within the foam open more fully and the surface reacts more quickly. However, the important pressure relieving properties remain the same and eventually the whole mattress will react evenly.

To get the best out of your chosen mattress and maximise longevity, we recommend you buy one of our mattress protectors.

TO PROTECT YOUR GUARANTEE, IT’S VITAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS’ CARE INSTRUCTIONS, WHICH WILL USUALLY BE DELIVERED WITH YOUR NEW BED. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU DON’T RECEIVE YOUR COPY.