How to Choose a Bed: The Complete Buyer’s Guide

How to Choose a Bed Frame

It’s easy to jump straight into the mattresses, but the base or frame you choose can make a massive difference to your comfort. 

Choose the wrong base, and you could be in for plenty of sleepless nights in the future. The most popular bed frames/bases are: 

Divan Beds

Divan beds remain popular for their durability. With a solid base, they provide extra support for the mattress, which can be beneficial for people with back or neck pain. 

You’ll find divans available in a range of styles, including upholstered and leather finishes. Many also come with built-in storage options, such as drawers and ottoman styles. 

The main drawback of divan beds is that they often lack the same storage as other options, but it depends on the size and configuration you choose. 

Wooden Bed Frames

Wooden beds are timeless in their design and appeal. Most use slats that fit together to form the bed base, providing a stable foundation for mattresses. 

The main appeal of wooden beds is their versatility. You’ll find a variety of wood styles and finishes for classic decor and modern homes. 

Metal Bed Frames 

Metal bed frames are popular due to their contemporary aesthetic and affordability. These bases use slats and bars to create the surface your mattress will sit on, and come in a range of colours and styles. 

Storage Beds 

Storage beds are popular for compact bedrooms with limited floor space. They come in a variety of configurations, including ottoman-style beds that lift the mattress, to draws and even ng term storage. 

How to Choose A Mattress

We’ve covered the base, and now it’s time to look at mattresses. There’s no such thing as the “perfect” mattress, because everyone has different needs and preferences. 

While some people prefer harder mattresses, others love sinking into a soft mattress for some much-needed sleep. 

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket-sprung mattresses are the traditional option, but they’re still a top choice for people today. Each mattress contains hundreds or thousands of springs wrapped in fabric. 

The mattresses are designed to respond to your body shape, with each spring supporting heavier areas and aligning lighter ones. 

Couples often find that choosing a pocket-sprung design minimises motion transfer and provides a stable sleeping surface. 

Memory Foam Mattresses

Research shows that memory foam mattresses are the most popular option in the UK (Mordor Intelligence). They initially became available to the public in 1991 and have become a go-to option for people who want a comfortable night’s sleep. 

The foam naturally moulds to your body shape and provides a cushioned feel. Because your weight distributes evenly against the surface, they’re a good option for couples, too. 

While traditional memory foam is known for its tendency to retain heat, many manufacturers use cooling layers to prevent overheating. 

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses often feature a pocket-sprung base, followed by layers that might include memory foam and latex. 

These mattresses are highly popular because they suit a wide range of sleeping styles thanks to their high levels of support. 

However, due to their different layers, they can be more expensive. 

Mattress Firmness Levels

Choosing A Bed Size

The size of your bed also impacts sleep quality. Choose a small base and mattress, and you might find you don’t have enough space. 

But if you have a compact bedroom, you want to find the perfect balance between comfort and not taking up too much floor space. 

In this section, we’ll compare different bed sizes. 

Single Beds

Single beds are popular for growing children and teens. They also feature in small guest rooms and are fine for solo sleepers who don’t need much space. 

However, many adults find single beds quite restrictive, while double beds offer more space. 

Double Beds

Small doubles are larger than singles but still compact enough to fit in most small rooms. Solo sleepers who find traditional single beds too restrictive may prefer a small double. 

Standard doubles are the go-to option for couples or active sleepers. They fit well into most bedrooms and allow plenty of sleeping space. 

King Size Beds 

Families and pet parents know all too well that the bed can get crowded. King-size beds are ideal for larger bedrooms where people want more space. 

However, fitting a king-size bed in a standard double room can be challenging, so it’s important to measure your space first. 

How Much Space Do You Need Around A Bed? 

Choosing a bed isn’t just about finding the right base and mattress, because you still want a functional bedroom. 

The biggest mistake people make is not taking measurements beforehand to ensure that their bed will fit into the room. 

• Walking Space: Give yourself enough walking space around the sides and foot of the bed. That way, you can avoid having to squeeze through gaps. 
• Furniture: Most bedrooms have wardrobes and chests of drawers. When the bed is too large, you’ll struggle to access your clothes. 
• Clearance Areas: The bed should never block windows, radiators, or doorways. Not only does this ensure optimal ventilation, but it’s also vital for safety. 

If you’re choosing a double bed, the room should be at least 9 x 10 ft, while King-size beds require 10 x 12 ft. 

Remember to factor in your room’s layout as well. Some are narrower or have unique shapes, which can mean you need a smaller bed. 

How Do I Know Which Bed is Right For Me? 

When choosing a bed, it’s important to think about your immediate and long-term needs. High-quality beds can last for years, and everything from the base to the mattress and size defines whether you’re making a good investment. 

Here are the most important things to factor in: 

Your Weight and Sleeping Position 

Heavier individuals, along with stomach and back sleepers, are best with medium-firm to firm mattress types, while side sleepers and lighter people often find that soft mattresses are more comfortable. 

Couples of different weights and sleeping positions will usually find that medium to medium-firm mattresses are the best compromise. 

Medical Conditions

If you have a medical condition that causes mobility issues and chronic pain, choosing an orthopaedic mattress can be beneficial as they offer additional support. The same goes for divan beds, given their solid base. 

Individuals with allergies might find that a hybrid bed with latex reduces their symptoms and ensures a comfortable night’s sleep. 

Bedroom Size 

If you have a compact bedroom, opting for a wooden or metal bed can be beneficial, as you can store belongings underneath. Or, divan beds with built-in storage can look neater in modern bedrooms. 

Style Preferences 

Last but not least, think about your personal preferences. There are so many bed designs available, including rustic wooden beds, contemporary metal frames, and divans in different finishes. 

Small additions like the headframe and colour can define whether the bed blends into your room or stands out. 

Final Thoughts 

As you can see, there’s a massive selection of beds available, so you’ll have no problems finding one that suits your needs. 

Remember to factor in your sleeping position, whether you’re sharing the bed, and if you’re purchasing a “just for now” design or investing in a bed that will last for years. 

No matter your needs, you can save money and enjoy convenient payment plans when you choose beds with Pay Per Week. New customers can spend up to £750 without a credit check, while existing customers have up to £2,000 with Pay Per Week In-House Finance. 

Explore our collection of beds today, and please get in touch with us if you have any questions. 

FAQs 

How to choose a bed and mattress online?

When choosing a bed base or mattress online, you can factor in previous experiences. For example, if you’ve found a previous mattress too hard or soft, you can upgrade to a different type that suits your needs. 

Our team is also available to offer advice if you have any questions.