With such a wide range to choose from and many factors to consider, it can be hard to know where to start when choosing a good bed. Our quick guide walks you through how to buy a bed frame and mattress. Get ready to enjoy a beautiful bed and a great night’s sleep.
Choose your bed size
Start by measuring your space. It's generally true that if you share your bed, a larger bed size will make for a better night’s sleep. So, for example, if you have the space for a king-size rather than a double, that may well be the better option. You should also measure the space which will be left around the bed, not just for walking around it comfortably, but also for accessing any integral storage in the bed. Divan drawers need to be easy to access if you are going to make regular use of them.
If you don’t already have a bed of the right size in the room, you can use masking tape to create an outline on the floor, to give you a good indication of how much space would be taken up by the bed frames you are considering.
Don’t forget to measure upwards as well as outwards. If you’ve always dreamed of having a four-poster bed, remember to measure the usable height of the room, paying particular attention to any sloping ceilings. For an ottoman bed, you need to make sure that there is nothing that will obstruct the raising of the upper part of the bed to access the storage compartment.
Bed design and style
There’s a wide range of style options to choose from when it comes to buying a bed. Are you looking for something contemporary or traditional? Does the idea of a four-poster bed appeal, or a luxurious fabric divan? Bed frames can be made from metal or wood and are fitted with a slatted wooden base or a strong metal mesh on which the mattress sits. A divan bed has a solid base to support the mattress, and beneath that, there is often storage incorporated in the bed.
Upholstered beds can be part of a neutral scheme or can give you the chance to incorporate colour into your room. A wooden bed adds warmth and richness, and designs range from intricately carved pine bed frames such as the Innsbruck pine bed to the sleek modern lines of the Messina. Metal bed frames can make a bold design statement and can work with all sorts of décor, from traditional to modern.
Storage
Do you need your bed to incorporate storage? Some divan beds have the option of drawers in the base, either on just one side or both. Alternatively, an ottoman bed gives you large storage space underneath, perfect for housing clothes or spare bedding. A hydraulic gas-lift mechanism allows easy access to the space, no matter how heavy your mattress is.
Headboard
Do you need a solid headboard? If you spend a lot of time sitting up in bed to read, it’s important to have comfortable support for your back. An iron-framed bed may not be the best choice for you, whereas a bed with solid wood or an upholstered headboard can give you the support you need. At Endurance Beds all of our headboards come with a 3-year guarantee. We also make a range of footboards to complement your headboard.
Product: Ilex Headboard
How to choose a mattress
Once you have decided on your bed frame, it's time to choose a mattress. Your choice of mattress can make all the difference to how well you sleep.
A firm mattress can be an ideal choice for people who suffer from back problems. It is also a good solution for couples who want to avoid gravitating towards the middle of the bed during the night and disturbing their partner’s sleep. Mattresses can be made from foam, including memory foam, springs or a combination of the two.
Memory foam mattress
Memory foam is designed to adapt to the contours of your body, providing support where you need it. If you sleep on your side, you may find that a memory foam mattress works well for you, as it can help to relieve the pressure which may otherwise be felt in your shoulder and hip. Memory mattresses do not need to be rotated or turned.
Spring mattress
The mattress is constructed using metal coils for support. In some mattresses, the springs are connected, but it's preferable to buy a mattress with individually encased springs, as this provides greater support and more even weight distribution. This helps to reduce the likelihood of bed partners disrupting each other when they move during the night. If you suffer from back pain, a spring mattress is usually recommended as it can offer better spinal support.
A spring mattress is also ideal if you tend to get hot during the night, as air can flow between the spring pockets, allowing the mattress to cool down more easily. Our Ambassador 2000 mattress offers enhanced edge-to-edge support, with double side stitching, while our Pemberley Pillow Top mattress features an extra padded layer on the top for added comfort.
Find your perfect mattress today
Our heavy-duty mattresses are perfect for anyone looking for a long-lasting mattress. Designed to provide the support needed by people who are overweight, they are also an ideal option for people who just want a highly durable mattress. Handcrafted in the UK, our mattresses all feature skin safe technology and an anti-bedbug treatment. A 5-year guarantee is provided with all our mattresses.
Endurance Beds' frames are made to order at our workshop in the UK. If you need further advice on how to buy a bed frame and mattress, get in touch with our customer service team. You can reach us by phone or email, or our live chat service which is available during office hours. Our advisors will be delighted to help you find the perfect bed for you.