Buying a new bed can be a daunting task. Research has shown that the average person will spend up to a third of their life in bed, so it’s important that you make the right decision.
A high quality, comfortable bed will ensure that you wake up feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready to face the day ahead.
Here are some crucial factors to consider when making that all-important decision:
1 – Size
If you are sharing with a partner, it’s important to choose a bed that provides maximum comfort for both of you. Of course, size will be dependent upon weight and build, but generally speaking, the bigger the bed, the less partner disturbance and the better the night’s sleep. While a double may seem spacious enough for two, a king size will allow you to stretch out and enjoy a truly relaxing slumber.
2 – Comfort
A comfortable bed can be the difference between waking up feeling fatigued and frustrated or jumping out of bed with new bounds of energy. However, one person ‘s perception of comfort can differ entirely to someone elses. For example, some people may find that a firm bed ticks all the right boxes, while for others, a softer feel offers the perfect night’s sleep.
3 – Health conditions
If you suffer from a debilitating medical condition, finding the right bed is crucial. Your bed should provide you with the right support and cushioning to help relieve painful ailments, keep the spine aligned and alleviate pressure off affected areas. Built-in massage therapy systems are an additional option that can offer pain relief from a variety of health issues.
4 – Lifestyle
Adjustable double beds are a great choice for couples who want to retain intimacy but need to accommodate for different lifestyles. Beds that can be manouvered on either side allow for one person to be sat up reading a book or watching TV while the other can be lying down. Link beds and zipped mattresses are also an option for couples who have decided that they may have separate comfort needs in the future.
5 – Quality
While buying a bed can seem expensive, remember that it’s an important investment – after all, the lifespan of a high quality bed can reach up to 10 years! It’s therefore worthwhile to carry out a little research to make sure that the bed has been made by reputable manufacturers. If the construction is good quality, it’s more than likely that the general support, comfort and longevity is of a high standard too.
6 – Style
Although the purpose of a bed is primarily functional, let’s face it, aesthetics are important too. Whether you want a classic design or something a little more contemporary, there are a multitude of bed styles to suit different personal tastes. For added style, decorative headboards can be used to create a dramatic statement or incorporated into a coordinated furniture theme. You may also want to look at the height of the bed, as many modern styles can be a lot lower than traditional ones.
7 – Mattress and pillows
It’s always worth investing in a high quality mattress. As a general rule of thumb, a mattress that adapts to the body’s contours and provides the right amount of support will ensure a peaceful night’s rest. Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice as they give way to body weight with minimal pressure. For optimum comfort, you may also want to think about purchasing new pillows that support the head to avoid painful neck cricks.
8 – Support
Perhaps the most efficient way to ensure that your chosen bed is right for you is to test it out. Take the time to lie in a variety of sleeping positions to see whether it offers the right level of support for your height and weight. The bed might look great, but if it’s too soft or too hard, you’re going to suffer from sleepless nights.
9 – Adjustability
Added features such as adjustability are especially useful for the elderly or for people who suffer from mobility restricting conditions. Electric beds can help you get in and out of a lying down position with comfort and ease and allow for a raised sleeping posture. Companies like Adjustable Beds offer an extensive range of high quality adjustable beds that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, such as arthritis, sciatica or Oedema.
10 – Extras
If you’re lacking space, you may want to choose a bed that has built-in under storage to free up valuable space. If you regularly have guests staying at your house, fold-out beds that are built into the main structure are also great space-saving solutions.
Although most beds come in detached pieces, if you are worried about transporting the bed within your own home, it’s a good idea to discuss access issues with the retailer before you buy.