How to choose a bed

A bed is where you'll spend roughly a third of your life. It's where you rest and recharge every night. It's a place of intimacy, safety and comfort.

Choosing one shouldn't be a decision taken lightly - both for your wellbeing and your bedroom's décor. If you're looking for a little assistance, here's our guide on how to choose a bed.

Work out how much space you have

Before dreaming of bed ideas, frame styles and mattress types, consider the space you have to work with. Start by measuring the room or the area you're reserving for a bed.

Finding the right size is key for the look and feel of your bedroom. A bed too big can overwhelm the space, while a bed too small could mean you miss out on greater comfort and extra room to stretch your legs.

The standard bed sizes are as follows:

• Single: 90cm x 190cm
• Small double: 120cm x 190cm
• Double: 135cm x 190cm
• King: 150cm x 200cm
• Super King: 180cm x 200cm

Remember, you'll need enough space around your bed to walk and have other pieces of furniture if necessary.

Consider the purpose of the bedroom

Of course, sleeping is the main purpose of any bed. But consider if it's a guest room, master suite or children's bedroom. This will be an influence on the size, style and type of bed you choose.

A guest room doubling as a home office may benefit most from a sofa bed that can be folded away to maximise usable space. Your grand master bedroom may need something magnificent to act as the focal point. Bunk beds could be one of the more practical box room bed ideas for a small kid's bedroom.

Assess your storage needs

Deciding between bed sizes and types may be closely linked to your storage needs. Consider how much is already in the bedroom and if more is needed in the form of freestanding or fitted furniture.

If floor space is limited, over bed wardrobes are a solution. They offer valuable vertical storage space, but also frame beds nicely to give the room a more inviting look and feel.

Don't forget, the bed you choose can act as storage itself. Whether it's space left underneath with traditional platform bed frames or the in-built storage found in ottoman designs, your new bed could be the storage hack you've been looking for.

Find the right frame

Practicalities aside, you want a bed that looks the part. Your choice of frame has a large role to play in the aesthetics of your bedroom. The most common types include:

• Platform beds: Four legs and an elevated platform - these are perhaps the simplest bed frame options. You'll find some with headboards, others without. Some higher, some lower. A range of extravagant designs and others with low-key, elegant looks.
• Divan beds: These typically come with a solid, two-part base that contains some form of storage. Built-in drawers can provide much-needed space for bedding, clothes or accessories. They have sturdy foundations but aren't always the most eye-catching.
• Ottoman beds: Similar to divan frames, these have built-in storage underneath the mattress. But instead of pulling out drawers, you'll lift the bed to reveal the space underneath. The aesthetic depends on what style you go for, but they're certainly a tick in the storage hack box.

Materials and colours used are also important when choosing a new bed. Wooden frames bring a touch of warmth and character to a bedroom, while metal frames offer a sleek, contemporary look that works well with modern designs. Don't forget about your bedding choice, too.

Pick the perfect mattress

Your task isn't complete once you've picked the bed frame. Now it's time to think about mattresses. The right one should help you lay comfortably at night, improve the quality of your sleep and make the most of your bed frame. The most common types of mattresses include:

• Memory foam mattresses: These are known for moulding around the shape of your body for that extra cosy, supportive feeling. If you suffer from aches and pains, this can help relieve pressure while keeping your spine aligned and supported. However, some people find them too warm or don't like the sensation of the memory foam.
• Pocket spring mattresses: A modern take on traditional bed springs, these have springs in individual fabric pockets to provide greater support and weight distribution. If you don't want to be disturbed by a partner tossing and turning throughout the night, this may be the one for you.
• Combination/hybrid mattresses: For a blend of the two above, hybrids combine the stability of pocket springs with a luxury layer of memory foam for the best of both worlds.
• Traditional spring mattresses: These provide excellent value for money and some still favour the feel of traditional mattresses. For a relatively comfortable sleep without breaking the bank, this could be your go-to.

There are other factors to consider when choosing a mattress. Some offer a firmer touch, while others are much softer. The best for you depends on your sleeping position and preference.

We recommend visiting a showroom and trying a few with the guidance of experts before making a decision.

Design your perfect bedroom with Hammonds

The bed is the centrepiece of bedrooms, but it doesn't complete the room alone. Come to the real experts for bed ideas, design inspiration, custom-fitted furniture solutions and more to help you create your dream bedroom.

Book a free design visit for a personal consultation with one of our Hammonds experts today.