Sleep is something that everyone has to do, and for most of us, it's one of our greatest joys in life. With about one-third of our life spent sleeping, choosing the right bed and mattress is more important than you realise. The wrong type can lead to nights of uncomfortable sleep or possibly even injury, whereas, just like Goldilocks, getting it just right can be the perfect sleep.
This means choosing a new bed is an investment in your health and future. A good bed frame should last you for many years and should offer everything you want to avoid needing to buy a new one. So, to make sure you make the right choice, remember the following points before purchasing your new bed.
4 things to think about before buying a new bed
1. What size bed can you fit?
It is crucial to consider the space available in the room to avoid buying a bed that is too big. Measure your current bed if you're unsure what size it is before measuring each room wall. This will let you know the maximum width or length of bed your bedroom can accommodate, which will, in turn, help you choose the right bed. To make sure you measure correctly, our bed measuring guide has plenty of useful tips and tricks.
If you're shopping for your main bedroom, then it's likely that you can at least fit a double bed into the space, as this is the most common size for UK homes. But some bedrooms might be smaller, meaning you need to purchase a single or small double, whereas others will be blessed with plenty of space to fit a king or super king bed! Our bed size guide explains all the sizes available and lists their exact sizes to help you make the right choice.
2. Who is using the bed?
Another thing to think about is who will actually be using the bed. If two people share a bed, we'd recommend getting at least a double bed to ensure there's more than enough room to move around without bumping into each other. A small double bed could work if space is tight, but you'll find less space to move around, making it cramped for two people.
Children will find a small single or single bed suitable, though there's nothing to say you can't spoil them and give them a bigger bed! They're also likely to enjoy having a bunk bed in their bedroom, whether because they need to share with a sibling or just want the opportunity to have friends stay over. A mid-sleeper or high-sleeper is also a great option, as these bed frames offer plenty of unique extras such as built-in drawers, cupboards, shelves, desks or even wardrobes!
This also makes them ideal for teenagers, as they'll appreciate the space to complete schoolwork in peace without needing another bed to take up too much space.
3. What is your budget?
When deciding on a new bed, your budget will dictate much of what is available to you. Something extravagant like a TV bed is more costly than a simple wooden bed with no storage, whereas a super king-size bed will cost more than a single bed. Don't forget to include the cost of a new mattress if you opt for a different size.
If you have a certain budget, look for beds within that price range. Some beds might be a little out of what you're willing to pay but double-check to see if they have unique features, such as an ottoman storage area or an under-bed trundle. This might seem like an extra expense, but it could reduce the need to rely on extra pieces of furniture, which will lower costs overall! Don't forget to take advantage of sales if there's an opportunity!
4. Do you need any storage?
People might not consider whether they need extra storage when buying a new bed, but we recommend carefully considering it. An ottoman bed offers plenty of storage inside its frame, which means that the amount of space you get will depend on the size of the bed you choose - a super king will have more storage than a double.
Alternatively, if you'd prefer extra storage without going as far as an ottoman, you could opt for a storage bed with drawers. Remember that you'll need enough space to open the drawers, so double-check their location. Some beds have a drawer at the end of the bed, whereas others have drawers along the sides.
If a storage bed isn't within your budget, don't despair! Plenty of simpler beds will have space underneath the frame to fit storage boxes designed to go under a bed. This means that there are plenty of ways to increase the storage in your bedroom, which is sacrificing style!
