Choosing the right bed is vital for a good nights sleep and a productive day following. I can't tell you which one to buy but I can provide you with some things to look for to help make your own bed buying decision.
Things to look for are:
1. Size. Think about where you are going to put your bed. Does it need to fit through narrow doors or go up narrow stairwells? Measure it to ensure you can get it into your home and then that it will fit in your bedroom. Sounds simple but it can be an expensive mistake if overlooked!
2. Support. Try out the mattress, lie on the bed in the store, take your time and try different positions. Ensure you feel supported, that the bed is not too soft or too hard. You will need to spend quite a bit of time doing this- take a book with you and leave the kids at home!
3. Comfort. Is it warm to lie on? It may have a wool topper that makes it feel soft and cosy. Get someone to lie beside you, ask then to move around and toss and turn to see if it upsets your side of the bed. You want to both be able to have an undisturbed lights sleep.
4. Design. Something that often sways out decision the wrong way is what it looks like! As a designer I know it is important, but not as important as what you lie on! Find the mattress first, then look at the bed head and matching furniture. Don't let design get in the way.
5. Price. Beds vary greatly in price and so does the quality. Most mattresses will last for 10 years but you should start checking for wear and tear after five years. The price does often reflect the quality of the beds structure and the mattress materials. So spend as much as your budget will allow remembering that you do spend a third of your life in bed! I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it but averaged out over your lifetime it is a great deal of lying down, so best be comfortable!
Main Types of Beds
Spring Base or Boxed Base Beds
These have large coil springs in the base and are boxed in. the spring mattress then sits on top. This style of bed has been popular but is losing its status, as it tends to sag in the middle over time and is heavy and cumbersome to move in the bedroom and clean around. It also doesn't allow for any under bed storage- vital in small apartment bedrooms.
Flexi-slat Base
This is becoming a popular choice of bed as it allows for air movement under the mattress, leaves space for under bed storage, has adjustable slats to personalise the support of the bed and is easy to get in and out of small apartments or through narrow stairwells as the base comes apart and can be reassembled. It is easy to clean around and the bed will never sag in the middle due to the style of slat construction- a support strut through the centre of the bed. Ensure you love the design of the bed head, as this is usually part of the bed construction and will be expensive to alter at a later date.
Solid Base
Not recommended as an everyday base as there is no movement, it doesn't breathe and is very hard to lie on it generally used as a spare bed in a guest room as it is usually an economical price for a bed. Solid slats are available and a better option.
Main Types of Mattresses
Spring Mattress
Most mattresses use coil springs. They vary by the spring size and their configuration and packing: the springs are wrapped in cotton and then covered with wool or latex. The amount of padding varies and defines the comfort level.
The topping of the mattress varies and is either wool or latex. You can purchase additional toppings to enhance the comfort level of the mattress. The mattress is covered in a breathable fabric and often has airholes for ventilation.
Latex Mattress
Latex is a natural product but is also produced synthetically. The latex is manufactured with a series of small holes. It feels unusual to lie on if you have come from a spring mattress as it is firmer and has less movement. It is a cost effective mattress as latex is very strong and durable and lasts for a long time.
Memory Foam
I just tried this out last week- it feels really bizarre. It was supportive and had no "sound", no movement and was very solid to touch. The foam was invented by the space programme and is relatively new on the market. It has a high price point but like latex is very durable and has a long life expectancy.
Foam Mattress
A simple, synthetic foam mattress is ideal for a trundler bed, spare bunk bed or as a throw down on the floor mattress for visiting kids. However, it isn't very supportive and doesn't breathe so is not recommended for everyday sleeping.
So now you are armed with basic bed knowledge you can go and quiz the sales people at the bed store to find yourself the perfect bed.
Lee Brown is a professional designer with 15 years experience and co founder of http://www.interiordezine.com - a website dedicated to providing free interior design and decorating information.
For your free interior decorating course visit free interior decorating course Find more information on bedroom design.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Brown
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