By the time you turn 50, you’ll have spent approximately sixteen years of your life in bed – so it makes sense to invest in a decent one. “We splash out on holidays, kitchens and sound systems; why not on something we use every single day?” asks Simon Williams, of the National Bed Federation.
But where to start? Divan or bedstead? Double or king? And what about the mattress? Read on to find out the answers to these, and more, questions in our ultimate buying guide – as well as our selected favourites for best beds that should last you years to come.
How to choose the best bed for you
What types of bed are there?
The two most common types are divans – a deep-sided base which the mattress sits on top of – and bedsteads, where the mattress sits on slats within a frame. Divans provide extra support, and often provide built-in under-bed storage. But most aren’t that stylish, and you often have to buy the headboard separately.
Bedsteads have more going for them aesthetically, as well as providing fewer places for allergens to accumulate. But you don’t get quite the consistency of comfort right across the bed, and you’ll need to make sure the slats are secured to the frame and evenly spaced.
What size bed should I buy?
Choose the biggest bed you can afford that will fit in your room. Ideally you want a king-sized bed, especially if you’re sharing with a partner. “A standard double bed is 4ft 6in wide, which gives each person just 2ft 3in – that’s less room than a baby has in a cot,” pointed out a National Bed Federation spokesman.
So how big is big enough? “You should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out, without touching,” is the official advice. “Your bed should also be 10-15cm longer than its tallest occupant: anyone over 6ft (1.8m) tall should consider a bed that’s longer than the standard size.”
How important is the mattress?
The quality of your mattress is the most important factor when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. If you’ve had your mattress for more than seven years, it might well be time to replace it. Clues include waking up with stiffness and/or aches and pains, or if you find you sleep better in beds other than your own. Sagging and lumpiness are also indicators that your mattress is on its way out. Ideally, buy your bed base and mattress together, or at the very least, try mattresses on a similar type of base, as the two are designed to work together.
What else should I consider?
Shop for the best value, not the lowest price. The better the construction, the better the support and comfort, and the longer the bed will last. Also consider the bed’s height – many modern styles are quite low, while designs with storage drawers may be much higher.
Where possible, try before you buy – as mentioned, ideally with the mattress. Check dimensions, particularly if the mattress and base aren’t from the same manufacturer – many imported bedsteads come in European sizes, which are nonstandard in the UK.
A final thing to check is delivery times: a bed can take months to arrive, especially it’s they’re made to order. Will the deliverers dispose of your old bed? Do you have to assemble it yourself? And what happens if you need to send it back under warranty?
The best single, double and king-sized beds to buy
1. Warren Evans Richmond: The best all-round bed
Price:£398 (Double) – Buy from Warren Evans
Victorian-inspired diamond-styled buttoning can go one of two ways; either it makes a bed look like the kind your Granny would have had back in the dark ages, or it can give a contemporary look with a traditional twist to suit all types of décor. With this one, it’s very much the latter, and the range of modern greys (plus the option of contrasting buttons) is impressive. The mattress sits flush on the stylish frame, which is available in standard or deep ottoman style and is also covered in the same fabric – and it’s all handmade to order, with a quality finish. The comfy headboard is a boon for reading in bed, and it gets extra brownie points for being available in so many different sizes, including – unusually – small double.
Key specs – Sizes available: Small double, double, king, small super king, superking; Design/colour options: Eight colour choices in total; standard and ottoman styles; Delivery time: Within 5-14 days; Delivery cost: From £28; Warranty: 10 years
2. The White Company Pimlico: The best four-poster bed
Price:£995 (Double) – Buy from The White Company
Four-poster beds are all about decadence and romance. And they need not look straight out of a stately home, with contemporary options increasingly available. This white offering, made from sturdy, solid woods including alder for the frame and birch slats for the base, is our favourite. The matte brushed white finish gives it a chic, crisp look, while the simple straight lines provide a minimalist aesthetic that will look good in any style of bedroom. Just be warned that it arrives flat-packed, so you’ll need to put it together yourself – a job that’s likely to take two people a good hour. There’s other furniture you can match it with in the Pimlico range too.
Key specs – Sizes available: Double, king, super king; Design/colour options: None; Delivery time: 3-9 weeks; Delivery cost: Free; Warranty: None
3. Made.com Alana: The best minimalist bed
Price:£399 (Double) – Buy from Made.com
Copper is all the rage in the world of interiors, so this minimalist bed is a great on-trend option. With tapered spindles and legs, it’s simple yet dramatic, and is also available in brass. Made.com has won numerous awards since launching in 2010 and we won’t be surprised if this design bags it yet another. There’s an emphasis on longevity too, with the slatted bottom and sturdy frame meaning that it should last you for years to come. Check out Made.com’s gorgeous range of copper accessories to complete the look, particularly those from the Alana range including mirrors, plus bedside and dressing tables.
Key specs – Sizes available: Single, double, king, super king; Design/colour options: Brushed brass; Delivery time: 8-10 weeks; Delivery cost:£39; Warranty: None
4. Loaf Mirabelle Bed: The best French-style bed
Price:£845 (Double) – Buy now from Loaf
This sophisticated curvaceous design has all the classic elements of an antique French style bed – and the fabric headboard can be upholstered in any of Loaf’s 140+ fabrics, so you can match it perfectly to your décor. Go for blush pink or neutral shades for a period look, or a dramatic velvet hue to give it a contemporary edge. Though the design is new for Autumn 2017, it’s inspired by an old porcelain sink and it’s practical too, with a light weathered oak frame that’s built to last, and slightly sprung slats to give added comfort underneath. We also like the fact that the fabric headboard provides added comfort when sitting upright – great for bedtime readers. A lovely statement bed that’s not overwhelming.
Key specs – Sizes available: Double, king and super king; Fabric/colour options: Headboard can be upholstered in 170+ different fabric and colours; Delivery time: 5-15 working days; Delivery cost: Free in London, otherwise £45-£75; Warranty: 12 months
5. Habitat Ottori: The best for loft rooms
Price:£1,300 (Double) – Buy now from Habitat
This low platform bed, with a height of just 85cm from base to top of the headboard, is just the ticket for rooms with sloping ceilings. A bestseller for over a decade, it features soft curves, clean lines and a deep cushioned frame that gives a kind of floating look. Upholstered in a grey wool mix fabric and hand-made to order, it’s also available as an ottoman version that incorporates a mechanism that lifts up the mattress to reveal ample storage space beneath. Just be warned that it doesn’t fit standard size mattresses – it’s designed to fit Habitat’s European sized mattresses which have slightly more generous sleeping proportions.
Key specs – Sizes available: EU double, EU king, EU super king; Design/colour options: Grey velvet, brown and white leather; Delivery time: 12-14 weeks; Delivery cost: Free; Warranty: 12 months
6. Ikea Malm: The best budget bed
Price:£299 (Double) – Buy now from Ikea
The Malm bed not only comes with a bargain price tag, it comes with handy storage that won’t take up extra space, thanks to an ottoman-style frame that simply requires you to lift up the mattress and slatted base. That may sound inconvenient, but unlike other ottoman-style beds, it features a gas piston and spring system which makes it easy and safe to open and close the bed without putting strain on your back. You can dress it with plain bedding for a minimalist look, or pick a busier pattern for a more decorative appearance – and there are loads of other pieces in the Malm range to match, including chests of drawers, dressing table and desks.
Key specs – Sizes available: Double, king; Design/colour options: Eight colour choices; standard and ottoman styles; Delivery time: 5-14 days; Delivery cost: From £28; Warranty: None