Buying a new bed

[RubyToogood]

I am completely confuzzled by the whole thing and have no idea really where to start. I've looked in a couple of places and bounced on a few and am not much the wiser. It doesn't help that I was hoping to get something in the sales and of course now need to get my skates on and sort it out before they're over, so the pressure is on.

Where does one even buy beds? Other than Ikea.

Basically I've been sleeping on a piece of junk for the last decade, and it's no bloody wonder I've got back trouble. The Time Has Definitely Come...

 

[moose]

Not sure about independents in London, but John Lewis usually have a good selection, and do you have Bensons For Beds down there?

IKEA beds are quite good value, though, but I'm not sure if they are standard sizes - they never used to be...

Lying on them really is the best way to find out what you like, even if you feel a bit daft. You really need to get your shoes off and try out your usual sleeping position.

Another consideration is whether to go for a divan type with handy storage drawers (for the knitting wool!) underneath, or something on legs. I prefer the type with legs because I hate those flouncy things you have to put over the divan

We've got a cheapish metal framed/wood slatted bed which we got from Habitat's sale room for £150, but then a brilliant mattress which was £600 (half price ) in the sales on it.

Aftercare is important with mattresses too - regular hoovering, airing and turning really prolongs the life.

 

[spanglechick]

my bedframe was from Dreams - a chain, but it's brass (many metal beds are "brass effect") and I adore it.

it cost me nearly all of £1000, though - but i plan to keep it for life.

Then you have mattresses - and in many ways they're far more important. However, i could fall asleep on a bed of spanners, so i got a second hand one off ebay for £60.

 

[T & P]

If you like low beds, we just bought a rather nice 'superking' size one for a very reasonable £375. It's from a furniture shop call Dwell in Balham.

What's more, if you just set for the standard double size it's only £275.

It comes flat packed and we haven't received it yet, but it sure looked the dog's bollocks in the showroom. It felt very comfy as well and they'll sell 3 different kind of matresses at reasonable prices too.

ETA: Not spam and I have no association whatosever with the above business

 

[DexterTCN]

The mattress is, by far, the more important consideration - as Spangle has already mentioned.

You sleep on it.

 

[cillaB]

I got my mattress from Warren Evans in Camden, and it's very very comfortable - comes with a 10 year guarantee - can't remember how much it cost but think it was reasonable. The bedstead comes from Feather and Black and I paid on the never never (with no interest) over a year, and I intend to keep it for a long time.

 

[vipper]

IKEA beds are quite good value, though, but I'm not sure if they are standard sizes - they never used to be...

Ikea beds are an unusual size. You can buy mattresses to fit them, I think they are a european size.

They also have a handy mattress guide tool thing - here.

 

[per]

I want an interesting metal bed. Any ideas?

 

[RubyToogood]

Ta for all the advice. I think I've pretty much missed the boat saleswise now... I don't think it's feasible to make a big purchase like that in the sales without having researched it beforehand, and I just haven't had time (or inclination) to go shopping yet. So... onwards.

 

[nonamenopackdrill]

Feather and black (and incidentally the Iron Bed Company) is worth a look. We've just spent a grand with them on a bed for the spare room - great service.

 

[RubyToogood]

Trouble is, it seems like such a simple idea. "I know! I'll buy a new bed!" But then there's loads of stuff to think about and decisions to make, and loads of shopping around to do, and you can't really tell from pictures online, and all the shops are in really inconvenient places... Gah!

 

[LilMissHissyFit]

Do you have a 'dreams' bed place near you?
I was in our local one yesterday and they had loads of stuff in really reaonably priced, all cheaper than the MFI 'sale' prices ( no wonder MFI arent selling stuff!)

The mattress is the most important part but a bed is a major purchase you need to really like it because it will be used daily for years!