Here, we look at everything you need to think about before buying a new designer bed. From bed frame to mattress size, we want to help you choose the right items, to make sure you get the best night’s sleep.

Do I need a new bed?

Commonly, it is advised that you change your mattress every 7-10 years, but a bed frame can potentially stay with you for much longer. However, a bed frame that is in bad shape can affect the comfort and lifespan of your mattress.

Signs that you may need to replace your bed include an unevenly worn or sagging mattress, broken slats, or signs of wear in the frame such as cracks, scratches, or threadbare fabric.

Alternatively, you may be searching for a bed for a new guest bedroom or upgrading to a full-sized bed in your child’s room. Whatever your reason for buying a new bed, we’ve rounded up some of the most important considerations for choosing a bed that suits your needs.

What works for you?

Are you looking to change the style in your main bedroom? Or are you looking to provide flexibility in your guest room? Take time to consider your needs before choosing your new bed.

A new style
As the largest item of furniture in your bedroom, the style of your bed can have a big impact on the style of your space. Whether you’re a minimalist or enjoy a pop of colour, choose a bed that reflects you.

Natural wooden frames introduce an element of nature to your bedroom, a great choice if you would like to bring biophilic design principles into your home or if you’re a fan of Scandinavian style interiors. Upholstered beds add a touch of tactility and create an atmosphere of luxury – just what you need for a bedroom sanctuary.

Size matters
Generally, a bigger bed equals a better night’s sleep, so we recommend choosing the largest frame your space can comfortably hold. Most of our beds are available in varying sizes so you can choose the right size for you.

Storage solutions
If you rely on your bed for additional storage - and beds can be great for this - we have a large collection of beds that are raised high enough to fit storage boxes underneath. If you’d like your storage to be more hidden away, look out for inbuilt storage underneath a mattress or as part of a divan base.

Beds for guests
If you have a small space that you want to be flexible, a sofa bed might be the right choice for you. Transforming from a seating area to a place to sleep, they are perfect for spare rooms or living spaces and come in all shapes and styles. Consider the type of mechanism the sofa bed uses and its upholstery fabric, as these will both affect the designs longevity and durability.

Find out more in our Sofa Bed & Daybed Buying Guide.

Bed linen and cushions
Changing your bed linen and adding some decorative cushions is an easy way to update and refresh your bedroom decor. Add plenty of colour and go for cosy textures and fabrics in winter, and cool, crisp linens in summer. Meanwhile, have fun mixing and matching prints and pillowcases for a richly textured style.

Know your terminology

With so many choices on offer, the right bed can be hard to identify. Knowing the right terminology can help you to identify the differences.

Bedstead
Bedsteads make up the majority of the Nest collection. A bedstead can come in many shapes and styles, but it is defined by horizontal wooden slats which support the mattress. These wooden slats can be either solid or sprung.

Solid slats are the more traditional choice and can have a longer lifespan than sprung slats. Sprung slats have a slight arch that gives the bed its ‘bounce’, offering extra support and comfort.

How far your slats are spaced apart will also affect the comfort of your bed. If your slats are placed too close together this will give your bed a very firm feel, and if placed too far apart, your bed will be lacking support and can even cause your mattress to wear unevenly.

Divan
Unlike a bedstead with slats, a divan has a solid base to provide support for a mattress. Divans can be rigidly constructed from a material such as hardboard, but for a more comfortable choice, opt for a sprung divan which has inbuilt springs in the frame that act like giant shock absorbers.

Choosing your mattress

All mattresses offer different levels of support, tension and comfort and it’s important to get the one that’s right for you.

First, think about how you sleep as this will determine how much support you’ll need for your back and head. There are all kinds of mattress designs on the market now, even dual tension mattresses that allow you and your partner to choose individual tensions to suit you both. Secondly, think about how often the bed will be used. The mattress in a guest room will not need to be of the same quality as the mattress you use daily, for example.

Need a hand?

Our interior consultation service offers bespoke, one-to-one interior advice and product recommendations. You’ll be assigned a dedicated product specialist who will listen to your needs and help you discover the best of the Nest collection. Find out more.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you need further help, please get in touch by calling 0114 243 3000, email: info@nest.co.uk or via Live Chat.