Your Definitive Bed Buying Guide

Fact: the average person spends 33 years of their life in bed. That’s 26 years of sleeping, and a whole seven years of struggling to drift off. With all that time ticking by, you’ll want to find yourself in the comfiest and most stylish bed of all. So how do you pick the ideal one for your needs? The answers are in this bed buying guide. 

Here, we make restful nights easy with tips on picking the perfect bed for you, whether you’re looking for something that’s firm and supportive, or with pull-out drawers for additional storage. So, don’t snooze on these tips; keep scrolling to discover a bed for every kind of sleeper. Then, when you’re ready, take a look at our guide for How to Choose the Right Mattress.

But, first, beds...

For a Cushioned Headboard

If you spend a lot of your time in bed propped up watching TV or reading a book, opt for a bed with a built-in headboard and plenty of cushioning. The Avery Bed in Subtle Mink is one of the plushest beds around, with a pillow back in a velvety fabric that’s ideal for leaning into. You could also pick the Belvedere Bed in Pewter; a grey, velvet dream with a deep, padded buttoned back. It features sheltering wings; ideal if you want to snuggle into a corner while you binge the latest boxset.

For Some Extra Storage

Nothing says ‘savvy about storage’ like choosing a bed with drawers or an ottoman base. This is an easy opportunity to make the most of the space your bed takes up. If quick access drawers are for you, check out the Tempur Ardennes 4 Drawer Divan, with just enough room for your clothes, your books, and whatever else you need to tuck away. The Tempur Moulton Ottoman comes with even more space, as the entire top half lifts up using a gas lift mechanism. Choose the Super King size, and you’ll never struggle for storage again. 

For Optimal Body Support

While the right mattress is key to providing comfort and support, the build of your bed base can also enhance that ‘so cosy you won’t want to leave’ sensation. ViSpring does this well, providing divans in soft fabrics with plenty of spring, like the Signatory Divan Set, available in Soft, Medium and Firm tensions – take your pick. Meanwhile, the Regal Super Divan Set also lets you choose how firm your bed should be, then combines your choice with wire springs and layers of British fleece wool for plush support.

For a Pop of Colour

Neutral walls and bold furniture are set to be a big trend for 2022. Get in there early with a colourful bed in shades of cool teal, rich yellow or scarlet red. Some of our favourites include the marine dream Tempur Linear Ottoman in Sundance Light Blue, the mustard yellow Grafton Ottoman and the deep burgundy Hypnos Adagio Sublime Pocket Sprung Firm Edge Divan Set. Team with simple wooden bedside tables and wardrobes, so your bold bed can take centre stage. 

Up next: Once you’ve chosen your bed, discover our advice on how to make your bedroom a cosy space, complete with tips for a soothing colour palette and intimate lighting.