You can't beat a good night's sleep. And research shows that finding the right bed or mattress can make all the difference - you could get over 40 minutes extra sleep each night! Here at Argos, our big range of beds and mattresses makes it easy for you to find just the combination you need. From single, double and king size bed frames, divans, guest beds and a full range of mattresses, we've got the lot. A bed is more than just somewhere to sleep. It can be a stunning centrepiece for your bedroom, a handy storage area or even somewhere for the children to play. We've put together this guide to help you choose the right bed and mattress for your home. So choosing your perfect bed couldn't be easier. For a choice of different designs and materials, bedsteads can't be beaten. They range from solid wood to metal to fully upholstered. They can often be bought as a bed frame only or with a mattress. This means the bedstead has been finished with leather, fabric, cloth or leather effect material to ensure added comfort and style.
These bed frames have a natural appearance. With knots, grains and slight variations in colour, no two pieces will look exactly the same - so you'll get something really unique. This means the bed frame has the look and feel of real wood, but with a more consistent colour and appearance, making it easier for you to create a totally coordinated look. From a variety of classic to contemporary designs, these bed frames come in all shapes, sizes and colours including brushed nickel and antique brass. Watch your favourite TV programme or connect to your games console from the comfort of your own bed. Our contemporary TV beds come in a full range of styles and sizes.If you’ve had your bed for over 10 years, its materials could have deteriorated by up to 75% - to avoid this, we recommend changing your bed every 7-10 years More decorative than divan bases, bed frames have static slats (for firm support) or sprung slats (more responsive) to support the mattress Guest beds are two single beds stored in the space of one, or a folding bed, so when they're not being used they don't take up much space
A divan base supports the mattress and significantly affects your sleeping surface. If you’re buying a divan base, try it with your mattress type if possible Inflatable beds are designed for occasional use. They’re comfortable and easily stored when not in use, making them great for tight spaces Storage beds feature wheeled drawers or a hydraulic base that can be lifted even with a mattress on it – perfect for storing bed linen and duvets We have a variety of children's beds: bunk beds can be taken apart to make two singles, while mid-sleepers and cabin beds add storage Our beds are handmade by some of Britain’s most experienced bed makers; the child compliancy message means a bed has undergone strict tests to ensure it's safe for children Upholstered top with no springs, giving the mattress a very firm surface to rest on. The mattress springs can only compress, so as well as feeling firmer, the benefits of a pocket sprung mattress will be muted Features a complete unit of shallow pocket springs on top of a foam layer, which is enclosed by a wooden box frame.
This allows the springs in the mattress to open as well as compress, for a softer feel than a solid-top base A complete open coil or pocket spring unit that's fully sprung, right to the edge. Mattress and base springs mould to the body and increase mattress durability The divan base you choose will affect how your mattress feels. If you’re buying a base, consider the type of mattress you wish to accompany it, and try them together if possible Think about all your sleep elements Your bed, mattress and pillows all work in conjunction to offer support, so try out all elements together. Whatever type of bed you're buying, remember to try it with the same, or similar mattress, to the one it will eventually accompany. Read our mattresses buying guide here. A good bed doesn’t have to cost the earth, but remember how important a good night’s sleep is for your health and wellbeing. Decide which features are most important to you and keep those in mind when testing out options, so you get the most for your money.
A bed is an investment and determines your quality of sleep, so take the time to lie on a number of options before committing to that final purchase. When testing out a bed or mattress, make sure you take your time. Lie for a few minutes on each surface, moving through various positions and finding your natural sleeping pose. One of the most common sleeping issues is not having enough space, so invest in as large a size as possible according to your budget and the space available in your home – the bigger the better. Make sure you try out the options together and take the time to consider the space and features which will benefit you both. In many cases, we can assemble your new bed, and take away the old mattress - find out more All John Lewis beds are available in standard UK sizes, and are sized according to the mattress that they take. If you have an international-sized mattress or bed linen, check that they are compatible with your intended bed frame or divan.
Super kingsize zipped and linked Read our mattress buying guide for more information Read our bed linen buying guide for more information Bed linen buying guide Read our headboard buying guide for more informationGive your little one the best and safest sleeping space with our top cot mattress tips.Cot mattress safetyA crucial part of baby cot safety is choosing the best cot mattress. Here are our tips to make sure your cot mattress measures up. Make sure you choose the right size of mattress. Make sure the mattress is firm and flat, and protected by a waterproof cover Avoid second-hand mattresses where possible. Check any mattress you use conforms to current safety requirements. Mattresses should carry the BSI number BS 1877-10:2011+A1:2012. The mattress should fit the cot with no gaps down the side that are more than 4cm. The Lullaby Trust recommends you buy a new cot mattress for your baby, where possible. If you have a second-hand mattress, whether it's a mattress you've used for one of your other children or one that has been given to you, check the following:
That the mattress is in good condition; that it's flat, firm, not soft, fits the cot without any gaps and doesn't sag. It has been cleaned and dried thoroughly. Check that it was previously used with a waterproof cover. Make sure you use it with a waterproof cover. Check it's free from cracks or tears or holes. Find the best cot bed to use with your cot mattress in our cot bed reviews. Choosing a cot mattressCheck the cot mattress sizeA mattress around 8-10cm thick is enough to support your baby.Mattresses come in two basic sizes to fit the equivalent sizes of cot generally available in the shops. Your cot will specify which type of cot mattress it requires: standard (56x118cm) or continental (60x120cm). If the mattress is the wrong size, your baby could be dangerously trapped in gaps between the cot and the mattress. The gap between the mattress and the cot should be no more than 4cm (1.5 in)If you buy a cot that is smaller or larger than the norm, you can get mattresses specially made to fit your cot.
Choose one that's easy to keep cleanTo keep the mattress as hygienic and clean as possible, choose one with a PVC-covering or a removable top panel that you can wash at a reasonably high temperature.Squeeze for firmness and measure for thicknessSqueeze a selection of mattresses in the shop and choose one that feels firm rather than soft. To compare firmness, squeeze at the edges and at the centre. Your baby needs a mattress that provides good support and won't sag.Look for a cot mattress that is around 10cm thick. Anything thinner won't provide the support your baby needs. Thin foam, in particular, can lose its shape and dent easily.A travel cot mattress should be no more than 10cm thick and you should expect the mattress in a crib or Moses basket to be no more than 5cm thick. These thicknesses are specified in BS 1877:Part 10:1997, the safety regulations that govern cot mattresses.Check out our Best Buy cot beds.Sign up for a £1 Which? trial to access these and our thousands of other independent reviews.
Types of cot mattressesFoam mattressesFoam mattresses tend to be the least expensive. The simplest versions are made from a single layer of supportive foam completely covered with a wipe-clean, waterproof PVC cover. Some foam mattresses have ventilation holes, but these aren't necessary. Generally easy to keep clean. Good value for money. Can provide good support and resistance to denting. Some parents may not like the idea of the basic PVC-covered mattress because of concerns about clamminess. Mattresses with ventilation holes (designed to help keep your baby cool) can be more effort to keep clean if your baby is a dribbler or is often sick, because residue can gather in the holes and mesh. Safe sleeping tips – essential bedtime know-how for parents.Spring-interior cot mattressesThese traditional mattresses have a coiled spring interior with layers of felt and foam padding. They often have a cotton cover on one side and PVC or other wipe-clean material on the other.
Many parents like the familiarity of a traditional spring mattress. The wipe-clean side is the recommended surface for your baby to sleep on because of the practical advantages, but you can flip it over onto the cotton side if you prefer – eg, if it's hot and your baby feels clammy. More expensive than foam mattresses. The cotton side may be preferred for comfort but can be more difficult to keep clean (unless you buy a mattress with a removable panel). Coir or natural fibre cot mattressesThese have a core of coconut fibre with other layers of different materials. The fibres are coated in latex for strength and protection, and the natural fibre filling helps air to circulate through the mattress. These mattresses are available with a wipe-clean covering. One of the firmest types of mattress. Tend to last longer because they hold their shape well, so could be a sensible purchase if you want to use it for more than one child. Less widely available than foam or spring interior.