Want to get the best bed at the right price? Follow our expert bed shopping tips and you won't go far wrong, whatever your budget. If it's time for you to get a new bed, don't hit the shops without our top 10 tips for bed shopping success. Looking for a space-saving bed with storage to put in a smaller bedroom, or a stylish four-poster bed? Your bed is likely to be the most prominent piece of furniture in your bedroom, so choose a bed type that fits with the style and size of the room. Our guide to the different types of bed takes you through the main options and their pros and cons. How much space do you have? Decide how large or small a bed you'd like - or can fit - in your bedroom. Measure your bedroom if you're moving into a new home, allowing ample space at either side of where the bed will fit to accommodate bedside tables or other furniture. Typical UK bed sizes Mattress sizes do vary - so compare the size of the bed and the mattress to make sure they fit.
Choosing the right mattress is crucial to ensure you get a long-lasting bed that gives you a comfortable night's sleep while properly supporting your body. Contrary to popular opinion, a mattress doesn’t have to be firm to be good for you. As long as it has a good supporting structure, the amount of padding on top is down to personal preference. In our mattress tests we measure the shape of a person's body at 36 different points when standing, and when lying on their back on the mattresses. We then measure the position of their spine when lying on the mattress - a good mattress keeps your spine in line and parallel to the mattress. We also simulate years of use by rolling heavy barrels over each mattress thousands of times. Our Best Buy mattresses start at less than £200 Our test results mean that when you get a Best Buy mattress, you can be sure you're buying a mattress that will support your body and last for years to come. Check out our mattress reviews to find the best for you - our Best Buy mattresses start at less than £200.
There are countless bed shops to choose from - including specialist high street brands, such as Dreams and Bensons, small independents, and general furniture shops including Ikea, Furniture Village and Habitat. Online outlets and warehouse stores offering end-of-line and cheap beds can offer some low-cost options, but it's advisable to try a bed before you buy. Take a look at our guide to the best and worst shops to discover which bed shops were rated highly in our survey of thousands of Which? Four in five bed shoppers spend less than two minutes trying beds in the shop, according to The Sleep Council. You're going to spend a lot of hours sleeping on it, so it's worth spending time getting properly hands-on with different beds and mattresses. When trying out a bed, lie down on it in the same way as you'd lie on your bed at home, to see how it feels. Ideally the mattress should mould to the shape of your body while also supporting it. If you're looking for a double bed for two, bring your partner along with you to try out potential purchases together.
Individuals have different tastes - and not only when it comes to the feel of the bed and mattress - so there may have to be some compromise along the way. In our mattress tests we get people with different body types to lie on each mattress - this means we can tell you which mattresses are suitable for a wide range of people. We also measure whether you'll feel the mattress moving when your partner turns on it. Find out which are our Best Buy mattresses. There are a few key questions to ask in the bed shop so you know exactly what you're getting for your money: It's sensible to approach discounts on products such as beds with a healthy dose of cynicism. It's worth checking if a 'sale' might be coming up - you might benefit from a hefty price cut by waiting a few weeks longer. That said, there are some good bargains to be had. Particularly if you go into a store armed with a better deal you've found on the same spec model online - some shops might be prepared to offer a price match.
Don't be afraid to haggle either, particularly in an independent store where the shop assistants may have more power to reduce the price, or throw in a freebie. Don't be afraid to haggle for the best price, especially if you've seen it cheaper elsewhere Unless you've got access to a van, you'll need to arrange for the store to deliver your bed. There's likely to be a charge for this, so ensure you get a quote for delivery before parting with any money. Not all shops offer evening or weekend delivery slots, so check before you buy if this is important to you. You'll need to dispose of your old bed, too. Ask the shop you're buying your new bed from if it will pick up your old bed when they deliver - some may charge extra to do this. You can ask your council to collect bulky items such as mattresses, but again some charge a small fee for this service. Wooden bed frames can be recycled - contact your council for details of your nearest neighbourhood recycling centre or to arrange a pick-up, or get in touch with the Furniture Re-use Network to donate your bed.
Now you know all about buying a bed, find out how to buy the best mattress. 10 of the best beds With so many bed frame styles around - from divans to four posters, sleek to ornate, minimalist to attention-grabbing - picking out a new bed for your room can be an overwhelming choice. To make the task simpler, we've picked out the most stylish double and kingsize frames for you.All our upholstered beds and mattresses are handmade in our UK factory There are no short cuts to quality and safety, we guarantee total quality as standard We are proud to be the UK's most trusted bed brand Most trusted bed brand - independent survey All our upholstered beds and mattresses come with our reassuring product guaranteeThis weekend (13-15 May) The Baby Show comes to Birmingham, selling everything you need to kit out your bump, baby or bedroom. Get ahead of the crowds with our pick of the best cots and cribs. Preparing to become a parent is a daunting task and as countless “helpful” colleagues or “well-meaning” friends will have no doubt told you, many a sleepless night lies ahead.
But can you can ease the burden by choosing the right bed for your new arrival and trying to establish a bedtime routine as early as possible. From baskets to bassinets and cots to cribs, baby beds are a booming market and one it can be hard to navigate, but make your choice early and stick with it - there is no right or wrong answer so don't be swayed by the multiple opinions that are on offer. Some parents choose a simple Moses basket for the early days, and there is no reason not to. You can place the basket on a stand in your bedroom at night time and carry it around the house during the day. A bedside crib or pod that latches on to your own bed is also a good option for the early days as it keeps your newborn close while removing the safety risks associated with it allowing it to sleep in your own bed. It is also a good option for breastfeeding mothers who have undergone surgery during the birth as it allows you to feed the child from the comfort of your bed. Traditional rocking cribs make beautiful nursery pieces as well as offering the soothing rocking action that should help your little one to drift off.
But for something more durable – and that won't need replacing in a few short months – opt for a convertible cot that can be adapted to meet your child's changing needs. Adjustable mattress heights allow your child to grow and still stay safe while optional add-ons can increase the size as your baby becomes a toddler. Many cots feature removable sides for when your child gains in independence and can climb in and out by themselves and some even convert into full junior beds. While certain designs may seem on the expensive side, if they last more than a couple of years try to view it as an investment. Don't get carried away with cute cribs and beautiful baskets that will only last a few short months - by all means buy them, but don't over spend as this is an area where you can afford to keep costs down. If you want to splash the cash, save it for a high quality convertible crib. 1. Obaby Lincoln Sleigh Cot Bed: £299.99, Argos This convertible white cot features a beautiful curved, sleigh-like design and is constructed from solid wood.
It has three adjustable mattress heights, teething rails that will protect your baby’s teeth if they do decide to start gnawing on it and, when required, it converts into a stylish junior bed. 2. Stokke Sleepi Oval Crib: From £575, Stokke This attractively-shaped oval cot is designed to do exactly what your child will: grow. And while it does come in at the pricier end of the market, the wooden design adapts from a newborn’s crib to a toddler’s cot, then into a junior bed suitable for children as old as 10. So, it should be viewed as an investment. An extension kit (sold separately) increases the size, a wall can be removed for when your little one is big enough to get in and out by themselves and the mattress (sold separately) height is adjustable. 3. Ikea Gonatt Cot: £150, Ikea If you’re brave enough to assemble your own, Ikea offers a range of affordable, reliable cots. Among them is this traditional shaped cot with a modern-looking light grey finish. The mattress can be set at two different heights as your baby gets bigger and one side can be removed as they get older.
The drawers underneath are a useful storage solution and the rounded edges make for an attractive design. 4. Mamas & Papas Kingston Oak Cot: £399, Mamas & Papas This traditional looking cot-cum-toddler bed is available in oak or white/oak and is suitable from birth up to about four years of age. It converts from a newborn’s cot into a daybed and later a toddler bed. Matching furniture – including a wardrobe and dresser/changing table – is also available, meaning you can give your entire nursery a makeover to match. 5. Snuzpod 3 in 1 Bedside Crib: £199, Cuckooland This bedside crib is ideal for newborns and especially helpful for new mothers who have undergone a caesarean birth or other surgery as it allows you to breastfeed your child without leaving your own bed. It also offers the reassurance of having your baby sleeping next to you without the risk of actually having them in your bed. The three-in-one design includes a bedside baby crib that attaches to your bed, a stand-alone crib and a removable rocking bassinet that can be used around the home.
Suitable up to six months. 6. Mamas & Papas Oxford white cot/toddler bed: £699, Mamas and Papas This is another option from the top end of the market, but it does have the benefit of adapting to your growing child’s needs while offering a useful storage area in the form of a drawer underneath. The simple yet stylish design means it will go with even the boldest of nursery themes. Suitable up to about four years of age, sides and bars can be removed as your child develops and the cot mattress (sold separately) can be set at two different heights. 7. White Company Ercol Devon Cot Bed: £695, White Company If two mattress height settings aren’t enough for you, the White Company has a solution: three. It does come with an inflated price tag but this solid oak piece will serve your baby from birth until way past the terrible twos. The painted white trim softens the wooden design and the side panels can be removed to transform it into a junior bed, complete with footboard.
8. Marks and Spencer Loft Finley Cot Bed: £299, Marks and Spencer The Finley forms part of M&S’s Loft range of furniture which is designed for smaller living spaces – ideal if you are struggling to accommodate all your new arrival’s accessories. The cot features adjustable mattress heights and later converts into a little bed. The design features a smart white lacquer finish with timber turned handles and feet and offers great value for money. 9. Poco Crib: £119.99, Not On The High Street This cute beech wood crib is a money and space-saver and the stand (available in a choice of coco or white) folds up easily, making it extremely portable. The padded crib and mattress cover are washing-machine safe and the design offers a modern alternative to a traditional rocking crib or Moses basket. Suitable from newborn up to six months. 10. Lil’Gaea Rocking Cradle Newborn Crib: £329, Not On The High Street Eco-conscious parents will love this newborn rocking crib that is lightweight enough to carry around the home.