Bed Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Bed and Mattress
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Buying a new bed and mattress is undoubtedly a big decision. These are often relatively expensive items that you will be using for years to come. So, you will want to make the right choice.
The trouble is that there are a lot of factors to weigh up - including materials, base type, mattress design, size and more. Whether you’re visiting a showroom or buying online, it can quickly become overwhelming. All that choice can make you want to have a lie down!
We’ve written this bed buying guide to try and make the process as simple as possible. As you read through, you might find it helpful to grab pen and paper and jot down the most important things for you. You should then have a good idea of what type of bed and mattress you need.
When to invest in a new mattress and bed
Before looking at how to buy a new bed and mattress, it’s first useful to learn about signs that it’s time for an upgrade.
Investing in a new setup can have some real benefits. Academic research has shown that when people switch to a new bed and mattress, they tend to get significantly better sleep, feel less stressed and may even have fewer symptoms of lower back pain.
When to buy a new mattress
According to the National Bed Federation, you should consider investing in a new mattress every seven or eight years, although this can vary depending on the mattress quality, your body weight, and how you use the mattress. If you go past the seven or eight-year mark, though, your mattress is likely to:
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Lose its shape and stop offering the support you need
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Become less hygienic due to natural skin cell shedding and the effects of moisture
When to buy a new bed
A well-maintained, high-quality bed can, in theory, last a lifetime. But there are a number of reasons you might want to replace yours:
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Broken or cracked slats, or other damage to the frame
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Scratches, marks or stains on the frame or upholstery
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You’ve moved and the bed doesn’t fit your new space
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Your partner has moved in so you need a bigger bed
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You’ve redecorated and want a bed that matches
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You simply don’t like how it looks anymore
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For medical reasons, you need a bed of a different height or with certain technical features
It’s worth bearing in mind that if your bed is in good shape, you don’t need to buy a new one each time you replace the mattress. But it is important to be aware of how the mattress and bed interact.
For example, the base you have will affect how soft or firm a mattress feels - if you put a soft mattress on a harder base, it won’t feel as cushiony as when it’s on a sprung base. Just something to remember if you’re searching for ultimate softness.
Choosing the size of your new bed
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The best place to start when buying a new bed is with size. We recommend getting the largest bed for the space available so you have more room to move at night. This means if you share with someone, you’re less likely to disturb each other’s sleep too, for more comfort all round.
Bed size guide for the UK
Bed sizes tend to follow these guidelines, but you should always check the manufacturer’s measurements (some might be different) and make sure that the base will fit your mattress.
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Small single bed: 75 x 190 cm
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Single bed: 90 x 190 cm
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Small double bed (aka Queen bed): 120 x 190 cm
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Double bed: 135 x 190 cm
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King size bed: 150 x 200 cm
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Super king size bed: 180 x 200 cm
You can go even bigger (emperor beds, we’re looking at you!), though these tend to come from specialist manufacturers.
Dimensions of the room
While we recommend getting a larger bed for comfort, it goes without saying that you’ll need to check you have enough space for it. Ideally, you want to leave at least two feet (60cm) around each side so you can comfortably move around the room.
It’s also worth thinking about how you’ll put the bed together. It’ll be tricky building a large frame in a small room, or squeezing a big mattress through a tiny door, so bear these measurements in mind before picking your bed.
Consider your height
There’s nothing worse than your feet hanging over the end of the mattress, so if you’re tall, getting a bigger bed is non-negotiable. Aim for one that’s 3 to 4 inches (~10cm) longer than the tallest person, and everyone will be set for a sound night’s sleep.
If you’re 6’3” (~191 cm), for example, you’re likely to be comfier in a king or super king size bed rather than a double.
Get to know the different types of bed frames
From fold out beds to sofa beds, bunk beds to TV beds and orthopaedic beds, there are a huge range of bed types to choose from. But the main two you’ll come across are divans and bed frames (also known as bedsteads).
Divan Beds
A divan bed is essentially a solid box where the mattress sits directly on top. They’re usually made of wood with upholstering in various fabrics around the sides.
Solid frame divans
Solid frame divans tend to be the most affordable. They have no storage, and the base is often made of two lightweight boxes that are easily moved on wheels.
Storage divans
Storage divans are probably the most popular type. They usually have draws that are built into the base of the bed, making them an ideal storage solution.
Ottomans
With ottomans, the base and mattress lift up so you can store more items beneath.
Bed Frames
With bed frames, the mattress sits on top of a flat surface (usually slats) that are supported by legs at the corners. They often come with a built-in headboard and footboard for structural and aesthetic reasons.
Wooden bed frames
Wooden bed frames have a gorgeous natural feel. From solid wood to light pine, there are plenty of types available, each with a different look.
Metal bed frames
These are usually nice and light, and easy to build yourself. With metal bed frames ranging from minimalist to ornate with decorative metalwork, you’re sure to find one that suits your style.
Upholstered bed frames
Make a statement in your space with a bed frame and headboard made from sleek leathers, warm fabrics or voluptuous velvets.
Divan bed vs bed frame: which is right for you?
If you already have a preference, great! If not, think about what you want your bed frame to offer beyond a place to sleep - that’ll help guide your decision.
For extra storage, consider choosing an ottoman or storage divan that lets you neatly pack away clothes, spare pillows and bed linen.
For anyone furnishing a smaller room, a bed frame can give more of an ‘open’ look, where the solid frame of a divan will dominate the space.
If your focus is more on colour palette and décor, the choice is entirely up to you. Simple and thinner frames will disappear into the space so your other decoration will do the talking. But if you want the bed to be a centrepiece, don’t be afraid to pick a divan bed in standout fabric.
Bed frame and bed firmness guide
Not only do bed frames and divan beds look different, but they feel different too, and can affect the firmness of your mattress.
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Divan bed bases
Divan beds usually have one of three different types of base.
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Platform base: This is a flat wooden base that the mattress sits on top of. They usually cost less but can feel hard under even the softest mattress, and they don’t allow easy airflow, so the mattress will need to be turned regularly.
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Spring base: This is also a solid base but has a thin layer of springs built below the wood to offer more ‘give’.
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Slats: Typically these will be sprung slats that offer more flex. They allow air to flow more easily around and through the mattress, too.
Bed frame bases
When it comes to bed frame bases, they usually fall into one of two categories:
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Solid slats: A very common bed base, they have solid bars of wood spaced across the frame - usually, more slats means more comfort.
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Sprung slats: These are similar, but the wooden bars have a slight curve in them. This means they flex a little when you move, which can make them more comfortable to sleep on.
Bed firmness guide
As we mentioned, the base you pick will affect how hard or soft your mattress feels, so bear these recommendations in mind:
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For a firmer feel, you might prefer solid slats on a bed frame, or a platform base on a divan.
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For a softer feel, pick a bed frame with sprung slats, or a divan with slats or a spring base.
Choosing the right mattress for your bed
You’ve picked a bed, now it’s time to choose your mattress. Again, you may already have an idea of what you like and don’t like, but if you’re not so sure, check out our Ultimate Mattress Guide.
Mattress firmness
Mattresses are usually soft, medium or firm, but there isn’t a standard measure of firmness - one manufacturer’s ‘firm’ might feel like another’s ‘medium’. As a general rule of thumb:
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Soft mattresses are best suited to lighter people and side sleepers
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Firm mattresses are best suited to heavier people and back or front sleepers
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Medium mattresses are a good all rounder - they’re a reliable compromise for couples with different body sizes or sleep styles
Common mattress types
There are so many mattress types out there, get to know the difference, then try popping into a showroom to test which feels comfiest to you.
Open spring: Lightweight and affordable, they have a connected spring system so all the springs move together as one unit.
Pocket spring mattress: Each spring has its own fabric pocket so the mattress contours to your body.
Gel and memory mattresses: Breathable foams are used so they mould to the exact shape of your body.
Hybrid mattresses: These combine memory foam with springs to improve air circulation and comfort.
Your bed budget
You can get one for as little as £200 or as much as several thousand, so how much should you budget for?
When it comes to bed and mattresses, it’s true what they say - you really do get what you pay for. The more expensive it is, the more advanced features it tends to have and should give you a more comfortable night’s sleep. Knowing that you spend roughly a third of your life in bed, getting a good quality one is definitely worth the investment. That being said, you often see good bed and mattress deals during sales, so keep an eye out for those!
Ultimately, your choice should be based on your needs - the space available, your weight, your sleeping style etc. If a cheaper bed and mattress tick all your boxes, then you certainly don’t need to blow all your savings on it either.
Find your dream bed at JD Williams
At JD Williams, we have just what you need to upgrade your sleep space. With a huge range of handpicked beds and mattresses from the most trusted brands around, you can sleep easy knowing you’ll get the highest quality and the sweetest dreams.
Buying a bed FAQs