11 Tips for Choosing The Best Type of Bed

You spend a third of your life asleep, so understanding what goes into choosing a new bed is important. The wrong bed can lead to sore muscles, a bad back, and, obviously, a lack of sleep. A better night’s sleep in a good bed can all add up to a better you. So, check out our advice on finding the best type of bed for your home and your needs.

How to Choose The Best Type of Bed?

There’s more to choosing a good bed than simply how it looks. From hidden storage to beds designed for specific mattress types, there’s plenty to think about. Here we provide 11 steps for choosing a good bed:

1. Visit a bed store

To make sure you’re choosing the best type of bed, simply seeing it on screen is not ideal. Visiting a store allows you to try out different styles, shapes and designs to ensure you find a good bed. Find your nearest Dreams showroom on our Dreams Store Locator. If you’re looking for a new mattress, too, check out Sleepmatch – our advanced technology, which will map your body and suggest the best mattress.

2. Don’t just look at it; lie on it

It’s essential that you always try a bed before buying it. We’re all different, and one bed isn’t made for everybody. People’s requirements for support will differ depending on their weight and build, so you need to be really comfortable with your decision.

3. Choose a bed together

If you’re going to be sharing a bed, then you need to choose a good bed for both you and your partner. That way, you can both lie on it and make sure it’s big enough and comfy enough for both of you.

4. Think about the size of the room

Overall bedroom size should always be taken into account. If the bedroom is too small, a massive bed won’t be for you. To relax properly you need to have a reasonable space around your bed. If you’re improving a multifunctional space, consider that sofa beds offer more living space when you’re not sleeping on them. And if you’re not quite sure what sofa bed you need, check out our guide to sofa beds first.

5. Make the most of space with storage beds

If you don’t have room for a big wardrobe, or you don’t know where to put your spare sheets, then consider an ottoman bed.  These are the best type of bed for those with small rooms, as they give you plenty of extra space to store your things in an easy and convenient way. If you don’t need quite as much storage as an ottoman gives, a divan bed base is another option. These beds have drawers that can be used to store away small bits of clutter.

Related – Storage Beds Guide

6. Give yourself room to spread out

If you have a big or reasonable size bedroom and your partner is always taking up all the space in the bed then consider investing in king beds or if you want even more room and comfort, then opt for a super king bed.

7. Consider more space than a single

Even if you sleep on your own, that doesn’t mean that you should buy yourself a single bed. Some sleepers need or like a lot of space to feel comfortable in, so if you’re one of them, consider investing in a double bed.

Related – Mattress Size Guide

8. Make sure it looks good as well as feels good

If you want a style statement bed that really adds character to a room, headboards are a must. Choose from metal, upholstered or wooden headboards in a variety of great designs.

9. Choose a good bed for your back

Spring and slat beds are the best types of beds for back support. And always remember a good bed should respect the size, shape and specific needs of the sleeper. If, for instance, your back often troubles you when you are lying down, then choose an adjustable bed and sleep in a position that is comfortable for you.

10. Beds and mattresses should work together

Never buy a bed without at least thinking about the mattress. Spring mattresses are ideal for spring beds, while slat beds are more likely to be teamed up with foam mattresses. Where possible, you should buy a new bed and a new mattress at the same time, because a new mattress on an old bed won’t last as long as it would on a new one.

11. You get what you pay for

The best bed for you isn’t always the most expensive one, but it’s probably not the cheapest one either. A cheap bed might look OK, but it won’t give you the support you need for a good night’s sleep. Be aware that a lower price might also reduce your comfort. It’s a good idea to look at product reviews online before purchasing as that way; you can see what other people think of the item you’re buying.

Need more advice on buying a bed frame or mattress? Head on over to the Dreams Bed & Mattress Buying Guide.