Buyer's guide to bedsteads

We've got the low-down on all you need to know before buying a bedstead


  • What's your budget?
It's worth buying the best-quality frame and mattress you can afford. Every £100 you spend equates to just 2.7p per night over 10 years.

  • What kind of slats does it have?
Cheaper beds tend to have fixed, rigid slat bases that have very little give. A sprung slatted base (with bowed slats) is more flexible and therefore more comfortable.

  • How far apart are the slats?
On sprung bases they are close together, providing good support for your mattress. The slats on rigid bases tend to be further apart, causing more wear.

  • What size of bedstead should you choose?
A large bed means you are less likely to disturb your partner. The guidelines are that your bed should be 10-15cm longer than the tallest partner and that you should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out, without touching.

  • Will your old mattress fit your new bedstead?
Sizes aren't standardised, so your double mattress might not fit every double bedstead. It's best to buy your bed and mattress from the same company - some will offer a discount if you do.


For more inspiration, check out our pick of the best bedsteads available now.


Subscribe to Ideal Home today

Ideal Home April 2010

Subscribe to Ideal Home for just £1.70 an issue instead of £3.20 in the shops - that's just £20.40 for 12 issues!


Subscribe to Ideal Home
Take a sneak peek in our April issue



More details

Also in Decorating

More from Expert Advice

Cleaning & Organising


spring cleaning - how clean is your house - image - idealhomemagazine.co.uk

How clean is your house?

Top spring cleaning tips that'll brush those winter cobwebs away Read more...

Furniture


Retro furniture - furniture - image - idealhomemagazine.co.uk

Retro furniture - where to shop

Fill your home with quirky, mid-century furniture Read more...

Kitchen & Bathroom


kitchen-diner - kitchen - image - idealhomemagazine.co.uk

Create a big kitchen-diner

Sarah Beeny reveals how to turn a kitchen and dining room into one open-plan - Read more...

Outdoor


daffodil - garden - march gardening - image - idealhomemagazine.co.uk

Things to do in the garden in March

Make the most of your outdoor space this month with our top tips Read more...