When buying a new bed, focus on how the frame fits your daily life and your floor space. Start by checking the total outer measurements, as upholstered frames are always larger than the mattress itself. If you are short on space, an ottoman bed is a smart choice because it offers deep storage without needing extra room for drawers to slide out. Look for a sturdy headboard if you like to sit up in bed, and ensure the slat system is robust enough to support your mattress properly. Finally, consider how the bed arrives. Flat‑packed models are usually easier to get through narrow doorways and up the stairs.
What This Means In Practice:
Buying a bed is about finding a balance between how it looks in your room and how it functions as a piece of furniture. It is easy to get distracted by a nice colour, but you need to think about the physical build and the actual dimensions. A bed that feels light or flimsy in the shop will likely start to squeak after a few months. You want a frame that feels solid when you give it a nudge. If you spend time sitting up in bed to read or use a laptop, the comfort of the headboard is just as important as the look of the fabric.
The Alexis 4ft6in double ottoman bed is a great example of what to look for. It features a deep, padded headboard which is much more practical for leaning against than a wooden or metal rail. It also uses a gas‑lift system to reach the storage underneath. For a shopper, this is a key feature to check. It means the bed does the heavy lifting for you, making it easy to reach spare bedding or suitcases even in a compact room where you cannot fit a chest of drawers.
Quick Facts:
• Always measure the full frame size rather than just the mattress size.
• Ottoman beds are the best solution for bedrooms with no drawer space.
• Padded headboards are the most comfortable choice for sitting up in bed.
• Check the box dimensions to ensure the headboard fits up your stairs.
• Sprung slats are the best option for adding extra comfort to mattresses.
• Higher bed frames offer more under-bed storage but can dwarf small rooms.
Who This Is Best For:
If you are waking up with a stiff back or feeling achy, it is probably time to trade in your old bed frame for something more supportive. You should also consider a new bed if you are tired of a squeaky base or a headboard that wobbles every time you turn over. Redecorating is another major factor. A new bed allows you to match your furniture to a fresh colour scheme or a new interior style. If you are struggling with bedroom clutter, a storage bed is the quickest way to find extra space. Ultimately, upgrading to a solid, reliable piece ensures your bedroom remains a comfortable place to sleep.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
• A new bed frame provides better support and helps you sleep more soundly.
• It is the quickest way to update the style and feel of a bedroom.
• Modern designs often include built-in storage to help clear floor clutter.
• New materials and finishes are much easier to keep clean and fresh.
Cons
• Quality furniture is a significant investment that requires careful planning.
• Disposing of your old bed frame and mattress can be a hassle.
What To Consider Before Buying:
The biggest mistake people make is forgetting about the journey the bed has to take to get into the room. You must check the box dimensions as well as the assembled size. Measure your stairwell, any tight corners, and low ceilings to ensure the headboard can actually reach the bedroom. You should also think about your floor. If you have a wooden floor, you might want to put felt pads under the feet to prevent scratches.
Sizing and Support: Always double-check the total width and length of the frame, not just the mattress size. Upholstered beds often add 4in (10cm) to 6in (15cm) to the footprint. You should also look at the weight capacity of the slats. If you have a heavy mattress, you need a frame with a reinforced centre rail to prevent sagging. Finally, consider buying a new mattress at the same time. A new frame provides a perfectly level surface that an old, sagging mattress cannot fully utilise, ensuring you get the full benefit of the support you are paying for.
Buying Checklist:
• Measure the stairwell and doorways to ensure the bed or flat-pack boxes will fit through.
• Confirm the total outer dimensions of the frame, not just the mattress size.
• Give the headboard a firm shake to make sure it feels stable.
• Check the weight limit of the slat system for your specific mattress.
• Look for a storage area with a floor or lining to protect your items from dust.
• Sit on the edge of the frame to check for creaks or tipping.
• Ensure the fabric is easy to maintain with a brush or cloth.
• Confirm the total length of the frame to ensure bedroom doors open fully.
Common Mistakes To Avoid:
• Guessing the size instead of using a tape measure for the room.
• Forgetting to check the height of the bed from the floor.
• Buying based on price alone and ignoring the quality of the headboard, frame and slats.
• Ignoring the assembly requirements and whether you need a second person to help out.
Expert Advice By Furniture Outlet’s Interior Stylists Jo & Liz:
“When you are in the store, do not be afraid to really test the furniture. Sit on the edge of the bed to see if the frame flexes too much and give the headboard a firm nudge to check for wobbles. We always suggest running your hand over the upholstery too. The fabric should feel thick and the seams should be perfectly straight with no loose threads. If you are choosing an ottoman bed, try lifting the base yourself to see how much effort the pistons require. A good bed should do most of the work for you. Finally, always buy the biggest bed your room can comfortably fit. That extra bit of space makes a huge difference to how well you sleep.”
Care Note:
To keep your bed feeling new, check the bolts after the first month and tighten any that have loosened. For fabric or velvet beds, a quick go‑over with a lint roller once a week will keep the material looking its best. If you have an ottoman bed, try to open the storage base occasionally to let the air circulate around your stored items.
Shop Beds:
Why Buy Your New Bed at Furniture Outlet
We select our beds based on how well they are made and how they fit into a modern home. We only stock frames that offer a great balance of style and durability, so you get a premium look without the usual high price. Because we keep our furniture in stock, you do not have to wait weeks for delivery. You can have your new bed ready to sleep in within a few days.
Try Before You Buy
It is always better to see a bed in person before you buy. Visit any of our five furniture stores to test the storage mechanisms for yourself and see the true colours of our fabrics. You can walk around the bed frames to get a real sense of their size, which helps you feel much more confident that you are making the right choice for your home.
Browse our latest collection of beds online to find the perfect style for your room today.
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