the bed buying guide
the sleep summary: exploring the best beds
To find the best bed for you, consider the size of your bedroom, different bed frame and headboard types, storage requirements and how it will pair with your mattress.
To choose the right size bed for your bedroom, you should first measure the size of your room, ensuring you’ll have ample space on either side of your bed and are able to fit the rest of your furniture in without overcrowding the room. You should also consider who the bed is for, whether that’s a child or for your partner and yourself.
For the ideal bed placement, the headboard should sit against a wall perpendicular to the door, with at least 50cm of floor space on either side for ease of movement.
If you experience back pain while sleeping, you should choose a bed with strong, supportive slats that will prevent mattress sagging and keep your back straight.
how to find your perfect bed
Whether you’re moving home, redecorating, or renovating your space, you’ll likely be looking at picking up new furniture for your bedroom.
And while you might be clued up on the plumpest pillows or the mattress that best suits your sleep style, finding the best bed can feel a bit overwhelming.
Don’t worry! We’ve spent over 80 years uniting sleepers across the UK with their dream bed, and we’re here today to help you do the same. From sizes and styles to storage and support, we’re here to walk you through some of our best beds.
what are the different types of beds?
First things first, let’s actually talk you through what you’re buying when you pick up your brand-new bed. Simply put, most beds you buy online will fall into two categories:
which type of bed is best for me?
-
divan bases
perfect for having plenty of space for storing spare bedding below whilst supporting your mattress above.
try something else if you’re looking for an all-in-one bed solution as divan bases require you to pick up a headboard and other accessories separately.
-
ottoman bases
perfect for storing even bigger items beneath your bed with easy access, all whilst creating a comfortable sleep surface.
try something else if you need underbed storage but prefer to organise your belongings into drawers or if you’d prefer an integrated headboard for a sleek, stylish piece of bedroom furniture.
-
bed frames
perfect for those looking for a more decorative centrepiece for their bedroom which will still provide ample support.
try something else if you’re in need of underbed storage or want a more modifiable sleep setup.
-
kids' beds
perfect for little ones as they’re growing up, with bunk beds and smaller single beds providing a safe sleep environment with storage functionality.
try something else if your child is ready to make the step up to their first big kid bed and take a look at our single beds.
shop our bestselling beds
starting your bed buying journey
Now you know what beds are available, and what makes each one unique, it’s now time to get started on your bed buying journey. We’ve asked our bed experts to put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through picking up your brand-new bed.
step 1: measure your space
Trust us, there’s nothing worse than picking up a new bed just to find out it doesn’t fit. So, if you want to avoid your divan drawers hitting the wall, make sure you measure your room first.
step 2: choose your bed size
Now you know what size space you’ve got, it’s time to pick what size bed will be best for you. You should make sure you pick a bed that will leave you at least 50cm of space on either side to place bedside tables and ensure you can comfortably get up and stretch in the morning.
Everyone always appreciates a little bit of extra space in bed so you should always try and choose the largest bed for your room, and budget, will allow for; especially if you share the bed with your partner.
Looking to learn more? Check out our comprehensive bed size guide for sizing charts and more detailed bed dimensions.
step 3: set your budget
Upgrading your sleep space isn’t just about your bed, you’ll likely be buying a new mattress too, as well as picking up some new bedding for that all-important finishing touch. Choose a bed which fits your budget and includes all your non-negotiables.
step 4: choose your bed
Now it’s time to pick your style. In need of something with plenty of storage? Pick up a divan or ottoman bed. Want a stylish bed that stands out from the crowd? Go for a vibrant fabric bed base with a headboard to match. This is when you get to make your bed truly yours and find your perfect match.
step 5: choose the right mattress and bed frame combination
Once you’ve selected your dream bed, it’s time to pair it with a mattress designed to guarantee you have your best night’s sleep. Why not explore some of our best-selling mattresses below to get started?
shop some of our favourite mattresses
can the right bed help with back pain?
Yes, choosing a bed that offers firm support can help relieve pressure for sleepers who experience discomfort when they lie down. The best beds for back pain have frames with supportive slats to keep your mattress flat and prevent sagging.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain specifically, you might want to consider a bed with a solid base, such as a divan bed, which provides a firm foundation for your mattress and ensures that your lower back receives the support it needs.
Sleeping free of back pain for many takes more than just the right bed, read our expert guide on the best mattresses for back pain to find out more.
are orthopaedic beds best for bad backs?
The best orthopaedic beds are designed with back support in mind, offering a sturdier base and supportive slats. However, each sleeper is unique, and some may find that non-orthopaedic beds are better suited for relieving back pain.
what is the best bed for side sleepers?
If you’re a side sleeper looking for a bed which will offer enhanced support, opt for a bed with slightly curved slats which flex downwards to support the whole body.
can I test my bed before I buy?
Yes, some retailers will have showrooms and stores where you can try out your new bed before you buy it; however, this isn’t always the case. When buying a bed online, it’s worth considering any guarantees offered by a manufacturer to ensure that your bed will be able to support you for years to come.
At Silentnight, we offer a 5-year guarantee on all our beds and mattresses, meaning you can sleep comfortably knowing that you’re covered.
bed delivery
If you’ve checked out your dream bed, it won’t be long until it’s on its way to your bedroom. All our beds are handmade here in the UK, and we aim to have all ordered and delivered within 10 to 14 days of your purchase.
bed assembly
Once your bed arrives, it’s now time for assembly. Whether you’ve ordered an ottoman, divan base or a bed frame, each of our beds can easily be assembled without specialist tools (although we recommend having an extra pair of hands to ensure you can assemble the bed safely).
While each Silentnight bed will arrive with instructions, you can also read our assembly guide for each of our bed products to make putting together your new bed easy.
complete your sleep setup with Silentnight
Now you’ve got everything you need to go and find your perfect bed, it’s time to tackle everything else that’s going to help you have your best night’s sleep.
If mattresses are on your mind, why not take our mattress quiz and find your perfect match? Or, if it’s aches keeping you awake, have a read of our guide covering the best mattress for back pain.
frequently asked questions about our beds
how to choose the right mattress and bed frame combination?
To choose the right mattress and bed frame combination, you should ensure that your new bed is the right size and will properly support your mattress to prevent sagging. You should also ensure that your mattress isn’t too deep for your bed frame, sitting 2 to 5 inches above the frame.
which bed frame works best for memory foam mattresses?
Bed frames with slatted bed bases with a maximum gap of 7cm between slats are best for memory foam mattresses as these ensure that your mattress stays supported without the memory foam squeezing through the slats and losing its shape.
what are your bed guarantees, warranties, and return policies?
All our Silentnight upholstered bed frames, headboards, ottoman and divan beds are covered by our 5-year guarantee, meaning you’re covered for any manufacturing defects or damage.
You can return a bed or headboard within 14 days of receipt for a full refund if the care guidelines have been followed. Head to our refunds and returns page to learn more.
