Create the perfect restful retreat by combining a great bed with the ideal mattress and sumptuous, stylish linens.
We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so it’s worth investing in the different elements that will help ensure the best possible night’s sleep – from a good-looking bed frame to lovely, layered bedlinen, a well-chosen mattress and a set of quality pillows.
Choosing a bed
The most popular bed base is a simple divan frame – look for examples with useful side drawers, or ‘ottoman’ divans in which the entire mattress can be lifted up to access storage beneath. The alternative is a bedstead, generally made from wood or metal (though rattan elements are fashionable), which may be modern and minimal, but are more often traditional in appearance, such as a four-poster, a ‘sleigh’ bed or Victorian-style cast iron. The choice is largely aesthetic, but do bear in mind that not all mattresses and bases are compatible with each other.
Size matters when it comes to beds. Disturbance from a partner (or children) is one of the most common causes of sleeping complaints, so buy as big a bed as you can afford and that will fit comfortably into the room. You will need to allow about 450mm at the foot and sides of a bed in order to be able to make it comfortably, and at least 700mm of floor space between the side of a bed and the wardrobe, if this is where you are going to dress.
All about mattresses
The best sprung mattresses are ‘pocket’ sprung, in which a large number of small springs work independently from each other, adjusting to the body and eliminating ‘roll-together’. Look for springs encased in calico pockets, hand nested in a honeycomb pattern and centre tied with linen cord. Other signs of a high standard are quality ticking, hand side stitching, which keeps the mattress in good condition for longer, and sturdy handles for easy turning. Fillings include cotton, wool, coir, foam and horsehair, with added mohair, cashmere and silk at the luxury end of the market. Tufted construction is considered better than quilting, as it prevents loose fillings from being dislodged. And, if you and your partner prefer different mattresses, or are very different in weight, zip and link mattresses – two singles that can be attached together – could be the answer.
The relatively new market in non-sprung mattresses includes latex, foam or gel mattresses that can be delivered straight to your door and are often inexpensive. Warmer than sprung mattresses, they mould to the sleeper’s shape and are said to be good for sufferers of allergies and joint pain. Perhaps the ultimate solution is a combination mattress, which offers the support and comfort of springs with a non-sprung top layer. Consider adding a mattress topper, which will add another layer of comfort and should help extend the life of your mattress.
Comfortable pillows
Down, feather, wool, latex, memory foam, synthetic down and hybrid are all options for pillows – as are cooling pillows, anti-snoring pillows, sleep apnoea pillows, pregnancy pillows and adjustable pillows. It’s simply personal preference, provided your pillow supports your neck and keeps your spine aligned in a neutral position.
Experts recommend replacing pillows every one to two years, as over time they lose their support and become less hygienic. Using a good quality pillow protector may help with longevity, and you should launder pillows regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Gorgeous bedlinen
Quality bed linen feels comfortable next to the skin, and will also wash well and last for years. Pure linen has excellent breathability, a cool, crisp touch and gets softer as it gets older – but does require ironing. Silk is also highly breathable, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer – it’s even said to reduce wrinkles and keep your hair glossy. It needs gentle handling but can go in the washing machine. Cotton is by far the most popular choice, with pure Egyptian cotton generally considered the finest. Look for a thread count of more than 200, and up to 600 for real luxury. And finally there’s easy-care, a 50:50 mix of cotton and polyester, which has obvious advantages.
A set of white bed linen is a classic choice and complements every scheme. Even pure white, however, need not be completely plain, as all but the most basic duvet covers and pillows offer interesting design details, from pin tucks, cording and scalloped edging to hemstitch, embroidery and lace. Add an eye-catching bed cover, perhaps also a throw and some bed cushions, selecting luscious textures and interesting trims, and you have a gorgeous layered style with a comfortable feel and eternally appealing look.