A good night's sleep
Create a restful retreat by combining a great bed with the ideal mattress and sumptuous linens.
Choosing a bed
The most popular bed base is a simple divan frame – look for examples with side drawers, or ‘ottoman’ divans where the mattress lifts to access storage beneath. The alternative is a bedstead, generally of wood or metal, either modern and minimal, or traditional, such as a four-poster, a ‘sleigh’ bed or Victorian-style cast iron.
Disturbance from a partner (or children) is a cause of sleeping complaints, so buy as big a bed as you can afford that will fit comfortably into the room.
All about mattresses
The best sprung mattresses are ‘pocket’ sprung, in which a large number of small springs work independently, adjusting to the body and eliminating ‘roll-together’. Springs in calico pockets, nested in a honeycomb pattern and centre tied with linen cord indicate a high standard, as do quality ticking, hand side stitching and sturdy handles. 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.
The relatively new market in non-sprung mattresses includes latex, foam or gel mattresses that are often inexpensive. Warmer than sprung mattresses, they mould to the sleeper’s shape and are reputably good for sufferers of allergies and joint pain. Perhaps the ultimate solution is a combination mattress, offering the support and comfort of springs with a non-sprung top layer. Consider adding a mattress topper for extra comfort and to extend mattress life.
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, though a good quality pillow protector may help with longevity. Launder pillows regularly.
Gorgeous bedlinens
Pure linen has excellent breathability, a cool, crisp touch and gets softer as it ages. Silk is highly breathable, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Cotton is the most popular choice, with pure Egyptian cotton considered the finest. Finally there’s easy-care, a 50:50 mix of cotton and polyester.
A set of white bed linen is a classic choice and complements every scheme, and need not be completely plain. Add an eye-catching bed cover, perhaps a throw and some bed cushions, for a gorgeous layered style with a comfortable feel and appealing look.
For fabulous bedroom design and installation visit local showroom in Albert Street, Rugby Eat Soak Sleep
“ready for a good night’s sleep?”