Latest Designer Bathroom Ideas and How To Guides for your Home

Sofa beds are a common, traditional way to save space whilst still having a bed to sleep on. Other beds that save on space include bunk beds, futons and stretchers. A sofa bed is a perennial favourite, not only because of its space saving function, but also because it can be used during the day as a seating area.

Sofa beds come in different shapes and sizes, from single beds that are chairs when folded, to double beds that are larger couches. Key to choosing the right sofa bed is not only the size and function of it during the daytime, but also how easy it is to unfold, how much space it contains to store bedding and pillows internally and the type of material it is made from. Leather sofa beds are stylish, while more basic fabric sofa beds can do the trick perfectly well for a relatively lower cost.

Sofa beds are sometimes known as futons, which is also a thin mattress mat originating in Japan. The sofa bed futon retains the thin mattress but this is part of a larger set that functions as a seat or couch when folded.

A common misconception about sofa beds is that they are difficult and aesthetically less than pleasing to the eye when in the chair or couch mode. Both are incorrect: sofa beds typically fold out easily and are often indistinguishable from regular chairs or couches when folded.

Before you head out to the shops to compare bed models and prices, make sure you’re prepared.  You’ll need to know three key things:  the exact measurements of your room, the size of bed you wish to buy, and the size of mattress you need.

Measure the dimensions of your room carefully.  When you know exactly how much space you have available you’ll be better equipped to shop for beds. 

Once you know how big your room is, you can set out to find the perfect bed.  But remember that a bed is much more than just the frame and mattress.  Will you have space for a bed frame, headboard, and footboard?  Is the length too much for your room?  Can you incorporate additional furniture like a night table, mirror, dressing bench, or vanity in your space along with the bed?  Will you be able to get into and out of the bed?  If you’re shopping for bunk beds, trundle beds, sofa beds, or other alternative sleeping options, can your room accommodate the extra space that will be taken up with the bed is unfolded or opened up?

Now that you’ve measured your room and your bed, be sure you select a mattress that will fit the bed frame.  An ill-fitting mattress is uncomfortable to sleep on, wears unevenly, and won’t last as long as one that fits properly.  If you sleep with a partner, buy the largest bed and mattress combination that your room and your budget will allow to ensure that both sleepers are comfortable.

More than any other room in your home, your kids’ rooms need to be practical and organised, yet fun and fresh.  The right children’s beds will not only ensure your kids get a good night’s rest, but can also help them keep their rooms clean and tie their bedroom decor together perfectly.

From bunk beds to canopy beds, sleigh beds to daybeds, wooden beds to metal beds in a rainbow of colours, finishes, and themes, you’ll certainly find a bed to make both you and your child happy.

Bunk beds are a classic space saver in rooms where two or more children sleep, while loft beds raise the sleeping surface off the floor, leaving room for a desk, dresser, toy chests, shelves, and bookcases below.  Combination or futon beds are ideal for older children and teens, with a twin bed on top and a convertible full size futon/sofa on the bottom.  A trundle daybed lets you hide away extra sleeping space when it’s not in use.  A canopy bed gives drama to any child’s room, while giving you the freedom to indulge in a bit of fantasy; a sleigh bed adds instant elegance.

Many children’s beds feature storage in the base to help organise thee room.  Clothes, socks, toys, games, and more can be tucked away in drawers under the bed right at child level, keeping these items off the floor and minimising clutter.

No matter what type of children’s beds you choose, letting your kids select bed linens and accessories will ensure they love their new bedroom.

Wood is a very popular choice for beds, and understanding your options lets you find the perfect wooden bed for your room.

Different woods give a different look, so knowing the types of wood most commonly used to build furniture will help you choose a style that suits your decor.

Mahogany, oak, pine, cherry, maple, walnut, and rosewood are all popular furniture woods.  Finishes and stains range from dark espresso to light honey, painted to natural.  Hardwoods like oak, walnut, and mahogany are usually used to make high-end, solid wood furniture and beds, while softer woods like pine and cedar are used by many budget manufacturers to create veneered or particleboard pieces that are more affordable.

Cherry is a reddish wood known for its strength and durability.  Maple is a popular choice for painted beds.  Oak is very heavy and strong, and carves extremely well so it’s often used to create ornate headboards.  Pine is lightweight and evenly textured, though its durability and knotted surfaces make it ideal for rustic beds.

Wooden beds provide a wide range of style options for any decor.  The sleek, elegant look of a raised platform bed is well-suited to modern design; many platform beds also include built-in storage.  Dramatic wooden canopy or four-poster beds certainly make a statement in any room, and draping fabrics over the canopy can tie a room together.  A sleigh bed can be modern or traditional and is perhaps the most versatile wooden bed.  And, of course, classic wooden bunk beds are a great space-saver for any child’s room.

A divan bed is a wonderful choice for just about any space. Combining comfort, beauty and storage, divan beds sleekly store items beneath the mattress, in a location that’s easy to reach, yet out of the way. Divan beds are perfect choices for students or young adults moving out on their own for the first time. Have a tiny flat?  A divan bed will work miracles with the space you have.

Divan beds are also perfect for the older generation. Divans now come in adjustable models, so seniors can have spare sheets, pillows and blankets stored in a handy space in the bed, but the mattress can still adjust for the perfect night’s rest.

A solo, or twin size divan bed will be the best way to utilize space in a small apartment or flat while still getting a great night’s sleep. The storage space below the mattresses can keep bulky sheets, pillows and blankets out of sight, and the bed itself can be a stylish addition to your apartment. 

Divan beds come in a variety of styles, from American Southwest to Oriental to Gothic.  Georgian and Edwardian styles are classic and elegant, while the newer brushed-metal frames add a modern touch to any room. New frames and matching furniture made from sustainable materials, like bamboo, cane or maple can almost bring the outdoors inside, creating your own little “green space” inside your home.

Whether considering furniture for your current space or for a new space, think about a divan bed. It will likely offer options you hadn’t thought about, and free up space you could surely use.

When you consider that human beings spend a third of their lives sleeping, it is incredibly important that the mattress you sleep on enables you to enjoy a decent night’s rest.  There are literally thousands of mattresses available today in the UK ranging greatly in both price and quality from the affordably cheap, to the luxuriously expensive.  The decision on what mattress to purchase can be challenging, if not frustrating.  Here are five things to take into consideration before you make your purchase.

1) Two people sleeping on the mattress – one of the first things you need to determine is how a person is going to be affected when one gets into bed while the other person is asleep, as well as how a person’s movements in the bed will affect the other.  If you have your partner with you get onto the bed and see how the mattress copes.

2) Weight factor needs to be considered – heavier individuals and couples need to be concerned with coil spring construction.  You should consider purchasing a mattress that is constructed with what is called a “continuous” coil.

3) Also consider a mattress constructed with memory foam – this is the same material that seats in the space shuttle are constructed with.  Chiropractors, doctors, and neurosurgeons highly recommended this for people who have back issues.

4) Mattresses made with independent inflatable air chambers on each side are also available – these types of mattresses are ideal for a couple when one prefers a firmer mattress while the other person wants a softer one.

5) Read product reviews – no matter what mattress you are looking at, make sure you read all the product review information available about them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each product.

If you have been out shopping for children’s beds lately, then you have probably seen the vast assortment that is available, whether you have been shopping online or at a land-based retailer.  Beds for children are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes.  There are standard beds, bunk beds, and day beds.  There are even beds that are shaped like certain objects, such as the car beds, castle beds, and even fort beds.  So the choices are literally endless.

Children’s beds are manufactured with differing materials, metal and wood being the most common.  There are also some that are made from durable polymer plastic.  Additionally, if your budget is an issue be aware that price ranges on beds for children will range from the very affordable to the extremely expensive.  A good rule of thumb to remember is that the more unique the style of the bed, the more you will pay for it.  Here are some suggestions if you are just starting to shop for a bed for your son or daughter.

Budget is your first concern since it is so easy to spend extra money on your child, so you need to establish your budget and stick to it.  The next step is deciding where you want to purchase the bed.  Do you purchase one of the thousands of children’s beds that are available through an online retailer or visit a bed retailer in your local vicinity? Since this is a matter of convenience and preference, the choice is up to you.  But make sure that you consider your child’s likes and dislikes in the process.

If you have a long overnight guest list but limited space in your home, these options could be just the solution you’re looking for.

Air Mattress
Available in a full range of sizes and thicknesses, with or without a light metal frame, inflatable mattresses can be put up quickly and taken down in a snap.  Storage is a breeze, as most models fold flat once deflated and can be tucked away neatly when not in use.

Transformer
Whether your guest beds hide an ottoman or an armchair you’ll enjoy the double duty of a transformer bed.  Simply unfold the bed for guests, cover, add pillows and linens, and you’re done. 

Daybed
Daybeds transform any spare room into an oasis for visitors.  Your guests will enjoy a great night’s sleep on a standard twin or full mattress, and you’ll enjoy loads of extra seating when they’ve gone.  Some models also include a trundle that pulls out for even more sleeping room.

Sofa Bed
A luxurious sofa bed gives your home the ultimate in style and practicality.  Upholstered or slip covered, you’ll have a fashionable sofa to compliment your decor and a welcoming place where your guests can rest comfortably.

Twin Sleeper
For smaller spaces with not enough room for a full-size sofa bed, a twin sleeper is an excellent alternative.  A cosy, oversized reading chair by day and a sturdy twin bed for guests by night—a twin sleeper offers something for both you and your overnight visitors.