The adage ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ rings true of bed frames. Quality bed frames might cost more than cheap ones, but they last longer and repay themselves in time with better quality materials and construction.
You needn’t break the bank to find a good quality bed, either – there are double bed frames as low as £200 that stand the test of time.
We’ve prepared some tips below to help you choose a good bed. Use them to cut through the noise and sleep soundly.
1. Do your research
Educate yourself on the different types of bed frames, mattresses, and bedding materials available to understand the pros and cons of memory foam mattresses, natural fillings, and pocket springs to pick the best materials and features.
Read reviews from verified customers to get insight into the bed’s real-world performance and durability. The best places to find reviews include Trustpilot, Reviews.io, Google, and Facebook, but beware that Google Reviews are unverified – anyone can leave them, leaving retailers open to defamation and reputation attacks.
Avoid models with consistent complaints of poor build quality, noise, or other issues. Good quality beds that hold up well have overwhelmingly positive feedback.
2. Choose known brands
Well-known companies have a proven track record for quality, durability, and customer service. They invest in research and development to improve their mattress designs and materials continuously.
Lesser-known brands may cut corners that impact performance and longevity, and big brands also have more reviewer feedback available online so you can make informed comparisons between models.
The security of buying from an established brand gives peace of mind that you’re purchasing a bed you can rely on for years to come.
3. Buy From Reputable Retailers
Avoid sketchy websites or stores with suspiciously low prices compared to other sellers. Only buy from authorised retailers with confirmed partnerships that follow fair pricing guidelines set by the brand.
Brick-and-mortar stores give you a chance to see and try out the mattresses in person rather than buying unseen online.
4. Where is it made?
Bed frames and mattresses made closer to home reduce carbon emissions from long-distance transportation and support local manufacturing.
You also can have more confidence in the quality of local production as brands closely oversee the manufacturing process – imported mattresses involve more variables in shipping and control, increasing the chances of low-quality products.
5. Focus on quality construction
For bed frames, look for stability, durability, and a support system that properly holds the mattress. Hardwood frames generally last longer than lower-quality wood. The slats should be sturdy; thin slats probably won’t provide adequate support over time. Metal frames should use heavy-gauge steel construction.
Mattress quality indicators include the gauge of steel coils, the density of foam or latex layers, the quality of cushioning materials, the sturdiness of the support core and edge support, and the quality of stitching and seams.
6. Consider the warranty.
A longer warranty indicates the manufacturer has more confidence in durability. Most bed frames and mattresses come with a 12-month warranty, although some brands offer a five or ten-year guarantee against manufacturing defects.
Pay attention to what’s covered under the warranty and what voids it. Long warranties offering full replacement throughout the policy term offer the best protection, but there are always exclusion clauses.
7. Invest in quality bedding
We know it’s tempting to grab whatever cheap sheets and blankets you find but trust us, it’s worth spending a little more on quality bedding that will last.
Rough, low thread count sheets can irritate your skin, and thin blankets don’t provide the cosy warmth you need for a good night’s sleep.
Do yourself a favour and choose soft, breathable cotton sheets and splash on that luxurious duvet you’ve had your eye on. It makes a huge difference in comfort! Plus, better materials are more durable, so you won’t have to replace items as often.
