How to Choose a New Bed

How to buy a new bed

If you’re thinking of treating yourself to a new bed this Christmas or New Year, arm yourself with all the necessary information so you can make an informed choice.

Buying a new bed is a long term investment. Considering the average lifespan of a mattress is around 7 years, it’s worth spending as much as you can afford to get a good quality, comfortable bed.

At Dalzell’s we recommend that people come in-store and speak with our expertly trained staff and try out a few beds before you make your new bed purchase. We’ve also produced this handy guide to help make that all-important decision.

BED M.O.T.

Am I due a new bed?

Is your bed old, worn, sagging or lumpy? Are you waking up with aches and pains? Are you experiencing disturbed sleep?

If your bed has become worn, lumpy and you’re waking up with aches and pains it’s usually a sign that the bed is past its best and it’s time for a new one.

Sleeping in a bed that no longer provides the proper support or comfort can affect the quality of our sleep.

Four out of every five adults (80%) will experience back pain at some stage in their life and a recent American study found that 63% of back sufferers felt an improvement after sleeping on a new bed.

Are you, or your partner, disturbing one another when changing sleep position during the night? Is your mattress sagging in the middle causing ‘roll-together’? Do you and your partner differ significantly in weight?

If you or your partner are causing one another to wake during the night perhaps your bed isn’t big enough. Upsizing to a king size or super king bed can help, giving each partner more room to sleep and move.

An ideal sleep solution if you and your partner differ considerably in weight or size, pocket spring beds are a durable and resilient solution for those that require additional support from their bed.

With its smaller individual, softer springs which are separately housed in fabric pockets, pocket springs work independently when responding to body weight to relieve pressure points, and prevent roll-together.

Designed with the larger-build person in mind, reinforced beds are constructed from hard-wearing and durable innerspring interiors with resilient, supportive and durable fillings to extend their lifespan. King Koil and Respa are two Irish bed brands leading the market in introducing heavy duty beds on the market.

Would you prefer a divan bed or a bed frame? Is storage a priority?

  • Divan Beds 

One of the UK’s most popular bed choices, divans come with four main types of base: sprung edge, solid or platform top, firm edge and flexible edge.

With many divan beds offering under-bed storage these can be an ideal solution for storing seasonal bedding or for smaller bedrooms where you’re tight for space.

Types Of Bed Base(1)

Designed with the appearance of a traditional divan bed, ottoman beds are an ideal solution when bedroom space is an issue and you require extra storage capacity.

  • Bed Frames

Bed frames vary in design and style, and generally have a footboard and headboard, a slatted base and side rails.

Sweet Dreams Victoria 5' BedLeather and contemporary PU leather bed frames offer cool sophistication. Available with feet or sitting low to the ground, leather bedsteads will create a dramatic statement in your bedroom.

Upholstered bed frames offer a different finish and feel to that of the leather or faux leather bed. Covered in quality fabrics available in a range of patterns and textures, upholstered beds accommodate different tastes and styles.

A popular choice is the wooden bedstead or oak bed frame. Made from either solid wood, wood veneers or combination of both, wooden bed frames rest easy in either modern or traditional bedroom designs.

For a less expensive alternative, Metal bed frames offer versatility and practicality. From simple metal painted finishes to more ornate and decorative brass nickel designs, these beds are suitable for children’s and adult bedrooms.

Do you need a new bed for health reasons?

Adjustable Beds

Sherborne Dorchester 6' Head-and-Foot Adjustable Bed

Adjustable beds, also known Electric Beds, can be adjusted into various positions to make sleeping more comfortable. Helping to relieve back pain, poor circulation, aches and pains, most Adjustable Beds can be adjusted by changing the position of the bed using a remote control.

The Sherborne Dorchester 6′ Head-and-Foot Adjustable Bed features a dual motor control to provide independent adjustment for the upper and lower body. Complete with seven mattress options and three headboard choices, the Sherborne Super King Adjustable Bed comes with a fully upholstered, easy-assemble no-slat base and a fully upholstered drawer.

Is your new bed for a spare room or just for occasional use? 

When space is at a premium in our homes a guest bed, also known as a weekender bed or slide away bed, is a great alternative to the traditional double or king size divan bed. Guest beds and storage beds not only provide flexible solutions for overnight guests but with smaller bedrooms, they ensure you have ample room for your bedroom furniture.

Sweet Dreams Vision Classic 6' TV Bed

Is your new bed somewhere to unwind from the day and a place where you can relax and watch TV or read a book? 

Bed manufacturers have come up with the genius idea of making TV beds. Designed to incorporate an LED or LCD TV within the footboard, the TV can then be discreetly hidden away when you’re not watching it.

Many TV beds are compatible with a range of other digital devices including MP3 Players, games consoles, iPhone, iPad & iPod, among others. Available with infra-red remote controls and Bluetooth enabled devices, you’ll be able to lie back and relax with your favourite music, film or TV show at the touch of a button.

Once you’ve made a choice about the type of bed you prefer, it’s time to think about a new mattress. We’ll deal with this in part two – how to choose a new mattress.

 What to do next

All Beds & Mattresses at Dalzell’s are manufactured here in Ireland or in mainland UK and adhere to the stringent standards of the National Bed Federation for added reassurance. What’s more as supporters of the UK Sleep Council our staff are both highly knowledgeable and experienced with more than 50 years of bedding expertise.  At Dalzell’s of Markethill we also provide Free Delivery & Recycling throughout Northern Ireland and Counties Dublin, Louth & Monaghan. What’s more, we’ll Remove & Dispose of Packaging, provide Free Pillows and assemble your new divan bed in a room of your choice. So whether you live in Portadown or Cookstown, you’ll know you’re getting a great deal on your new bed. With more than 500 Beds in Stock, we can provide additional discounts for Multibuy and our Price Promise means your new divan bed represents excellent value for money. Call, Email or Visit Us In-store today.  Delivery available throughout the rest of Ireland.