11 tips for choosing the right bed

Good sleep is the key to health, but health, as you know, cannot be saved. Doctors have long proved that in almost half the cases, the cause of back pain is the wrong bed. On the contrary, if the purchase is made correctly, taking into account all the rules and recommendations, then a dream will bring real rest and relaxation, and the morning will always be good, even despite the alarm clock ringing. How to choose a bed and not lose your head from a huge assortment? We deal with the type of design, preferred materials, size, style and other features that are important to consider when buying.

No. 1. Size and shape of the bed

When choosing a bed, it is necessary to focus on the growth of those who will rest on it, as well as on the size of the room. The rule is simple: buy the largest bed that can fit in the bedroomwithout interfering with free movement. Asking the parameters of a particular model in the store, you can hear the answer that the bed size is standard, but it’s better to clarify and ask for the exact data in centimeters, since the standards in different countries may vary:

• single bed in width it can be 80 cm, 90 cm, and sometimes all 100 cm;
• width one and a half beds from 100 to 150 cm;
• double bed has a width of at least 160 cm, a popular option is 180 cm, but there are "royal" beds with a width of 200 cm.

Standard bed length - 190 cm, less often there are models 200 cm long. If you look, you can find a bed and 218 cm in length, and if you need a berth even more, you will have to make a bed to order.

When choosing the optimal bed size, consider these recommendations:

• length the bed should be at least 10 cm (and preferably 15 cm) more than the height of the one who will sleep on it. If this is a pair, then it is naturally necessary to take into account the growth of one who is taller;
• that width will be correct, in which a vacationer in his half can calmly throw his hands behind his head and not disturb someone lying nearby. If we are talking about a single option, then in this case the elbows should fit completely on the bed, without going beyond it;
• between the bed and a nearby object (wall, piece of furniture etc.) must be at least 70 cm of free spaceso that you can freely go to the bedroom place and put bedside table;
• bed height should be such that to get up and go to bed was as easy as possible. The older the person, the more attention should be paid to this parameter. If young people fit even low podium beds, then for an older person it is better to choose a higher bed. Most models have a height of 50-90 cm. The ideal height is when the top edge of the mattress reaches the level of the knees next to it or even is above this level.

As for forms, then it is better to stop at the traditional rectangular one, and realize your design fantasies in unusual decor and bright textiles. Bed round, oval, arched or in the form of a heart It looks impressive, but can cause a lot of problems: from inconvenience during sleep to difficulties with the selection of bed linen and rugs. All will have to be sewn individually.

No. 2.Bed frame design

The bed consists of a base, where the mattress is placed, and a frame, on which the base rests. The frame may include backrests head and foot, supports (legs, podium) and tzars (these are the side panels of the bed).

The frame can be one of these two types:

• two supporting backs and two lateral drawers;
• four tsars and one or two hinged backs. Supports in this case are legs or wheels.

Which type of frame is better is hard to say for sure. If the bed is made with high quality, then in any case it will be durable, and poor-quality copies will soon begin to creak. However, the samples on the supporting backs show themselves somewhat better than the models on the legs. Supports of a larger area break much less often than legs, but a bed with legs looks more airy and weightless.

No. 3. Bed material

High-quality bed material is the key to the durability of the product. There may be several options:

• solid wood - the most preferred material. These beds have maximum durability and strength, they are environmentally friendly and safe. The most durable frames will be made of oak, ash and beech, but you can find a good option in the more affordable category;
• metal also shows record durability, has a high service life is durable. Made of metal welded and forged beds. The second option, of course, looks more elegant and elegant and today, by the way, is at the peak of popularity;
• MDF bed cheaper, but in many ways inferior to wood and metal. Such products look good, do not cause harm to health, but their service life until the first breakdown is slightly lower than that of wooden counterparts. In terms of price / quality ratio, this is the most attractive option on the market, so these beds are very popular;
• beds made of fiberboard and particleboard they are cheaper than everyone, they do not last long, they quickly creak, and then completely crumble. Buying a bed from particleboard is a necessary measure when the budget is very limited, but even in this case it is necessary to look at safety certificates and pay attention to the level of formaldehyde emission (products of level E0 and E1 can be used in residential premises).

MDF, particleboard and fiberboard can be laminated and repeat the pattern with any kind of wood or stone, can be painted or veneered, therefore, outwardly such beds look very attractive. Often manufacturers use upholstery with fabric, leather and eco-leather. Make sure the fabric is dense and durable.

Today it’s fashionable to use wooden pallets. They make not only country furniture and comfortable sofas with tables for cafe summer areas. Several of these drawers can serve as an excellent basis for a bed in a city apartment. Such a solution will fit, however, far from any interior.

Number 4. Bed base

The base of the bed is firmly attached to the frame and becomes the support for the mattress. The base may be of the following types:

• lamella constructionthin flexible strips. Lamels are made of wood or plastic, other materials are not suitable, since it is important that the slats can bend under the weight of a person and take the necessary shape. Wooden slats will be preferred; they are usually made from beech or birch. The more planks used in the base, the better. The minimum quantity for a single bed is 15 lamellas, for a double bed - 30. The distance between the lamellas should be no more than the width of the lamella itself;
• hard and soft metal grilles. Due to the strength of the metal mesh, such a base is used for 20 years and not less, it is inexpensive, but it can be easily pressed underneath, so there is no need to talk about a comfortable and healthy vacation;
• construction of metal springs she also became obsolete and proved that sleeping on such a bed is very uncomfortable;
• sheet base sometimes still found.Such beds are inexpensive, but also do not last long, since the weight of a person in them is distributed unevenly over the entire area of ​​the base.

It is best when there is nothing under the base of lamellas (this is the preferred choice). In this case, the mattress will be well ventilated and will last a very long time. In order to space saving beds can be used with storage compartments under the berth. This can be drawers, which is not very convenient, or a large storage area, which is accessed by a lifting mechanism.

No. 5. Lift bed

Under a large double bed there is as much space as average wardrobe or compact pantry. If the apartment is small, it's silly not to use this space. Of course, you can take the model, where under the berth is located several drawers, but this approach does not allow the maximum use of the bedside space. It will not be possible to open such drawers in any bedroom, and finding such an option is not so easy.

It is better to take a bed with a lifting mechanism: if you just raise the base with the mattress, you will see a huge (about 1.8 * 1.9 m and 25-40 cm in depth) storage place. It is possible to arrange there both bedding and non-seasonal clothes - there is enough space for everything.

Depending on what kind of load is expected, choose one or another lifting mechanism:

• gas lift. The mechanism is equipped with a shock absorber in the format of a cylinder that is filled with air or other gas. The capacity depends on the pressure. The bed base with such a mechanism is easy to raise and lower, everything is done very smoothly, you just need to give a small initial push. A gas lift can lift a weight of about 100 kg and more, is designed for all types of beds and mattresses, this is the mechanism used with transformer beds that fold to the wall. The service life of the mechanism is long (about 70-90 thousand cycles of raising / lowering), the only negative is the cost;
• spring mechanism built using metal coil springs. Service life - about 20 thousand cycles of raising / lowering. The mechanism works clearly, but over time, difficulties may arise with lifting, it may be necessary to replace the springs. Springs withstand less load than gas lift;
• manual gear on hinges does not imply the presence of any shock absorbers - all efforts to raise and lower the berth lie on the person. Such a mechanism is often installed in folding beds, it is cheap, but requires a good calculation of their own forces.

No. 6. Folding bed or convertible bed

It is clear that not every apartment can fit a stationary large bed. Often have to be content folding sofa as a sleeping place, but there are alternatives. These are the so-called transforming beds or wardrobe beds. During the day, they are held near the wall and do not interfere with free movement, and at night, thanks to the folding mechanism, they turn into a full sleeper. During the day, such a bed can serve as a fake wardrobe, be decorated with a pretty picture or even turn into a small sofa.

There are transformer beds that recline during the day and open access to the table, and the mechanism is designed so that all objects on the countertop remain in place when the bed moves.

Number 7. Headboard

Availability headboards on the bed Depends on where she will stand. If you are going to put the bed with the head close to the wall, then you can easily do without a separate back. A wall near the head can be distinguished, eg, soft wall panels, artificial stone, paint or wallpaper of a different color. There are bolder decisions: boards, screens, tree cuts, etc. Above the headboard you can organize a shelf for storing necessary or purely decorative things.Sometimes such a shelf flows smoothly into the storage system, which continues on the sides of the bed.

If you plan to put the bed not close to the wall, then it is better to take model with its headboard. It should be reliable and convenient so that you can safely lean on it while reading or watching TV. In some beds, the headboard is located at a slight angle - this is the most ergonomic option.

Number 8. Bed style

The material and design of the bed should not only meet the requirements of ergonomics, but also meet interior style. Therefore, when deciding which bed to choose, it is necessary to take into account its design:

• low platform beds and podium beds will fit perfectly into the hi-tech style, minimalism, Japanese style;
• the beds with leather headboard will become an adornment of the interior in ethnic, modern, minimalist and classic style;
• beds with bamboo frame and wicker backs will complement the tropical, ethnic or eco style;
• retro style provence and country will also fit beds with forged back, but it’s not very convenient, so it’s better to stock up with plenty pillows;
• beds with carved wooden backs, gilded, decorative plates and inlays will find application in the interior in a classic style, baroque and rococo.

No. 9. Mattress

The convenience of relaxing on a bed very much depends on the mattress chosen. As a rule, high-quality orthopedic mattresses are already complete with a bed, but often you have to buy this product yourself. It is better to take a medium-hard or hard mattress, if it is not forbidden to you for medical reasons.

As a filler, springs, latex, polyurethane and even cotton wool can serve. There is still no consensus among experts which mattress is better: some say that those that are filled with latex or polyurethane are ideal, others are advised to take combined mattresses. The best advice is to rely on your own feelings and test the mattress while still in the store. Topic choosing a suitable mattress for bedsand is very extensive and deserves separate consideration.

No. 10. Bed accessories

Among the additional options, the bed may have:

• canopy. This is the detail that makes the sleeping place more comfortable and secluded. On the other hand, suspended tissue interferes with normal air circulation and accumulates dust;
• backlight in the back or along the contour of the bed allows you to make the bedroom more romantic, can be used as night light;
• protective side usually found in cots, can be removable and built-in;
• mirror inserts allow you to literally dissolve the bed and make the bedroom visually a little larger.

No. 11. What else to consider when choosing a bed?

In pursuit of a large spacious bed, do not forget that the space in the bedroom is limited, and in addition to the bed, you often need to arrange another wardrobe or chest of drawersLeave free passage to the sleeping area and window.

On sale you can find beds very original design. For example, in the form of a boat, a nest, there are even swing beds, but trying to add variety to your home interior, do not forget that the bed should be comfortable, first of all.

As for bed manufacturers, then you can pay attention to Dream Line (solid ash and beech beds), Olimp, Horizont, Fratelli Barri (expensive Italian designer beds), as well as more affordable products from SMK, Vasko, Triya and Lonax.

Finally, we note that a bed, like a mattress, is better to buy only after a personal inspection and a short test: an uncomfortable product will almost immediately give itself away.