As the biggest sales period descends, it’s time for shoppers to bag a great bed at a great price.
So how do you make sure that what you buy is a genuinely good bargain?
- Plan ahead. Before you get to the sales, think about what you want from your bed – is the price your main criterion? What about storage, access to your bedroom, turning the mattress, getting in and out of bed, size of the bed? Are you seeking pressure relief for a shoulder or hip problem or other health issues?
- Spend as much as you can afford. Instead of buying the bed you might have chosen during a non-sale period more cheaply, trade it up for a more luxurious model. After all, what other item do you use for 7-8 hours per day, every day?
- Take advantage of any offers to trade up a size at no extra cost. A roomy king-sized or super king-sized bed will ensure less partner disturbance during the night than a standard double, which at just 4’6” wide only gives each user the same space as a child has in their cot!
- Only buy a drawer divan or ottoman base if you really need extra storage space: four drawers can account for well over £100 of the purchase price – money that could be better invested in a superior quality mattress. The same applies to other features – only go for them if they offer real benefits.
- Bargain or not you still want a bed that’s safe, clean and is what it says it is. Look for the NBF-approved logo. NBF-approved brands have all been rigorously audited to ensure they meet (amongst other things) flammability, cleanliness and trade description regulations.
- Sale periods can often be busy, but make shopping for a new bed a special trip – you’ll choose more wisely if you are not in a rush, tired, emotional or harassed. Don’t feel rushed into trying out the bed for just a couple of minutes either. Lie down in your normal sleeping position and spend a good 10 minutes trying it out.
- If you’re buying a bed for you and your partner, you should shop together. Comfort is so subjective and even though you may think you know your partner very well, it is risky trying to guess which bed would best suit their individual needs.
- It may sound weird but think about taking your pillow with you when trying out beds in a shop (unless you intend buying a new pillow at the same time). Your pillow is critical in achieving the correct posture in combination with the right mattress. You won’t get a true comparison if you rest your head on a different pillow to the one you have at home.
- If you’re buying online, it’s worth checking customer reviews on the product and the company’s service. Check delivery costs and returns policy as online retailers can have different rules on returning goods, so establish their terms and conditions before starting your shopping.
Remember that a £1000 bed costs less than 40 pence a night over seven years – or only 20 pence each if two people are sharing – now that’s a real bargain!
Would you know how to spot a mattress scammer? Check out our tips for avoiding mattress scams.
This post was first published December 2017 and has since been amended.
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