As one of the biggest sales period descends, how do you make sure that the bed you buy is a genuinely good bargain? With some serious savings to be had on mattresses this Black Friday (24 November) and with many deals on offer, sale-loving shoppers are truly spoilt for choice.
However, just because an item is in this annual shopping bonanza it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get something similar cheaper elsewhere. Always shop around before you buy to make sure you get the best deal. And remember no matter how much you save, it’s only a good deal if you get a mattress that’s comfy and provides long-lasting support.
Tempted to pick up a new bed in a Black Friday deal this year? Shop like a pro with these tips:
- Do your research. Think about what you want from your bed – is price your main criterion? What about storage, access to your bedroom, turning the mattress, getting in and out of bed, size of 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 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!
- Be wary of unusual brands and ‘too good’ deals. We’re not saying every brand you’ve never heard of is bad, but there’s a reason why some names only ever crop up in a sale or deal. Bargain or not you still want a bed that’s safe, clean and is what it says it is. Look for our NBF-approved logo. Brands that have been NBF-approved are rigorously audited to ensure they meet (amongst other things) flammability, cleanliness and trade description regulations.
- 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.
- 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, choose reputable shopping sites that have full contact details, phone numbers etc. 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. Watch our video for more tips.
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!
First published November 2019, republished 16.11.23
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