Buy a bed that's right for you

Choosing a bed can be a daunting - but eventually rewarding - task. Make sure you consider your bed options before you buy a bed so you choose where you snooze, wisely.

Buying a bed can be a daunting process. With so many options to choose from, how do you know whether the bed is right, or you're just being upsold?

"We try to identify requirements like back pain to minimise the selection that we suggest," says Stuart, marketing manager of Melbourne-based store, Bedshed. "Then we narrow down the comfort level you want, because different people have different ideas on what is a firm bed. Once we've done this, we'll show the different beds with these attributes within your price range so you can buy a bed with confidence."

How much can I expect to pay for a new bed?

There is a large price difference for beds, and this can be intimidating. "You don't have to spend top dollar," Stuart says. "Obviously the more you spend the higher the quality and comfort of each layer, but you don't have to spend top dollar to get a great bed to suit your needs."

What type of mattress makes for a good night's sleep?

A recent development in beds is viscose elastic foam. It is like memory foam in that it reacts to the body shape, but it also reacts to the body's heat in order to conform more closely to your body's natural contours.

"Viscose elastic foam reduces the pressure point build-up on protruding parts," Stuart says. "So if you're getting pins and needles in your arms or legs, it could be because of pressure build-up from your shoulders or hips. Choose a bed with a foam mattress and you'll reduce the impact, and have a more restful sleep."

Viscose or latex are available as a top layer above the traditional spring mattress. "You can buy it as a solid or an overlay, but when it's put on top of the spring mattress, it means the mattress can breathe through the spring layer," Stuart says.

Be aware that if you are buying this new foam as part of your bed package, it can take a while to get used to the feeling of lying on something that moves and contours with your body.

King or queen size bed?

In terms of size, there is a shift towards buying king rather than queen size beds. "People have bigger bedrooms, and bedrooms have become more of a focal point for fashion items over the years so they're putting more time into choosing a bed and bedroom furniture," Stuart says.

What about matching my bed with other bedroom furniture?

"The current flavour is minimalism," Stuart continues. "Chocolate is still quite popular, and there is also a shift towards white furniture." Buying beds with storage solutions makes sense - it's very handy - as does choosing a matching chest of drawers to make an elegant bedroom suite.

"There is also a shift towards lighter colours in wood, like oak or American walnut. Lower-profile designs are more sought after, in keeping with the new styles in lounge and dining sets."

There has also been a move towards integrating a TV unit into the foot of the bed. "It's been available for a couple of years, with a good initial reaction. There's also a move towards hiding the TV inside a separate cabinet, and this has been supported by customers to a certain degree."

Now you have information on bed trends, browse a range of bed retailers online where you can choose a bed to suit your style and needs: