Beds and bases

Do you know what to look for in new beds and bases?

If you're thinking of visiting a beds showroom before you buy your new bed, the first question you're likely to be asked is: "What are you looking for?" The whole buying process is much easier if you've done a bit of research on beds and bases before you go shopping - whether you're shopping in-store or online.

You can get beds with a variety of bases, whether you're looking for single, double or superking. Here's a quick guide to the different types of bed bases available:

Bedsteads

Bedsteads consist of a fixed frame, which can be made from a variety of materials. Wood and metal are the most common, although leather and other materials are also popular. A bedstead will normally have a headboard and a base board, giving it an enclosed feel, and the frame will run from one end to the other. The mattress is normally supported on a slatted wooden base or occasionally, a wire mesh. These beds are very popular in all their forms.

Divans

The term "divan beds" covers most of the beds that aren't bedsteads. Whether they are on legs, on castors, or have built-in storage, divan beds are probably the highest-selling type of bed in the UK. The divan itself is a covered box that's then integrated with legs, drawers or other storage to provide a complete bed. You can get a variety of headboards to fit your divan bed, and choose the most appropriate mattress for you, which just sits on the top of the covered bed structure. Divan beds come in different styles, including:

• Slatted base
• Sprung edge
• Storage
• Solid top
• Firm edge

Of these, the sprung edge is probably the most desirable, as they provide additional support to the mattress, helping to prolong its life. Solid top divans, sometimes also called platform tops, don't offer this type of support, but are good options for those on a limited budget. If you are interested in using your space widely, look at the storage options offered by the divan bed, which can easily provide as much additional storage as a large 4-drawer unit.

Bed Next Day sells a range of traditional single, double, king and superking beds, most of which are available with next day delivery. Brands include Silentnight, the Original Bedstead Company, Sprung Land and Sealy. Take a look at the beds available on our website, www.mattressnextday.co.uk and order online today, or call 0844 3911 222 if you have any questions.