Beds for first-time buyers

If you've never bought a bed before, take advantage of our handy guide.

First-time buying worries aren't limited to property, although the size of the investment is considerably bigger. Buying any large piece of furniture for the first time - particularly one that can have a real effect on your comfort - can be daunting. By following a few straightforward steps, however, you can find the right bed for you without having to spend a fortune.

Don't forget to measure

Measuring is one of the most important things you can do. There's no point choosing a wonderful canopy bed only to discover that your ceilings are too low, or deciding on a superking bed and being unable to get it up the stairs. Before you get carried away, take your room measurements, including height, so that you know how much space you have. You should remember to leave enough room to walk round the bed, or for bedside tables or shelves to be added. It's also important to measure your doors and access-ways to your bedroom because there's nothing worse than ordering a bed that can't get through the front door.

Try out

Even if you're going to buy online to take advantage of the discounts available, you should go to a showroom so that you can try out the mattresses and bed types available. You spend approximately one third of your life in your bed, so it must be comfortable for you, or you will end up with back and neck pain, and nights of uninterrupted sleep. Go to a showroom, with your partner if you share your bed, kick off your shoes and lie in your normal sleeping position. This helps to give you a much better idea of what you're looking for.

Spend what you can afford

You don't have to spend all your money on your bed, but you should invest in a decent base and a good quality mattress. Not only will they last longer, but they will provide you with the support you need during the night. There are many different types of beds to choose from - you may want a bed with storage underneath, or a low contemporary base, but you should always concentrate on comfort as well as style.

Bed Next Day sells a range of traditional and contemporary 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.