Bed Buying Guide
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about beds, from understanding different types and materials to helping you identify the perfect mattress for your sleep preferences and requirements.
At Cousins Furniture, we're passionate about providing you with the best quality sleep solutions. Our mission is to help you make an informed decision when it comes to investing in a new bed that will transform the way you sleep. With our expert guidance and an extensive selection of top-notch beds, you'll be on your way to enjoying the restful, rejuvenating sleep you deserve.
There could be a variety of reasons you are buying a new bed. Some of these can consist of:
- Suffering from a bad back
- Needing firmer support
- Wanting a better night’s sleep
- Existing bed is over 10 years old
- Need more space
- Need something for the spare room
These are just some of the reasons why people purchase a new bed. The answers to which we’ll explain over the next few pages.
• Mattress
• Divan bed
• Ottoman storage bed
• Bed frame
• Adjustable bed
• Headboard
• Sofa bed
• Childrens bed
You can read more on our comprehensive mattress guide here.
A divan bed set consists of a mattress with a divan base, which is what the mattress sits directly on top of.
We recommend that when buying a new mattress you carefully consider purchasing its matching divan base which will work in partnership to enhance the comfort and support of your chosen mattress.
Please note, when purchasing a mattress on its own and putting it onto an old base, the guarantee on the new mattress is void if any issues of sagging or dipping develop.
A divan base is constructed from a seasoned timber, railed frame, which is normally upholstered in a fabric of your choice.
They have either glides or castors fitted to their base, which will allow ease of movement when necessary, for cleaning underneath etc.
Divan Sizes
What size do I need?
The size and dimensions of the base that you select will be exactly the same as the mattress you’ve chosen. They’re subsequently available as:
• Small single
• Single
• Small double
• Double
• King size
• Super king size
• Plus Bespoke sizes
Please note, that unless specified, single and small single divan bases will be made as one individual piece. From small double size up to king size, the divan bases will be constructed in 2 halves, with the join going across the width of the base (east to west).
Once you get to super king size, the bases will be supplied in 2 halves going from the top to the bottom of the bed (north to south). In all cases, the 2 half bases can be securely clipped together for the necessary stability.
Storage Options
Do I Need Storage?
Most bases are available with several storage options dependent upon your needs. With smaller bedrooms especially, additional space-saving storage is a great help. Please note however, that divan drawers, even though they’re on metal runners, are only designed for storage of lightweight items, such as bed linen and towels, they’re not designed to be toy boxes!
• Non-storage – this is the most cost- effective option and will have plain upholstered sides.
• 1 drawer – single drawer bases are found mostly on single and small single divans.
• 2 drawer – when a single bed has 2 drawers they will be down one side of the base. On any divan base from small double size upwards, the 2 drawers will be on each side of one of the half bases. The other half base will be non-storage.
• 4 drawer – when a divan base has 4 drawers, there will be 2 equal width drawers in each half base. It’s only possible to opt for 4 drawers on a small double divan size or larger.
• 2+2 drawer/ Continental drawer – A 2-plus-2 or continental drawer divan is when a base has 4 drawers, similar to on a 4 drawer divan, but the pair on the head-end half are narrower in width. This allows you to place a pair of bedside cabinets each side of the head end of the bed and still be able to open the divan drawers unobstructed, which wouldn’t be possible with a standard 4 drawer divan. Again, you’re only able to specify 4 drawer storage on a small double divan set or a larger size.
• Ottoman
Firmness and Comfort
What is my ideal comfort?
Most divan bases have a firm or platform top. With certain specialist beds, it is possible to select different specifications, such as pocket sprung or firm edge.
• Platform top – a platform top base has a firm, boarded top upon which the mattress sits. This will give the bed a more supportive feel.
• Pocket sprung – this type of base has edge-to-edge pocket or coil springs underneath its top surface, to give an overall softer and bouncier feel to the bed.
• Firm edge – a firm edge or true edge divan base is mainly pocket sprung but with firm edges. This gives the same softer and bouncier feel as a pocket sprung base but with a firmer feel around the edges. This helps to increase the size of the mattress’s sleeping area and also to reduce the likelihood of any roll off.
Fabric Choices
What fabric?
After selecting the size and storage capacity of your divan, you can then specify the fabric that you want it upholstering in. We have a generous selection of luxurious velvets, tactile chenilles plus textured weaves.
We would recommend choosing a neutral colourway, as this won’t restrict your options when picking bed linen and other furnishings. In most cases, you can also purchase a matching headboard in the same fabric.
Delivery and Assembly
All of our divan beds will be delivered to the room of your choice, unwrapped and placed in position. We remove all packaging, which is then recycled once back at our warehouse.
Larger divan bases are delivered in halves, for ease of access, and will be securely fixed together for you by our delivery team. If you have also purchased a headboard this will be fitted onto your divan base.
Ottoman storage beds offer the greatest storage capacity of any bed base, a lot more than even a 4 drawer divan bed. This is particularly useful in smaller bedrooms, allowing for bedside chests to be positioned against them without being obstructive.
A full ottoman bed consists of a complete storage compartment within the frame of the divan base, accessed by a lifting platform top lid. The platform top is upholstered in a non-slip fabric to prevent mattress movement when the ottoman lid is uplifted.
Similar to standard divan bases, ottoman bases are supplied in 2 individual half sections, which are securely fixed together for extra stability once in position. The bases are made from durable MDF with a practical internal laminated finish. The fixed nature and more durable construction of an ottoman base will allow you to store heavier more bulky items, including shoes and boxes, which can’t be stored in divan drawers.
Because of their platform top surface, ottoman beds provide a firm supportive base for your mattress. Although there are a few ottoman divans available with sprung slatted lids, which will give a bouncier and softer support.
You can also purchase half ottoman beds, which is where one half of the base has an ottoman storage compartment and the other half is a standard divan base, with or without drawers.
The manual movement of the ottoman lid is eased and controlled by gas-pistoned struts, even with the heaviest of mattresses. As well as making the lid easier to uplift, the struts also help to regulate its closure, avoiding sudden movement and needless accidents.
There are 2 primary types of ottoman beds:
• Side opening – which open from the side. The 2 divan sections are joined from east to west. These are really useful in narrow bedrooms, where you’d be unable to lift the ottoman lid from the foot-end.
• End opening – these are the most popular type of ottoman opening mechanisms. They allow you the easiest access to the complete storage compartment. The 2 divan halves are normally supplied with a north south division.
What Size?
Ottoman storage beds are available in most of the standard sizes:
• Small single
• Single
• Small double
• Double
• King size
• Super king size
What Fabric?
In most cases, you can choose which fabric you’d like to finish the outside of your ottoman base in. You can also purchase a matching headboard in the same fabric.
Delivery and Assembly
Our ottoman storage beds are delivered in separate sections for ease of access. We will bring the bed into the bedroom of your choice, then unpack and securely assemble it for you. If you’ve purchased a headboard, we’ll also fix this to the bed base. All packaging will be removed by our delivery team, then recycled upon return to our warehouse.
A bed frame or bedstead is a more decorative alternative to a divan base but still serves as a support platform for your mattress. Whether it’s to make a style statement or set a colour theme, bedsteads come in many different designs, materials and colours.
Bed frames consist of different components – a head-end or headboard, side rails, a foot-end (which can be high or low), a slatted base plus detachable legs.
Bed Types
• Fabric – Fabric bedsteads are upholstered in soft, tactile material to help create a welcoming, cosy bedroom. They are available in a range of different fabric types and design styles, classic and contemporary. These include buttoned, chesterfield style bedsteads, statement sleigh beds and sleek designer Scandi bedframes, as well as minimalist modern beds.
• Velvet – Luxurious velvet bedsteads make a statement of opulence and sophistication. Whether you’re looking for subtle grey, soft pastel or a bold statement colour, stylish velvet is the ideal fabric.
• Wooden – Wooden bedframes are practical and sturdy, quite often having matching bedroom furniture to complete the look. Whether you want a contemporary solid oak, a painted farmhouse finish or an industrial reclaimed timber design, we have a great selection to choose from.
• Metal – Choose a sleek metal bedframe in a variety of finishes, whether a polished chrome, painted or in an on-trend industrial style. They can be simple or ornate in design to help create the look you want. Metal bedframes will give you the durability and practicality needed for the rigours of everyday modern living.
What Size?
Bed frames are available in the same sizes as our most popular standard mattresses:
• Single
• Double
• King size
• Super king size
Please note, that on a bed frame, this dimension is of the platform for the mattress. A bedframe, dependent on its style, will always be larger in overall size than its partnering mattress. Sleigh bed frames are significantly larger, due to their grand curved head and foot-ends, whereas sleek scandi bedsteads are quite compact in comparison.
We’d recommend less imposing bedframes, with low foot ends and compact upholstered detailing for smaller bedrooms.
Storage Capacity
The fact that most bed frames are on legs give them an elegant look, up above the floor. They don’t however offer you the storage options that divan bases do, unless you stow away underneath them.
You can purchase storage bed frames with storage drawers and also ottoman bedsteads. In both cases, the bedframe’s storage functionality can detract from the overall aesthetic look, as more often than not the frame has to be positioned nearer to the floor on feet rather than the normal elegant legs.
What Comfort?
Bedframes have a slatted base upon which the mattress is positioned.
There are predominantly 2 types, which give slightly different comfort levels:
• Sprung slats – these are convexly curved upwards to create a domed and springy responsiveness, leading to a softer comfort. They tend to be crafted from beech because of its natural strength and flexibility. Sprung slats tend to be fixed into a steel surround, with a central support rail, on anything double size or larger.
• Solid slats – these chunky slats are flat and solid in stature, to give a firmer more stable comfort and support. They are made from a resilient hardwood and normally need screwing into position to fix their position. These are normally used on wooden bedframes.
With both sprung and solid slats, the fact that they’re positioned with gaps between, allows for the mattress to breathe naturally and help improve its temperature regulating properties.
What Fabric?
Delivery and Assembly
Bed frames are delivered dissembled in separate boxes for ease of access. The head and tail end are packed together, as are the side rails, with the slatted base in a 3rd box. This enables us to deliver your bed frame straight into your bedroom.
They’re always supplied with easy-to-follow fitting instructions, although we can assemble by prior arrangement and for a small charge.
An adjustable bed will make it easier to get in and out of bed, as well as providing a customised and improved sleeping or sitting position, if you find it difficult to get comfortable.
An adjustable bed has a multi-part sprung slatted base, which is operated by a remote-control handset, along with a flexible zonal mattress to enable free movement and help prevent damage. The bed’s position can be adjusted to help improve postural support and to relieve pressure, or just to allow you to sit and read or watch TV without requiring too much effort. They’re ideal if you suffer from back pain, reduced mobility or poor circulation.
What Size?
Adjustable beds are available in all of the most popular standard UK bed sizes:
• Single
• Double
• King size
• Super king size
The larger, king and super king size beds consist of 2 separately operated adjustable bases and mattresses, allowing for individual customised support and movement, without disturbing your partner.
Comfort and Firmness
You can select the type of mattress that suits you best, whether that’s memory foam, latex or pocket sprung.
Fabric Choices
The divan base can be upholstered in your chosen fabric and you can also purchase a matching headboard if required.
Delivery and Assembly
Upon delivery, our team will position the bed in your designated bedroom and then complete its assembly to your satisfaction. All packaging will be removed and recycled upon return to our warehouse.
A headboard will complete the look of your bedroom, as well as complement your bed. Whether you’re looking to make a style statement or add a splash of colour, a headboard will also enhance your comfort and support, if you like to sit up and read, watch TV or simply chat in bed.
Different Types
• Upholstered fabric headboards - are predominantly rectangular but come in a variety of shapes, including curved, semi-circular and octagonal. Upholstered in luxurious velvet, practical chenille or tactile wool, the soft foam padding of a fabric headboard can be plain, deep buttoned, panelled or with an art deco ribbed design.
Fabric headboards are either floor-standing for a more substantial and imposing hotel look or strutted in the more traditional way.
• Wooden headboards can be solid or slatted, painted or distressed. Whether your taste is farmhouse, classic, retro or industrial, a wooden headboard will complement your bedroom. Oak and reclaimed timbers are the most popular materials. Wooden headboards are normally fixed to the divan base with struts.
• Metal headboards can be understated and modern or ornate and more classical. Choose from sleek polished chrome to vintage antique brass, there’ll be a metal headboard to complement your bed.
Sizes
Headboards are available in all of the most popular standard UK bed sizes:
• Small single
• Single
• Small double
• Double
• King size
• Super king size
• Plus Bespoke sizes
Delivery and Assembly
If purchased with one of our divan beds, the delivery team will fit your headboard once the bed has been assembled
A sofa bed is ideal for a room that needs to serve more than one purpose, acting as somewhere extra to sit and to sleep – whether it’s a living or dining room, bedroom or home study.
Upholstered in fabric or leather, pillow back or standard back and available in a multitude of different styles, sofabeds provide invaluable space-saving functionality.
Depending on budget, you can choose a sofa bed with a standard foam mattress or one with a more supportive luxurious pocket sprung or memory foam mattress. Likewise the sleep platform varies in quality, from a budget trampoline base to a more responsive sprung slatted configuration.
Whichever you opt for, we recommend it as an extra bed for only occasional use, not for every day. Whether it’s for a surprise visitor, a special family occasion or a school sleepover, your sofa bed will be a valuable addition.
You can opt for a sofa bed mechanism in most sizes of sofa, including 3 seaters, 2 seaters, snugglers and corner sofas. There’s normally a matching chair and sofa to complete the room.
We even have sofa beds without spacious arms for the smallest of living spaces. In most cases, the substantial, heavy mechanism is dismountable for ease of access. Unlike a standard sofa, a sofabed doesn’t have a fully sprung seat platform, so will sit slightly firmer.
When choosing a bed for a spare room or occasional use, you may opt for a multi-functional sofa bed or a more cost-effective divan bed or bedframe. If the latter’s the case, why not opt for moving your bed into the spare bedroom and treating yourself to an improved night’s sleep?
We also have a selection of purpose-built guest beds, normally single in size but which house a discrete second mattress and base, on folding castored legs when called for. *(photos)These are ideal for smaller bedrooms and kids rooms, where space may be at a premium. You can opt for standard coil sprung mattresses, more luxurious pocket sprung ones or pressure relieving memory foam mattresses. When opened out, the secondary bed can act as a separate single, or push them together for a couple on an overnight stay.
If budget or space is really tight, why not go for a folding, camp-style bed? *(photos) This can be stowed away elsewhere, in a loft or cellar, when not in use. Again because of its nature, a folding mattress is quite thin and most likely to be just foam, with a trampoline sprung base, so just use it for a single night’s sleep or at most for a weekend.
When shopping for a bed for a children’s bedroom you have plenty of options. You’ll most likely want to save space and choose a single size bed, whether that’s a single divan or a single mattress on a bed frame for a more decorative look.
Why not opt for one of our specific purpose-built kids’ beds?
We’ve got a great choice of bunk beds, if you’re looking to accommodate siblings, or have frequent sleepovers. All robustly constructed in solid wood or metal, there’s a variety of finishes.
For slightly older children, you can select either a space-saving mid-sleeper or high-sleeper bunk, allowing you to incorporate a work station or wardrobe into the same space.
An important factor to consider when furnishing a children’s room is to try to futureproof it, so that you’re not changing it too often. Avoiding younger pastel shades and fun styles will help to this end, choose well-built timeless designs in neutral colours, making the set-up less offensive as your child grows into a teenager, with friends to impress.
