Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Are onesies still in your bedroom in the hotter weather?

Temperatures here in the UK have been soaring over recent weeks with several records being smashed in the process. Let’s face it, when the warmer weather arrives we are all more likely to hop into clothes that will keep us cool, so the latest fashion trend (the onesie) is surely going to suffer a decline in sales and popularity as a result of this warmer weather?

Well actually, no. In my opinion there is still a need for a product like this. For me personally, I am lucky in the daytime that the sun doesn’t reach my home – it stays lovely and cool and is a welcome relief after my walk home in the sunshine at the end of the day. However, come the evening, my house is actually cold and wrapping up without having to turn on the heating is pretty important to me.

Wearing onesies to bed


Onesies for bedtime
Onesies for bedtime
The bedroom is one of the most important rooms to obtain a comfortable temperature in – as many people will understand, it can be difficult to sleep without if you are too hot or too cold.

It’s claimed that onesies were in fact re-born with students in mind – many of them unable to afford heating or living in accommodation that might be drafty and cooler, the onesie provides the warmth and comfort needed without the cost of counteracting these issues.

However, as I mentioned before, the onesie is also a useful garment for someone like me – a woman in her 30’s with a home that gets cold in the evening. In fact, some evenings I go to bed in one just to get a bit more warmth overnight without having to change my bedding!

Despite the fact many of them have some elaborate designs, there is still a onesie to suit everyone, with an example of a more plain style pictured to the right. So even though the onesie is really a winter garment, there are opportunities for it to be well utilised in the spring and summer months too, even if it is only for bedtime!

Onesie specialists Snuggaroo offer a great range of all-in-one pyjamas as well as footless onesies to suit a variety of budgets. Visit their website for more information.

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Small double beds in new designs

Originally, the idea of a 'thinner' bed that could fit into a tighter space was created with just a few designs in mind, so if you needed to purchase one it's likely the design choices available to you would be limited.

Small double beds have become far more popular over recent years though and as a result there are far more styles available making them likely to suit to decorative style in most homes.

I have seen lots of choices available in a 4ft width, with various materials and finishing touches used to create the bed. Some of my favourite examples include:

Small double beds in an antique style


Antique Small Double Beds
These bed frames are popular in all sorts of homes, having a more traditional feel, but with the modern twist that they can be purchased in the 4ft bed small double size!

Wooden small double beds


Lots of designs available in various wood materials although oak and oak effect currently seem to be the 'on trend' designs, you can still find more cost effective choices in pine and beech as well and all available in 4ft wide options.

Metallic small double beds

Self colour and coloured metal bed frames are probably the most cost effective option available and easy self assembly can normally be achieved, making them by far the simplest product to utilise in a difficult space.

And of course, even though the beds are slightly smaller than the standard double, the usual bedding will fit over the top of it (for extra warmth I even put on a king size duvet in the winter!).

Monday, 13 May 2013

Guest beds for ultimate comfort

In some homes, one of the beds that gets the least attention but should actually receive the most is a bed for your guests to sleep on.

Guest beds and bedrooms should be a relaxing place to stay and hopefully somewhere that your visitors will want to return to. With that in mind, there are an abundance of bed designs available the are really well suited to creating a luxurious room to spend a night or two in.

Design ideas for guest beds


There are so many ideas for the guest bedroom - some more quirky than others.

Day bed with trundle


Guest beds with trundle
This is one of the more popular, modern designs available and works really well for those that want to utilise their spare room on a day-to-day basis rather than just as a guest bedroom.

The bed frame is cleverly built so when not in use it functions as a seating area, but when needed as a bed, the 'trundle' folds out to create a comfortable double. The antique looking white frame is also a popular design that works well with some of the current home interiors.

Triple bunk beds


A more unusual option, but definately a space saver, a triple bunk bed offers value for money sleeping 3 people at once - 1 on top in a single and 2 below in a double bed. Some triple beds also offer additional storage space beneath that can easily be utilised in your spare room.

Pull out guest beds


More suitable for a childs bedroom, some pull out beds provide twin sleepers. A bed that is use regularly, with a spare located beneath for when a friend comes to stay. The spare normally folds out to a similar height, so in some cases this could also be a single that converts in to a double.

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

4ft beds in every style

Small double beds remain a popular way of retaining space in small rooms and their popularity means that an abundance of designs are now available to suit most rooms.

Small doubles are 4ft beds that provide enough sleeping room for 2 people, whilst providing an additional 6 inches of space at the side for a more comfortable fir in smaller spaces. There are lots of designs to choose from, some of my favourites include:

4ft bed antique style


4ft antique style bed
4ft antique style bed
Giving modern homes a more traditional feel on the inside is a popular way of decorating at present and as a result antique style beds remain a common choice.

This small sized antique style bed is a great example and the white finish will make it suitable for many rooms without having to worry about the decoration.

Modern 4ft leather bed



Modern 4ft leather bed
This modern brown leather bed is so similar to some of the most popular beds available today you would be forgiven for thinking it is a standard size, but in fact this is also a small double.

There is an added advantage with this bed as well, ottoman style storage is an additional space saving solution that allows for storage underneath the bed.

Contemporary Small Double Bed


Contemporary small double bed
For those looking for something slightly more modern or unusual, this contemporary bed is just one example of the newer designs available.

Created specifically with design in mind, the size of the bed is still smaller than a standard double, but the look is of something more modern than your average bed!

Wednesday, 9 January 2013

New year, new leather bed?

Items such as beds are popular at the time of year, partly because of the discounts and sales available and partly (I think) because lots of us look to make a fresh start in January. A clean slate for your home often means new furniture as well as decorative items and accessories.

Leather beds are amongst the most wanted styles at the moment, with fashionable colours such as brown and cream coming out top with consumers and black and white options also seemingly popular.

Modern double leather bed
Modern Double Leather Bed
Metal frames serve several useful purposes and, I think remain so popular because of their versatility of installation. If, like many of us, it would be difficult to install a whole bed into your home, then purchasing a frame will almost certainly make it easier to manouvre. Metal bed frames also come in several styles and colours from black antique looking beds to modern frames in silver.

Wooden beds can also come 'flat packed' and are well loved for kids beds as they are easy to maintain and in some cases can be painted in a variety of colours.

To be honest, I find the best way of choosing a bed is to test some out (along with the mattresses) in your local store and then search for your favourite online as the sales have quickly spread to the internet as well and tge choice available tends to be far greater.

Monday, 10 December 2012

Creating my own bedroom design for my new home

I am so excited to be moving in to my new home later this month, but there are so many things to consider before I move in, despite the event only being a couple of weeks away.

Principally I have been looking at the furnishings and decoration in each of the rooms and like so many other people, as this is a new home I want to have new furniture to match!

White Leather Bed
My first decision for the bedroom had to be the bed, and like I have said on this blog so many times, it was the first and most expensive decision to make. After much deliberation I decided to choose something that would match the built in wardrobes (white), so I opted for a white leather double bed along with white furnishings including a rug, bedside tables and chair as well as throws and cushions to match.

This will be my first white room and I hope to make it feel bright and lively so it assists me with waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead each morning!

In the past I have chosen to create bedrooms that are cosier, using warmer colours such as reds, browns and beiges and although they make the room feel warm, sometimes I have felt that the colours make me too cosy and less likely to get up.

It’s been an interesting process trying to decipher how I want my new bedroom to feel and although the "whiteness" might be seen as a disadvantage because of the brightness, I quite like the idea of having a room that will hold onto some light when I am on my own.

Thursday, 22 November 2012

Getting less but paying more for a small double bed

It seems crazy, but when you look closely at the price of a 4ft double bed you will probably find that an identical product with in a standard double size (4ft 6in) is cheaper.

However there is good reasoning behind this logic and its a trend that has continued in the bed industry (and many other manufacturing industries for that matter) for several years.

Sweet Dreams Arquette double bed
Despite requiring less materials, the 4ft double is less popular (although that is a trend that seems to be changing) and as a result there are more costs associated to making a smaller number of the product overall. It seems like an odd scenario, but from a manufacturers perspective is likely to make good business sense.

A good example is this Sweet Dreams Arquette double bed - at present the price online for a standard sized double can be found for £169.99, but the small double is more expensive at £179.99. An extra £10 for 6 inches less space!

The bed design shown here is a popular one, so the price is probably at the lower end of the scale anyway, but the difference in the two costs represents more than 5%, a surprising amount when you consider there are far less materials involved here.

If you look at the bed industry over the last 20 years you might also notice that the king size bed has been through a similar price process with the average price dropping more and more over recent years.

But there are always offers and deals on various beds that change on a regular basis, so finding something suitable for your home at the right price should always be possible.


Thursday, 27 September 2012

Could bespoke furniture provide a complete solution for your bedroom?

Finding furniture that is right for your home is always important and when you are considering your bedroom (in my opinion) it is even more vital the bed itself and the other items around it create a tranquil atmostphere to aid a peaceful night of sleep.

Bespoke Oak Bedroom Furniture
Many people find they can't find a solution right for them that comes off the shelf - pre packed DIY furniture is not always the right answer and as a result, manufacturers of bespoke oak furniture are helping many homeowners to find the right solution.

Of course there are lots of advantages to creating your own furniture, including:
  •  A choice of colours and materials can be used to create furniture that works with both your bed and the decoration of your bedroom.
  • Accurate measurements can be used to ensure that furniture is built specifically with the room in mind and fitting to the most obscure nook or cranny.
  • Choices of furniture are wide and creating your own will mean you ca pick and choose what you get. Dressing tables, chests of drawers, wardrobes and bedside tables are all popular, but end tables, chairs and storage chests are also popular for gap filling.
  • Manufacturers often provide a fitting and installation service, which can help with saving time and effort when installing the pieces.

A furniture manufacturer will be able to assist in confirming all the required information as well as providing a range of furniture possibilities for you to choose from.

Thursday, 20 September 2012

Could memory foam be the way to modernise a traditional bed?

For some time now, everyone seems to have been talking about memory foam mattresses. I can remember when they first arrived on the scene a few years ago. Here in the UK they were limited to the shopping channels and seems to be very expensive.

Traditional Metal Bed
These days they are available both on the high street and through well known branded bed sellers, so if you have a traditional metal bed, small double bed, upholstered king size or just a single there is likely to be a memory foam mattress that will fit.

When it comes to making the choice though it is often best to try out the firmness and comfort of a mattress yourself and get the right fit. As I have said here before, nothing can be more important than a good nights sleep and using the wrong mattress over time can start to make that a tall task.

Of course it is a matter of opinion, for every consumer I have heard say great things about the product there has been another that still prefers their traditional sprung mattress. Some people find the mattress toppers do the job, but if your mattress needs renewing it will just be a matter of time before the whole thing has to be replaced anyway.

For more information and advice on finding a memory foam mattress (or indeed any mattress) that is suitable for your needs I would reccommend speaking to a bed supplier that offers several brands, that way you will have a wider variety of styles to choose from.

Monday, 30 July 2012

Modern and traditional ideas for guest beds

Guest bedrooms receive far more attention these days, with decor and furnishings in keeping with the rest of the house, it seems we want to make our stayover visitors feel more welcome than ever before these days.

The styles of guest bed available have come on a long way since the days of the traditional foldaway. Guest beds with trundles are becoming popular. These styles of bed are often dressed to look like comfortable seating areas during the day and then the spare bed (stored beneath) can be rolled out and raised to create a double bed in the evening.

Foldaway Guest Bed
Looking at the designs of guest beds you can see there are some distinct differences between the styles available, with wooden and leather designs more popular for a modern or minimalistic home as well as antique style beds that are well suited to more traditional decor and cottage living. However with the right furnishings, all the different types of bed can fit in well in many homes, the most important factor is probably making sure the bed is comfortable enough for your guests when they stay!

Matresses that fit the bed properly are also an important consideration for this reason. In many cases guest beds are sold without a mattress, so be sure to check whether you need to order one seperately when making your purchase.

Of course, guest beds are not just required in a room of their own. Sometimes a stored or fold away bed is necessary for a childrens bedroom if friends come to stay. These types of beds can be especially useful for those with limited space in their home.

Monday, 11 June 2012

Is sharing a bed better for your health?


It doesn't matter why you are purchasing a new bed or mattress, at the end of the day all everyone really wants is a good sleep and the pursuit of good sleep is a big consideration for some many of us.

With this in mind I was interested to read recently that a study has shown that sharing a bed is better for your health that sleeping in a single bed. The reasons for this seem to be broad and despite the fact that so many of us suffer with partners who snore, have regular nightmares and move about in the night causing much disturbance.

Small Double Bed
Of course if you are looking to purchase a new bed, there are things you can do to help mitigate these issues. Comfort and suitability are both considerations here.

Bed warmth

We all have a temperature we are most comfortable at. Many of us sleep outside the bed during the summer months in order to cool down, so choosing not only a bed frame, but also a quilt and sheets that help reduce the warmth is also important. As small double beds become more popular this is an even bigger problem as the heat from 2 people will trap more easily in the smaller space.

Bed materials

You might also want to think about the type of bed you are using. Some materials for the frame will be warmer than others and (although this is down to personal preference) you might find some designs less comfortable than others.

Mattresses

Probably the most important thing to think about is the mattress, especially when it comes to comfort and temperature. Whether you want something firm or soft, it is often a good idea to 'try before you buy' with many consumers checking mattresses in stores before making a decision and purchasing their choice online.

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Time to get a new mattress?

The bed we use every day is one of the most important pieces of furniture at home and in most cases much time and effort is put into considering both the design of the bed frame and the bedding used on it.

However it seems the statistics show quite a different trend is taking place with one of the most important aspects of the bed - the mattress.

Mattress example in white
According to recent reports, the vast majority of us are sleeping on mattresses that are either too old or not maintained properly and many people are ignoring the signs of bugs that might be living in them. There are lots of ways you can improve the hygiene of your mattress, not least by using the hoover on the surface to collect the dust particles that will have arrived during the night.

Mattress comfort is another consideration and I was surprised to read that some people are sleeping with a mattress that is the wrong size for the bed. I presume this is in an effort to save money and / or space (depending how the room is set up).

Checking the firmness of your mattress should also be considered when you are looking at purchasing one. Firmness will wear over time and typical signs of this include spring openings on the fabric and dips in the mattress itself.

Frankly, a mattress is not an expensive item to replace and if you already have a sturdy bed frame you might be able to replace it on its own. If you are looking for a whole new bed then most manufacturers will tell you to replace the mattress too, this way the new mattress can adapt to the new bed, rather than reforming based on the shape of the old one.

For more information on selecting the right mattress for your needs, speak to a specialist with a wide range of products available who should be able to provide you with some choices that are suitable for your needs.

Monday, 27 February 2012

Maximise your spare room space with a triple bunk bed

I have spoken on this blog several times about the advantages of purchasing a small double bed as a way of saving space in your home - especially when considering a spare room or guest room.

 However, if you have a large space that (for whatever reason) needs 2 beds, there is another solution that may work better and will save some of that all important floor space.

Triple Bunk Beds

Wooden Triple Bunk Bed
Triple bunk beds have space for 3 people to sleep with a single bed on the top bunk and a double bed at the bottom.

Frame styles for the triple bunk bed are often the same as standard bunks - wooden and metal frames are popular and tend to be simpler for the user as their self assembly can be very fast.

In addition to this the bottom double has a much larger storage area beneath so there is extra space for out of season clothing, bed linen and other bulky space wasters!

The image pictured on the right shows a standard sized triple bed - the single on top is 100cm wide and the double below is 147 cms wide, making them ideal for children and adults alike. These standard sizes often make it simpler to choose a matress, as the styles are easy to source, purchase and install once the bed is ready.

Metal Triple Bunk Bed
The image on the left also shows a triple bunk bed with a metallic frame - as you can see the style of the frames makes them suitable for most homes and easy to clean and maintain if they are being placed in a childs bedroom. Besides this one of the other popular features here is that the double bed can be folded out into a sofa when its not in use - this makes great use of the space and works even better when a child has a friend to stay.


Due consideration should also be given to the mattress itself and although cheaper 'occasional use' matresses are available, there are also standard matresses that will fit and offer your guests a good night of sleep.

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Bed designs that provide space saving solutions

Like many others, your bed is likely to be one of the largest and most used items of furniture in your home. With many people spending upwards of 50 hours per week in their bed it is no wonder we are all searching for something that is both comfortable, affordable and (most importantly) suitable for the space we have available.

4ft Beds have become far more popular in recent years and I believe this is a sign of the current economic climate. With home owners, renters and landlords all looking to save money, downsizing your home and the furniture within it can be a useful way of doing so.

As I mentioned, beds are one of the largest items you will have in your home and as a result are also likely to be one of the most expensive, but purchasing a small double bed might be a solution that saves both space and money at the same time.

Saying that, saving on money and space doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise on quality.

4ft Leather Beds


4ft Leather Bed
This example of a small leather bed shows that you can still purchase a stylish and modern design whilst still saving the space in your home.

Popular dark brown faux leather is used here, but options are available for black and white styles as well as real leather (obviously at an additional cost).

4ft Metal Beds


As I have mentioned on previous posts, Metal beds come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit both modern and more traditional homes.

Manufacturers use the same designs to create a small double bed with metal frame that once again saves space and may even provide some additional storage solutions beneath the bed!

The 4ft width saves about a quarter of width when compared with a standard double, which can mean many rooms that were previously thought to be single can now be created as double.

So whether you are looking for a bed for your guest room or something for you to personally use on a daily basis, there is no reason that a small double can’t look stylish and be comfortable and affordable all at the same time.

Monday, 19 December 2011

What is a daybed with a trundle?

Beds themselves are amongst the largest items of furniture you will purchase for your home, but if you are looking for a stylish item of furniture that is both functional as a bed and stylish when not in use, then I think you might want to look at a daybed with trundle.

I recently heard the phrase "trundle" for the first time and many other people have no idea what it means either. Wikipedias Dictionary, Wiktionary,  describes a trundle as:

"A low bed, designed to be rolled/stored away, usually on casters, under a higher bed, e.g. for temporary use by guests."

So in short, a guest bed that can be hidden away.

Combining this idea with a daybed gives you a functional double bed for those last minute guest visits, that will also act as a seating area in a living room or spare bedroom when not in use. Some of the more recent designs are very fashionable and popular finishes include metal and wood.

Wooden Daybed with Trundle

Wooden Daybed with Trundle


This example of a wooden daybed would work well in most modern homes and with the right accessories will fit in well with most colour schemes.

The trundle is stored beneath the bed and has sturdy legs to support the additional bed when in use. The aesthetics of the bed are largely uneffected by the additional matress beneath and this is mostly thanks to the well-matched wooden materials used on both sections.

Metal Daybed with Trundle

Metal Daybed with Trundle


If you are looking for a more traditional design this antique style metal daybed could be a perfect fit. This black example also houses the trundle bed beneath the main surface and acts as a comfortable seating area when the bed is not in use.

For a lighter feel many of the designs also have a white or more neutral finish available, also making them well suited to most colour schemes.

As mentioned in my post below, antique style bed frames offer a luxurious look with a far lower price tag than real antique beds and are a popular and fashionable choice at the moment.

Dressing these beds is simple as both sections require standard size single matresses. Sheets would therefore need to be single sized with suitable duvet covers for a double bed.

So if you are short on space, but need a guest bed solution, then a daybed could be just what you are looking for.

Monday, 21 November 2011

Keep your bed fresh to avoid the bed bugs!

It doesn’t matter what style your bed is –Metal, Leather, Divan or Wooden beds can all suffer from the infestation of bed bugs if you don’t take proper care of them!

The Daily Mail reported today that 1 in 8 people are currently sleeping in bedding that has not been washed for over a month.

Tracy Emin Wooden Bed
It is said that many people cited lack of time and washing costs as the reason for not changing their bed clothes and although these seem like honest reasons for this, what is the cost to those sleeping in the dirty laundry and the bed they sleep in?

Well an infestation of bed bugs can cause a skin reactions, psychological effects and allergic symptoms. The bugs themselves can live for up to a year in your mattress and bite you once every 5 days. Once an infestation has broken out the biting and irritation can be constant and both this and the infestation can be hard to control. Calling in an expert pest controller is really your only option at this stage.

However, long before things have got this bad you could take preventative measures to stop the bugs getting there in the first place. Simple measures like cleaning your mattress, leaving the sheets to air during the day, not eating in bed and changing the sheets regularly will all assist in keep bed bugs at bay. Regular vacuuming of the room, dust removal and general cleanliness are also helpful factors.

The newspaper showed Tracy Emins Turner Prize winning unmade bed as an example, and although most of us don’t have a bedroom like this, there are clearly lots of people who need to improve their bedroom cleanliness.

Interestingly the report also confirmed that many people also sleep on mattresses that are over 10 years old. As I have mentioned before, old mattresses are a common reason for back and neck pain as well as being a principal culprit in causing poor sleep patterns. Some people hoover their mattress in order to assist with cleanliness and remove any dust or skin particles that can get stuck over time.

Of course, if you have an old bed then purchasing a new one is often a good way of starting your journey towards a good night of sleep. And if keeping bed bugs at bay is your principal concern then you might want to get a lightweight and easy to clean frame to make hygiene practices far easier for you.

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Can a Bed Design be the key to an excellent night of slumber?

Its fair to say that many people don’t pay enough attention to their bedroom. We spend many hours there (all be it asleep) but a recent survey has shown that some people don’t replace or even flip their mattress for years and uncomfortable beds make for a bad night of sleep.

Something as simple as a comfortable bed design with a luxurious feel and finish can make you feel more relaxed and prepared for a good night of sleep. These Leather, Metal and Wooden beds are good examples of the luxury designs that are available today:

Leather Bed

Leather Bed
This Brown Leather finished bed looks very comfortable.

The bed itself is delivered part assembled and has a more sturdy bottom than the standard slatted system, making it longer lasting and far more comfortable.

Metal Bed

The modern metal bed pictured has a sturdy frame that can be put together quickly and easily.

Metal Bed
The added advantage here is the amount of under bed storage available, which means you can make the bedroom a sanctuary of calm without the clutter.

One tip for this is to buy a duvet that is a size larger than the bed. This way you will cover the multitude of sins hidden beneath. Don’t forget to get the correct size of fitted sheet though!

Wooden Bed

Wooden Bed
Oak finishes on beds are particularly popular at present and the strong materials make them highly suited to modern bedrooms that need a hard wearing solution.

The finish is well matched with other oak furniture and a suitable mattress can assist in helping you drift away.

Whatever type of bed you are considering, make sure you choose a suitable mattress and accessories that will help to give you that perfect night of sleep!

Tuesday, 30 August 2011

Antique Beds without the Antique price tag!

As I have mentioned on here before, there are lots of choices to consider when purchasing your new bed, whether you are looking for a Leather, Guest, Wooden or Metal Bed Frame.

However trends within the design industry normally dictate what is currently popular and after reading several interior design magazines recently for my own renovations, I have found that Antique styles are very trendy.

I have seen everything from garden baskets to bedside tables all created using metal and finish with an antique French style paint.

So what are your choices if you are looking to design a bedroom in this way? I have found lots of bed choices with various benefits available, including:

 

Antique Style Double Bed

Antique Style Bed Example 1

This bed is great for traditional homes and being white in colour make it easy to accessorize thanks to current trends.

The clean lines on the foot and head of the bed give it a modern feel on a traditional style.

 

 

Antique Style Small Double Bed

Antique Style Bed Example 2
The small double bed is an excellent space saver for those looking for a guest room solution.

Saving you an additional 6in but still providing you with the space to sleep 2, this bed has a more traditional feel and work well in an old style house with some crisp white bed linen.

 

 

 

Antique Style Black Double Bed

Antique Style Bed Example 3
This iron look might work better if you are considering darker colours in your re-decoration scheme.

The iron look is particularly popular at the moment, and many people use light colour bed linens to offset the bed frame.

And there are hundreds of other choices available depending on your requirements which include storage solutions, fold out and hideaway spare beds and other ornate features within the design.

Monday, 18 July 2011

Guest Beds - make your visitors feel at home!

We have all had people to stay in a Guest Bed and we have all stayed in one at other peoples homes, whether you are attending an event or just visiting during a holiday.

But lets be honest, most of us expect an uncomfortable night of sleet when we are outside of our own familiar bedrooms, don't we?

Well, when you are re-decorating or renovating your guest room, it is worth considering a few additional factors in order to give your guests the most comfortable night of sleep possible. I have thought about this a lot recently and here are a few things that are important in my opinion. Many of these considerations are simple to effect and will help your guests to feel refreshed and happy when they wake up the next day.

Oak Guest Bed
The Bed
Well its fair to say that the standard guest bed is not really suitable any more - the foldout beds we all remember are now a thing of the past and an abundance of other styles are now available. Although the fold out bed was never comfortable, it was popular because of how space saving it was. However, guest beds today offer space saving solutions that still offer a good night of sleep. Take the pull out guest bed (pictured) - this bed is normally a single, but with a couple of small changes will convert into a comfortable (and sizable) double suitable for a good nights sleep for two. Most importantly, make sure the matresses are suitable for the bed as a poor mattress is one of the most common reasons for a bad night of sleep.

The Bedding
We all know the feeling of having crisp clean bed sheets when we start a slumber, so why not treat your guests to the same feeling. Bedding doesn't have to be expensive and some of the most luxurious bedding around can be found online at excellent prices.


The Room
Make the room as welcoming as possible, just by making sure there is a light that is easy to turn on in the dark you can make a huge difference. Some people go even further and provide a kettle, cups and tea or coffee so their guests can make a brew when they wake up without disturbing anyone else.

There are many things you can do to make a guests stay comfortable and this list is by no means exhaustive. If you are looking to purchase a new bed for your guest room and are looking for suitable space saving solutions then speak to a bed manufacturer or supplier who will be able to give you more information on the range of products available.

Monday, 27 June 2011

Antique Furniture for the Modern Home

I have researched lots of styles of furniture as well as current trends and fashions and ideas such as colours, materials and finishing touches seem to change on a regular basis.

However, over the years I have noticed more and more that people enjoy having antique furniture that suits their modern pieces.

Speaking of bedrooms specifically, items such as dressers, bedside cabinets and other units are very popular and with new techniques being developed to restore these items to their original quality, it is no wonder more and more people are looking for antique bargains at auction houses.

Of course, most med styles will compliment other antique furniture well, including:

Metal Beds
Most popular are the Antique style metal beds that are work will in both traditional and modern homes. The french frames come in various colours including brass, gold, white, black and metal all of which work well with different styles of antiques.


Wooden Beds
Depending on the finish, wooden beds might even match a piece of antique furniture and can be purchase in oak (whether bespoke or off the shelf), a material commonly used by furniture makers in earlier years.

Bedroom Furniture
Leather Beds
Although the most popular styles of Leather Bed are normally quite minimalist, the most popular colour (brown) can work well with some older furniture. For example, many victorian and edwardian chairs used brown leathers and make stunning additions to a dresser or just as a feature in the room.

Whatever you are considering for your bedroom makeover, have a look at local auctions and sales and you might just find some bargain antiques that will compliment the look of your room well.