Contents
Standard UK bed sizes:
Small Single - 2' 6" (75cm) x 6' 3" (190cm)
Single - 3' 0" (90cm) x 6' 3" (190cm)
Small Double (Three Quarter) - 4' 0" (120cm) x 6' 3" (190cm)
Double - 4' 6" (135cm) x 6' 3" (190cm)
Kingsize - 5' 0" (150cm) x 6' 6" (200cm)
Super Kingsize - 6' 0" (180cm) x 6' 6" (200cm)
The dimensions above refer to the sleeping area/mattress size of the bed. Bed
frames in wood, metal or fabric will have an overall width and length greater
than the sleeping area due to the nature of the beds construction, these
dimensions are stated against the individual items. Divan beds will be the same
width and length as the sleeping area.
A 'Queen size' bed is not a term used in standard UK bed manufacture and can be
used to refer to a number of different sizes. On the whole it is considered to
be a size in between a single and double, 4' (122cm) x 6' 3" (190cm), however
in the US it can be a small double or even as big as 7' x 7'. If you are unsure
as to the size you require then please don't hesitate to contact us either by
calling 0845 643 2564 or by email.
Beds are largely split into two categories divan beds which generally offer a
range of storage options, and are available with a choice of sprung or platform
top bases, and bedframes which are now made in a vast range of materials
including wood, metal, leather and fabric.
Today more specialist beds are being developed to maximise space and storage,
to provide for occasional guests and for the comfort of sitting up and
reclining in bed.
We have split our range into easily identifiable categories such as Metal,
Divans, Wooden, Fabric, Children's, Leather, Electric, etc, and provided the
facility to search within the categories against a set of criteria which is
relevant to the bed type.
Open coil - An open coil spring system is made by
inter-twining high tensile steel and turning it into one complete frame of
springs. This is then linked together by a tighter coil of steel running either
horizontally across or vertically up and down the length and breadth of the
frame, creating a complete spring unit. The term 'gauge' refers to the
thickness of the wire used to make the spring, 15 gauge is quite soft with 12.5
gauge being fairly firm in feel. Bonnell - is a method of producing open coil
spring systems and is widely considered to be one of the best available.
Pocket Sprung - A pocket sprung system is created by turning
high tensile steel into individual springs which are then wrapped into their
own pockets. The springs are either placed in the mattress by a machine in
rows, or on more expensive models they are put in place by hand and secured by
a stitch which is also done by hand, this is called 'hand nesting' and is a
very labour intensive process.
For more information on spring systems, please see our
Mattress Spring System Guide.
Memory Foam - Please see our
Memory Foam guide.
Latex - Latex is made from natural rubber which is tapped from
the rubber tree. The liquid raw material is then converted into block latex
which is used in the manufacturer of mattresses. The two different processes
used to convert rubber into latex are the Talalay process and the Dunlop
process.
The best latex used in the manufacture of mattresses is 100% natural but
synthetic forms are also used.
Natural latex is non toxic. Hypoallergenic , anti-microbial and dust mite
resistant it is perfect for asthma and allergy sufferers, it provides a clean
and healthy sleep environment. Where an open cell structure is used it provides
a natural ventilation system throughout the mattress. Natural latex conforms to
our body's contours and evenly supports the spine to provide optimum support.
Divan beds consist of a base and mattress (headboards are not included). We
supply a full range of divans, many of which are available direct from stock.
There are a wide range of divan bed manufacturers and most divan beds are still
manufactured in the UK for domestic use.
There are two types of bases for divans. Traditionally all divans had springs
in the base and this type of 'sprung edge' base is still a firm favourite
offering enhanced levels of support and comfort. The 'platform top' base which
has a solid and sometimes padded lid, will make the mattress feel firmer and
generally offers a cheaper option. For more information, please our section on
base types.
The level of support and firmness provided by a divan bed is affected by the
type of mattress chosen. We classify our mattresses into six grades of
firmness:
- soft
- medium soft
- medium
- medium firm
- firm
- extra firm
firm and extra firm mattresses are often referred to as 'orthopaedic'.
The firmness of each mattress is dependent on factors such as the spring type,
the sort of filling used and the construction. Each divan bed listed states its
firmness rating in the description.
Spring system
The Spring system used in the mattress is absolutely crucial in determining the
overall comfort level of the mattress.
Open coil - An open coil spring system is made by
inter-twining high tensile steel and turning it into one complete frame of
springs. This is then linked together by a tighter coil of steel running either
horizontally across or vertically up and down the length and breadth of the
frame, creating a complete spring unit. The term 'gauge' refers to the
thickness of the wire used to make the spring, 15 gauge is quite soft with 12.5
gauge being fairly firm in feel. Bonnell - is a method of producing open coil
spring systems and is widely considered to be one of the best available.
Pocket Sprung - A pocket sprung system is created by turning
high tensile steel into individual springs which are then wrapped into their
own pockets. The springs are either placed in the mattress by a machine in
rows, or on more expensive models they are put in place by hand and secured by
a stitch which is also done by hand, this is called 'hand nesting' and is a
very labour intensive process. The mattress is then filled and layered with a variety of fillings in very much
the same way as the open coil mattresses. The fillings again range from
natural fibres such as pure wool and lambswool, mohair, silk, cashmere
and even latex, to man made fibres such as reflex foam and memory foam
and supersoft white fibres which all have their own brand names like
'superluxe' and 'ultraluxe'. the most luxurious mattresses will have silk,
cashmere, pure lambswool and/or memory foam and latex.
Cover
The cover used for the mattress is important in the overall comfort feel of the
mattress. So it is important to know what you are getting for your money;
Jacquard - is a type of fabric, woven on a complex loom to
create elaborate patterns on one side of the material. In contemporary
furnishing the term Jacquard is used to refer to the type of loom that is used
to weav modern fabrics such as Damask. It is ideal for mattresses, furnishings,
curtains and upholstery.
Damask - is a reversible, soft, glossy fabric woven on a Jacquard
loom to form intricate and decorative patterns. It is made of several fibres
and blends such as linen, and offers a rich and durable finish.
Microquilting - 'micro-quilting' or 'panel quilting' is a type
of decorative stitch which holds the fillings in the mattress in place by
running a stitch across the surface of the mattress in a pattern creating a
flat sleeping surface, it is ideal for those who prefer a very smooth, even
feel.
Hand Tufting - involves pinning the fillings at specific
points on the surface of the mattress with a long stitch that runs from the
surface down through the inside of the mattress to the core of the spring unit,
they look like buttons pressed onto the mattress and create a wavy surface.
Hand tufting is found on most of the more expensive pocket sprung mattresses.
Most divan beds are available with a range of storage options as follows:
Where extra storage space is required, a bed with drawers in the base unit
offers a great solution. A choice of smooth running, side or end drawers are
available on all our divan bases. The drawer fronts are upholstered with the
same cloth used for the mattress and base and are flush fitted - a simple and
easy way to turn wasted space into storage.
Please consider your room layout carefully when ordering divans with drawers.
Where space is limited at the side of the bed an end drawer may be a better
option. Storage options 5 to 9 are only available on beds larger than 4' 6" (135 x 190 cm). If you require help regarding storage then please call us on 0845 643 2564 or email us.
Base types
Divans
Sprung Edge Divan Base - The sprung edge divan base provides
extreme luxury. As the name implies the springs come right to the edge giving
real edge to edge support. The springs are built into the base that the
mattress sits on and will provide a luxuriously supportive feel.
Platform Top Divan Base - The top of this divan base is solid
and padded, to enhance mattress support and provide a firmer bed.
Firm Edge Base - This is also a sprung base but differs from a
sprung edge base as the springs are encased with wooden walls so that the edge
of the base is solid.
Bedsteads
The base of the bed that you choose can greatly affect the overall feel of your
mattress so it is important to understand which type of base will be most
suitable for you.
Metal mesh base - this is generally the economy choice it is sometimes used for children's beds where the base may need to withstand an abnormally high level of rigorous treatment. It is simply a metal wire base that is interwoven and laid across the bed frame, and is very firm.
Slatted base - Traditionally this was the base type used on
wooden beds, the (usually) solid pine slats are laid across the bed frame, in
bigger beds there will be a central spine that runs the length of the bed with
two sets of slats in each half of the bed, they will make the overall feel of
the mattress slightly firmer as they are solid slats of wood and are not
responsive to weight and pressure.
Rod base - This is basically 'slats' which are made from metal
rather than wood and is the least common type of base on a bedstead.
Sprung slatted base - rapidly becoming the most widely used
form of base for bed frames. They are typically made from Beech and are very
slightly bowed which allows a responsiveness that isn't found on solid slatted
bases. They make the overall feel of the mattress slightly softer due to the
spring effect and are the best types of frames for prolonging the life of the
mattress, due to the 'give' effect caused by the bow in the slats removing some
of the initial pressure from the mattress.
|
Bedroom 
