No doubt you know that we spend around one-third of our lives sleeping, but has that affected what you take into account when buying a bed? And what’s fashionable right now when it comes to accessorising your bedroom?
Choices. These days we face so many of them, and that’s most certainly the case when we’re bed and mattress shopping.
As with most furniture purchases you ultimately tend to get what you pay for, but even if you can’t afford very top-of-the-range right now, it’s useful to know what to look for and breaking down some of the current jargon around bed-buying can be helpful.
Farmers marketing manager for home, Jessica Lawrence, says that a continuous coil system is where the entire framework of the bed’s mattress is made of wire.
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“This means that they are all connected to one another, so if partner disturbance is an issue in your bedroom, this might not be the option to go for.
“It’s a cost-effective system though, and it works well for heavier people.”
Alternatively, in a pocket-spring mattress, the individual springs are encased in fabric and because they’re individual, you tend to keep to yourself in bed and not bother the other person.
In a zoned pocket spring mattress, some zones have extra support, which is typically achieved with a tighter coiled spring – for example, in the central third of the bed, where there is typically the most weight on the mattress.
Jessica says that the latest, and perhaps most notable, current technology is KülKōte, which assists in temperature management.
This system was initially developed for use in space, and according to manufacturers, Sleepyhead, a unique water-based polymer is used in conjunction with temperature reactive micro-capsules to create a breathable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly surface infusion that absorbs and releases heat energy at specific temperatures, for a more comfortable sleep.
Generally speaking, in terms of price, here in New Zealand, the sky is practically the limit when it comes to choosing a bed, and an especially opulent king bedframe base and mattress can be right up there with a small car, at around $11,000. Harvey Norman stocks beds at this price-point, wherein you’re looking at a Danish-made, split super-king. adjustable bed with therapeutic support and individual elevation. For elderly people, suffering with stiff joints this may well be a worthwhile investment as it offers contour features that really do shape to your body and this type of bed is especially good if one or other of you sleeps best in a more upright position.
On the other hand, if budget is a major consideration, there are some good basic, new beds for sale online and at major chain stores, but it’s important to inspect what’s on offer and read the descriptions carefully.
While some do come with a mattress, not all mattresses are created equal, by any stretch of the imagination, and you may find yourself with something that’s so thin as to be totally ineffective and very uncomfortable, so do make a point of using question- and-answer features to ensure you know exactly what’s on offer.
While it’s possible to find inexpensive, fashion-forward linen, both on-line and at the mall, if you’re buying a quality bed it pays to invest in quality pillows, duvet covers and sheets.
Ingrid Memelink established her well-known Nuffield Street retail store, Harrowset Hall, in Auckland’s Newmarket over twenty years ago. She says even since the re-launch of giant 277 Westfield on Broadway, customers are searching her out.
“I quickly realised that there are still many, many people who are committed to buying the best linen they can possibly find, and it was really lovely, enjoying this overwhelming outpouring of support.”
Ingrid has buyers who source stock for, her all around the world, but she’s especially keen on encouraging local talent, such as MM Linen.
Based in Christchurch, the company has artists who hand-paint botanical patterns which are then digitally printed on 300 thread count sateen.
“This is the kind of linen that lasts for years so it’s actually greener buying this way and paying more than you would at the mall for inexpensive duvet covers and sheets that will be worn out in a few months,” says Ingrid.
