Terms & Conditions

1. UK Sizes.

Please note all mattresses are made to a tolerance of approximately 1” (2.5cms) and some slight variation from the below sizes may occur.

Bedsteads are quoted in the size of mattress required, and the frame usually exceeds the size of the mattress. For instance a ‘4’6 Chatsworth bedstead’ measures 4’9” by 7’1” and takes a standard 4’6 double mattress. If your space is limited, please contact us for measurements of the bed in which you are interested.

2. Mattress types.

Essentially there are four main types of mattress construction. These are Open Coil Bonnell springs, Silentnight’s Miracoil spring system, Pocket Springs and Visco Elastic Memory Foam.

Open Coil Bonnell Springs.

Typically utilising 325 springs in a 5’0 size, the springs are joined in rows and usually have a ‘rod edge’ to give extra support at the border of the mattress. This creates a solid structure to which the mattress upholstery is attached; the cover and borders are then sewn at the edges. The springs themselves usually use 12.5, 13 or 13.5 gauge wire - 12.5 being thicker wire for a firmer feel and 13.5 slightly thinner for a softer feel.

Silentnight Miracoil Springs.

A Miracoil mattress contains twice as many springs as a Bonnell sprung mattress and each row (up and down the mattress) is made from a continuous coil of wire. These springs are ‘hinged’ with helical wire at the top and bottom to help distribute body weight up and down the length of the mattress, rather than across and help prevent ‘roll together’. Miracoil mattresses have springs concentrated in the centre third of the bed to give support where it’s needed most.

Pocket Springs.

Pocket Springs were invented about 100 years ago, and the design has changed little since then. Each spring works independently of it’s neighbour, nestled in it’s own fabric pocket. The pockets are joined together, but as the springs are not joined to each other the spring unit is more inclined to work with your body’s contours. This also helps eliminate ’roll together’ as only the springs directly beneath you are moving. Generally Pocket sprung mattresses utilise better quality upholstery to ensure long life and comfort.

Memory Foam.

Visco Elastic Memory Foam was originally developed by NASA to help combat the effects of G force on the body. It is a heat sensitive material, much denser than traditional foam, which reacts to your body warmth and moulds to your body shape. It then reverts to it’s original shape when you get out of bed. Whilst it is perhaps slightly warmer than some materials, it does prevent pressure points and reduces tossing and turning. Memory foam on mattress is usually 2” to 4” in depth and is either bonded to a solid block of reflex foam or used on top of a Bonnell or Pocket Sprung spring unit for a more traditional feel.

3. Bedsteads.

Our wooden bedsteads are chosen for value, style and strength. The pine beds we sell use timber from South America, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe from sustainable sources - pine is of course a ‘crop’. The Oak bedsteads use timber mainly from Eastern Europe and our other Hardwood beds come from Europe and Asia.

Most of the metal beds we sell are produced in Asia; the Original Bedstead Company are one of our largest suppliers and have a factory in India producing around 1000 beds a week.

Our upholstered bedsteads are produced in the UK and Asia, again carefully selected for quality and value.

Bedsteads sales have risen dramatically over the last decade, as fashions change and divans are not as aesthetically pleasing. Air circulates through the bed slats helping the mattress to breathe, and there is little to wear out on a bedstead, meaning you may only need to change the mattress next time round.

4. Looking after your Bed.

Your bedstead will need little attention, although it would be prudent to retighten the fixing bolts every now and then to help longevity.

Mattresses, unless non-turn, do need some care to help them last. When new your mattress should be turned over every couple of weeks, to allow the fillings to settle evenly. After a few months, turning once a month will suffice - we recommend turning end to end as well as turning the mattress over. Most mattresses use sumptuous upholstery which naturally settles - it is perfectly normal to experience ‘dips’ where you’ve been laying and this does not mean there is a fault. Turning regularly will help the mattress upholstery to settle. We do not recommend vacuuming the mattress as the suction can dislodge the fillings.

5. Tips for choosing your new bed.

Buy Big. A larger bed will almost certainly improve your sleep, particularly if there’s two of you. Moving from a 4’6 to a 5’0 makes a considerable difference as you’ll find you’re not nudging each other in your sleep.

Don’t go too firm. It’s very easy to buy a bed or mattress which is too hard - whilst your bed should be supportive remember that you need to sink in to it slightly. Your mattress should give at your hips and shoulders whilst still supporting your lower back. A bed that’s too hard can cause as many back aches as one that’s too soft.

Prioritise your budget. If your budget is £500 for a double bed don’t be tempted to spend £400 on a frame and £100 on a mattress - you’ll sleep better on a £300 mattress and £200 bedstead!

A good bed or mattress should last 8 - 10 years. This means the average £500 bed will cost only 14p per night over 10 years. An £800 bed will cost only 22p per night - what price a good night’s sleep?