Monday, 7 December 2020
Sleeper Couches: Consideration Before Buying
Shopping for sleeper couches is more than just about picking a look you like. That’s because there are several types of mattresses and configurations and each one can affect sleeping comfort, sitting surface and space planning.
Futons. The most basic of sleeper couches, a futon has a metal or wood frame with a single mattress on top. When it’s folded up, the mattress creates both the back and seat of the couch. While pretty comfortable as a bed, a futon can leave something to be desired as a couch, since it has a firm and somewhat unforgiving seat.
Daybeds. A daybed is a single twin mattress that sits in a frame to give it the look of a couch. Since the frame lacks the cushioning of a standard couch, this style is best for a room that’s not going to be used regularly for entertaining.
Standard foldouts. This style is probably what comes to mind when you think of sleeper couches. The mattress is supported by a thick, canvas-like fabric that’s secured by springs on the side. Foldout mattresses come in a few different options: all innerspring, all-foam or innerspring with an air topper — which seems to be the winner for comfort. These sleepers require more space since you need room to unfold the mattress.
The foldout sleeper comes in a wide variety of styles. Comfort and quality vary widely depending on the manufacturer, so if this is going to be a daily-use couch, purchase the best you can afford. The couches lack the supportive springs found in a non-sleeper couch, so they do feel a little different when you sit on them. As for sleeping, the thin mattress means you may feel the support bars when you lie down.
Pullout pop-ups. This style operates like a trundle: A bottom mattress pulls out from under the couch. You can use it as two twin beds or pop the lower mattress up to create a larger bed. You don’t need as much space to pull out the bed since it has you sleeping parallel to the back of the couch.
Since it’s an actual mattress, the pullout pop-up style provides a comfortable sleeping surface. It’s also comfortable as a couch, as long as you like a more firm seating surface — you’re sitting on one of the innerspring mattresses. It can also be used in multiple configurations, such as a family-size chaise.
Other things to consider. While comfort and style are important when choosing a sleeper couch, there are other things you should consider as well: how it will be used, how often it will be used for sleeping and what size room it will be in.
How will it be used? Is this going to be a main couch in a living room or something used a lot less frequently in an office or guest room? If it’s going in the living room, you’ll want seating comfort to be a priority. Choosing a cushion with an innerspring core can help make up for the loss of the spring suspension.
How much sleeping will it get? If the couch won’t be used for weeks at a time as a bed, then a standard foldout sleeper should be fine. For more regularly used sleepers, consider a pullout pop-up or an air-topped foldout mattress.
How big is the room? You don’t want to have to move lots of furniture around whenever you want to transform the couch into a bed. Foldout sleepers take up the most space when converted to a bed. If you have a tight fit, go with a pullout pop-up.
Sleeper couches are a great solution when you don’t have a designated guest room. While there’s usually some sacrifice on couch structure or sleeping comfort if you keep your priorities in mind while shopping at Bed King, you’ll be able to get the best of both worlds.
Article sourced from: https://www.foxnews.com
Monday, 16 November 2020
Top Mattress Shopping Tips
You spend a third of your life in bed, so you might as well be comfy! Check out these mattress shopping tips - whether you’re in the market for a single, double, king or queen size bed.
Do you ever wake up feeling like you didn't sleep at all? Is your back pain getting worse with every passing day?
If you have lower back pain, you're not alone. Back pain is the most common cause of disability and the leading cause of people calling in sick to work.
If you're tired of taking expensive pain medication and you want to avoid surgery, you should know that your back pain might have a simple fix. Improving your condition could be as easy as buying a new queen bed.
In this article, we'll give you valuable mattress shopping tips. We'll also give you some tips on finding a mattress online.
1. Get the Right Size
The very first step in buying a new mattress is to figure out what size you really need. In general, you should get a queen or king for two adults.
Otherwise, you're stuck sharing a small space. The average full-size mattress is only 135cm across.
If you have two people on a full-size bed, each person will only have about 60cm of room to lay in. That's about the width of a crib mattress!
On the other hand, a king-size bed is 200cm across. That's like having two twin beds next to each other, giving each person room to stretch out while they sleep.
If you're not sure which size to buy for your teenager, you should know that there is an option called twin XL (single extra length). It's longer than a regular twin by about 30cm.
You'll have to buy special sheets for that size bed, but it's a good bet for fast-growing teens. Lots of colleges have twin XL beds as well.
2. Test Before You Buy
Typically, the next step to buying a mattress is to go to a mattress store and test out a few styles.
Not anymore, you can find the best size bed for your needs at Bed King - thanks to their innovative mattress recommendation technology!
If you're concerned about germs in the mattress store, don't worry. Stores disinfect their beds regularly.
Just bring a towel or flat sheet and lay down on top of it instead of laying directly on the sample bed.
3. Find the Perfect Firmness
Wondering what to look for in a mattress? You want to find one that's big enough and that is priced fairly, but you also need to find the right degree of firmness.
If you have low back pain or another chronic condition, talk to your doctor or physical therapist. You can also ask the mattress salesperson what they recommend.
Keep in mind that every mattress company has its own firmness scale. There is no universal measuring system, and one company's "firm" could be another's "medium."
Some mattresses have supportive inner springs, while others are made entirely of foam. Foam tends to retain warmth and moisture, so you might want to skip it if you tend to overheat.
Inner springs work well with firmer mattresses but can wear out with continued use. Memory foam, on the other hand, springs back after you get out of bed.
This is another good reason to test out mattresses before you buy them.
4. Invest in a Good Foundation
Once you've found a good mattress, it's time to consider the foundation. Your mattress store may give you a metal mattress frame for free, but you have other options.
If you need storage, you might want to consider buying a captain's bed. These are wooden bed frames that have pull-out drawers on each side. It's the equivalent of having another dresser.
If you like a sleeker, more modern look, you might like a simple wooden foundation. This type of platform is usually low to the ground, so skip it if you have trouble getting up in the morning.
Even if you do use the metal frame, you can make it more stable by adding a sheet of plywood. This extends the life of your mattress by spreading out your weight and stabilizing the frame.
Talk to your salesperson about the types of frames you can buy, and see if you can try a few before you make your decision.
5. Review the Return Policy
Before you buy a mattress, make sure that you have a look at the return policy. Whether you're buying online or in a store, make sure that you have at least a 30-day window to do returns.
Also, take your time and review the warranty that comes with your mattress. You may have to pay for a protection plan, and it may come with a list of requirements.
For example, if you have a stain on your mattress it could void your warranty. You may have to buy a waterproof mattress cover to protect the mattress itself.
Surprisingly, removing that little tag that's attached to the mattress will also void your warranty.
If you end up ordering online, make sure that the return policy covers damage from shipping. You don't want to get stuck with a damaged mattress that can't be returned.
6. Maintain Your Investment
Now that you know how to shop for a mattress, let's talk about how to maintain it. Many people don't know that they should rotate their mattresses every three months.
If you have a memory foam bed or pillow top bed, don't flip it over but do rotate it regularly.
Kids love to jump on beds, but they don't realize that they're ruining the inner springs. For active kids, invest in a memory foam bed that will retain its shape.
But skip the bunk beds. Studies show that most bunk bed accidents happen with kids under the age of 10.
To extend the life of your beds, try not to perch on the edge of your mattress. If you're watching TV, try to sit back against the wall or headboard.
You can even vacuum your mattress once in a while. If you keep a cover on it, you won't get much dirt, but it's always a good idea to disinfect your mattress every two months or so.
If you're sharing the bed with your spouse, you might want to switch sides once in a while. This will even out the wear and tear on your mattress.
Article sourced from: https://bedscapetown.wordpress.com/2020/11/16/top-mattress-shopping-tips/
How To Get Superior Sleep
While it’s fairly common knowledge that quality sleep is essential to overall wellness, there are several factors that can keep you from getting the rest you need. However, overcoming them is well within your control.
“A lack of sleep can often be the result of poor habits, environmental variables or a combination of factors,” said Dr. Sujay Kansagra, an associate professor at Duke University Medical Center and sleep health expert for Mattress Firm. “Undiagnosed medical disorders aside, most people find that overcoming their sleep obstacles is very achievable.”
Try improving your sleep with these seven tips from Kansagra:
Create an atmosphere conducive to sleep by choosing comfortable bedding and setting the thermostat to a temperature between 68-72 F. An ambient noise machine may drown out traffic and other sleep-disturbing sounds. If it’s not possible to completely darken your room, try installing dark-out curtains or wearing a sleep mask.
Blue light emitted by electronic devices and ambient light may delay or disrupt your sleep. It’s best to remove or limit cellphones and other sources of bright light from the bedroom at least 30 minutes before it’s time for you to fall asleep.
Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. At about the same time each evening, listen to soothing music, read a book or take a warm bath or shower. Yoga moves that relax muscles and promote steady breathing can be helpful but avoid vigorous activity that accelerates your heart rate before bedtime.
Be conscious of factors that may affect the quality of your rest. If you have reflux or experience frequent back pain, your sleep may not be as restful. Consider upgrading your king size bed with an adjustable base that allows you to change your sleep position with the simple push of a button. A slight elevation to your neck and head can allow for a more open airway and a quieter night of sleep. Adjustable bases like those from Mattress Firm offer a movable foundation for your mattress. Because of its adaptability, an adjustable base is suitable for sleepers with chronic pain or reflux, as well as the average sleeper looking for more comfort.
If your mattress shows signs of age, it may be the reason you have trouble falling asleep. There are several factors that determine the “shelf life” of your mattress, including quality and usage, so it’s important to evaluate your mattress regularly to make sure it’s still giving you the support you need for a good night’s sleep.
If you are unable to fall asleep after 20 minutes, try getting out of bed and doing something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Staying in bed and watching the clock increases your anxiety and can make it more difficult to drift off.
Remember that good daytime habits promote better quality sleep at night. You may be rewarded with a better night’s sleep by exercising daily, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and reducing or eliminating nicotine. Avoid naps during the day if possible, but if one is required, limit it to 30 minutes or less and take it early in the afternoon. Get outside during the morning to enjoy the benefits of natural light, which is a strong regulator of the biological clock.
We’re of the opinion that mattress size also plays an important role in quality sleep and believe king size beds are the best for getting restful sleep every night. We also suggest choosing a bed from Bed King due to their range of beds, as well as their quality.
Article sourced from: https://www.globenewswire.com
Wednesday, 16 September 2020
Kids Beds: Your Handy Guide
Sooner or later, your little bundle of joy will turn into one bouncy toddler. They will outgrow their clothes, shoes and of course, that crib where they have been dozing in for a few years. While there is no recommended exact age in moving your kid from his crib to a toddler bed, you do have to be aware that the longer the child sleeps in the crib, the more he becomes emotionally-invested to it and the more challenging it will be for parents to convince him to use a standard kid’s bed.
- When is the right time to introduce toddler beds?Answer: If possible, parents need to wait until the baby is 15-18 months at the least. They should also observe whether the baby can finally remain secure and comfortable in a toddler bed. If you bought your child a toddler bed but the child refuses to sleep in it, do not force them to use it. Try convincing them after several weeks, even a month. In general, many toddlers, upon reaching 20 months of age usually settle down to using their toddler beds.
- What are the advantages of using a toddler bed?Answer: Toddler beds are safer compared to regular-size beds—it’s lower and also includes guard rails. Toddler beds also provide children with the leeway to get on and off their beds any time they want, without the assistance of their parents.
- What factors should I consider when choosing a toddler bed?Answer: First, you need to look for toddler beds with a lower bed height. The bed should be low enough so your kid can still sit on the bed edges, with their feet touching the floor. To prevent toddlers from rolling off of the bed, make sure the bed has guard rails throughout the sides and the back. Make sure that the bed has strong, durable legs or supports. The package must include clear, precise instructions on setting up the bed for extra safety. Choose the material which works well with your child—most toddler beds are made from wood and plastic materials. Plastic is lightweight and easy to care for while wooden ones are stronger and can tolerate more weight and usage.
Monday, 17 August 2020
Affordable Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas
Making the most of a small space can begin with just a bit of careful thought and zero budget. If your bedroom is feeling cramped and crowded, start by taking a good look at how you’re using the space and what changes you can implement to make things feel more spacious. Here are a few tips that can really help make a smaller space feel bigger.
If your bed has unwittingly morphed into a lie-in wardrobe-come-work space, and your dressing table has expanded to a wall-to-wall feature, it’s time to redefine your spaces. For the sake of mental breathing room and a good night’s rest, protect your sleeping space from other intrusions and make sure your bedroom doesn’t have an identity complex.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but bigger pieces of furniture and accessories can actually help create a sense of spaciousness, while smaller ornaments and accessories make a space feel busy. Less is more – but don’t be scared to go big!
Space is in the eye of the beholder. If everything points to one central point in the room, it will feel like the walls are closing in. Leading the eye upwards and towards the room’s edges will help create a better sense of space. Face a chair towards the window, and position your dressing table or standing wardrobe towards the end of a wall to draw focus outwards. Hanging lamps and mounted wall lights are also a great way to pull focus upward.
Streamlining your colour scheme, and sticking to lighter, neutral colours will help to ‘open up’ the space. You can bring in your favourite colours and add some personality with well-chosen accessories. Use mirrors in prominent positions to add depth and dynamic.
Whatever the size of your bedroom, your bed is going to play the lead role. But that doesn’t mean it has to steal centre stage. Tucking your bed into a corner (even if you need to leave a little room for a bedside table) frees up space and makes things feel cosier.
Smart storage solutions are a small bedroom’s best friend. There are tons of different innovations and nifty DIY options out there, so here are just a few concepts to get the cogs turning.
If you don’t have built-in cupboards, you don’t have to sacrifice a huge corner of your room on a bulky wardrobe. Use more of the vertical space with a custom-made garment rail above a low chest of drawers.
Again, it’s all about thinking up. Floating shelves are cheap and easy to install, and can be used for storing things you’d like in easy reach, or for other uses like a bookshelf, shoerack, nightstand or even a desk. Also remember that the space above the bed doesn’t need to go to waste. Storage headboards are a popular space-saving option, and one with mounted lamps and easy access compartments can replace bedside pedestals altogether.
Make the bed the hero of the room in more ways than one. A storage bed is a stylish and clever way to keep clutter organised and save on space and budget. Even if the initial cost is a bit more, it usually works out cheaper than buying a bed, and desk or cupboard separately.
You effectively double your use of the available space when your furniture serves more than one purpose. Who says a low or medium size dresser can’t double as a bedside table? Another great option for a nightstand is a rolling bar cart with open compartments for your books, night-time drinks, extra blankies or whatever else you may need in easy reach.
If you like to have extra seating in your room, you may love the look of a bed-end storage box or bench. For something even smaller, consider a stylish ottoman that doubles as a chair, nightstand and a stepladder for reaching that overhead storage. Wooden crates and pallets are also a lovely rustic option to add some inexpensive storage space which can double for pedestals, seating or small tables.
One really low effort ‘cheat’ to inject that extra bit of originality is to replace old drawer handles with modern, decorative ones.
Whatever your décor appetite and trolley size, Cielo has something to inspire you with our wide range of bedroom furniture. And don’t forget to check out our exciting online sale items today.
Monday, 3 August 2020
Debunking Myths About Mattresses
If you’re looking at beds, Cape Town to Johannesburg, to find the best bed - do yourself a favour - read this blog and check out Bed King’s range!
Getting past the gimmicks to the truth about YOUR mattress
Buying a new mattress is a lot like buying car insurance. Comparing features and prices from brand to brand is challenging because there are so many variables. Innerspring or latex, organic or natural, euro-top, pillow-top or luxury-plush – the combinations of what’s inside your mattress are endless. And because buying a new bed isn’t a frequent purchase (thank goodness!), the learning curve will always be painful.
Sorting through the clutter of information in the mattress industry and hone in on what matters to you – a GREAT night’s sleep – will help you make an informed purchase. Before visiting a mattress retailer, arm yourself with common sense and learn the difference between myth and truth. And if you’re curious about what mattress is best for your age and stage of life.
Mattress myth 1 – Replace your mattress every 8 years
The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7-10 years, depending on comfort and support. The truth is that the life of a mattress varies wildly, which depends on how you take care of it, how you sleep on it and how often you rotate it.
Think of your mattress as performance gear for your sleep. Just like a good pair of running shoes can help you run faster and prevent injuries, a supportive mattress can deliver better, healthier sleep. You’ll know when it’s time to shop for a new mattress based on how you feel when you wake up.
Mattress myth 2 – A firm mattress is the best mattress for your back
To minimize pain and discomfort and help your body relax into healing, regenerative sleep, you need a mattress that conforms to your favourite sleeping positions while supporting all areas of your body – conformability and support. In general, mattresses fall into three categories.
- Soft mattresses tend to conform to your shape but fail to deliver uniform support across the entire body.
- Medium-firm mattresses tend to deliver equally on conformability and support and alleviate pressure point pain in most people.
- Very firm mattresses offer good support but little (if any) conformability, which can lead to pressure point pain.
Mattress myth 3 – The right mattress will prevent tossing and turning
Babies start rolling over in their sleep at around 4 months of age and by adulthood, we’re moving as much as 75 times a night – whether it’s a simple twitch or a full-out roll. We move during the night to alleviate pressure point pain and to reduce stress and strain on our backs and joints. A good mattress will reduce how much you move at night by providing pressure point relief, which will allow you to slip into deeper, healing REM sleep.
Mattress myth 4 – Your new mattress should be a perfect fit from the first time you sleep on it
Most people need at least a month to adjust their bodies to a new sleep surface. Considering how long we spend in bed in a 24 hour period, it’s no wonder that our muscles and joints have a memory of how to find the most comfortable spot on the mattress. Does that mean you should only buy from a mattress retailer that offers a comfort guarantee? Not necessarily. If you’ve done your research, shopped around and spent time testing out a variety of mattresses, your mattress purchase should be a natural progression of those activities.
Mattress myth 5 – A mattress should be flipped every few months to keep it in good condition
Most mattresses today are made one-sided, which means they should never be flipped. So, how can you ensure maximum enjoyment of your mattress and reduce body impressions?
- Sleep in a variety of positions and places on the mattress so the entire surface compresses evenly.
- Rotate your mattress monthly for the first 6 months and quarterly after that.
Please note: when you first start sleeping on your new mattress, rotate every two weeks for the first two months. And remember that body impression is normal up to 1 ½ inch and not a structural defect. The upholstery materials are conforming to the weight and shape of your body, which is a good thing.
Mattress myth 6 – Buy a mattress with the longest warranty possible
Mattress warranties do not refer to the life expectancy of your purchase. The warranty covers workmanship and materials and just like many products used with extreme regularity, you’ll notice wear and tear before you reach the end of the warranty.
When buying a new mattress, read the warranty carefully even though there’s very little difference in the terms and conditions of warranties from manufacturer to manufacturer. It’s good to note that transportation costs (to and from the factory) are usually not covered in the case of repair or replacement. As well, a new warranty is normally not issued when the mattress is replaced.
Mattress myth 7 – It’s against the law to remove the law tag on your mattress
The warning against removing the law tag of your new mattress tag can be intimidating. The truth is that once you’ve bought the mattress and it’s in your home, you can do whatever you want with it. But if you ever need to file a warranty claim, it needs to be attached to the mattress because it contains critical information that will help the manufacturer process your claim.
What’s the cost of a good night’s sleep? If you spent R20,000 on a new mattress (for example) and slept comfortably on that mattress for 7 years, the cost of healthy sleep would be R7,83 per night – much less than the cost of a store bought coffee in the morning…
Rest well & wake up ready to go!
Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach.
Article from: https://bodaciousbedrooms.weebly.com/blog/debunking-myths-about-mattresses
Friday, 3 July 2020
Sleeper Couch Buying Tips
1. Space Saving Seater/Sleeper
2. Two-in-One – Cost-Effective
3. From Couch to Bed – Versatile
4. Sleeper Couches are Comfortable
5. Aesthetically Pleasing
- Frame
- Mechanism
- Comfort
- Size
- The Mattress
1. Quality Frame
2. Mechanism = Transformation
- Drawer
- Futon
- Pull-out
- Electronic
3. Comfort is Crucial
4. Size Matters
- Size of the Room
- Seating Required
- Size of Bed
5. The Mattress
Sleeping Styles for Sleeper Couches
- Back sleepers: Plush and Soft
- Side sleepers: Medium Firmness
- Stomach sleepers: Hard and Firm