Contents

• Bed Sizes
• Bed Types
• Spring Systems
• Divan Beds Explained
• Firmness
• Terminology

Bed Sizes

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.

Bed Types

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 bed frames 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.

Spring Systems

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 Explained

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.

Firmness

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.

Terminology

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.

Storage Options

Where extra storage space is required, a divan 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 material 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 beds with drawers. Where space is limited at the side of the bed an end drawer may be a better option. A small single, single and three quarter divan bed can only have a maxium of two drawers, whereas a double and above can have up to four. If you require assistance regarding storage options then please call us on 0845 643 2564 or contact us. Our range of storage options shown below are not available on every divan bed and are for guidance only.

2 Drawers	4 Drawers	2 Drawers Continental	3 Drawers Continental
4 Drawers Continental	1 End Drawer	Sliding End Drawer	No Drawers

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.