The Stuff of Dreams...

Glen King talks to Gary Dixie, of Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings, to demystify the myths surrounding buying beds.


Eighty per cent of bed shoppers spend less than two minutes trying out beds.*  But, as Gary Dixie points out: “We spend around a third of each day asleep, so it’s surprising that many people overlook the importance of making the best bed selection for them when it’s so key to our well-being.“It’s much easier to face the day and all of life’s challenges after a good night’s rest.”.

Highlight bed design 

When it comes to buying beds and mattresses there’s such a large range on the market that it can feel as though there’s a minefield of options 

and unfamiliar terminology – so make sure that you do your research and put time aside to get it right. After all, you wouldn’t buy a house without viewing it or consider buying a car and not at least sit in it – so adopt the same outlook when you

test drive a new bed. 

When visiting a furniture outlet don’t be embarrassed to “try before you buy” to ensure that you make the right decision. Wear comfortable clothes, kick off your shoes, and get bouncing! Compare a number of beds and lie down for at least ten minutes, adopting your normal sleeping position. If shopping for two, involve your partner and make sure that you try out at the same time – it’s also a great time to enjoy some pillow talk. 

Amore bedroom range

So which is the best mattress for you? *The correct way to check if a bed is right for you is to lie on your back and slip your hand between the base of your spine and the mattress. If it’s difficult to do so it’s probably too soft. Hand moves easily? The mattress could be too hard. For that perfect fit you should ideally be able to move your hand with a slight resistance A good mattress should last up to ten years. Comfort is all down to personal preference – some enjoy a firm base while others prefer the idea of sinking into a soft mattress. Ideally, it should mould to the shape of your body with optimum support. If you sleep with a partner and have clashing preferences on the required firmness, an independent retailer like Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings can create a mattress with different tensions on each side, ensuring a dreamy night’s sleep for you both.


It’s important to buy the best product on the market within your budget. Investing in a higher
quality bed and mattress reflects the construction and good support with a greater life expectancy,
so is more cost-effective in the long run.  Lower-priced mattresses are produced in standard tension, while more expensive options have the choice of soft, medium or firm tensions.
Sleeping on an uncomfortable bed can provoke or aggravate health issues from back and joint pain to insomnia. Having your sleep disrupted by a fidgety partner is one of the most common complaints; the ideal bed should be four to six inches longer than the taller partner for maximum comfort. A larger bed reduces the chances of disturbing each other – so, if you have the capacity, consider buying a King or Super King size for that extra elbow room and to allow space for younger children when they sneak into your bedroom in the early hours!

Avon New Web bed

Unlike a bed frame, a divan is made up of both base and mattress and is a perfect option if you
have little room. If limited to a smaller area, consider buying an ottoman bed as a practical
solution for providing invaluable storage space. Always think of the frame and mattress in unison,
not as separate items. Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary style; wood or metal
design; there are bedsteads on the market to suit all tastes. The bedroom should be your sanctuary and a place to escape; so much more than just somewhere to lay your head. It’s your personal 

space and somewhere to go to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate. With your new bed taking centre 

stage, complement the look with elegant bedding and matching soft furnishings to create a desirable 

ambiance. A headboard may be seen as an optional extra, but it can be the finishing touch, 

particularly with matching bedroom furniture to enhance the tone of the room as well as being 

practical in terms of storage. Get the look by teaming with stylish bedside tables, a chest of 

drawers, wardrobe, dressing table and mirrors to achieve a cohesive and pleasing theme that 

reflects your personality.

Annecy contemporary bedroom suite 

There are also many fun and eye-catching 

bedroom suites tailored especially for children, so 

get them involved in the selection process. With 

lots of designs and colours to choose from, it will 

help to encourage the little angels to go to bed on 

time at the end of a tiring day, so that everybody 

gets a good night’s sleep!

Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings
Church Road, Alphington, Exeter,
Devon EX2 8SW
Telephone: 01392 433292 or
e-mail info@queenstreet.co.uk
www.queenstreet.co.uk

*Sourced from The Sleep Council