You spend around one third of your life in bed so the bed you choose needs to be just right. An uncomfortable bed can rob you of an hour’s sleep every night, and being disturbed by a restless partner will lead to poor-quality sleep for the both of you. Choosing a luxury bed is not a decision to be taken lightly so do your homework. Here at Juliettes, space in our showroom is limited so we cannot display every bed we offer. However, we can customise any bed to your exact specification. So try out as many beds as you can. Decide which size, which firmness rating and which fillings suit you best, then come and talk to us. We’ll incorporate all your favourite features into one perfect luxury bed.
Here, we’ll give you a quick rundown on choosing a luxury bed. But make sure you check out our Luxury Bed Buyers Guide and Luxury Bed FAQs for more details and helpful information.
Set aside plenty of time
Never shop for a bed when you are rushed or tired. Choosing the design of luxury base you like is probably the easy part. Juliettes Interiors has an extensive range of beautiful designer beds in all colours, sizes and finishes to suit every style of décor. However, deciding on the perfect level of support and comfort is something that cannot be rushed. And if you are tired, every mattress will probably feel wonderful simply because it gives you an opportunity to lie down.
Shop together
If the bed is for two of you, go together so you can be sure that the bed you choose is right for both of you.
Try them out – for as long as you can
Wear comfortable clothes, take off your shoes and lie on each mattress for 15 – 20 minutes if you can. Lie in your favourite sleeping position for 10 minutes or so, then try turning over a few times and lie on your side and back for a while. If your partner’s moving disturbs you, this is not the right one for you. Do not be put off by people around you. Tell them in advance that you will be there for the next 20 minutes and, hopefully they will leave you in peace. Try as many mattresses and combinations of mattress and base as you can in the time you have. At our Chelsea showroom, you can try out our Hypnos Lusso mattress (made exclusively for Juliettes Interiors) and the top-of-the-range Eminence luxury mattress for as long as you like, and we’ll even bring you a cup of coffee in bed.
Buy base and mattress together
Your base and mattress need to work together over many years. With so many different combinations of base and mattress, it is important to test combinations to find out what is right for you. If you happen to have a gorgeous, vintage bed frame, or cannot bear to part with the base you already have, try out mattresses on a similar base if you can and make sure that the mattress you choose is suitable for your lovely frame.
You need support
Support is not the same as firmness, and comfort is very subjective. What is important when choosing a luxury bed is how the mattress fits around your body. It depends very much on your height, weight, build and preferred sleeping position. When you lie on your side, your spine should be horizontal. If it curves downwards like a hammock, the mattress is too soft. If you are raised on your shoulder and hip, it is too hard. There should be just enough give to follow your body’s profile and you should be able to turn easily without disturbing your partner. Back sleepers may prefer a firmer feel than someone who sleeps on their side.
Your weight makes a difference
Generally, the heavier you are, the firmer mattress you will need – but do not rely solely on a manufacturer’s or retailer’s firmness rating. There is no standardisation, and what feels medium to a strapping rugby player may feel far too firm for someone smaller.
Both need different support?
If there is a big difference in weight between you and your partner (3 stones/42 lbs/18 kg or more), you should consider either two separate mattresses that can be linked together, or look for a company that can offer a bespoke solution, with different tensions within one mattress. At Juliettes Interiors, all our mattresses can be fully customised to suit you and your partner perfectly.
Level of comfort
Comfort is a very subjective concept but if you are looking for a luxury bed, it goes without saying that it is not negotiable. At Juliettes Interiors, all our wonderful designer beds are manufactured by some of the world’s finest master craftsmen. They are created with both comfort and style in mind and give you the choice of an entire library of colours, fabrics and finishes. Our mattresses are all supplied by Hypnos, who have won the Bed Manufacturer of the Year Award again this year. These luxurious mattresses use a generous blend of natural and sustainable fillings with an intelligent pocket spring system. Different configurations offer an extensive range of comfort and support levels.
Bigger is better
The more space you have, the less likely you are to disturb your partner. Check out our Luxury Bed Buyers Guide for standard UK and US bed sizes, plus a whole lot more information. A UK standard double bed at 135 cm wide only gives each person 67.5 cm to themselves, about the same as a cot mattress. If you are tall, remember that a standard Double bed is only 190 cm (6’ 3”) long and a King Size is 200 cm (6’ 6”). If you are buying a bed frame rather than a divan base, you should choose something without a raised foot end.
You should both be able to lie side by side with your arms behind your head and your elbows out without touching. Ideally, your bed should also be around 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) longer than the taller partner. Some manufacturers make beds up to around 215 cm square – that’s approximately 7 feet – and at Juliettes Interiors, all our luxury beds and mattresses can be made to order in any size.
Check the dimensions carefully
Bed sizes around the world vary widely. The same name does not mean the same size so always go by the measurements, never the name. For instance, a UK King Size (150 x 200 cm) is around the same size as a US Queen. The American King is equivalent to a UK Emperor (both around 200 x 200 cm). US retailers may also offer a California King, which is 10 cm (4”) longer (but 10 cm/4” narrower) as part of a standard range. European and Scandinavian sizes are different again. Check carefully to avoid making a costly mistake.
Will it fit?
When choosing a luxury bed, always check the overall dimensions before you order it. Don’t go just by the size of the mattress. Different styles of bed can have a much larger footprint than you might think. Make sure you allow for the headboard, the foot end, and any shaping or curves. Take into account skirting boards, the opening arc of any doors (including wardrobes), the height of the headboard and position of sockets for bedside lights, chargers, etc.
Finally, check the access. Do you have narrow hallways or awkward bends on stairs? Large beds usually come in sections, the largest pieces being the headboard and the frame. And, of course, don’t forget the mattress itself. These will not bend to accommodate any tight spaces so you may have to consider another way in.
