Bed Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Bed
Buying a new bed is an important decision. The right bed should be comfortable, fit your bedroom properly, complement your interior and provide the storage and features you need.
At Highstreet Beds, we manufacture and supply a wide range of handmade beds in Leeds, including upholstered beds, gas-lift storage beds, ottoman storage beds and divan beds.
Whether you're looking for a single bed for a smaller bedroom, a double bed, a king-size statement bed or a practical storage bed, this guide will help you choose the right bed for your home.
Ready to start shopping? Browse our complete collection of beds and gas-lift storage beds.
1. What Bed Size Should I Choose?
Choosing the correct bed size should be your first decision.
A larger bed gives you more sleeping space, but you also need enough room around the bed to comfortably move through your bedroom and access wardrobes, drawers and doors.
UK Bed Size Guide
Bed Size & Standard Mattress Size
Single 90 × 190 cm
Small Double 120 × 190 cm
Double 135 × 190 cm
King Size 150 × 200 cm
Super King 180 × 200 cm
Remember that these are mattress dimensions. The complete bed frame may be wider and longer, particularly if you choose an upholstered bed with a large headboard or footboard.
Always check the dimensions shown on the individual product page before placing your order.
2. Should I Buy a Bed With Storage?
If you need additional bedroom storage, choosing a storage bed can be an excellent way to make better use of the space underneath your mattress.
Instead of filling your bedroom with additional cupboards and storage boxes, the bed itself can provide useful space for storing items such as:
- Bedding
- Duvets
- Pillows
- Towels
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Spare blankets
- Seasonal items
Two of the most popular options are ottoman storage beds and divan beds with drawers.
3. What Is an Ottoman Storage Bed?
An ottoman storage bed uses a lift-up mechanism to provide access to storage underneath the mattress.
The mattress platform lifts to reveal a large hidden storage area, helping you make use of space that would otherwise be wasted.
Ottoman beds are particularly useful for smaller bedrooms and homes where storage space is limited.
They can also be a great option if you want to keep bedding, clothing and other bedroom essentials neatly hidden away.
At Highstreet Beds, you can choose from a range of upholstered and lift-up storage designs.
Shop ottoman storage beds and divan beds.
You can also explore our beds and gas-lift storage beds for more upholstered bed designs and storage options.
4. What Is a Divan Bed?
A divan bed typically combines a compact upholstered base with a mattress and optional storage.
One of the biggest advantages of a divan bed is that it can provide useful storage without requiring a much larger bed frame.
Depending on the design, you can choose between divan beds with drawers and lift-up ottoman divan beds.
Divan Beds With Drawers
Drawer divan beds provide storage that can be accessed from the side of the bed.
They're particularly useful for everyday items that you want to access quickly.
Lift-Up Ottoman Storage Divan Beds
A lift-up divan gives you access to hidden storage underneath the mattress platform.
This can provide considerably more usable storage space than individual drawers.
Explore Highstreet Beds divan beds, drawer beds and lift-up storage beds.
Not sure which storage option is best for you? Read our Divan Drawer vs Ottoman Storage Bed Guide for a more detailed comparison.
5. Ottoman Bed vs Divan Bed: Which Is Better?
Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on what you need from your bed.
Choose an Ottoman Storage Bed If:
- You want plenty of hidden storage
- Your bedroom has limited storage space
- You want to store larger items such as bedding and duvets
- You prefer storage that remains hidden underneath the mattress
Choose a Divan Bed With Drawers If:
- You want quick access to stored items
- You don't want to lift the mattress platform
- You regularly use the items stored underneath your bed
- You prefer a compact and practical bed design
Choose a Standard Upholstered Bed If:
- Style is your main priority
- You don't require under-bed storage
- You want a statement headboard
- You want your bed to become a centrepiece of your bedroom
You can compare different designs in our full bed collection.
6. Choose a Bed Style That Suits Your Bedroom
Your bed is usually the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom, so it can have a major impact on how the entire room looks.
Before choosing your new bed, consider your existing:
- Wall colours
- Flooring
- Wardrobes
- Curtains
- Lighting
- Bedroom furniture
- Available floor space
If you're creating a luxurious bedroom, an upholstered bed with a tall or statement headboard can become a striking centrepiece.
For a more contemporary bedroom, you may prefer a simpler panelled or upholstered design.
Highstreet Beds offers a range of upholstered beds with different headboard designs, fabrics, colours and storage options.
Browse handmade upholstered beds and storage beds.
7. Choose Your Bed Fabric and Colour
The colour and upholstery you choose can completely change the appearance of your new bed.
Neutral shades can create a bright and relaxing bedroom, while darker colours can create a bold and contemporary appearance.
When choosing your bed, think about how the fabric and colour will work alongside your walls, flooring, curtains and existing bedroom furniture.
Remember that colours may appear slightly different on different screens and under different lighting.
If you'd prefer to see beds, fabrics and finishes in person before ordering, you can visit our bed showroom in Leeds.
8. Don't Forget to Choose the Right Mattress
Your bed frame is only part of the equation. Choosing the right mattress can make a major difference to your comfort and support.
When choosing a mattress, consider:
- Your preferred comfort level
- Your sleeping position
- Whether you share your bed
- Mattress construction
- Support
- Available bed size
- Your budget
Many Highstreet Beds designs can be purchased with a mattress, making it easier to order your complete bed and mattress together.
You can also purchase a mattress separately.
Shop mattresses from Highstreet Beds.
Our mattress range includes options for popular UK bed sizes including single, small double, double and king size beds.
9. Measure Your Bedroom Before Buying a Bed
Always measure your bedroom carefully before ordering.
You should measure the space available for the complete bed rather than relying only on the mattress dimensions.
For example, a standard UK king-size mattress measures approximately 150 × 200 cm, but the complete king-size bed frame may be larger.
Make sure there is enough space to:
- Walk around the bed
- Open wardrobes
- Open bedroom doors
- Access bedside tables
- Use storage drawers if applicable
If you're choosing a divan bed with drawers, remember to leave enough room beside the bed for the drawers to open properly.
10. Measure Your Doors, Stairs and Delivery Route
Don't only measure the bedroom.
Before ordering a large bed or headboard, consider how the furniture will reach your bedroom.
Check:
- Front door
- Hallways
- Staircase
- Landings
- Bedroom door
- Tight corners
- Low ceilings or restricted areas
Pay particular attention to the height and width of large upholstered headboards.
Checking access before placing your order can help prevent problems on delivery day.
11. Should I Buy a Bed and Mattress Together?
Buying a bed and mattress together can make the process simpler because you can select the complete setup at the same time.
Many of our beds are available with mattress options, allowing you to choose the bed design, size, colour, storage configuration and mattress options when ordering.
If you already have a suitable mattress, you can choose a bed frame in the corresponding size.
If you need a new mattress, browse our mattress collection before placing your order.
12. How Much Should I Spend on a New Bed?
The cheapest bed isn't necessarily the best value.
A bed is something you use every day, so consider the overall combination of:
- Construction
- Materials
- Size
- Upholstery
- Storage
- Headboard design
- Mattress
- Delivery
- Guarantee
- Customer service
Highstreet Beds manufactures and supplies upholstered beds in Leeds with a focus on style, comfort, practical design and value.
Buying directly from a bed manufacturer can also remove some of the additional costs associated with traditional retail supply chains.
13. Why Buy a Bed From Highstreet Beds?
Highstreet Beds manufactures and supplies upholstered beds from Leeds, UK.
Our range includes upholstered beds, gas-lift storage beds, ottoman beds, divan beds, drawer storage beds and mattresses in a variety of designs and sizes.
Customers can shop online or visit our Leeds showroom to see a selection of our products in person.
When shopping with Highstreet Beds you can benefit from:
- Beds handcrafted in the UK
- A wide choice of bed designs
- Ottoman and drawer storage options
- Different fabrics and colours
- Popular UK bed sizes
- Bed and mattress packages
- Delivery across many areas of the UK
- A physical bed and mattress showroom in Leeds
- Customer support if you need help choosing
Browse all beds from Highstreet Beds.
14. Visit Our Bed Shop in Leeds
If you're searching for a bed shop in Leeds, you can visit Highstreet Beds and see our beds and mattresses in person before ordering.
Our showroom gives you the opportunity to compare different bed designs, fabrics, colours, headboards, mattresses and storage options.
Highstreet Beds Ltd
55 Barkly Road, Beeston
Leeds
LS11 7EN
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10am–10pm
No appointment is required.
Visit our Leeds Bed Shop & Showroom page for more information and directions.
Bed Buying Checklist
Before ordering your new bed:
- [ ] Measure your bedroom
- [ ] Choose the correct bed size
- [ ] Check the complete bed-frame dimensions
- [ ] Decide whether you need storage
- [ ] Compare ottoman and drawer storage
- [ ] Choose your preferred bed style
- [ ] Select your fabric and colour
- [ ] Decide whether you need a new mattress
- [ ] Measure doors, stairs and access routes
- [ ] Check the individual product specifications
- [ ] Check delivery information
- [ ] Contact Highstreet Beds if you're unsure
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Bed
What is the best bed for a small bedroom?
A storage bed can be a practical choice for a small bedroom because it allows you to use the space underneath your mattress for storage.
An ottoman storage bed can provide a large hidden storage area, while a divan bed with drawers provides convenient access to everyday items.
Explore our storage beds and divan beds.
What size bed should I buy?
Choose the largest bed that comfortably fits your bedroom while leaving enough room to move around and access wardrobes, doors and other furniture.
Popular UK sizes include single, small double, double, king size and super king.
Always check the complete dimensions of your chosen bed before ordering.
Are ottoman beds good for storage?
Ottoman beds can be an excellent choice when storage is a priority because the mattress platform lifts to provide access to the space underneath.
They're particularly useful for storing bedding, clothing, pillows, blankets and other bedroom items.
Are divan beds good for small bedrooms?
Divan beds can work well in smaller bedrooms because of their compact design and optional built-in storage.
Choosing drawers or lift-up storage can reduce the need for additional storage furniture.
Can I buy a bed with a mattress?
Yes. Many Highstreet Beds designs are available with mattress options, allowing you to order your bed and mattress together.
You can also shop mattresses separately.
Where can I see Highstreet Beds in person?
You can visit the Highstreet Beds showroom in Leeds at 55 Barkly Road, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 7EN.
No appointment is required during opening hours.
Find Your Perfect Bed at Highstreet Beds
The perfect bed should give you the right combination of comfort, style, storage and value.
Whether you're looking for an upholstered statement bed, an ottoman storage bed, a divan bed with drawers or a complete bed and mattress package, Highstreet Beds has a range of options to explore.
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Find the right bed for your bedroom today with Highstreet Beds.