Buying guide to beds

Is your guest bed buckling, your futon flagging? Experts at the British Sleep Council say beds should be replaced every 10 years. So if you're not sleeping so great or the mattress is looking a bit tatty, this could be your wake-up call to buy a new bed!

Measure up before you buy and take into account doorways, access to your wardrobes, and the position of existing bedroom furniture.

Standard bed sizes

You can choose between two main types of divan bed base:

• Platform top divan bases have a rigid fixed top for a firmer experience.
• Sprung edge divan bases are sprung across the top, making your bed feel bouncier and more luxurious.

A popular size is the double divan bed. Compared to the king size divan, it uses a little less space so is good for smaller rooms.
And here are your storage options:

Divans offer plenty of mattress options, from medium to firm, so you can pick the level of comfort that's just right for you. Whether you're after a single mattress or a double mattress, our mattresses buying guide will help you decide.
Most divan beds don't include headboards so you have the flexibility to choose your own style.

Our headboards will set your bedroom off a treat. You'll love the range of colours and finishes from faux suede and faux leather to wood, metal and chrome. Slotting easily into place, they're the perfect finishing touch to your bedroom scheme.
Look for added details such as built-in or clip-on side tables and lockers, and attached lights for reading.

Available in wood, metal, leather or fabric-covered designs, bedsteads feature a slatted wooden base to accommodate the mattress of your choice.
You can get Homebase bedframes separately, or save money by buying the frame and mattress together as a package.
By the way, slatted bases are great for ventilating your mattress but still give you firm support.
Need a spot of storage under your bed? Check the height of the frame from the floor, and try handy options such as under-bed sliding drawers.
And you'll like this...bedsteads are generally flat-packed for simple self-assembly so they're easy to manoeuvre in your home.

Adjustable beds - for sheer luxury lying down! You get total control over your sleeping or resting position at the touch of a button.
Using an easy-to-reach hand-held control panel, you can position each section independently. So you'll find the perfect set-up for sleeping, reading, watching TV or simply relaxing.
Electric adjustable beds are also ideal for anyone with a medical condition that makes sleeping difficult, or for those with limited mobility.
They're available in single, double, divan or bedstead options. For safety, look for a splash-proof motor and end clops to ensure the mattress stays in position when the bed head is raised.

Lots of fun for children and ideal for small rooms, bunk beds and high sleepers make the most of your floor space while creating extra sleeping options.
Standard bunk beds feature two single-size bed areas, while triple bunk beds have a double-size lower bunk area with a single bunk above - perfect for sleepovers!
Need some flexibility? Look for bunk beds you can split into two single beds. Left or right option ladder fixings give you greater freedom when positioning your bunk bed.
High sleepers double up bed space with combinations of seating areas, a desk, workstation, bookcase, wardrobe, drawers, or even slides, playhouses and tented areas.