beds 123 blog, from beds123.co.uk

Our latest £1000 winner has now been drawn!

2011-03-18T16:49:00.001Z

If you haven't checked your emails lately, now is a good time to do it.

One lucky person who subscribed to our email newsletter via our homepage (http://www.furniture123.co.uk) has just been emailed with the good news... they have won £1000 worth of furniture courtesy of Furniture 123!

Is it you? There's only one way to find out...

Eco Luxury Bedroom Furniture arrives at Beds123

2010-05-04T14:33:00.002+01:00

The new Soko Bamboo range at Beds 123 offers the best of both worlds. Not only is this range undeniably stylish, with a choice of two delicious finishes, aptly named caramel and chocolate, and an Orient inspired boutique look; it is also undoubtedly ethical. These stunning pieces of ‘Eco-Luxury’ furniture are produced by a carbon neutral supplier and made from the world’s most sustainable plant: bamboo. They feature low VOC paint finishes and use water based lacquers. So now you really can help save the Earth, one piece of bedroom furniture at a time.

Soko Bamboo Vanity Set
Shown here in chocolate, this stunning vanity set comprises a large dressing table with two drawers and even larger mirror that can be hung in portrait (as above) or landscape orientation. The refined lines of these classic looking pieces are accentuated by the bevelled corner and subtle ribbed details on the drawer fronts, which draw their inspiration from the Far East.

Soko Bamboo Bedroom Set
If you want to bring some Boutique hotel chic to your bedroom the Soko Bamboo Bedroom Sets (available in 3 and 4 pieces) are the perfect place to start. The stunningly tall Soko Bamboo Headboard, shown here in caramel, with it’s sunrise motif and ivory leather pads will instantly update a tired divan bed. The bedside table is equally tall and elegant. Then choose from a wardrobe (as shown above) or a dressing table with mirror.

Soko Bamboo 4 Drawer Chest
This striking chest is available in caramel, as shown, or chocolate. The graduated ribbing on the front of the 4 drawers contrasts with the sleek silhouette, while the natural bamboo material lends a warm, organic feel to the piece. This is the perfect way to bring some Eastern luxury into your bedroom.

Celebrate National Bed Month with a new bed from Beds 123!

2010-03-01T13:59:00.001Z

March is National Bed Month and it serves as a great reminder of importance of a good bed for healthy sleep. It also coincides with spring and the time we look to freshen our homes. With this in mind, Beds 123 is introducing some fabulous new additions to its online beds and bedroom store. These great beds combine style and functionality and there’s something for everyone, including the kids. The best part is everything is available from the online store now!

Mack Bed in White and Black
The Mack range of bedroom furniture offers a contemporary design which combines practicality and stunning good looks. The pieces in the range are minimal with bold contrasting panelling. The elegant white and polished black headboard complements the contemporary aesthetic beautifully and sits at an angle for added comfort. The Mack Bed in White and Black is available in 4 sizes has a quality slatted base that will provide fantastic mattress support.

Venice Brown Upholstered Bed
The Venice Brown Upholstered Bed is a smart yet affordable choice if you are looking to update a tired bedroom with a sleek, contemporary look. Upholstered in deep brown tones, with stitched details on the tall headboard, it also features sprung slats for comfortable mattress support, and it is perfectly completed with low profile legs. It is available in 5 sizes and comes with free next day delivery.

Beau White High Foot End Bed
Beau White is a hand built bedroom collection, designed with a hint of Italian detailing and a sense of a bygone era. Meticulously manufactured in solid pine and modern materials, these pieces possess a truly elegant look. Once painted, they are lightly distressed by hand for a smooth patina feel and an antique look. The Beau White High Foot End Bed also features ornate crests and scrolls that ooze romantic charm. It has a slatted base for firm mattress support and is available in 4 sizes.

Minnie Natural Midsleeper Bed with Pull out Desk, 4 Drawer Chest and Bookcase
The Minnie kid's bedroom range is a colourful collection sure to spark your little one's imagination. Crafted from solid Scandinavian pine, with a child-friendly, lacquer finish, this bed is long-lasting, sturdy and supportive. Cleverly designed with practicality in mind, the space-saving Minnie Natural Midsleeper Bed features a pull out desk, 4 drawer chest and bookcase. It also has a tall safety barrier and exceeds European safety standards and requirements. This great kid’s bed is available with or without a Continental Single (90cm x 200cm) superior sprung interior mattress.

National Bed Month is an initiative of the Sleep Council and is held every year. This year their focus is on sleep as the "NEW ALL ROUND MIRACLE CURE!... According to latest research, a comfortable uninterrupted seven or eight hours sleep each night can relieve stress, slow down the ageing process, boost your mood, your physical and mental performance and cure a wide range of aches and pains." What more of an excuse do you need to buy a new bed?

Avoid a nightmare before Christmas with the Beds 123 Next Day Delivery store

2009-12-15T17:25:00.004Z

Long lead times are a common yet not so welcome fact when buying furniture. Beds 123 have decided to put an end to that by offering more than 500 of our best selling products with next day delivery.

This service does not cost any extra so delivery is still free on everything! The next day delivery store covers all areas, so if you need a guest bed or a sofa bed in a hurry we're here to help!

Teen beds to treat older kids and ease growing pains

2009-08-11T17:21:00.000+01:00

At Beds123 we are always looking for ways to help you find the bedroom furniture you need. With this in mind, we have introduced a dedicated teen bed and bed frames department, which is perfect for when your adolescents have out grown their novelty kids bed and need to assert themselves as young adults.

With a range of styles there is something to suit all emerging tastes, as well as practical solutions to help with traumas such as homework, and the peace of mind that comes from well known brands such as Silentnight Beds and Relyon.

We even have beds available with free next day delivery to create that ideal teen bedroom quicker than your teenage darlings can say "that's so unfair"!

Relax! March is National Bed Month

2009-03-02T16:31:00.003Z

According to research, more than 50% of people cite the reason for replacing their old bed is that it's broken! And Sleep Council research suggests another third replace their beds because their old one is uncomfortable. Most people spend one third of their lives asleep, so it's worth getting this important piece of furniture right to ensure a peaceful night's sleep. And National Bed Month (1st-31st March) is the ideal time to do it.

If your bed looks tired and saggy, if you don't wake up feeling as refreshed as you did a year ago, or if you wake up with pains that disappear over the course of the day, then it's probably time to change your bed. The recommended life span for a bed or mattress is 7-10 years but with so many great designs and new technologies to choose from who can blame you for changing them more often!

So where should you start when looking for a new bed?

"It partly depends what sort of budget you've got," explains Jessica Alexander from The Sleep Council. "You can buy a new (double) bed for under £100 - or spend several thousands. But you do tend to get what you pay for so it’s worth investing as much as you can afford."

Beds 123 have a huge range of bed frames, divan beds and mattresses from all the big name manufacturers. You will also find all the other bedroom furniture you need to create your perfect room, such as wardrobes, and chests of drawers as well as headboards and memory foam pillows. Beds 123 also offer children's beds, bunk beds, guest beds and sofa beds - meaning everyone can get a good night's sleep!

If you need more help choosing, you can contact our team of bed specialists for further advice.

Beds123 - buying bedroom furniture made easy!

Update your bedroom furniture with a click of a mouse on Beds 123

2009-02-12T17:05:00.002Z

As spring approaches and we look to freshening our homes, Beds 123 can lend a helping hand with its fabulous new range of bedroom furniture sets. These great combinations offer everything needed to transform a tired bedroom, as well as considerable savings on purchasing separates, and they are available from the Beds 123 online store now!

Savona Bedroom Set
A dynamic range with luxurious finishes, the Savona will give your home a clean, fresh look. Thoughtful touches, such as foot operated wardrobe lights and elegant curved legs, mean this set offers the height of supreme living. The sleek white and high gloss black finish of this stunning range will transform a tired bedroom into the contemporary paradise you’ve always dreamt of. Set comprises: bedstead (in choice of sizes with black or white headboard), two bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobe.

Santiago Bedroom Set
The beautiful Santiago range will bring an air of class to any bedroom. With elegant lines, its simple shapes are eloquently finished in deep wenge tones. Curvaceous metallic handles complete the truly decadent look. This bedroom set will offer you plentiful storage space so your bedroom can be kept free of clutter. Set comprises: bedstead (in choice of sizes), two bedside tables, two chest of drawers and wardrobe.

Bedrooms with Heart and Soul from Beds123

2008-11-27T14:56:00.000Z

It is often stated that the kitchen is the ‘heart of the home’ but the bedroom is where we inevitably spend one third of our lives, albeit asleep most of the time. A warm and inviting bedroom with bags of character and good old fashioned charm is the ideal tonic to cold winter nights and mornings. Furniture fulfilling all these requirements and more is available from the Beds 123 online store.

Nyon Walnut Bedroom range
http://www.beds123.co.uk/layouts/item.asp/itmid/14355/d/Nyon-Walnut-Bedstead
The Nyon Walnut range is the perfect way to add a warm, homely feel to any bedroom space. Its rustic walnut veneers set in solid American oak frames deliver an invitingly bold aesthetic, accentuating both traditional and contemporary décors for an infinitely engaging bedroom setting. The Nyon Walnut bedroom range comprises 11 pieces, including a wide choice of chests and a stunning mirror that measures more than three and a half feet.

Woodsen Pine Bedroom range
http://www.beds123.co.uk/layouts/item.asp/itmid/10858/d/Woodsen-Pine-Bed
The Woodsen Pine bedroom range is at the peak of traditional furniture design. Crafted from the finest pine and designed with an easy elegance that lends itself to most décors, the pieces in this collection are warm and inviting, ensuring a genuine charm with the minimum design fuss. The Woodsen Pine bedroom range comprises 6 pieces, including a small, yet perfectly formed bedside table.

Valentino Bedroom range
http://www.furniture123.co.uk/layouts/item.asp/itmid/14136/d/Valentino-Bed
The Valentino range exudes a rich and romantic charm that will see it perfectly at home among any bedroom environment. The effortless blend of tradition and class comes courtesy of the attractive oak finish combined with bold panel detail, creating an elegant yet practical range of bedroom furniture. The Valentino bedroom range comprises 6 pieces, including a beautiful panel fronted wardrobe.

As the UK's most experienced online bed retailer, you will find a fantastic selection of items for every bedroom, all accessible from the comfort of your own home. Beds123.co.uk offers free delivery on all items to mainland UK. The 7 day money-back guarantee ensures that customers are able to receive a full refund if they are unhappy with their purchase.

Avoid Tears at Bedtime with Bedroom Makeovers for Kids from Beds 123

2008-06-17T16:55:00.002+01:00

Are tears at bedtime something that all parents must slavishly endure, or is it possible to avoid the nightly struggles and standoffs? Beds 123 may not be able to offer parenting advice but they can offer a fun and functional range of children’s bedroom furniture that will make the bedroom a more appealing place! (And while it may not mean much to the kids, you can rest assured that the products below are all made in the EU, alleviating any worries about standards or working conditions.)

Zelie White Bedstead
This striking bed from the Zelie range of children's bedroom furniture boasts a stylish lacquer coating and simple design that set it apart from traditional children’s furniture. The Zelie bed boasts a clean aesthetic whilst maintaining a charm and appeal perfect for any child’s bedroom. The range also includes a wardrobe and bedside table, making the perfect set up for any wannabe princess.

Sam Bed
Looking for a bed that will drive the kids wild with excitement? Then choose the Sam Bed, complete with animal stickers to turn any bedroom into a veritable menagerie! The multi-coloured stickers add a playful element to this neutral bed and your choice of which coloured animals to use will mean that this bed will fit effortlessly into any bedroom. The Sam Bed also comes with optional underbed drawers and shelving unit which will make untidy bedrooms a thing of the past!

Zoe Highsleeper Bed
Sugar and spice and all things nice – that's not just what the Zoe Highsleeper Bed is made of! Below the highsleeper bed is a spacious corner cupboard with hanging rail and shelves as well as coat hooks, bringing you one step closer to every parent's dream – a tidy bedroom! Add to this a desk which will reduce the pain of the never-ending stream of homework and a mirror guaranteeing a pristine turn out ever day. All of these features are finished in elegant white-stained and pink pine, the stuff of every girl's dreams!

A buyer's guide to wardrobes

2008-05-26T16:16:00.003+01:00

Let Beds123 take the stress out of buying bedroom furniture with our wardrobe buyer's guides, produced in association with Real Homes magazine.

Our low-down on wardrobes will ensure yours are every bit as stylish as the clothes inside them. Read up on all the options below to discover which one’s right for you...

Fitted wardrobes
The major benefit of having fitted wardrobes is that, assuming you’ll stay in your property for a long time, you will never have to buy another wardrobe as long as you’re living there. Better still, you can also choose the exact configuration of rails, drawers and other options to suit your particular needs. Particularly beneficial to those who want a clutter-free life, fitted wardrobes are the ideal choice for maximising your storage space and are suitable for any kind of bedroom.

Walk-in wardrobes
The ultimate in luxury, a walk-in wardrobe is perfect if you have the space. Walk-ins allow you to hang your clothes with room to spare, and increased demand for them means they’re easier to come by than ever before. If you don’t have room in your bedroom, why not try converting a spare box room into a walk in wardrobe. Walk-in wardrobes have long been associated with style and sophistication, and can complement any kind of bedroom scheme. The ability to tailor the design to suit your needs is a valuable bonus. Many walk-in wardrobes are available with sliding doors to enhance your available floor space. And if you don't have the space for one in your bedroom, you could always look into converting a box room into a made-to-measure walk-in wardrobe.

Freestanding
The main benefit of a freestanding wardrobe is that, should you choose to move, you could take it with you. Freestanding wardrobes are ideal for those who find the idea of a wall of fitted units claustrophobic, as they allow a more creative approach. If you happen to have alcoves, for instance, you could look for wardrobes that will fit neatly into this space. Don’t fall into the trap of buying inexpensive and poorly constructed fitted wardrobes – many freestanding options offer far better quality than the readily available MDF or chipboard. With many ranges, you can also choose your configuration of hanging space, drawers and shelves.

Armoires
Traditionally in French or Gustavian style, these are perfect for a vintage-style bedroom. Armoires are usually available with rails but more predominantly shelving, which makes them perfect for storing jumpers and other clothing that needs folding rather than hanging.

It's what's inside that counts
It’s all well and good having a super-stylish wardrobe, but it’ll be no use if your clothes are being squashed, creased and eventually ruined. Considering how best to store them could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Rails and shelves
When choosing a wardrobe, one of the most important things to consider is how many rails you will need and what height they should be to accommodate your clothes. If you have lots of shirts, make sure they can hang without being caught on the door hinges, likewise if you have more trousers or long dresses, ensure the garments won’t drag on the floor. Some wardrobes come with drawers, so you may not need a separate chest of drawers – perfect for small bedrooms.

Hangers
There’s little point investing in a great wardrobe if you don’t buy the correct hangers. Don’t just rely on the wire ones from the dry cleaners, as they’re only supposed to be a temporary measure. Instead, invest in some quality wooden hangers, choosing ones with clips for trousers and skirts. For added protection for delicate clothing that needs to be hung, opt for padded hangers, which will prevent any dents.

Folding space
Jumpers and woollen cardigans are better off being folded rather than hung. If you would prefer not to have them in drawers, invest in some fabric hanging units, which can be fastened around your wardrobe’s hanging rail using Velcro. This storage solution is flexible as it can be moved along the rail as desired, and folded when not in use.

Storage
To avoid your wardrobe becoming over-crowded and crumpling your clothes, choose storage boxes that can be used to store out-of-season clothing. Make sure clothes have been freshly laundered and folded carefully, with sheets of tissue paper in between the clothes to protect them. A great tip is to then add a piece of cedar wood – perfect for preventing moths.

TOP TIP! Give your wardrobe a clear out once every six months. Be ruthless and throw away everything that doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn for the past six months. You can give them to charity or hold a clothes-swapping party with friends.

Click here to subscribe to Real Homes magazine and have expert advice delivered to your door every month!

Beds123 - buying wardrobes made easy!

Win £500 of bedroom furniture courtesy of Beds123

2008-03-16T15:18:00.001Z

How would you like the chance to revamp your bedroom furniture in any way you choose? Maybe you would love to splash out on one really special item?

We at Beds123 would like to give you that chance and all you have to do is enter our free prize draw. We are giving away £500 worth of bedroom furniture but hurry because the closing date for entries is 31st March 2008.

For full details, and to be in with a chance of winning, simply visit the beds123 website.

Good luck!

A buyer's guide to beds

2008-02-13T15:22:00.004Z

Let Beds123 take the stress out of buying bedroom furniture with our bed buyer's guide, produced in association with Real Homes magazine.

It's the one piece of bedroom furniture we all take for granted, but choosing a new bed that's good for your health is as important as choosing one for comfort. Use our essential guide as your first step to a perfect night's sleep.

Mattresses
Most modern mattresses fall into four varieties. The first is open sprung mattresses, where the coil springs are wired together to form a single unit. These mattresses are ideal if there isn’t a big weight difference between you and your partner. Pocket sprung mattresses on the other hand are where every spring has its own pocket, making the mattress better for restless sleepers or a couple where the weight difference is significant. Both Visco-elastic mattresses (better known as memory foam mattresses) and Talalay latex mattresses respond to your body’s temperature to get more comfort and are better for people with allergies as they do not harbour dust mites. If you and your partner have great differences in what you need from a mattress, a zip and link mattress (in which two different single mattresses can be attached to form a superking) may be the answer.

Size matters
Your bed should be the biggest your room can allow. Having a large bed means you are less likely to disturb your partner. The common size of a British double bed isn’t really big enough for two people to sleep in comfortably, which explains why people have more restless nights when with someone then when alone. Did you know that a standard 4ft 6" bed allows each adult the same equivalent of space a baby has in a bed? Ideally you should opt for a king-size bed which measures 5ft x 6ft 6". That way you can rest assured you will get a good night’s sleep.

Divans
While bedsteads have an aesthetic purpose and help to give your room a definite style, a divan bed base is usually stronger and more supportive but plainer, style-wise. Divans also have the added option of storage drawers, which can be incorporated into the base. The main benefit of divan beds is that they take up less room. If you're worried about size, it's worth remembering that a king-size divan will often fit into the space of a double bedstead. Divans are also more versatile, if you're likely to change the style of your bedroom regularly, as many don't have the striking appearance of bedsteads.

Bed frames
Bed frames are available in almost limitless styles and colours – metal beds and leather beds are particularly popular at the moment. Many are supplied flat-packed, and so can help with any of the problems associated with getting divans up stairs or through tricky doorways. Remember, if you're buying a bed frame, it's even more important to get the mattress right. The slatted base can reduce the life expectancy of a sprung mattress, so foam mattresses are ideal with this kind of bed. A bed with sprung slats will have a softer feel, and will prolong the life of your mattress.

The price is right
When it comes to cost you should spend as much as you can afford on a bed, including the base and mattress. When you consider that the average bed lasts 10 years, the cost (however much you spend) won’t seem at all bad when you work it our per sleep. A £500 bed used for over 10 years will cost you just 14p a night.

Five top tips for getting a good night's sleep
Don’t count sheep. If for whatever reason you can’t sleep don't just lie in the bed watching the alarm clock. Get up and have a milky hot drink and do something relaxing.

Make sure there is enough room for you and your partner. You are less likely to get a good night's sleep if you are constantly touching each other.

Lavender has long been renowned for helping people to get to sleep. Add some drops of lavender oil to your bath before bedtime or keep a lavender scented pillow close by.

Our bodies love routine. Try and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. That way your body will get used to when you should be asleep and awake and you will avoid a jet-lagged feeling.

Turn your mattress regularly to avoid severe hollows forming on the surface – these will result in an uncomfortable night's sleep and will reduce the life of your mattress.

Click here to subscribe to Real Homes magazine and have expert advice delivered to your door every month!

Beds123 - buying beds and bedroom furniture made easy!