Design an Eco Friendly Bedroom

August 2nd, 2010
INTERIOR DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE

The next time you set out to give your bedroom a makeover or re-decorate, would you like to be able to bring an eco-friendly and healthier feel top your room? It might not be as difficult as you think. There are a number of ways this can be achieved.

You could start by using organic paints to paint your room. Unlike normal gloss or emulsion paints that contain solvents and other harmful chemicals you can purchase organic paints that are totally free of all pesticides, herbicides & toxins. As well as paints there are varnishes, primers and specially prepared nursery paint also available. If you don’t want to use paint eco wallpaper ranges can also be found through specialist outlets.

Using natural bedding made form organic cotton or bamboo is another way to be healthier and greener. These fabrics don’t contain any pesticides and 100% unbleached duvets, mattress protectors and pillows are becoming far more common these days and be found in bedding stores.

Even your bed and bedroom furniture can be eco-friendly. We recently featured an article on our blog about Eco Furn a furniture company who make their beds and furniture from sustainable, environmentally friendly, and responsibly managed wood and tree sources. Eco-Furn also donates 10% of their profit each year to TREE AID, along with other donations made through fund raising events throughout the year. So every time you purchase an Eco–Furn product you are also helping this charity program. Their beds are exceptionally well made from the best natural resources available and are extremely stylish like the Ridgeway Eco bed (Pictured above) which is a good example of the quality of Eco Furn products.

If you are looking for an environmentally alternative to laminate or carpeting in the bedroom why not think about buying cork flooring. Cork flooring is very hygienic and is surprisingly warm and soft. It is also stain resistant and is a good option for anyone who suffers from dust or other allergies.

The remaining accessories like curtains etc can be more difficult to find if you are looking for ethically, or naturally produced products. But there are stores out there who stock them and many sell online or by mail order. Just typing in fair trade or eco-friendly and the type of products you are looking for into a search engine should bring up enough results to start with.

Designing an eco-friendly bedroom isn’t too difficult and will probably end up helping your health as well as the environment.

Silentnight Memory Oberon

August 2nd, 2010
MATTRESS OF THE MONTH

The positive feedback we have been getting from customers about just how comfortable the Silentnight Memory Oberon mattress is has prompted us to choose it as our Mattress of the Month. We have seen sales of the Silentnight Memory Oberon increase quite dramatically lately with buyers telling us what a great mattress it is and how much they like it, so we thought we should bring it to the attention of all our customers.

Silentnight are the UK’s biggest manufacturer of branded beds and have a reputation in the bedding market as a manufacturer of top quality products that are exceptional value. That quality can clearly be seen in the Silentnight Memory Oberon mattress as it offers such a lot more than other mattresses that are on sale at a comparable price.

Firstly the Memory Oberon is made from body moulding memory foam. This provides pressure relieve that helps achieve a more peaceful night’s sleep. When that is combined with Silentnight’s Intelligent zoned Miracoil® springs it not only gives pressure relief for all shapes and sizes, but brings extra comfort and support-especially around the hips area where it is vital-helps prevent roll off and roll together and is sturdy and hard wearing.

If bringing extra support and comfort wasn’t enough. The Memory Oberon also has an innovative probiotic mattress fabric covering called Purotex. This fabric covering takes advantage of the effect of beneficial micro-organisms to ensure a healthy and clean sleeping environment. The micro –organisms are activated by friction and replace the unwanted bacteria. This friendly bacteria helps to reduce moisture and mould, inhibits dust mites and makes for a fresher, cleaner, healthier sleeping environment. The mattress also has a no slip underbase and is an easy care mattress, meaning you do not have to turn it, but only rotate it on a regular basis.

It’s no wonder people are being so complimentary about the Silentnight Memory Oberon mattress with all the benefits that come with it. You could be forgiven for thinking that a mattress like this would be at the high end of the mattress price range. Maybe rather surprisingly that isn’t the case and is in fact cheaper than some pocket sprung mattresses.

At the moment we are offering a 33% reduction in the price of the Silentnight Memory Oberon mattress (double bed size) and you can buy it for just £269.00. For a really top quality mattress that’s a bargain basement price that offers astonishing value.

Kaydian Bowburn TV Bed

August 2nd, 2010
BED OF THE WEEK
Kaydian Bowburn TV Bed

Kaydian Bowburn TV Bed

Our bed of the week is something just a little bit different this time. As well as being an extremely luxurious modern style real leather bed, the Kaydian Bowburn also comes complete with a mechanised foot end that has a compartment for storage and viewing of a TV.

 Lots of people watch TV in bed and many find it a great way to relax and this is the ultimate way to get the full enjoyment of watching TV in bed. The Kaydian Bowburn TV Bed is a fantastic piece of bedroom furniture and is a real top of the range bed. The TV compartment built into the footend is large enough to accommodate a flat screen 32inch TV up to a Maximum 10.5cm thick. The mechanism that allows the TV to move up and down is remote controlled giving easy access. There is also a compartment built into the side rail of the bed where the remote can be stored along with items like DVD’s and magazines. The compartment is also capable of holding games consoles and controllers, iPod docking station or even a DVD player.

This is the type of bed every person who loves gadgets would want, but it is far more than just a gimmick. The robust solid hardwood mix frame construction means this bed is built to last. It also comes with a posture sprung slatted base that is designed to give plenty of support and has a lovely soft padded headboard for added comfort.  The bonded leather upholstery looks incredible and this modern functional bed would make a truly stylish centrepiece in any bedroom and is the height of luxury.

This isn’t just a very comfortable fashionable bed this is a media centre for the bedroom and is available from the Time4Sleep showroom in Double, King and Super King size. Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but we are offering a massive saving of £1000 on the Kaydian Bowburn TV Bed in double bed size, so it is currently only £1499.00. That’s a colossal 40% off the usual retail price and the Kaydian Bowburn TV bed is available in a choice of black or brown matt leather finish with hardwood feet. You should note a TV is not included in the price quoted above, but with the saving we are offering there should be plenty of money left over to buy yourself a very nice television.

Sleep Positions Can Point to Personality Traits

July 27th, 2010
SLEEP WELL

We were aware that people slept in lots of different positions-on their stomach, back etc-but we didn’t know sleep positions could tell you about anyone’s personality. Apparently the position you prefer to sleep in can give clues to the type of person you are…and no we don’t just mean a snorer!

Scientists believe that certain sleeping positions can be linked to particular types of personality. Professor Chris Idzikowski the Director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre (which is a leader in the provision of diagnostic and treatment services for people with Sleep Disorders in the UK) analysed six common sleeping positions and found that each one could be linked to a specific personality type.

The most common sleeping position in the survey of 1000 people was the Foetus position which 41% of respondents assumed. Twice as many women as men adopt this sleeping position. These people tended to project a tough outer persona, but were sensitive at heart. They were also rather shy when in company.

Other positions evaluated included-

Starfish

Sleeping on your back with both arms up around the pillow. The people who sleep in this position by and large make good friends. They were good listeners and were willing to offer help when needed.

Unfortunately they also tended to snore rather loudly and were prone to restless nights.

Log

Lay on their sides with both arms by the side. These people are easy going very social and ready to trust people. They can also tend be naive and gullible.

Soldier

This position sees the sleeper lying on their back with both arms down by their sides. They usually have a quite personality don’t like a fuss and can appear distant. They have high standards and expect them too.

The Yearner

Sleeps on their side with arms stretched out in front. They can be rather cynical at times but have quite an open and frank disposition. They can also be slow to make decisions, but once they have made up their mind will not change it.

Freefall

This sleeping position is where you lie on your front with arms wrapped around the pillow. People who adopt this position can appear to be outgoing, quite loud and self–confident. They can be quite sensitive underneath and can be easily upset if criticised.

Maybe this is another type of body language that we use even when sleeping? What do you think?

White Beds

July 27th, 2010
BED OF THE WEEK
Ice High Gloss

Ice High Gloss

Over the last few years there has been an increasing demand for white beds. In part this is down to an increase in popularity of the contemporary minimalist style of bedroom design that has become trendy. A white bed like the Ice High Gloss with its low foot end style represents the modern contemporary minimalistic look perfectly. The glossy white lacquer finish makes the Ice High Gloss extremely stylish looking and its clean and simple lines give it an upmarket, elegant appearance that can make a bedroom very fashionable indeed. With a current reduction in price of over 40% the Ice High Gloss now only costs £399.00 for the King size and is unbelievable value. This is an exceptionally good price for a fashionable bed 

An advantage of choosing a white bed over any other colour is it will fit in with any decor you might currently have in your bedroom. If you want to freshen up, your bedroom you might not even need to redecorate. A few new accessories and anew white bed could well be what the bedroom needs.  The White colour also exudes calm and restfulness and can fit in well in a room where you are trying to achieve a peaceful environment. 

While it’s true white beds do lend themselves to a minimalistic look, they do come in other styles as well and a bed like the Sophie is modern, but also adaptable enough to be placed in a more traditional designed bedroom without looking out of place. The Sophie is made from pine and its white coloured finish helps give the feeling of space in a room. 

If you are after a more luxurious look for your bedroom then there’s no shortage of options where white beds are concerned. If you really want to push the boat out and make your bedroom a place where you feel you can bask in the throes of luxury we might just have the ideal bed for you. The Icon is a stunning new addition to our range and if you want to be dangerous and different in choice of bed the Icon is perfect. With its round shaped design and Faux white suede finish the Icon looks spectacular and is a fantastic centrepiece for the bedroom. 

White beds are ideal if you are looking for a clean, fresh, contemporary style in the bedroom and with a wide range to choose from, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye.

Making the Best Use of a Small Bedroom

July 27th, 2010
INTERIOR DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE

Julien Bowen Pandora Storage Bunk

Julien Bowen Pandora Storage Bunk

Most of us would love to live in a home where space or the size of rooms wasn’t an issue. Unfortunately for many people the lack of space is a reality and it’s difficult to know how to get the best use of the available space in a bedroom without it looking cramped and cluttered.

There are some things you can do to help maximise the space. A loft bed like the Single High Loft Bed is ideal where space is limited as there is plenty of room underneath to put a chair or small sofa, or furniture to use for storage. Some loft beds like the Hyder Cosmic Studio Bunk even come with handy desktop, shelving and futon already provided and are extremely contemporary and modern looking.

Often children are given the smallest bedroom in the house and the never out of style bunk bed is a practical and fun option in a child’s bedroom or a box room. Bunk beds are available in a variety of finishes including various woods and metals. They range from pretty basic to luxurious and the Julien Bowen Pandora Storage Bunk is a wonderful example of how the basic bunk design can be brought right up to date with beautiful craftsmanship and design. The Pandora storage bunk sleeps two -on top and bottom bunk- and also very ingeniously incorporates a built in storage unit under the bottom bunk, which is a real benefit when there’s a lack of space in a bedroom.

Choosing the right paint and using light colours can bring an airy feel to a small bedroom making it appear larger than it actually is. Buying pieces of furniture that are smaller than normal or that have space underneath can visually make the room look bigger. Placing a medium to large size wall mirror in the room can also make the room appear more spacious.

One of the biggest problems in small rooms is clutter and a great way to eliminate the problem is to buy a storage bed. These come in a wide variety of colours and materials. The Novak Ottoman is available in single bed size and comes in a selection of finishes including Faux Leather, Faux Suede and Chenille with a variety of colours in each finish to choose from. The great thing about an ottoman bed is the storage space it provides. Easily accessed by lifting the sprung slatted base an ottoman bed like the Novak can provide up to four times the storage a divan bed will give. This space can be used to put everything away out of sight leaving your bedroom clutter free.

If you buy the right type of bed a small bedroom needn’t be too much of an inconvenience. You just need to make sure you utilise the available space in the most productive manner possible.

Why Not Do a Bunk?

July 12th, 2010
INTERIOR DESIGN AND LIFESTYLE

Barcelona White Bunk Bed

Barcelona White Bunk Bed

Bunk beds seem to have been used in children’s bedrooms forever and are sometimes dismissed when looking to create a child’s bedroom as old hat and out of date. Nothing could be further from the truth, as these days bunk beds are fun and funky and come in a wide assortment of colours, materials, shapes and designs.

One obvious benefit of using bunk beds in the layout of a bedroom is the space saving factor. They are ideal for box rooms or in a house where space is limited and are great way to free up space. Bunk beds are also available in a wide price range so are an option no matter what budget is available. Cresta Pine  is a company who manufacture wooden beds using pine from sustainable forests in Scandinavia. Their strong, hard wearing bunk beds are top end products and the Cresta Pine manufactured Blue Bunk bed is a simple design made to a very high standard.

Kids love bunk beds because they are fun and lend themselves to a whole gamut of themed ideas for a room. Sailing ships, pirates, spacecraft, castles, you can let your imagination run wild. Your child will love playing in a bedroom (and bed) with a theme and it can make bedtimes a lot less stressful for parents and children.

The Barcelona bunk bed finished in White is made by Julien Bowen and it is popular for a couple of reasons. One is the colour which makes it pretty versatile when it comes to decor and also gives it a modern feel. The other great thing about the Barcelona Bunk Bed  (PIctured)is the substantial gap between the bunks, making the bottom bunk ideal for adults.

Bunk beds and cabin beds are not restricted to use in children’s rooms. You can also get three sleeper bunk beds, which have a standard bunk on top but have double bed on the bottom and can be used in any bedroom.

Loft style bunk beds are perfect for older children, teenagers and young adults. This type of bunk bed is really versatile and various configurations of desks, chairs and other furniture pieces can fit underneath. The Hyder Comic Studio Bunk is a good example of a bed like this. It is extremely stylish and includes a tempered glass shelf and desktop (that meets all the UK safety criteria) giving it a truly up to date appearance.

Bunk beds might have been around a long time, but the classic practical design makes them timeless. New modern looking bunk beds take the classic design and add a new twist making them a real option in bedroom design today and we’re sure for many generations to come.

Caring For Your Back

July 12th, 2010
SLEEP WELL

If you have ever had the misfortune to suffer from regular back pain you will know how the discomfort can disrupt everyday life. It’s estimated that around four out of every five adults will experience back pain at some tome in their life, so it is a widespread problem.

It isn’t only older people who suffer back pain either. While it is true as we get older we become more susceptible to back pain, it is now also being found in younger people. A 2008 survey by the British Chiropractic Association found that 45% of 11-18 year olds interviewed suffered back pain. With figures like these it’s important to take steps to care for your back to reduce the risk of suffering back pain.

People spend roughly one third of their life in bed, so making sure your back is being supported and being looked after while you sleep is vital. For many who already suffer regular backache something as simple changing the mattress can have an immediate effect on easing the problem. Many people think buying a hard mattress or bed will help to ease their problem, but that isn’t necessarily true. A good bed will be comfortable and supportive and that may mean one that is firmer than normal, but not always. The right mattress depends on a number of factors including your build and weight. Everyone is different, so make sure you buy a mattress and bed that is right for you.

  • When buying a mattress or bed always take time to lie on it in the showroom.  Try lying on your side and front as well as your back to see how it will feel. Don’t be embarrassed, it’s better than getting chronic backache.
  • If you already suffer from a bad back, then you should think about maybe buying a bed that is higher than normal. This makes getting in and out of bed easier and can be a big help.
  • Don’t keep a mattress too long. Once a mattress starts to sag and is causing you to roll to the middle it’s time to get a new one. If you are waking up aching, it could be your mattress causing the problem. Turn your mattress regularly, or buy a new non turn mattress.
  • Try sleeping on your side rather than on your front.

There is no one bed that is right for relieving back pain. Every incident of back pain is different and has different causes. You have to find the right type of bed by researching all the options and finding a bed that gives the correct measure of comfort and support for you regardless of its firmness or cost.

Rustic Oak and New Oak Beds

July 12th, 2010
BED OF THE WEEK
Rustic Oak Bed

Rustic Oak Bed

Wooden beds have never really gone out of fashion, but with the rustic style bedroom popular at the moment, beds like the Rustic Oak are  not only  top sellers in the wooden bed ranges, but are also some of our most popular sellers of any type of bed. The sturdy construction of most wooden rustic style beds means they are made to last and the classic farmhouse look is easy to achieve with a centrepiece like the Rustic Oak bed.

Autumnal colours can be used in the room to help create the country feel, and with a bed like the Rustic Oak a full range of matching bedroom furniture is also available to complete the rustic atmosphere. Rustic wooden beds and furniture are ideal for bedrooms in country cottages, farmhouses and even barn conversions, where a return to a more basic original style is trying to be created. 

Our rustic Oak bed is magnificently made and is as solid as it looks. The high quality of the construction is unmistakeable and that’s one of the reason’s this bed is now one of our top sellers. The price is another reason why the Rustic Oak bed is selling so well. You would expect to pay a premium for a beautifully crafted piece of furniture, but t at the moment we are offering 33% off the price of the double bed size giving a massive saving of £220.00 on the normal price. This means you can buy the Rustic Oak double bed for just £439.00, which is easy on the pocket. 

Of course not everyone wants to go for the rustic look in the bedroom. If you are after a more contemporary design in the then a bed like the New Oak HFE offers a mix of a traditional wooden bed with a more contemporary fresh, light look. We also offer a full range of New Oak furniture so you don’t have to search around to try and find furniture that goes with your new bed. The New Oak furniture range is crafted from solid oak and comprises of a variety of wardrobes, chests and cabinets at very competitive prices.

 We also have in stock at present some lovely quality beds and bedroom furniture manufactured by Devonshire Pine. Their Distressed Oak bed is ideal for anyone wanting a modern style bed yet want typical traditional construction methods. Matching furniture for the bed is also available and at under £650.00 for a top quality kingsize solid oak bed and 3 drawer oak bedside cabinet we think our price is excellent value.

Caring For Your Bed and Mattress

July 5th, 2010
SLEEP WELL

 If you care for any type of item then they will last longer and beds are no exception. The thing is when most of us buy a bed we take it out of  the wrapping when it’s delivered and then do little else to maintain it.  It’s the same for a mattress, it needs to be looked after if you are to get the best use and wear from it. There are a few simnple things you can do to care for your bed

 

Here are a few tips that can help you-

  • When buying a new bed or mattress make sure you air it after removing the packaging before fitting any bedding.

 

  • Read the care labels on mattresses. They are there to help you. Follow the guidelines for cleaning and care.

 

  • Check regularly for any screws or bolts that may have come loose and tighten accordingly

 

  • Use a mattress protector to help prevent stains and lower the dust accumulated. Hypo Allergenic protective covers are available and can assist in easing the dust problems that cause allergies.

 

  • Every morning roll back the covers and let your bed air for around 20 minutes or more, to let body moisture that has collected during the night evaporate.

 

  • Never cover your mattress with a plastic sheet or polythene cover, these will create moisture and could damage the mattress or make it damp.

 

  • If your bed doesn’t have a no-turn mattress, then you should turn your mattress once every two weeks for the first six months.

 

  • Beds with upholstered headboards or footboards can be cleaned with a dry foam shampoo if they become excessively dirty.

 

  • Wiping your bed frame occasionally with a damp cloth helps keep it clean and dust free.

 

  • If you have a Divan bed don’t fill the drawers  with items that are too heavy. They are designed to hold bedding and clothes, too much weight will damage the base of the drawers

 

  • Don’t vacuum your mattress or bed. It’s better to use a soft brush to remove fluff and dust as it is less likely to cause any damage.

 

  • Wipe up any spills immediately using paper kitchen towels or a dry cloth.

 

  • If buying a new bed frame make sure your current mattress will fit the new frame. A mattress that is too large or too small can be damaged or even damage the bed frame and won’t provide you with a decent night’s sleep.
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