Archive for the ‘Beds’ Category

Bed Storage

Monday, June 23rd, 2008

With today’s lifestyle, space is becoming more of a limitation. Storing things under the bed can sometimes get very messy, but there are now a range of options that let you store things in the base of the bed itself. There’s also the option of having drawers in the void space underneath your bed to have everything neatly packed away.

Beds with storage are the answer, whether you want a bedstead or divan bed, there are many different options that can cater to your needs. Such options include under bed drawers, 2 or 4 drawers built into the base, sliding storage, end drawers and ottoman storage.

Some bedsteads now come with the option of having optional storage drawers. They are essentially drawers that neatly fit in the gap underneath your bedstead, helping to keep things off the floor such as clothes and toys. Bed manufacturers usually create the storage drawers from the same wood as your bedstead so they will match, fitting into any style of bedroom.

Divan beds with storage drawers are the most conventional type of bed base with storage. Divan bases come with the option of 2 drawers and end drawers on small single and single beds, and small double beds and upwards usually have either 2 drawer storage , 4 drawer storage, 4 drawer continental storage which accommodates for bedside tables and end drawer storage. Sliding door storage is also available on all size divan beds, as is ottoman storage.

The ultimate in space saving is the ottoman bed storage system. The ottoman bed allows you to use the full divan base for storage, and it does this by lifting up the entire top of the bed where the mattress is rested, allowing you to use the whole of the divan base for storage. Lifting the the top of the bed sounds like hard work as the mattress is very heavy, however an easy lift system is installed on most models which allows you to lift the whole top of the bed up with just a finger.

We have many of our beds with storage in stock now with fast 3 - 5 working days delivery time and our unbeatable price means that you will be getting the best deal possible. So for all of your storage and bedding needs, visit bedstar.co.uk

Jay-Be

Monday, June 9th, 2008

Based in West Yorkshire Jay-Be have been making quality beds and bedroom furniture for 40 years. They have an excellent reputation worldwide verified by appearances on TV design shows and even a number of prominent awards.

Jay-Be are a bed design company who specialise in manufacturing all manner of beds to your own personal specifications. Their metal bedsteads come in a large variety of colours so you can match your new Jay-Be bed to your colour scheme perfectly. This also applies to kid’s bunk beds which are available in bright blues and pinks or more serene whites and greys, to name but a few.

Since no bedstead is complete without a mattress, Jay-Be mattresses are offered in five sizes from single to 6ft superking. The Shape Oasis in particular is the height of luxury and comfort for anyone who really loves their sleep with its combination of 1500 pocket springs and visco elastic memory foam.

If you are tired of tucking everything under the bed, not quite out of sight and not as tidy as you’d like then Jay-Be ottoman divans might just be for you. They have all the comfort and style of conventional divan beds but with the fantastic addition of the whole top of the bed opening so a huge enclosed storage space is available. The Jay-Be Breeze is a great example of an ottoman bedstead, upholstered in one of over 10 possible fabrics.

Folding beds have moved on from being an uncomfortable last resort for a nights’ sleep so you no longer have to feel bad putting guests on your folding bed. Our selection of Jay-Be folding beds includes the Jubilee which boasts a sprung slatted base, wooden headboard and 5 year guarantee - all the features you’d look for in a standard bed at bargain prices.

No matter what kind of new bed you are looking for, bedstar.co.uk will have something to suit you, and at discounted prices online. You can find a massive array of beds, mattresses and accessories in our online bed catalogue and with beautiful designs from top brands like Jay-Be you can’t go wrong.

EcoFurn Beds

Tuesday, May 6th, 2008

Here at bedstar.co.uk you don’t have to worry about the environmental consequences of buying a new bed. EcoFurn bedsteads are the perfect way to have the best quality bedstead with a clear conscience, at fantastically discounted prices.

EcoFurn are sanctioned by TreeAid, a charity which works in Africa aiding poor communities and doing conservation work. They support the renewable wood used for EcoFurn bedsteads and encourage the communities to utilise their natural resources. Since it was founded in 1987 the charity has taught locals about forest management and getting the most out of the medicine and food that trees can provide.

EcoFurn donate a percentage of their profit to TreeAid, helping to fund the charity’s work which enhances the life of many people in African villages. So when you lie down on your new EcoFurn bed you can sleep soundly in the knowledge that some people are better off because of your help! They also guarantee that the trees used are cut and replanted every 15 years so there will always be more timber available for those stylish bedsteads, and the environmental toll of using wood is lessened.

The Ecofurn beds are all solid hardwood with fully sprung bases so your mattress will last longer. But if you are looking for a fantastic discounted mattress you can get rid of the old one in an environmentally friendly way by calling your local council to collect and dispose of it.

Our EcoFurn bedsteads are available from 3 foot single beds up to 6 foot Superking size beds, all in a variety of beautiful hardwood designs. We also have 3 in 1 EcoFurn guest bedsteads like the Orchard which can be used as single, double or twin beds so is a great space saver.

You can see our whole collection of Ecofurn bedsteads as part of bedstar’s huge online catalogue. We also have all the accessories you’ll need to match your new bed from bargain mattresses to luxury pillows - so you can settle for a great night’s sleep.

A Guide To Headboards

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008

The headboard is simply put the piece of furniture at the head of the bed. It’s basic function is to stop pillows and other things falling down the back of the bed, and also to stop you from hitting your head on the brick wall behind. However, headboards now are seen as more than just a necessity.

Headboards come in all of the required sizes to fit standard size beds, 2FT 6″ Small Single (75cm), 3FT Single (90cm), 4FT Small Double (120cm), 4FT 6″ Double (135cm), 5FT Kingsize (150cm) and 6FT Super Kingsize (180cm). They also are now available in a wide range of different materials, such as fabric, wood, metal and leather.

Like most things in the bedroom, your headboard acts as a style statement, so it’s worth doing a bit of research before you buy one. You should think what material you like, whether you want a simple rectangular design or a more lavish padded design. All of the different materials and designs have their own merits. For example, upholstered headboards give you more comfort where wooden headboards can give you sturdiness.

It’s also worth taking into consideration the design of your bedroom. For example, dark colours can make the room feel smaller where as lighter colours give the illusion of space. You can even match your headboard to the bedstead as some manufacturers create matching headboards to go with their bedsteads or divans.

Bedstar keep a wide range of headboards in stock with next day delivery, so you don’t need to wait forever to add that perfect headboard to your bedroom.

Allergies

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

Whether you are after discounted mattresses and the cheapest beds around, or simply seeking some extra information when it comes to buying a new bed, bedstar’s Knowledgebase is packed with useful information. Our medical articles will give you the lowdown on health problems associated with poor sleep.

Allergies, and more specifically, people who suffer from allergic rhinitis (commonly referred to as hay fever) can affect the quality of sleep in some people, depending on the severity of the condition.

Allergic Rhinitis generally occurs when people breathe in particles in the air, leading to inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages. These allergens may include dust mites, pollen, moulds, or be linked to your pets. People who are allergic to these particles will have a reaction, which can lead to nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. This can affect your sleep, leading to night time disturbances and often resulting in daytime fatigue.

There are two specific types of allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis generally occurs outdoors during the spring and summer months, whilst perennial allergic rhinitis may occur all year round. The seasonal type is usually caused by airborne particles from trees or grass, whereas perennial is caused by indoor substances including pet hairs and dust mites in bedding, mattresses and carpet. Both types can contribute towards poor quality sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been linked to allergic rhinitis. OSA is characterised by difficulty in breathing and occurs when muscles in the throat relax during sleep and do not hold your airway open. OSA sufferers experience daytime sleepiness and a range of health problems including heart disease, stroke, and sexual dysfunction. The good news for sufferers is that reducing nasal congestion may lead to symptoms of snoring, daytime fatigue and OSA improving.

If you are a parent, it is wise to pay close attention to sleeping symptoms in your children if they suffer from allergic rhinitis. Snoring and other sleep problems have been linked to poor school performance, so if you notice any symptoms it’s a good idea to contact your child’s GP for more information.

For allergic rhinitis patients, it is even more important to get adequate sleep to ensure that your mental and physical performance does not suffer.

Treatment of Allergies
First of all, talk to your GP and discuss your symptoms and what triggers your allergies. Your doctor may also give you an allergy test and discuss improving your sleep, which has been shown to improve health and well-being in many cases. Many over the counter and prescription medicines are available, so your GP will advise on the best course of action.

There are also things you can do to help yourself. You can usually reduce some dust and bed mites in your bed by washing sheets in hot water once a week. Newer pillows are now also washable, and you can even by special covers for your mattress. Some are plastic based, whilst other are made from micro-weave which allow air to flow through.

Coping With Allergic Rhinitis
• Keep an eye on the weather reports and avoid staying outdoors for too long on days with high pollen counts (especially if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis)
• Try to keep your windows closed to avoid pollen and allergens entering the house
• If your house is damp, use a dehumidifier to help prevent mould building up
• Make sure you wash your pets regularly and avoid sleeping in the same room
• Newer vacuum cleaners are sometimes rated on their efficiency to remove allergens from the air. Ask your local electrical retailer for more information
• Make sure you vacuum regularly
• Have a shower before you go to bed. This will help to relax your nasal passages and wash pollen out of your hair and skin

Allowing time for sleep is one of the most important factors when tackling allergies. Learn more about the best way to get a good nights sleep with bedstar’s Knowledgebase – your guide to getting a better nights sleep.

When you’re done, why not search through our comprehensive range of discounted mattresses of the highest quality. If you’re not quite sure what you are looking for, check out our bed buyers guide.

Jay-Be

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007

Award winning UK manufacturer of beds Jay-Be are proud of their excellent collection of designer beds, kids beds, sofa beds, ottoman beds, guest beds and mattresses. Jay-Be believe one of the main reasons contributing to their success is Jay-Be’s passion for designing great looking products as well as offering an excellent choice of finishes to suit every taste. Jay-Be is a UK manufacturer based in the heart of West Yorkshire and was originally founded in 1968. Since then, the company has enjoyed a record of successful growth through the demand for excellently designed products. With a passion for being creative, designing and manufacturing in the UK, their mission is to make furniture for people who value the best in Design and seek excellent Quality.

With Jay-Be, you are able to really make your favourite bed, bunk or sofa design yours to suit you and your individual tastes. Jay-Be’s new interactive website makes it easier than ever to explore all of Jay-Be’s products and their options. All metal beds are now shown in every colour and you can now browse upholstered beds and sofa fabric options.

Jay-Be are always driving to use the best materials, and their specially trained engineers and craftsmen have many years of experience ensuring that the highest standards of manufacture are maintained. All Jay-Be products are made to meet the UK and European quality Standards, also, Jay-Be is an ISO 9001 registered firm and are proud to be the UK furniture manufacturers representative for the British Design Council.

Over the years, Jay-Be have achieved several awards including the Furniture Industry best new bed design and the “Your Home” Magazine Award for the Best Furniture Range. Jay-Be’s products have recently featured on ITV’s “60 Minute Makeover” and will feature again in the near future.

Jay-Be’s award winning ranges span across Divan Beds, Ottoman Beds, Traditional Cast Beds, Metal Beds, Headboards, Kids Beds, Mattresses, Sofa’s and Guest Beds. Some of the best selling names include the Laser, the Galaxy, the Honesty, the Bumper, the Solar, the Serenity, the Oasis, and the list goes on! All of these beds are manufactured by Jay-Be to the highest possible standard, and are sold at a unbeatable price to give you the best value.

Jay-Be have stockists all accross the country, but here on bedstar we stock the whole range of Jay-Be beds so you dont have to travel anywhere to get these award winning beds, you can order from the comfort of your own home and let us bring the bed to you.

Glossary of Bed Buying

Wednesday, September 5th, 2007

Pocketspring
Each spring is sewn into an individual fabric pocket within mattresses allowing each spring to move independently and respond to the body’s every movement and contour.

Side Stitching
The walls of the mattress are side stitched giving extra support to the mattress and ensuring the neccessary rigidity and strength of the mattress.

Wool Fillings
Quality wool fillings for extra comfort and also to allow mattresses to breathe.

Silk Fillings
Quality Silk fillings for extra comfort and also to allow mattresses to breathe.

Sprung Edge
A sprung base has springs that cover the whole base from top to bottom and from side to side and is a softer option to the platform option.

Platform top
A platform base is a divan without any springs and is firm.

Miracoil System
Silentnight mattresses use a unique continuous spring system that runs from the head to the foot of the bed. This means that springs cannot fall through the slatted base, and therefore ensures total support for the full life of the bed.

Mattress Handles
Mattress handles make for easier movement and turning of all mattresses.

Ventilation
Ventilation holes aid in the air circulation and help reduce the amount of moisture.

Memory Foam
The new memory foam material is now the most effective substance for relieving pressure points caused by the weight of a human body in its relaxed state.

Latex
Latex in its natural form is a remarkable material, which is derived from the sap of rubber trees. It is known for its distinguishing elastic properties and durability. Latex mattresses can be constructed of 100% latex or as a water-based latex (latex mixed with water). Latex mattresses are the closest you can get to memory foam mattresses without paying for the visco elastic technology.

Visco
Temperature Sensitive Visco Elastic Memory Foam mattresses, moulding to the contour of your body for the ultimate in comfort and support.

Flexiform
Flexiform is an advanced spring system developed exclusively by Dorlux. Felxiform mattresses contain hundreds of small individual springs, almost twice as many as conventional sprung mattresses thus offering outstanding levels of comfort Smaller and closer together, the springs work individually , supporting the body and helping to reduce roll-together. 150cm mattresses contains 651 individual springs compared with 325 springs in a standard open coil unit.
mattresses

700 Series
Up to twice as many springs as ordinary mattresses.

If your beds and mattresses are looking a bit tired and you’re thinking of getting a replacement, find out more with our Buy New Beds Online guide.

The History of Beds

Wednesday, September 5th, 2007

How beds and mattresses have developed over the ages

Comfortable, supportive beds and mattresses are something most of us take for granted. We don’t think about how they’ve evolved over time. Here’s an eye-opening lesson on the history of beds and mattresses.

Great Beds of Ware
On display at the Victoria and Albert Museum, it originally measured 18 feet six inches wide by 12 feet long and was elaborately carved and canopied. And could accommodate 68 people. 10,000 years ago, in the Neolithic period, people began sleeping on primitive “beds”.

3400 BCE
Egyptian pharaohs discover the benefits of raising a pallet off the earth. King Tutankahmen had beds of ebony and gold. Common people slept on palm bows heaped in the corner of their home.

Roman Empire
First luxury beds. Often decorated with gold, silver or bronze, these beds featured mattresses stuffed with reeds, hay, wool or feathers. Romans discover the waterbed. The sleeper would recline in a cradle of warm water until drowsy, then be lifted onto an adjacent cradle with a mattress, where they would be rocked to sleep.

Renaissance
Beds and mattresses and were made of pea shucks or straw, sometimes feathers, stuffed into coarse ticks, then covered with sumptuous velvets, brocades and silks.

Louis XIV
Louis XIV was inordinately fond of staying in bed, often holding court in the royal bedroom. Reportedly, he owned 413 beds and displayed a special liking for the ultra spacious and ostentatious variety.

16th and 17th centuries
16th and 17th century beds and mattresess beds were generally stuffed with straw or down, placed atop a latticework of rope. The expression “sleep tight” comes from the 16th and 17th centuries when mattresses were placed on top of ropes that needed regular tightening.

The late 18th century
Advent of cast iron beds and cotton mattresses. Together, they provided a sleeping space that was less attractive to bugs. Until that time, assorted vermin were simply accepted as an accepted component of even the most royal beds.

1865
The first coil spring construction for beds was patented.

1930s
Innerspring mattresses and upholstered foundations became serious contenders for the dominant position we now enjoy beds.

1950s
Foam rubber mattresses and pillows appeared on the beds market.

1960s
Modern waterbed introduced. Adjustable beds become popular with consumers.

1980s
Airbeds introduced.

1990s
Spacious sleeping is once again on the rise. In 1999, Kingsize beds and mattresses became the UK’s most popular choice for mattress size – for the first time ever – beating double bed mattresses..

2000s
Choice and comfort are key words in contemporary beds and mattresses. In addition to an almost unlimited range of innerspring mattress designs, new types of foam mattress cores (such as “memory” or visco-elastic foam and refinements to traditional latex) as well as air beds, water beds and high-tech adjustable sleep sets offer consumers attractive, quality alternatives. Pillowtop mattresses, a popular innovation in luxury, offer an extra layer of soft cushioning, and single-sided no-flip mattresses are common.

FInd out what factors make the perfect bedroom environment with our must-read article!

KD Beds

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007

When space is at an absolute premium, KD beds are the answer. A knock down bed will make it possible to take a bed apart easily and quickly and transport into areas where possible space restrictions may make it impossible to maneuver a conventional built bed into.

KD beds can be assembled with nothing more than a screwdriver. The quickly collapsible, and transportable, KD beds are the latest in knock-down construction, something for the modern nomad without skimping on design or costing the earth. Usually constructed of from either cast iron metal or wood kd beds offer a cheap and easy alternatives, The present invention improves over the prior art by providing a bed foundation comprising a pair of parallel, spaced side rails each having opposed ends and a pair of parallel, spaced cross rails each having opposed ends. A corner brace connects each end of a side rail at right angles to an end of a cross rail, thereby defining a box frame with edges of the side rails and cross rails facing upwardly defining a plane.

At least two generally top panels are dimensioned and configured to be supported on the upwardly facing edges of the side rails and cross rails. The corner braces extend above the plane defined by the edges of the side rails and cross rails and cooperate with corners of the top panels to retain the top panels immovable on the kd bed frame.

Bedstar currently sell a wide range of KD beds in many modern and traditional designs and a range of sizes to suit all. As the UK’s largest online supplier of kd beds we currently deal with over 40 manufacturers and delivery to all areas of the UK on a weekly basis. Bedstar keep a large stock of KD beds all of which are available for next day express delivery at cheap online prices.

With over 25 years experience in the bedding industry bedstar have not only gained an enviable reputation for top quality service but have also become preferred suppliers for many of the KD bed manufacturers in the country.

Millbrook

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2007

The ultimate in hand crafted pocketsprung beds. Millbrook have been making beds since 1946, initially for luxury liners that cruised the sea. These liners demanded the very highest in quality and workmanship and Millbrook secured its success by delivering the very best to a growing list of discerning customers.

The Millbrook craftsmanship has been received by the very highest order and examples of Millbrook’s workmanship can be seen from Embassies around the World and even in the Houses of Parliament.

Only the finest materials are used to create a Millbrook bed and many of the processes are hand finished not only to enhance comfort but also individual character as well.

Millbrooks success comes from a mix of traditional family values with many of its employees following in their parents and grandparents footsteps into roles that have sparsely changed in decades and also a high reputation based on a quiet personal pride in the beds that they create.

The pocketsprung is at the heart of every Millbrook bed. Each spring is sewn into its own individual fabric pocket isolating it from the neibouring spring. This type of methods enables no roll together. Each mattress is made up of either one or two tier spring units depending on the amount of springs used. Millbrook have a selection of between 700 and 3000 springs per mattress. When a two tier spring unit is used the top level of spring conforms to the body shape while the bottom tier resists more gently adding to the support and helping the longevity of the mattress.

Millbrook has also introduced it’s own unique zonal edge springing system which help strengthen the side of the mattress by applying an extra row of springs on either side.

The borders of the mattress are hand stitched, this reinforces and strengthens the mattress and helps maximise the overall sleeping surface by preventing the springs from distorting.

Only the very best upholstery is used in each Millbrook bed and generous layers of polyester, pure cotton, felt, pure lambs wool, silk and cashmere are added to give the ultimate feeling of comfort.

All Millbrook Divan bases are fully sprung edge to create a firm solid foundation for the mattress and the timber frames are screwed and glued to help carry the weight of the sumptuous mattress.