Bed Guide

Choosing the right bed is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home. Like leading UK retailers such as Dreams, John Lewis, and Bensons, we believe a good bed should support your body, suit your lifestyle, and stand the test of time.

At Hyder Living, we’ve been manufacturing beds for decades, supplying both retailers and homes across the
UK. This guide is designed to make the process simple, clear, and stress-free, whether you’re buying your first bed or upgrading to something more premium.

A bed is not just furniture it’s where your body recovers, rests, and resets every night. The wrong choice can affect sleep quality,
posture, and long-term comfort.

This guide will help you understand:

• Different bed types and bases
• What makes a quality mattress and frame
• How to choose the right bed for your space, usage, and comfort needs
• What to expect from a well-made UK bed, beyond what you see on the showroom floor

If you’ve ever shopped at retailers like major high street partners, the terms may feel familiar but here we explain them plainly,
without jargon.

Unlike many buying guides written by retailers, this guide comes directly from a Premium UK bed manufacturer. That means honest, experience-based advice on:

• What truly affects comfort and durability
• What matters long term, not just on day one
• Where quality is felt, not always seen

We don’t believe in overcomplicating things. Our aim is to help you choose a bed that feels right now and for years to come.

Designed for UK Homes & Lifestyles

All guidance in this bed buying guide is tailored for:

• UK bed sizes and standards
• UK homes, apartments, and bedrooms
• UK expectations of quality, comfort, and value

Whether you’re furnishing a main bedroom, guest room, or rental property, this guide will help you make an informed choice with
confidence.

Let’s Get Started

Use this guide as a reference point much like you would when visiting a major high street retailer but with the added reassurance of insight from a manufacturer who builds beds every day.

If you have any questions along the way, our team is always happy to help.

One of the most crucial choices you will make while remodelling your bedroom is selecting the appropriate mattress and bed size. We've created a helpful chart to assist you choose the proper bed size for your situation, illustrating how large each size is. These are UK standard bed sizes.

The style and structure of the bed should suit your needs and preferences. From classic wooden frames to modern upholstered designs, or even practical divans, each type offers different benefits. Platform beds give a sleek, low-profile look, while adjustable beds add flexibility for reading or relaxation. Consider how you’ll use the bed day-to-day and choose a type that enhances both comfort and functionality.

Divan beds are one of the most popular bed types in the UK and are widely sold by retailers such as Dreams and Bensons.

What is a divan bed?

A divan bed consists of a solid upholstered base, usually paired with a mattress and optional storage drawers.

Why choose a divan bed?

• Strong, supportive base
• Excellent for mattress performance
• Ideal for everyday use
• Available with or without storage

Best for:
Main bedrooms, guest rooms, rental properties, hotels, and student accommodation.

Ottoman beds are similar to divan beds but include a lift-up storage mechanism.

What is an ottoman bed?

The mattress lifts to reveal a full under-bed storage area. There are two types. A Divan Ottoman and a Bedframe Ottoman.

A Divan the mattress sits on top. A Bed Frame is Flat packed and assembled as a multipart item.

Why choose an ottoman bed?

• Maximum storage space
• Ideal for smaller UK bedrooms
• Clean, modern look
• Strong internal frame when well-made

Best for:

Apartments, smaller homes, Airbnb properties, and modern interiors.

Bed frames are often chosen for their design and visual appeal.

Things to consider:

• They rely more heavily on slats for support
• Mattress performance can vary depending on slat quality
• Some frames may require more maintenance

Best for:

Style-led rooms where aesthetics are a priority.

A bed base plays a huge role in comfort and durability something not always explained clearly in showrooms.

Platform Top Bases

• Firmer feel
• Strong, even support
• Ideal for heavier or firmer mattresses

Sprung Bases

• Added flexibility and comfort
• Helps extend mattress life
• Often preferred for premium sleep feel

At Hyder Living Company, our bases are engineered to support the mattress properly over time, not just on day one.