Beds, Bed Frames & Good Sleep

8 Tips for Sleeping Soundly in the Winter

2009-12-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

As we hit a cold-snap, it’s important to keep warm in bed during the night. Here are Cannock Beds’ top tips:

1.    Keep your bedroom warm – not tropical hot – and ensure there are no draughts

2.    Use an underblanket to keep heat in your bed, and turn your mattress to its soft and warmer ‘winter’ side if it has one.

3.    Use many blankets to create layers of warm trapped air in your bed. You can always take away some of these layers if you get too hot.

4.    Buy a duvet with a high tog rating. They’re more expensive, but warmer!

5.    Under your duvet, try wearing pyjamas or a sleeping shirt made of natural materials.

6.    If you’re still cold under those layers, either use a covered hot water bottle or an electric blanket, which can even regulate your temperature throughout the night.

7.    Before you go to bed, try some mild exercise to get your blood flowing.

8.    Enjoy a hot, non-caffeinated drink and a relaxing bath.

CannockBeds.co.uk wish you a warm, restful and enjoyable Christmas, maybe even on a new leather, metal or wooden bed from our designer range.

How to Test if you Need a New Bed

2009-12-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

When you buy a new bed you’ll really notice the benefits. However, you might not notice as these benefits fade and it becomes uncomfortable. Here’s how to check whether you need to replace your bed…

Beds deteriorate with use, and if you have had your bed many, many years your sleep could have been seriously affected. Plus, your personal requirements will change over time; you may now require a bigger bed, and even a softer mattress. It’s not really expected that a bed will last longer than ten years.

The new bed quiz!

The length of time a bed lasts depends on how much you use it, how many people and the weight of the people using it, its quality and the level of care it has benefited from. The Sleep Council have advised that, if three of the statements similar to those below are true, you need a new bed:

1. My bed is more than ten years old
2. I sometimes wake up with neck or back ache
3. I feel the springs or ridges of my mattress or bed
4. My bed makes noises and creaks
5. My partner and I roll together during the night
6. My bed is not big enough for uninterrupted sleep
7. The base of my bed is sagging or bumpy
8. The bed legs or wheels are damaged
9. I would be ashamed for my neighbour to see the bed

If you fail the test, why not visit CannockBeds.co.uk to see a range of our modern wooden, metal and leather beds?

Four Poster beds: A Brief History

2009-12-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

Interior designers will sometimes bring a bit of drama to a bedroom with a four poster bed. Cannock Beds investigate how these elaborate beds came about, then largely faded out.

As with sports cars today, an impressive bed was seen to be an indication of wealth and success in the 1300s. Barons, land-owners and rich traders would have a canopy draped over the bed frame, and sometimes even a ‘truckle’ for their closest servant to sleep on (similar to a pull-out guest bed).

Bed frames with canopies

These awnings and beds became bigger and bigger, eventually becoming the four poster bed we recognise during the 1400s. They became very popular and rapidly more and more flamboyant, covered in silks and expensive French feather pillows.

By the Tudor era the beds had progressed to enormous proportions, with thick, solid walnut posts and huge headboards elaborated with colourful coats of arms. But this size was to become their downfall eventually. As time progressed and wealth became more evenly spread, most people couldn’t accommodate or afford such a bed, and more sensible options superseded them.

Although CannockBeds.co.uk don’t stock four posters, their carefully selected range of stylish modern beds are ideal for a less ostentatious age.

Small Double Bed: Perfect size for a teen

2009-12-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

It’s a pleasure to stretch out in a big double bed, but in cramped family households it can be a difficulty to give everyone that opportunity. A small double bed and mattress could be the money-conscious solution!

Teenagers are often moody, introverted and – most damaging on the wallet – demanding. To give them the bigger bed they desire without accepting their every whim, why not try a small double bed? And with beds next day delivery at CannockBeds.co.uk they could be enjoying it tomorrow!

Bed sizes

Double mattresses measure in at four foot six inches, which is often too large for a family bedroom occupied by a teenager. Small double mattresses are a full six inches narrower at four foot, enough to squeeze into a smaller space.

All the bed ‘bells and whistles’

Mattresses for small double beds now also come packed with the special features found in double mattresses. This included plush comfort layers, sometimes with materials such as latex or memory foam. With high levels of quality available, it would be worthwhile investing in a quality mattress so you’re sure your child will be getting a great night’s sleep.

Bed buying guide: Cannock Beds’ 5 tips

2009-11-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

It’s a great feeling lying in a brand new bed, but we buy beds so rarely you need to ensure you get it right when you do.

1. Know your measurements

Before you start looking, record the size of your bedroom. If it is a standard size double bed then any new double should take up approximately the same space, although remember that some frames and styles can protrude more. However, if you are ‘upsizing’ to a kingsize bed or superking bed you’ll need to ensure it will fit in the bedroom with enough space on either side. And check doors and corridors – the last thing you want is a bed stuck in your corridor!

2. Pick your favourite bed

Bed frames come in a range of styles, shapes and materials. Take time to view the varieties and picture how they will look in your room. Even great looking beds can look totally out of place in the wrong room, and a more subtle bed style means you don’t have to co-ordinate the rest of the room with the frame.

3. Talk to the experts

Trustworthy advice and guidance is invaluable when buying a bed, and retailers with a range of stock and bed types will be able to offer a great selection and the buying advice that it needs. CannockBeds.co.uk have a great depth of knowledge and will be able to help find the best bed for your situation, and could also have your new bed delivered the very next day.

4. Search for a bargain

When you find your perfect bed, compare prices online and in-stores to find the very best deal. Ask retailers whether they have an upcoming sale, and don’t be afraid to haggle for some money off, especially when bulk buying.

5. Treat your bed with care

After spending all this time getting your new bed, don’t ruin it by not caring for it. Ensure you follow any recommendations from the manufacturer, and care for the mattress by turning and rotating it.

Metal Beds: From Cast Iron to Stylish Steel

2009-11-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

Cast iron, wrought iron and steel – metal beds have come a long way since 600BC.

Cast iron beds

Cast iron beds benefit from being strong and sturdy, as they are cast directly from moulds. This means they achieve a very regular appearance from bed to bed, and means a strong design can be achieved again and again.

Wrought iron beds

Wrought iron means ‘hand made iron’. This artisan approach means that every frame will be slightly different, specially crafted by metalwork experts. As such these beds can be elaborate, flamboyant and – yes – expensive.

Contemporary metal beds

Modern metal beds are most commonly made of steel, as it is cheaper and simpler to produce on a grand scale. Steel is also requires less expertise to manufacture.

Whatever type of metal bed you prefer you can be sure it’ll look great, and with a range in stock at CannockBeds.co.uk you certainly don’t need to cast your own!

Metal beds are back!

2009-11-19T04:26:00.000-08:00

For the last ten years of so metal beds have been popular due to their lower cost, but even in the credit crunch low cost should be combined with fantastic design.

The bed industry probably became too comfortable, offering a range of hardly stellar-looking metal bed frames that they assumed would sell. However, with less money being spent in the recession manufacturers are having to work harder to impress, and contemporary design has risen to the fore.

Modern bed design

CannockBeds.co.uk have been somewhat ahead of the curve, creating a fantastic range of quality, modern beds that are designed to last in both style and build quality.

So, for a great selection of modern metal bed frames, including stylish white metal beds, visit CannockBeds.co.uk.

Why you should change your bed – now

2009-11-19T04:09:00.000-08:00

Quality of sleep is all important, and if you still have an old bed you could be severely affecting your ability to perform during the day.

Average UK citizens have had their bed for a lengthy 12 years, four years longer than the Sleep Council’s recommended maximum bed age of eight years. At this age the comfort the bed provides will have significantly decreased thanks to the nearly 20,000 hours of time you’ve spent curled up in it.

You could need a new bed

You may think just replacing the mattress might solve the problem, however putting brand new mattresses on older bed frames greatly increases the wear on the mattress and could affect the guarantee. This is particularly true of divan bases, where the base will only last as long as the mattress.

So maybe now’s the time to pick up a great contemporary bed, and with CannockBeds.co.uk beds delivery can be the very next day!

Choosing a modern bed frame

2009-11-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

When it comes to bedrooms, the look of bed frames is crucial in achieving a convincing stylish and contemporary interior.

Metal beds, leather beds and beds with strong areas of colour are popular at the moment for giving a modern feel to a bedroom. However, you needn’t limit yourself thanks to these tips:

Think about colour

A contemporary feel can be heightened with a careful colour choice. Although you should always try and tie in the bed frame colour with the rest of your interior, some colours just work on modern beds.

Silvers and blacks will always look crisp and stylish on metal frames, whereas deep browns and blacks will retain the classy effect of leather. However, white can be used very effectively across all bed styles and can work alongside white gloss furniture – another modern trend.

Uncomplicated style

Strong, bold lines in a bed can help provide a contemporary feel. This is common in metal beds due to their nature, but can achieve a fantastic result in wooden beds and leather frames. Intricate patterns are to be avoided.

Modern style on a budget

If you want to achieve a stylish look but can’t afford most bed frames that provide it, a divan bed could be just what you’re after. The increase in quality of these frames mean that they are now made with quality materials and tasteful colours, and the base is now something to show off rather than cover away.

5 benefits of getting better sleep

2009-11-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

Modern beds and mattresses provide great comfort to enable us to get a sound night’s sleep. Many of us suffer from poor sleep quality and could benefit from a new bed, but how exactly are these people missing out?

1. Sleep increases libido

If you are lacking sleep and energy, it seems obvious that your sex drive will suffer. Your body is keen to avoid any unnecessary exertion, and this is definitely an energy-sapping activity.

2. Sleep improves physical capabilities

Aside from energy in the bedroom, a lack of sleep will cause an increased likelihood of injury and muscle damage, in addition to a noticeable lowering of performance. Your body needs time to recover after exercise, and it does this during sleep.

3. Sleep helps fight infections

Your body is a perfect balance of hormones and substances, and many aspects of this balance are regulated when you’re in bed. If you don’t give your immune system this opportunity, you’re more likely to get sick.

4. Sleep helps you think

As well as affecting your working day, a loss of concentration can be extremely dangerous if you’re driving. Studies have shown that even moderately sleep deprived individuals can have their level of concentration decreased by over twenty percent.

5. Sleep helps your remember

As well as affecting concentration, a lack of quality sleep time harms your ability to retain information. In one study those benefiting from just one extra hour of bed sleep (seven vs six hours) could commit to memory 13% more data from their day’s activity.

So, if you’re losing sleep there should be no delay in investing in a new bed, including stylish metal beds, from www.CannockBeds.co.uk.

Holiday? No thanks, back to bed!

2009-11-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

Many of us get homesick, but what exactly do we miss most when on holiday? Maybe unsurprisingly, the most missed thing for Brits seems to be “My bed!”

Bed blues

A recent questionnaire found that we pine after our beds most of all. No, not pine as in wooden beds, but 41 percent of those asked said their bed was the thing they consider the biggest loss of being on holiday.

Being in a different country with foreign speakers doesn’t appear to be a concern, with less than 15% missing speakers of their native language. It seems that as long as we have our regular bed and comfy mattress to snooze in, we don’t care what language we’re speaking to!

How to lose weight – sleep well!

2009-11-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

Lying in your bed and losing weight seems too good to be true, but simply lengthening your sleeping time and enhancing the quality of your sleep could result in weight loss.

Loose weight sleeping

Many people find that they’ll eat irrationally when sleep deprived, and of course if you’re asleep in bed you won’t be eating. But it goes further than that.

Even a small lack of sleep can cause inbalances in body chemistry. The levels of key hormones controlling hunger impulses, ghrelin and leptin, will be negatively affected, and can make you hungry when in fact your stomach and body have no need for food energy. This inbalance can also cause you to overindulge, not realising when you should stop eating.

Carbohydrates are required by the body to give us energy, but if we are lacking in sleep our metabolic processes do not function correctly. As such it will not be properly used, instead being converted to fat and held in reserve – around your body.

Lie in bed and benefit

So, if you’re looking to buy a new bed, be it traditional or modern metal beds, make the most of it. Have a lie-in, a bit more sleep, and see those pounds slip off!

Interrupted sleep causes

2009-10-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

What you do during the day can affect how you sleep at night. Here’s what to avoid!

Bed gymnastics

The tired feeling following exercise is great, and it has been shown to help sleep later in the day. However, strenuous exercise just before bed gets your hormones going and will not help your slumber. Try something more low-key and soothing, like stretches.

Not-so-quick puff

It is proven to take longer to drift off into sleep if you are a habitual smoker. So, you could be paying in sleep hours for that cigarette! Plus cigarette smoke can cause damage to your bed and mattress, especially leather beds.

Drinks and food before bed time

If you drink a fizzy drinks, energy drinks or coffee/tea, it’s likely you a getting a lot of caffeine in your system. This can cause you to be more alert at night, and make it difficult to sleep. Make sure you don’t have any for some hours before sleep!

Alcohol consumption may help you get to sleep quickly (almost passing out on your bed), but sleep quality is severely reduced and you are likely to wake repeatedly.

If you eat late in the evening, close to your bed time, you body will still be working hard digesting, and this can have big consequences for your sleep quality.

Sleep preparation – top 5 tips

2009-10-30T05:12:00.001-07:00

If you have difficulty sleeping we have some great “dos and don’ts” to help you to relax and get ready for bed and calm sleep.

Five tips for bed time

Think ahead – Don’t expect to move directly from activities or stimulating environments to a sound sleep. Your brain will still be going at a million miles per hour while you’re trying to nod off.
Remove light distractions – Eliminate any light sources in your bedroom, as even low levels of light can affect the quality of your sleep. Try thick curtains that block all outside light
The right temperature – Try getting your room to a fresh temperature, so that it is cool enough to fully use your duvet. Low humidity conditions can also help your breathing, and means you mattress will last longer.
Relax before bed – Take the load off your mind by slowing down, calming yourself through a bath, reading, yoga etc. Avoid using a computer or watching TV beforehand, especially lying in bed.
Change your bed – Repeatedly poor sleep could necessitate a new bed and mattress combination. Take the opportunity to buy a designer leather bed, metal or wooden bed that you enjoy being in, and a comfortable mattress.

Leather Beds – a touch of style

2009-10-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

There’s something about leather beds that adds a touch of class and sophistication to a bedroom. Now, thanks to modern production methods, cheap leather beds are within everyone’s reach.

Leather beds and bed frames first enjoyed a surge of popularity in the late 20^th century, bringing a premium feel at a premium price. Now, partly thanks to online retailers like Cannock Beds, leather double beds can be bought for less than £200. But, leather beds wear quickly and it is important to know what type you want.

Faux leather beds

Modern faux leather beds have increased in quality to such a degree that it is difficult to tell the difference from real leather. They provide the same contemporary appearance at a fraction of the price, with the added benefit of being low-maintenance in comparison. However if you’re insistent on the smell of real leather, you may be better served by other bed frames.

Corrected grain leather

Stepping up to real leather, these thin hides have the leather grain printed onto them. They are commonly used on bed frames as they have fewer natural marks and imperfections, and the thinness of the leather does not greatly affect the lifetime of the bed.

Aniline bed leather

At the top of the leather bed range, this uses the finest hides and retains the unique flaws characteristic of leather. In fact, you can’t even position this bed within direct sun as it will cause the colours to fade. This leather has had relatively little treatment apart from aniline dye staining. In fact, it is often only semi-treated in bed manufacture to enable the addition of colour dye, providing the perfect red, brown or black leather beds.