For most of us, it’s almost a given that we’ll be spending the majority of our time in our beds at some point. Whether you’re a student who wants to read under the covers, an entrepreneur working late at home, or a retired grandparent who loves curling up in bed with a good book, having the right bed makes a significant impact on your daily routine.
If you’re thinking about improving your bed, check out our guide on finding the best mattress for your needs first. Or if you’re already looking for the perfect bed, read on to learn how to shop for a bed that’s comfortable, durable, and long-lasting.
Know What You Want
Before you shop for bed, you’ll need to prioritize what you want in a bed. While you can get by with any bed with basic functionality, you’ll get the most out of your mattress if you prioritize the right features.
If you can’t pinpoint what you want in your mattress, it might be worth taking a few hours to brainstorm with your partner or friends. You might be surprised at the insights you gain once you start talking about what you want.
There are a few important things to consider when shopping for a bed that makes a significant difference in a happy and comfortable sleep experience. Make sure you consider what you want in your bed, and then narrow down your options based on your list.
Always Start with a Firm Mattress
The most important thing when shopping for a bed is the mattress layer. While the foundation and other components of the bed are equally important, the most important thing you can do is find a mattress that’s a good fit for you.
Ultimately, the quality of the rest of the bed doesn’t matter if you don’t sleep well on it. If you don’t like the firmness of your bed, you’re going to spend the majority of your time sleeping on the ground, which is likely not where you want to be.
A good place to start when shopping for a bed is with a firm mattress. A firm mattress is one that’s around 5 out of 10 on the hardness scale. Once you find a firm mattress, you can then move on to softer options.
Don’t Just Buy the Cheapest One
We know that the price of a bed is often the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for a new bed. But you shouldn’t just buy the cheapest bed you can find. While it’s important to keep an eye on the price of your bed, it’s also important not to cheap out on the quality of the bed.
A cheaper bed isn’t necessarily a better option than a more expensive bed. When you’re shopping for a bed, it’s important to remember that you don’t just want a bed; you want a mattress, too.
Moreover, a cheaper bed may be cheaper, but it’s likely not going to be any better than a more expensive bed. Not only that, but cheaper beds are often less comfortable. A cheaper bed will likely be less supportive, will sag over time, and won’t last as long.