The Top 5 Worst Bed Buying Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
Buying a new bed should feel exciting. Then the choices hit you. Sizes, styles, storage, fabrics and mattresses that all promise the dream. One wrong move and you end up with a squeaky frame, a cluttered room, or a mattress that makes mornings grumpy. Let us steer you clear of the common traps. Here are the worst five mistakes we see and how to dodge each one like a pro.
Mistake 1. Choosing the wrong size for your room
It happens all the time. You fall for a grand headboard, then realise the door only opens halfway and your bedside tables have been evicted. Bed size is not about ambition. It is about flow. You need comfortable walkways, space for drawers to open and enough room to make the bed without a daily workout.
How to dodge it: Tape the footprint on the floor before you buy. Open the door, walk to the wardrobe and pretend to vacuum. If you bump into tape, size down. For compact rooms, compare a small double with a double. Sharing the bed. A king size often gives freedom without stealing the whole floor. For a deeper guide, save our Bed Buying Guide.
Mistake 2. Ignoring storage when you are short on space
Clutter is the enemy of calm. If your room is small, skipping storage means you will battle piles forever. A tidy room looks bigger and feels better. Hidden storage is your best friend.
How to dodge it: Make the bed your storage hero. An ottoman storage bed turns the full footprint into a clean and generous cavity for bedding, shoes and seasonal clothes. Prefer drawers. Look at drawer storage beds. Tight layout on one side. Try a side lift so you can open the platform from the clear side. For finishing touches, an ottoman box or bench at the foot keeps extras out of sight.
Mistake 3. Picking style over build quality
A headboard can look stunning online and still creak by month three if the frame is flimsy. Weak rails, loose brackets and thin slats lead to noise and sag. Your mattress also suffers on a poor base, which shortens its life.
How to dodge it: Choose a solid frame with a proper centre support and fixings that feel secure. Explore our bed frames for sturdy builds that stay quiet. If you want soft drama, browse wingback and Chesterfield designs that pair presence with strength. Good hardware, snug joints and quality upholstery mean your frame looks and feels premium for years.
Mistake 4. Treating the mattress as an afterthought
The frame is the outfit. The mattress is the comfort. Get the wrong one and you will feel it every morning. Too soft and your hips sink. Too firm and your shoulders complain. The right support depends on your body, your sleep position and your room temperature.
How to dodge it: Start with support, then choose feel. Side sleepers often like a pocket sprung core with a comfy top layer. Hot sleepers tend to avoid full foam. When in doubt, try a pocket sprung or hybrid. Explore the mattress collection and read our Mattress Matters posts for plain English advice. Measure the finished height too. A deeper mattress gives plush hotel energy, while a slimmer profile keeps the look light and modern.
Mistake 5. Forgetting delivery, access and setup details
Nothing kills the mood faster than a frame that will not fit up the stairs or a delivery date that clashes with your busy week. Planning the boring bits saves stress and money.
How to dodge it: Measure stair turns, door widths and tight hallways. Check lead times, options for room of choice delivery and any assembly support. Review our delivery and returns page so you know exactly what to expect. If you want help with assembly, our assembly guidance has simple steps and a downloadable guide. Got questions. Say hello on the contact page.
Quick size tips that save space
- Singles and small doubles are stars in box rooms and guest rooms. You keep clear walkways and can add a slim desk or wardrobe.
- Double or king with storage replaces a chest of drawers. Space stays calm and you still get a generous sleep surface.
- Super king shines in large rooms, but plan side table width and lamp height so the bed does not dwarf the layout.
Fabric and colour that always look considered
Neutral fabrics in linen or soft weave give a timeless base that suits seasonal changes. Add colour through cushions and throws. If your room is compact, pick lighter shades for the frame so the shape feels airy. If you crave drama, keep the walls calm and let the headboard carry the colour.
Storage choice for different rooms
- Small city flats. Choose an ottoman bed. One lift and everything is to hand. No side clearance needed.
- Rooms with space on both sides. A drawer base works well for everyday bits and folded clothes.
- Awkward layouts. Go for a side lift model that opens from the clear side of the room.
Try this simple showroom test
Stand at the foot and give the headboard a gentle side to side nudge. A quality frame will feel planted and quiet. Lift and lower an ottoman platform with a real mattress in place. It should move smoothly and close without a thud. Open and close any drawers. They should glide and sit flush. Small checks now save big headaches later.
Plan your styling from day one
Think about how you want the finished bed to look before you order. A tall headboard suits layered pillows and a chunky throw. A low profile frame keeps things minimal. For styling tricks you can use in minutes, browse our Style and Storage blog. You will find ideas for colour pairing, texture layering and small space layouts.
Final thoughts
Great sleep is a daily luxury. Avoid the size trap, plan storage with intention, choose a solid frame, pick the right mattress and sort delivery details early. Do that and you will love your bed for years. When you are ready, explore sturdy and stylish bed frames, smart storage beds and supportive mattresses crafted with Yorkshire care.
FAQs
How much space should I leave around a bed
Aim for at least fifty to sixty centimetres on one side so you can move comfortably. In small rooms, keep one clear side and plan the other side tighter if needed.
Do ottoman beds really last with daily use
Yes when the mechanism and frame are well built. Our lift systems are designed for daily opening. Always lower with two hands and keep the cavity tidy so nothing snags.
What mattress type works for most people
A pocket sprung or hybrid suits a wide range of sleepers. If you sleep hot, avoid full foam. For tailored advice, read Mattress Matters.
Can I skip a chest of drawers with a storage bed
Often yes. An ottoman base holds bulky bedding and off season clothes so you can keep surfaces clear and the room calm.
What if my staircase is narrow
Measure every turn and door width. Choose a bed that ships in sensible sections. If you are unsure, message us via the contact page and we will help you plan access.
Buy smart, sleep happy. Your future self will thank you every morning.
