Beds buying guide

Modern bedroom with blue duvet cover set, grey quilted throw and yellow cushion on a double bed by window
Modern bedroom with blue duvet cover set, grey quilted throw and yellow cushion on a double bed by window

We're all very aware these days of the importance of a good night's sleep. This guide will help you decide on which type of bed is best for you.

When you buy a bed from us, we offer assembly and disposal services too.

What bed should I buy?

Bed frames
Modern wooden bed frame with upholstered headboard and slatted base, Scandinavian style bedroom furniture

More decorative than divan bases, bed frames or bedsteads have static slats (for firm support) or sprung slats (more responsive) to support the mattress, and give you space beneath.

Divan bed base
Grey upholstered divan bed base with built-in storage drawers and castor wheels, shown without mattress.

A divan base supports the mattress and significantly affects your sleeping surface.

Choose from 3 divan base types:

  • Solid top / platform edge

Upholstered top with no springs, giving the mattress a very firm surface to rest on. The mattress springs can only compress, so as well as feeling firmer, the benefits of a pocket sprung mattress will be reduced.

  • Sprung edge

A complete open coil or pocket spring unit that's fully sprung, right to the edge. Mattress and base springs mould to the body and increase mattress durability.

  • True edge

Features a complete unit of shallow pocket springs on top of a foam layer, which is enclosed by a wooden box frame. This allows the springs in the mattress to open as well as compress, for a softer feel than a solid-top base.

Tip: We recommend buying or replacing your divan base and mattress at the same time - the two are made to work together - and a divan base will affect how your mattress feels and performs.

Storage beds
Beige upholstered double bed frame with tufted headboard, wooden slats and pull-out storage drawer in bedroom.

These storage beds feature wheeled drawers or a hydraulic base that can be lifted even with a mattress on it – perfect for storing bed linen and duvets.

Inflatable beds
Green flocked inflatable air mattress with built-in valve, double-height camping air bed on white background

Inflatable beds are comfortable and easily stored when not in use, making them great for guests.

Children’s beds
White wooden toddler bed frame with curved headboard and footboard, showing slatted base on white background

We have a variety of children's beds: bunk beds can be taken apart to make two singles, while mid-sleepers and flexible cabin beds add storage. We also sell child safety-compliant bed frames.

Tip: Check the mattress depths for bunk beds and trundles, as for safety reasons most require a thinner mattress.

Sofa beds
Grey fabric sofa bed with pull-out mattress and black metal frame, ideal for small guest rooms and flats

A bed in a box or chair bed makes small spaces more flexible - perfect if you don’t have a spare bedroom, but would like to have guests to stay.

A corner unit sofa bed with drawers also offers useful storage options. 

Opt for the best sofa bed your budget allows if it's likely to be used regularly, as you'll get a superior mattress if you spend that little bit more.

Bed size dimensions

Our bed sizes vary, here are the mattress measurement sizes that fit our beds.

Mattress sizeMattress dimmensions

Small single

W75 x L190cm

Single

W90 x L190cm

Extra Long Single

W90 x L200cm

Small double

W120 x L190cm

Double

W135 x L190cm

Kingsize

W150 x L200cm

Super kingsize

W180 x L200cm

Emperor

W210 x L210cm

Things to consider when buying

Whatever type of bed you choose, here are some useful features to consider.

Bed size

One of the most common sleep depravation issues is not having enough space in the bed, especially when you share one, so do invest in the largest size that your space and budget allows – the bigger the better.

Bed price

A good bed doesn’t have to cost the earth, but remember how important a good night’s sleep is for your health and wellbeing. Decide which features are most important to you and keep those in mind when testing out options, so you get the most for your money.

Sleep elements

Your bed, mattress and pillows all work in conjunction to offer support, so try out all elements together. Whatever type of bed you're buying, remember to try it with the same, or similar mattress, to the one it will eventually accompany.

We sell different mattress types:

See our Mattress buying guide

Tip

A bed or mattress is an investment and determines your quality of sleep, so take the time to lie on a number of options before committing to that final purchase. Lie for a few minutes on each surface, moving through various positions and finding your natural sleeping pose.

Ordering a bed

Bed next day delivery

Delivery for beds and mattresses starts at £19.95. These beds are available for delivery from 3 working days. If you're in a hurry, you can also get next day delivery, or a 2 or 4-hour delivery slot.

Bed Interest Free Credit

Interest Free Credit is available for purchases of £200 or more, so you can spread the cost. 0% representative APR, subject to status, terms and conditions apply

Bed Assembly and disposal services

For £39.95, when we deliver your new mattress or divan we can collect your old one and dispose of it responsibly.

For between £35 and £150, we can assemble your bedstead in situ. We'll remove and dispose of all packaging for your bedstead responsibly, but can't offer disposal of your old one (only mattresses and divans as above).

We can only offer the disposal or assembly services when your new mattress, divan or bedstead is being delivered by our green van crew, and not by our suppliers or third-party couriers.

There are some other terms and conditions attached to these services, so please check these below.

Bed guarantee

The frames of all John Lewis & Partners sofa beds come with a 10-year guarantee.

All John Lewis & Partners-branded adult mattresses and divan bases are guaranteed for 7 years from the date of purchase (2 years for selected mattresses from ANYDAY John Lewis & Partners).