How to Care for Your Mattress and Foundation

UPDATE:  Just published: a comprehensive article on "How to Pick A Mattress – A Step by Step Guide For Choosing The Perfect One" 

Your bed is likely the piece of furniture on which you spend the most time during a given week. Even if you only get an average of six hours of sleep per night, that still means you spend more time on your bed than working at a full-time job. Keeping that in mind, it should be clear why it’s so important to take good care of both your mattress and the box spring or bed frame.

Read on to get some easy-to-follow pointers.

Go By Instructions Provided by a Retailer or Manufacturer

You’re about to learn things that will apply to most mattresses and support structures regardless of brand. However, if you’re provided with special instructions when you purchase a mattress, those should take priority, especially if you’ve bought a variety that is made from a certain type of fabric or one that has a specific type of springs or foam inside.

Lightly Clean Your Bed Frame Every Month

No matter if your bed’s foundation is made of metal or wood, get into the habit of wiping dust off it every month. Not only should that be helpful if someone sleeping on it is prone to allergies, but dust and other residue can permanently tarnish the foundation if they stay on the surface for too long.

Simply take a damp cloth and wipe every part of the foundation’s surface you can reach. After you’ve done that, dry it thoroughly. Excess moisture can cause a metal frame to rust, and a wood frame to get warped.

When you make time and effort to maintain your bed frame, it can hold up well through years of use.

Turn and Flip Your Mattress

This tip is easily one that requires at least one other person to help you, but it’s important to rotate and flip your mattress regularly so it’ll wear evenly. We like to rotate from head to toe every 6 months and flip the mattress once a year.

Freshen Your Mattress

You should freshen your mattress at least once a year. Even if you wash your sheets regularly your mattress can become a bit stale over time. Mix a cup of baking soda with a few drops of lemon essential oil. Then put it in a sifter to sprinkle on the mattress’ surface. After about an hour, vacuum the baking soda up.

Cover Your Mattress

From dust mites to messy mishaps, it’s important to correctly protect your mattress by using a waterproof mattress protector. On top of the mattress cover you can use a comfy pad or topper so it doesn’t feel like you are sleeping on vinyl.

Avoid Eating and Drinking in Bed

Breakfast in bed is a nice treat every once in a while, and sometimes it’s necessary for people who are sick or injured, but in general, don’t become too comfortable with the idea of eating or drinking when you’re in bed.

Liquids are especially dangerous because they can quickly sink down into the fibers and become impossible to remove. Also, if you eat something that has a very strong aroma when you’re in bed, that odor can bind to the fabric and be very bothersome to sleepers with sensitive noses. If you need to spot-clean your mattress, do so with a mild upholstery shampoo, warm water and a sponge, then let the area air dry.

Don’t forget to air your pillows and wash your pillow covers monthly! Hopefully these sensible and easy care tips will help you rest easier at night knowing you’re being proactive about maintaining your mattress and its framework.

BIO: James works in construction and blogs in his free time at Homey Improvements. He also enjoys hiking, photography, and buying new gadgets. Follow him on Twitter @DIYfolks.

How To Choose the Perfect Bed

image House to Home

There are so many different types and styles of beds that it can almost be almost overwhelming when you want a new bed but don’t know what style to go for. Follow our helpful tips and you’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect bed for you.

Before You Buy

The size of your new bed is really important. It should fit both you – and your partner if necessary – and your bedroom. Ideally, a bed should allow you and your partner to lie side by side with hands behind your head without elbows touching. Just like going food shopping when you’re hungry, don’t go bed shopping when you’re tired, as any and every bed is likely to look and feel good.

The Design

The design of your bed should fit the rest of the furniture and the décor in your bedroom (or the bedroom that it will be when you’ve finished renovating). A statement design will make the bed the focal point of the room, while oriental style low level beds will make the room feel calm.

If you’re short on space, then avoid buying a bed with a footboard. If you have one, you’re likely to find yourself forever bumping into it.

Leather beds, like these ones from Beds Warehouse, have a smart, masculine feel to it, whilst something in metal has more ornate connotations. The design of your bed should marry practicality and style, for instance, a divan might be good if you’re short on space, and look just as good as any other bed.

The Headboard

The most important design feature of the bed is the headboard, though they aren’t integral to a bed. They create a focal point for the bedroom, and can be practical for reading or watching TV in bed. There are several different types that you could go for.

Upholstered headboards are perfect if you regularly sit up in bed and like something to lean on. They can make a statement if you use patterned fabric too.

Leather headboards are sleek and contemporary, but they aren’t always comfortable, so you may need to invest in a few extra cushions.

Wooden headboards look lovely for a country style bedroom, but will definitely need extra cushions when it comes to reading and watching TV.

Metal headboards can be chic, urban and ornate, but they will be uncomfortable too.

Creative Headboard Ideas

Do you remember your college dorm or apartment? How about the first home as a couple? I remember building a shelving system out of concrete blocks and a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood 5/8 inch thick split into three pieces 16 inches wide. It was sturdy enough to hold the stereo and books and some newly-acquired art.

That same Ana Duovska who writes for Architecture Art Design, has a nice article about headboards. They can be just a personalized and fcreative as that that first book shelf or can be vintage. I always read in bed before the light goes off. Here's my favorite for reading:

This just looks downright peaceful:

Ideas for an Inviting Guest Bedroom

 

Photo via Tracery Interiors.

With summer’s arrival, we’re excited about the outdoor and sun-filled activities that await.  Perhaps you have family returning from college, or maybe your mother-in-law will be popping by for her "surprise" annual visit.  Regardless of who will be visiting, you'll want to prepare a comfortable space for them that’s welcoming. 

If you don’t know where to start, we've compiled a few ideas:

Photo via HGTV.

A Comfortable Bed

A double bed with at least 4 supportive sleeping pillows would be ideal.  Provide cotton linens to maximize sleep comfort, freshly laundered and pressed for a welcoming arrival.  You may also provide your guests with a supply of extra light or heavy blankets if needed.

Photo via DIY Network.

Simple Decor

Clutter is the nemesis of rest.  Keep your guests relaxed with simple décor such as a small floral arrangement on a dresser or night stand.  You may also choose to leave a few books or magazines, a notepad, stationary and pens for your guests.  Provide a lamp or two for reading bedside.  A phone and alarm clock with radio within the room are nice touches, although not necessary.

Photo via Zillow.

Closet Space

Set aside some space in the closet or provide a suitable storage area such as an armoire for your guests' clothes and belongings.  Furnish several hangers for hanging jackets and sweaters, and perhaps reserve a few dresser drawers for smaller articles.

Design by Tracery Interiors. Photo via Sweet Chaos Home. 

Guest Bath

Freshen up the bathroom and leave thoughtful touches such as potpourri, scented candles or a vase of fresh flowers. Whether your guests will have their own bathroom or will share one, it's important to leave space for their personal items.  It’s common to forget to pack certain items when travelling, so you may wish to provide a supply of soap, shampoo, and various toiletries such as cotton balls, Q-tips, toothpaste and a razor.  Don’t forget to leave a few washcloths and face and bath towels just for your guests.  Consider setting up a laundry hamper for used towels and linens, especially if they will be staying for an extended period of time.

Thoughtful Gestures

Summer and warmer weather go hand-in-hand, so leaving a pitcher of cold water and drinking glasses for your guests will be an appreciated gesture.  Think ahead about things your guests may need while staying with you - perhaps house slippers, a bath robe, a vanity mirror or a cozy chair will make them feel right at home.  Your guests will love staying with you, and thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Luxury Furniture

High End Furniture

Henredon

Canopy Beds: The Enduring Allure

Posted by savannahcollections in Bedroom, Craftsmanship, Design Tips, Featured Collections



There’s an immediate sense of luxury and decadence conveyed when one mentions canopy beds.  It is common to find richly carved designs on the wooden frame of canopy beds, making them a dramatic centerpiece to any bedroom.

During the medieval period, canopy beds gained popularity with both peasants and royalty alike.  For nobles and peasants, canopies had a utilitarian purpose of protecting one from outside elements, where thatched-roofs may have not sufficed. Sheets were traditionally used to drape over the bed posts to protect one from bugs and bug droppings that fell through the roof.  The prestigious and rich, however, enjoyed the warmth, comfort and privacy that canopy beds provided.

Over time, canopy beds took on a more romantic notion as elaborate carvings, richly decorated tapestries and accessories were added to the overall designs.

Gilded with gold-accent over intricate wood carvings throughout, the Greenwich Bed shown above is just one example of how canopy beds create a cozy yet luxurious setting.  A simple light canopy sheet was draped above and within the wooden frame to compliment the solid wood and lend it a softer, more romantic touch.  Elegant touches such as these prove why the allure of canopy beds has endured throughout the ages.

Add Value With Sheepskin

In June of this year, I wrote about a healthy sleep system that advocated using a “…pure sheep’s wool pad for a perfectly dry and warm bed climate.”  To top it off for a great healthy sleep use “…pillows that contain only 100% biologically active wool of high-grade Merino quality…”

Where do you buy things made from sheep’s wool for your home and auto? Our friends at Comfy Sheepskin have the answer. For 25 years they have made and distributed sheepskin rugs, sheepskin seat covers and home décor products from their headquarters in California.

Comfy Sheepskin sells sheepskin mattress covers in four qualities for any size bed, along with sheepskin pillows and shams.  Do you want seat covers to protect your car’s leather or protect your backside from the hot summers or cold winters? Try sheepskin seat covers.

Many homes are bringing back hardwood floors.  While the look of the various woods used is stunning, sometimes you need some texture to soften the look or some comfortable seating on a cold winter night before the fire. Try sheepskin rugs.  They are available in 12 colors and you can order up to eight skins stitched together without a special order.

Take a look at Comfy Sheepskin’s website.  You may not believe all the ways sheepskin products can add value to your life.  So much so that you wouldn't think of living without them.

Sleep Surface Advancements You Need to Know About

As the world changes, the sleep space evolves along with it. In products like a hybrid mattress, shoppers often only see the fusion of individual advancements. It’s worth taking a look at some of the core technologies because several of these advancements have the ability to influence the future of the sleep industry. Here are three that could spawn more innovation.

Gel Memory Foam

During the course of 40 years, memory foam hasn’t changed much. It still feels like the original space-age technology. Thanks to the introduction of gel, memory foam has begun to evolve. Many people criticize traditional memory foam because it retains an uncomfortable amount of body heat and there’s often a sinking sensation that makes it difficult to change sleeping positions. New memory foam also must be “broken in” before it’s comfortable to sleep on.

Gel memory foam mattresses are made from—you guessed it—memory foam infused with gel. Gel is reported to have a cooling effect and memory foam mattresses infused with the substance are more breathable, hypoallergenic, and supportive. They also don’t require the breaking-in period of traditional memory foam. This new technology tends to be expensive but comparable in price to traditional memory foam. Several bedding manufacturers have released hybrid mattresses that combine gel memory foam with innersprings.

Independent Bed Heating and Cooling

Sleeping cool enough is a big issue with consumers and the mattress world is responding to the demand. A new product line of wireless thermostat-control mattresses and mattress pads use a water circulation system to heat and cool the sleep surface in one or two zones. Room temperature water is heated to the desired temperature and circulated around the bed surface. Products like the ChiliPad fit most mattresses.

Co-sleepers can adjust bed temperature independently between 55 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit with a wireless remote. This revolutionary product could relieve arthritis sufferers, injured athletes, women experiencing life changes, or simply partners with different sleep temperature preferences. Thermoregulated mattress technology is in its infancy and will only become more sophisticated.

Anti-Allergen Materials

The typical bedroom houses over 100 million dust mites, which account for 80 percent of allergy complaints. Mattress protectors are the anti-mattress pad, as traditional mattress pads are breeding grounds for dust mites. Five-sided mattress protectors can be removed easily and washed, whereas total-bed encasements envelope your mattress on all six sides and create a seal against dust mites with either a zipper at the foot of the bed or 360-degree zipper for easier removal.

Protectors and encasements are designed merely to protect the bed, not change the feel of the mattress. For the average consumer, a mattress protector alone will suffice as long as it is washed weekly. For severe allergy sufferers, however, a mattress encasement with an easy-to-remove mattress protector on top is ideal. And don’t forget a pillow protector—many allergens, fungal spores, and viruses hide out in there, too.

As more products are introduced to address allergy sufferers, mattress manufacturers are looking to incorporate anti-allergenic materials into their manufacturing process. This trend is likely to grow to prevent consumer objections, complaints, and returns.

Sleep-space technology is changing. We are seeing the mixture of new materials, temperature controls, and anti-allergen protection. These advancements will likely lead to more improvements and eventually the fusion of ideas. 

Guest post and rap from Shawn.

A Bit About The Bunk Bed

I have had a fondness for the Bunk Bed as a solution for space problems ever since I was in the army.  There for six months, at Ft Lewis and Ft Ord, I lived with a platoon of men where we spent hours in the evening polishing our gear and arranging our foot lockers for inspection.  We smoked and laughed, played cards and told stories about our girls back home. Every morning we made our beds so tight that our drill sergeant could bounce a quarter on the army blanket that encased our mattress.

Again a Bunk Bed came to mind as Bev and I watched HGTV’s “House Hunter International.”  Sometimes a family moving to Milan or Puerto Vallerta or New Zealand needs more bedrooms than fits their budget and a solution is to double up the kids in a room using bunk beds. It’s an elegant solution.

According to our friends at BunkbedsAtoZ, these great beds are manufactured in metal and wood; in a variety of finishes and can be twin over twin, twin over full, full over full and even futon bunk beds.

There are some safety items to keep in mind:

1.     The upper bunk should have guardrails and should be close to the wall.  The army violated both of these rules, yet I never saw a tipped over bunk bed and no one ever fell out of bed in their sleep.

2.     The top bunk should be for the older child.

3.   There should be cross ties under the mattress of each bed.  Again, the army violated this rule.  I went to sleep at night with those coil springs of the top bunk sagging in my face.

4.     There should be a ladder and the children should be taught to use it.

5.     No roughhousing or jumping on the beds!

6.     Use a night light so the ladder can be seen for use in the night.

Call us if you have a particular need for Bev to research.

Start With A Pillow

I sold Thom McAn shoes through high school and in college sold shoes at Nordstrom's. After the sale I tried to sell a pair of sneakers with the dress shoes, or a purse with pumps or polish. With men I tried for shoe laces and polish. 

What fascinates me about the selling process is the point where you try to add bedding  to the mattress sale. Is the customer upgrading from full mattress to Queen or Queen to King sized mattress, then they need mattress covers and sheets and pillows and blankets. Then where do you bring up the health issues of bed bugs and dust mites and how to protect the sleep environment from these pests, and also the air in the room. If you wait until the end to discuss add-ons the customer is going to start screaming, "Get me out of here!"

In the latest issue of "Furniture World" there's a fascinating article titled Sleep Essentials about the sleep industry and bedding.

We know from a recent study that 60 percent of consumers within two to three weeks of buying a new mattress end up purchasing new pillows, a mattress protector, sheets and other top of bed items. It’s just natural for them to want to start with a cleaner, healthier environment.

 “We’ve found that about 28 percent of customers, when they buy a new mattress, also end buying a whole bunch of new stuff that day...Once they’ve purchased the mattress, this group is going to buy a pillow and a new set of sheets somewhere. That’s just what they do anyway. They would never dream of putting old stuff on their new bed.”

The author Russell Bienenstock says retailers have had great success starting with the pillow. Give the customers a choice of pillows at the start. In fact the pillow they choose gives a good indication of what kind of bed they will choose. Provide freshly laundered pillow covers for the pillows, then let the customers carry the pillow around as they try different beds.

Some retailers throw in pillows for free.  The study says watch how your customer holds the pillow.  If the customer holds it by the top, then not much value is placed on the pillow. However, if the customer cuddles the pillow or carries it like a baby, then you have a pillow sale.

Now it feels like you are a professional, selling a healthy sleep system rather than just a mattress. I know the successful Bedroom furniture retailers sell that way.

Introducing Sealy

Sealy is the bedding industry’s largest global manufacturer with sales of $1.23 billion in fiscal 2011. The Company manufactures and markets a broad range of mattresses and foundations under the Sealy®, Sealy Posturepedic®, including SpringFree™, PurEmbrace™ and TrueForm®; Stearns & Foster®, and Bassett® brands.

Sealy, available globally, is striving to help the world sleep better. So no matter if you’re across the globe or across the street, you can expect their legendary commitment to excellence in everything they do for you. Be it the comfort, durability or affordability in their mattresses or their customer service. Their aim is to meet customer needs, wherever they’re needed.

Recently, I posted about the fast-growing gel bedding arena.  Sealy is debuting two new lines in Las Vegas Market this week. One new line uses an innerspring core and the other a foam core. Both deliver optimal temperature, comfort and support levels for the best sleep experience possible. The new lines feature Opticool, Sealy’s name for a gel memory foam that is fused with Outlast, a phase-change material, in an application that is a Sealy exclusive. 

Some owners of plain foam complain that the bed is too hot during their sleep.  Sealy claims Opticool is 12 times more effective than standard foam or gel alone in removing excess heat during the night.

In the UK the place to go for Sealy mattresses is Furniture Choice where they also have a large selection of sofas. Is this a great place to shop?  Why not read their customer comments here.