When it comes to beds, bedding and the best possible night’s sleep, all the technology in the world won’t work if you don’t have a bed that’s the right size for you.
First of all there’s the practicality of finding a bed which fits your room and which you know you can get into your room – for example it’s worth investigating split-king bases if you have a particularly tricky room to fit out or bunk beds if you’re trying to be economical with space for kids’ rooms. And if you’re short on storage, a bed with room underneath can offer the perfect solution.
Once you’re happy with what size can fit into your room, the next stage is to work out what’s right for you.
The basic rule of thumb is to go as large as possible – you’ll find a perfectly comfortable mattress can offer an uncomfortable night’s sleep if it’s too small.
A single bed at 92cm wide and 188cm long is the basic package and fine for young children. It’s easy to find bedding and is an economical option both in terms of budget and space if you’re kitting out a child’s bedroom.
A single XL is the same width, but at 203cm long offers room to grow, and a king single adds extra to the width for final dimensions of 107cm wide and 203cm long. Both of these bed sizes give you the confidence to know you’ve chosen a bed which can last your kids long into their teens.
A double bed, at 135cm wide and 188cm long, is a good option for a single person who wants a little more space but, despite its name, is probably not large enough for two or, because of the standard length, for tall people. It’s a good option for a sleepout, spare room or a student flat because the bedding is usually cheaper than for the larger sizes and it takes up less space in a multi-purpose room.
Queen size beds are the minimum recommended for couples at 150cm wide and 203cm deep. The extra depth to a double should guarantee a good night’s sleep for two people, but it’s still compact enough for smaller rooms and is easier on the budget than larger sizes.
A king size bed, at 165cm wide and 203cm long gives that extra space and comfort – and remember that New Zealanders, on the whole, are quite big people. And a superking size, at 183cm wide and 203cm long, offers the equivalent of two singles side-by-side – certainly enough for any couple in search of the maximum personal sleeping space and a luxurious good night’s rest.
