To help you navigate this crucial decision, we’ve consulted our industry expert partners Sealy, Harrison Spinks, and Relyon. They’ve shared their professional insights on everything from firmness levels to materials and sleeping positions, ensuring you can make an informed choice for your best night’s sleep.

Understanding mattress types: what’s right for you?

Blakemere mattress | Credit: Harrison Spinks

The world of mattresses can feel overwhelming, with various types designed to cater to different needs. According to Relyon, “The main mattress types sold in the UK include Natural, Pillowtop, Foam, and Orthopaedic. Each has unique benefits, making mattress shopping a tailored experience.”

Harrison Spinks simplifies the selection process by categorising their mattresses into Pillowtop and Turn-Free models. “Turn-Free mattresses provide consistent support without the need for flipping, whereas Pillowtop models offer an extra layer of plush comfort,” they explain.

Sealy highlights its range of pocket-sprung and foam mattresses, particularly its PostureTech CoreSupport system, which enhances overall comfort. “Our Advantage Deluxe mattress combines mini pocket springs with Geltex for extra pressure relief, while the Ortho Plus offers firmer support,” explains Sealy.

To make things easier, at Oak Furnitureland, we offer a curated selection from these top brands, ensuring there’s an option for everyone’s needs.

Finding your ideal firmness level

Bloomsbury bed | Blakemere mattress | Hove bedside table

Firmness plays a crucial role in getting a good night’s sleep. According to Sealy, “A general rule of thumb is that the smaller your build, the more cushioning you might want in your mattress. Our PostureTech CoreSupport system ensures consistent support at any firmness level.”

“If your spine bows downward, the mattress is too soft; if it bows upward, it’s too firm,” advises Harrison Spinks. “A well-supported spine is key to restful sleep.”

How sleeping position affects mattress choice

Credit : Harrison Spinks

Your sleep position also has a big influence on your mattress selection. Harrison Spinks recommends testing mattresses in-store before making a decision, stating, “Side sleepers generally require softer mattresses, while back and front sleepers need firmer ones.”

Sealy emphasises the importance of pressure relief for side sleepers, “especially for pressure points on the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers should ensure there’s no gap between their lower back and the mattress.”

Choosing the right mattress size

Richmond bed | Richmond bedside table | Richmond wardrobe

As comfort becomes a priority, king-size beds have overtaken double beds as the UK’s most popular size. However, mattress size should align with your bedroom space and sleeping arrangements.

“We always recommend purchasing the largest mattress possible,” says Relyon. “A king size mattress (5ft) is the most common choice, but more customers are upgrading to a super king mattress (6ft) for added luxury.”

Sealy suggests considering bedroom space and whether the bed will be shared. “All Sealy mattresses at Oak Furnitureland include Edge Guard to maximise the sleep surface and prevent roll-off,” Sealy adds.

“Choose the largest mattress that fits your space,” recommends Harrison Spinks. “A bigger mattress enhances comfort and improves sleep quality.”

The impact of mattress materials

Credit : Harrison Spinks

Materials play a key role in durability, comfort, and temperature regulation. “We use high-quality Belgian fabrics and breathable natural fillings like wool, which regulate temperature,” explains Relyon. “These materials sit atop durable pocket spring systems for long-term support.”

Sealy focuses on breathability. “Our foams, including Geltex and Latex, allow heat to disperse for cooler sleep.”

Harrison Spinks highlights the benefits of pocket-sprung mattresses. “They offer reduced motion transfer, targeted support, and improved airflow. Natural fillings like wool and flax enhance quick absorption and are a more sustainable choice too.”

Finding a mattress for you and your partner

Credit: Sealy

For couples with different comfort needs, finding a mattress that accommodates both preferences can be challenging, but there are some clever solutions to explore.

“Consider zip-and-link or split-tension mattresses if you and your partner have different firmness preferences,” advises Harrison Spinks.

Sealy suggests, “For those with vastly different needs, our Advantage Deluxe Melrose with Geltex offers a medium feel, while the Ortho Plus Pennington provides firm support.”

“Testing mattresses together in-store is crucial to finding a compromise that works,” adds Relyon.

How to care for your mattress

Credit: Harrison Spinks

A well-maintained mattress ultimately lasts longer. “Use a breathable, washable mattress protector to prevent spills and maintain cleanliness,” Relyon recommends.

Sealy adds that vacuuming helps remove dirt and dust mites. “Our ProShield® smart fibres, approved by Allergy UK, help reduce allergens.”

Harrison Spinks advises against vacuuming natural-filled mattresses. “Use a soft brush to remove dust instead, and for deep cleaning, use unscented laundry detergent, bicarbonate of soda, and cold water.”

How to test a mattress before buying

Credit: Sealy

Lying on a mattress for a few seconds won’t quite give you enough of true to life experience, so our expert panel suggests the following:

1. Lie on it for at least 10-15 minutes in your usual sleeping position.
2. Check for pressure points — you shouldn’t feel discomfort or excessive sinking.
3. Move around to ensure consistent support.

Testing in-store is the best way to find the right fit. “Visit an Oak Furnitureland store and spend time lying on different mattresses to find your best fit,” advises Relyon.

“Take your time,” says Harrison Spinks. “Remove jackets and lie naturally to get an accurate feel for comfort and support.”

How long does a mattress last?

The lifespan of a mattress depends on its usage and quality. “Every 7-10 years or when it becomes uncomfortable,” recommends Relyon.

Sealy suggests an 8-year replacement cycle, citing hygiene and performance. “A Sealy mattress is designed for long-lasting comfort, but regular replacement is important,” they explain.

Harrison Spinks agrees: “Every 8-10 years is ideal, even for high-quality mattresses.”

Budgeting for a mattress

Credit: Sealy

Your budget will ultimately depend on your needs and priorities. However, deciding how much to invest, ask yourself: How valuable is a great night’s sleep?

For a king-size mattress, prices typically range between £335 and £1700, with variations depending on size and features. A higher investment often means superior natural fibres, stronger pocket springs, and advanced cooling technology, all of which enhance both comfort and durability.

Arranging mattress disposal

Credit: Harrison Spinks

When updating your mattress, don’t forget to consider what happens to your old one. Depending on where you are in the UK, you should have access to a variety of disposal solutions:

• Council collection services – check with your local authority for available options.
• Recycling centres – many accept mattresses for responsible disposal.
• Clearabee partnership – Oak Furnitureland customers can access a convenient removal and recycling service.

Choosing the right mattress is an investment in quality sleep and well-being. With expert advice from Sealy, Harrison Spinks, and Relyon, you now have some insightful tips to help you make the best choice.

Visit your nearest Oak Furnitureland store to test out some options, or shop online today and discover the best mattress to transform your sleep. And if you’re planning a bigger bedroom revamp, check out our bedroom measurement guide for all the information you need.

The post How to choose the right mattress for you: expert panel tips appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

How do you fit a wardrobe in a small room?

Small wardrobes for small bedrooms

Original Rustic double wardrobe | @holcombedreaminteriors

The first thing you’ll need to think about is the size. Will the wardrobe actually fit in your small bedroom? While it might be tempting to try a 3-door wardrobe, the reality is that it’ll overwhelm the space you have, making it – rather than the bed – the focal point of the room. Instead, choose furniture that’s appropriately sized for the space it will be living in.

A double wardrobe still provides plenty of hanging space, and choosing ones with drawers means you have more room to store your jumpers, jeans or linens without using up precious hanging space. But make sure you leave enough space! You’ll need around 20cm at the front of your chosen wardrobe to allow for opening the doors and manoeuvring around it. For more info on optimal bedroom layouts, take a look at our bedroom measurement guide.

Use the whole wardrobe

Romsey wardrobe | @insideours

We all know that wardrobes provide indispensable, hidden storage. But why not make the most of the extra storage created on the outside of the piece? Above it, next to it, the sides, maximise the space you’ve gained! The top of a wardrobe comes as a ready-made shelf, perfect for ornaments or your favourite rattan storage boxes. Why not pop a floor-standing plant pot or wicker basket next to the wardrobe to fill with spare accessories – your options are endless.

Where should you put a wardrobe in a bedroom?

Make the most of alcoves

Parquet wardrobe | @mypetitenewbuild

Many older properties feature bedroom alcoves around a chimney breast, some may be fortunate enough to still have a beautiful fireplace fitted! Alcoves offer an amazing opportunity to squeeze in those often cumbersome wardrobes, especially in a bedroom lacking space. Fit one into one side of the chimney breast, while creating a sense of balance and symmetry with another furniture piece, such as a chest of drawers or dressing table, on the other side.

Make sure to measure up the space so the wardrobe slots seamlessly into its surrounding walls. If you’re working with a period property, remember that walls tend not to be perfectly straight. Take measurements from several parts of the wall to ensure it will fit all the way along.

Build-in a wardrobe

Madeline mirror | @layered.home

If you’re worried that a wardrobe may make your space feel cluttered and claustrophobic, a built-in wardrobe offers a beautifully sleek alternative. Whether you fill available alcoves or make use of a vacant wall, these floor-to-ceiling bedroom additions can actually make your room feel more spacious. What’s more, it means that your favourite furniture pieces can take centre stage, whether it be your bed, dressing table, chest of drawers, or bedside tables.

Make sure to paint the new fixture the same colour as your bedroom walls so that they blend seamlessly into the background, making the room feel bigger.

Best wardrobe designs for small bedrooms

Blend your wardrobe in

Brompton wardrobe | Brompton tallboy | @a_house_and_its_chows

When dealing with smaller bedrooms, we can’t create space, but we can certainly create the illusion of space. A great way to achieve this is by matching your wardrobe colour to your walls, allowing them to almost dissolve into their surroundings. This premise is the same regardless of wall colour. While some may shy away from using darker furniture in a darker room, it can actually create a beautiful cocooning effect, perfect for a deep night’s sleep.

Make a statement

Parquet double wardrobe | @jlg-designs

If your wardrobe needs to sit at an awkward angle or you’re struggling to find a piece that matches your existing colour palette, why not make a statement? Give your bedroom an instant wow factor with a stylish and eye-catching wardrobe option. If it has to take up floor space in a small room, make sure it’s worth the square footage! We love how the detail of the Parquet range provides an interesting edge to any bedroom. Its decorative style, intriguing mid-century modern characteristics, and rich warmth from its honey hue make for a beautifully unique wardrobe, no matter your existing decor.

The wardrobe alternative

Canterbury bed | Canterbury bedside table | Canterbury tallboy | @mrsh_at_bears_cottage

While wardrobes offer ample storage space for bedrooms, they may not suit every home spatially. Tallboys, with their narrow and space-saving design, provide an excellent alternative. Their slim profile allows them to fit easily alongside other bedroom furniture, such as dressing tables and much-needed bedside tables.

You should now be ready to kit out your small bedroom with the perfect wardrobe design! Head over to our wardrobe collections to find a stylish two door piece, or gain some more tips for styling small homes here. Don’t forget to show us your style on Instagram, tag us, or use #OakFurnitureland #GrowYourHome.

The post Best wardrobes for small bedrooms appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

Even if you’re pinching pennies, there are plenty of simple but really beautiful ways you can uplift your home. Here are our easy tips for decorating with minimal fuss.

Reorganise your home

Decluttering will improve the quality of your space and mark a new beginning. This is a simple way to start, but it will have a huge impact on your entire home. You may wish to make some physical changes here too; install open shelving for both functional and display purposes or invest in new pieces that won’t break the bank. Browse our smart storage options like slimline tallboys for tricky spaces or multipurpose blanket boxes that can double up as a window seat.

Make bookcases beautiful

We love bookcases because they’re not only useful, but they also have gorgeous display capacities. Order books by the colour of their spine rather than in typical A-Z fashion for a dazzling ombre effect. You can also line the interior of the bookcase with wallpaper to make yours one-of-a-kind.

Copenhagen small bookcase

Recalibrate

While you don’t necessarily need to reorder your life to adhere to the principles of feng shui, it won’t hurt to press reset on your home decor. Try moving things from room-to-room and make pieces that are usually tucked away in more private spots, like the bedroom, the focal points of communal rooms and spaces.

Looking to channel your home redesign energy into your bedroom?

Be open to the possibilities of paint

You don’t need to be a Picasso to paint your home, nor do you need to splurge on a decorating team to get elbows deep for you. If you’re a DIY novice, enlist the help of a friend or partner and tackle the task together. Make the job uncomplicated; paint a feature wall, the skirting boards, or even a two-tone wall. If you’re feeling confident enough then you could undertake the ‘fifth wall’ – the ceiling! A fresh lick of paint can have transformative effects on the rest of the room.

Bevel king-size bed | Hercules side table

Upcycle

Similarly, you can repaint ageing but beloved pieces of furniture to give them a new lease of life. Reinvigorate their original coat or try a whole new shade to totally reinvent the piece.

You can also use new materials to recover upholstery that you’ve become a bit bored of. This technique requires precision, but works a treat on sofas, armchairs or accent chairs. If you don’t have much experience, try practising by making new cushion covers with eye-catching prints or textural materials like velvet.

Check out our living room ideas on a budget for more expert home style advice that won’t break the bank.

Refresh soft furnishings

Speaking of soft furnishings, updating yours is not only incredibly easy, but it’s a cheap update in the grand scheme of things. For example, a new area rug can shake up the whole room’s appearance and introduce a refreshed colour palette for you to bounce off. Alternatively, you can craft your own dining table runner with spare fabrics that you might have lying around.

Orrick king-size bed | St. Ives bedside table

Tap into tile

You don’t need to retile the entirety of your kitchen or bathroom – you could make a feature of the backsplashes around the hob or sink, or make the area around the shower a prime focus. Either way, refurbishments like these could be the small refreshes that your home is crying out for.

If you’re not feeling that brave, then tile paint could be a simpler alternative to revamping your space.

If you want some home design tips specific for your budget, check out the blog where we breakdown what’s realistically possible for what you want to spend.

Renovate your windows

Unsightly curtains can have a hugely unpleasant effect on an otherwise lovely interior design scheme. Maybe you’ve always wanted to change yours; if you’ve got a little more room in your budget, you might want to install French shutters, a fresh set of blinds or billowing curtains. If you’ve got less cash to work with, even a new trim can completely alter the appearance of curtains.

DIY displays

Original art and prints – though an incredible addition to any room – are often not very budget-friendly. Instead, frame old magazine covers for your bathroom or last year’s calendar pages in the hallway, giving paper destined for the recycling bin a new use. Otherwise, give your kids’ artwork pride of place over the dining room table or have family, friends and guests contribute to a hilarious Polaroid wall.

Brindle small sideboard

Don’t forget the details

Even slighter changes come in the form of replacing handles on cupboards and drawers – this is a great way to personalise key features of your home without making any drastic updates. You can also swap out lampshades for a similar effect. You’ll be surprised how minor details can give your decor a whole new look.

Hopefully you enjoyed our tips, and are ready to give your home a well-needed thrifty uplift! And make sure to show us your new home updates over on Instagram, using #OakFurnitureland.

The post Home decor updates on a budget appeared first on Oak Furnitureland Blog.

So how do you design your bedroom layout? At Oak Furnitureland, we’ve rounded up the main things for you to consider when measuring up your bedroom for new or existing furniture.

Where to put your bed

Burleigh bed | Burleigh wardrobe | Burleigh bedside table

The largest, and most important, piece of furniture in your room, the bed is without a doubt the first thing you should consider in your arrangement. Typically, bedrooms are laid out with the foot end of the bed closest to the door, and the head in the middle of the opposing wall. But you also need to take lighting into consideration. Adapt this configuration to wake up with the sun, particularly if you have a good view.

If you’re someone who likes to curl up in the evenings and watch TV from your bed, you may also want to think about how your bed matches up. If it makes more sense to have your bed close to the door, ensure that you have enough space to open and close it, as well as a clear passageway through the room. Remember that you will be entering the room probably multiple times a day; make sure that you give yourself a welcoming entrance!

If you’re working with a smaller room, there’s nothing to say that you can’t push one side of the bed against the wall to save space. Ensure that you don’t clutter other furniture too close to the free side of the bed, or at the foot of the bed, to avoid a jumbled look or a hectic sleeping environment.

How to arrange your bedside tables

Shay bed | Shay bedside table | @aheidistylehome

Bedside tables are the real heroes of your bedroom furniture. Not only do they complete the look, they are an essential part of your daily routine. The home of your lamp, where you charge your phone, and where you store your important easy-to-access belongings, they are a bedroom staple.

As a rule of thumb, your bedside table should stand at approximately the same height as your mattress, for optimum practicality and style. It should also sit no deeper than 60cm so as not to obstruct movement in and out of bed.

Have fun with the styling of your bedside tables; choose the same range as your bed for a cohesive style, or mix and match for a more playful look. Choose options with drawers or cupboards depending on your favoured usage and accessorise with your favourite lighting looks.

Where you should place your wardrobe

A wardrobe is a staple storage piece in any bedroom, particularly if you’re working with a small room.

When it comes to the arrangement of your wardrobe, it’s all about the surrounding space. Find a tidy alcove or corner to tuck your wardrobe away, but ensure that you’ve left enough room for the doors and drawers to fully open. And don’t forget about your browsing space!

You may also want to think about where the wardrobe is in relation to other features such as the mirror, to ease your getting ready routine.

How to organise additional storage

Brindle blanket box

With the three main bedroom furniture pieces in tow, it’s time to think about other necessary furniture for your space. How much storage will you need, and how will this fit? Think about the shape of your room. It might be worth tracing the measurements of your room on a piece of paper, or alternatively using masking tape or cardboard to map out the placement of this furniture around your bed, bedside table and wardrobe.

There are so many storage solutions of several shapes and sizes to choose from. Lacking space for a traditional chest of drawers? Consider a tall boy to tuck into a small corner, or even a blanket box at the foot of the bed.

If your bedroom is more spacious, why not take a look at bigger, statement pieces such as large chest of drawer options and storage cabinets? Whatever the size of your bedroom, there’s nothing worse than a cluttered space, both for its styling as well as your wellbeing. Tidy as much as you can away in handy storage solutions, and maintain your precious floorspace.

Practical features: desks and dressing tables

Parquet console table | Parquet wardrobe | @the_one_with_the_green_door

Traditionally a bedroom has been the place to sleep and keep your clothes, but as with every room of the home, this is continually evolving. What other roles does your bedroom play in your life?

While a dressing table in the window may be the dream for many, is it just a waste of space? If you typically get ready in the bathroom, it might not be a necessary feature.

With many people increasingly working from home, your room may also be the home for your study or work. Consider a window setting for an optimal working environment, but make sure to measure up your desk to ensure you have enough room to move a chair in and out.

Getting furniture into your bedroom

Before going ahead and making any purchases, it’s important to remember how the furniture will make its way to your bedroom. When measuring up your furniture for placement, make a note and compare this to every entrance way needed to get the piece in the room. What doors will it need to get through, and at what angle? Ensure that you’ve taken horizontal measurements to make absolutely sure it will fit.

Will it need to go up the stairs or down a tight hallway? Make sure you have enough clearance height, as well as wiggle room around banisters. Don’t forget anything external to your property too; if your building has a lift, measure both the door as well as the inside of the lift itself.

Before you go and choose pieces that will fit your desired spaces, take a moment to also consider how best to optimise the shape of your room. If the shape of your room is relatively irregular, for example, you may want to think about using rounder furniture to soften edges, such as a round table or soft armchair.

You should now be ready to get creative with the configurement of your bedroom! Browse our bedroom furniture collection to find the perfect pieces for your sleep sanctuary.

Lead image: Brompton range | @a_house_and_its_chows

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