Beds & Accessories

Best Beds & Accessories in the UK: Top Stores, Picks and a Practical Buying Guide

Why choosing the right bed and accessories matters

Your bed is more than a place to crash — it’s where you recharge, dream and sometimes binge-watch an entire box set. Picking the right bed and the right accessories can transform how you sleep and how your bedroom looks. A well-chosen frame and mattress pair can be the difference between waking up refreshed or feeling like you’ve slept on a pile of bricks. Think of your bed as the stage for your daily reset; the props — throws, pillows, under-bed storage — set the scene.

Health, comfort and the small details

Comfort isn’t just about softness; it’s about support and alignment. A mattress that suits your sleep position and a frame that fits your room dimensions can reduce back pain, improve circulation and help you sleep longer. Accessories like breathable mattress toppers and hypoallergenic pillow covers add a protective layer that’s easy to swap out — like putting a coat on a sofa to keep it fresh.

Style, size and space planning

Bedrooms are small theatres for personal style. Whether you love minimal Scandi lines or classic upholstered headboards, the bed sets the tone. And size matters: a too-big bed will drown a tiny room, while a too-small bed can leave you feeling cramped. Measure your space, think in feet and inches, and choose a bed that leaves room to move, store and breathe.

Spotlight on Nordic Nest

Nordic Nest is a go-to for Scandinavian-inspired furniture and accessories that blend form and function. Their pieces lean on clean lines, solid wood finishes and a neutral palette that’s easy to layer with colourful throws or textured cushions. If you like modern simplicity with a crafted feel, Nordic Nest will feel like home.

What Nordic Nest offers

Their range includes sleek day beds, solid oak legs and minimalist frames that play well in contemporary spaces. Popular options include day beds in fabric with oak frames that double as seating and sleeping solutions — perfect for a spare room or a studio. You’ll find designs that speak to modern living: compact, multipurpose and stylish.

Notable picks and practical sizes

Here are a few examples that illustrate what Nordic Nest stocks: a day bed with a wooden frame in white oiled oak and fabric upholstery that works well as a sofa by day and a bed by night; striped day bed styles for a touch of pattern; and bedspreads in generous sizes, roughly 63 by 102 inches, that tuck and drape beautifully across a double or king setup. For kids, compact junior beds measure around 65 by 30.5 by 34 inches — a smart fit for growing rooms.

Spotlight on Ebebek

If you’re shopping for little ones, Ebebek focuses on nursery and kids’ sleep essentials. From cot mattresses to space-saving cot beds with under-drawer options, they cover the basics that parents care about: comfort, safety and mattress support. Their product list shows a clear tilt toward practical bedding solutions for infants and toddlers.

Kid-friendly mattresses and cot beds

Ebebek range includes pocket-sprung and foam mattresses tailored to cot and junior-bed sizes. You’ll find compact mattresses roughly 39 by 20 inches for smaller cribs, and larger cotbed mattresses around 28 by 55 inches for convertible beds. They also offer models with firm support layers intended for safe infant sleep and breathable fillings parents prefer.

Practical examples you’ll see

Some of their best-known items include premium pocket-sprung mattresses in small sizes designed for travel cots or mini beds and thicker sprung mattresses measuring around 55 by 28 by 2.75 inches for older cot beds. These are paired with child-friendly bed frames and space-saver designs, like cot beds with built-in drawers, making the most of compact nurseries.

Other top UK stores to consider

Beyond the specialist names above, several UK retailers offer broad ranges of beds and accessories that suit different budgets and styles. Stores like John Lewis, IKEA, Dunelm, Dreams, Argos and Wayfair UK are worth a browse. Each brings something different: from high-end designer collaborations to affordable, practical pieces for student flats.

John Lewis & Partners

John Lewis tends to sit in the mid-to-up market bracket with reliable warranties and a strong selection of mattresses, upholstered beds and heritage-style frames. Expect a wide choice of pocket-sprung mattresses and day beds, plus tasteful textiles and bed linen to match.

IKEA, Dunelm and Argos — budget-friendly to mid-range

IKEA covers minimalist frames, slatted bases and memory-foam mattresses at accessible prices. Dunelm shines with homey accessories, throws and a wide selection of bedding sizes. Argos combines convenience with variety, making it easy to pick up essentials quickly. Wayfair UK often has big seasonal discounts and a huge catalogue if you like browsing through hundreds of options.

How to choose the right bed for your room

Picking a bed is a blend of maths and mood. You need to measure your space, imagine furniture placement and decide what role the bed will play. Is it purely for sleeping, or will it double as a sofa? Will you add under-bed storage? These choices will narrow down your options fast.

Measure in feet and inches and plan for clearance

Start with the floor footprint. For example, a double bed typically needs a mattress area of roughly 54 by 75 inches, while a queen mattress is about 60 by 80 inches. Allow for at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance on one side for walking space and a comfortable room layout. If you’re choosing a high or loft-style bed, make sure there’s enough headspace above — aim for at least 3 feet of clearance between the top of the mattress and the ceiling.

Frame materials and durability

Wood frames give warmth and age well, while metal frames can be lightweight and industrial. Upholstered beds add a soft touch and absorb sound, but they might show stains more easily. Consider how often you’ll move house and how much wear and tear the frame will take — solid oak legs and good joinery last longer than flimsy particle board.

Choosing the mattress: comfort, support and types

Mattress shopping can feel like a maze. There are three main families to know: pocket-sprung, foam (including memory foam) and hybrid (a combo of springs and foam layers). Each offers a different balance of bounce, contouring and breathability — pick based on your sleep position, body weight and whether you share the bed.

Pocket-sprung, foam and hybrids explained

Pocket-sprung mattresses use individually wrapped springs to respond to pressure and reduce partner disturbance. Foam mattresses hug the body and can be great for pressure relief, though they sometimes retain heat. Hybrids try to combine the best of both: the lift of springs with the contouring of foam. If you’re unsure, try a 30-night trial where possible — many UK retailers offer this so you can test at home.

Mattresses for kids and travel cots

Children’s mattresses often prioritise firmness and breathability. For travel or mini cots, compact mattresses around 39 by 20 inches fit portable setups. For convertible cot beds, choose mattresses in the 28 by 55 inch range as kids grow. Look for firm support, washable covers and child-safe materials.

Styling your bed with accessories

Accessories are the icing on the sleep cake. Throws, bedspreads, cushions and fitted sheets let you switch mood and season without changing the whole bed. A well-placed throw can tie a room together like a signature accessory in an outfit.

Throws, bedspreads and layering

Choose bedspreads and throws that complement the room scale. A bedspread measuring roughly 63 by 102 inches works great on double or small king setups, offering enough overhang to tuck or drape. Layering a lightweight blanket with a textured throw adds visual interest and makes your bed more inviting.

Functional extras: storage and day beds

Day beds and beds with drawers help you squeeze storage into small rooms. Built-in drawers are excellent for bedding, seasonal clothing or kids’ toys. Day beds also double as seating, which is ideal for guest rooms or studios — you get style and function in one piece.

Smart shopping tips for UK buyers

Buying a bed can feel expensive, but a few strategies will keep you savvy. Shop sales, look for bundle deals (frame plus mattress), and compare prices across multiple retailers. Don’t be shy about reading reviews — real users will flag squeaky frames, sagging mattresses or great customer experiences.

Use comparison tools and read the fine print

Price-comparison services can save time and money, letting you see where the best deals are across multiple stores. Compare warranties and trial periods, too — a longer trial gives you room to decide whether a mattress truly suits you. Check the cover materials and whether they’re removable for washing.

Measure twice, buy once

Before you commit, measure doorways, staircases and hallways. A beautiful king-size bed is useless if it can’t fit up the stairs. Also consider bedroom layout: imagine open doors, bedside tables and how much walking space you’ll need around the bed. When in doubt, pick a slightly smaller bed to keep the room feeling airy.

Eco-friendly and long-lasting choices

Sustainability is increasingly important. Natural fillings like wool, cotton and sustainably sourced latex offer breathable, renewable options. Look for certifications or materials sourced from reputable suppliers if you want to reduce environmental impact. Durable frames and replaceable mattress covers mean less waste over time.

Invest where it counts

Spend more on a mattress and less on decorative elements if your budget is limited; good sleep brings daily returns. A well-made mattress and a durable frame that can be reupholstered or refinished will outlast cheap alternatives and reduce waste in the long run.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bed and accessories comes down to balancing comfort, scale and style. Whether you’re browsing Scandinavian designs at stores that specialise in minimalist lines, shopping child-focused ranges for nursery needs, or hunting bargains at larger UK retailers, a little planning goes a long way. Measure in feet and inches, test mattresses where possible, and lean into accessories to personalize your space. With the right choices, your bedroom can become a comfortable, stylish retreat that suits your life today — and adapts for tomorrow.