For a truly restful night, buy the best bed you can afford. And take your time when choosing, since practicality is as important as good looks. A bedstead creates an instant style statement for the country bedroom, and can be matched with a variety of mattresses. Divan beds offer flexibility - go for a sprung base for extra comfort, or try a bed that raises into positions for sitting and reclining. Another benefit of a divan is that you can change the look with a new headboard without buying a new bed. When choosing a mattress, the traditional favourite is a sprung base. Pocket springs in individual casings deflecting independently to support the body is the best example, combined with padding made from natural wool, cotton or flax. Or consider synthetic visco elastic memory foam, which moulds to your shape, or latex, which is durable and resilient. Springs can also be combined with a layer of memory foam.
Taking inspiration from classic French designs, this hand-carved bed features an oval motif and can be ordered with a caned or panelled headboard and in a range of paint colours, including antiqued finishes. Anton Elysian Middle bed, £5,878, Leporello.
This beautiful oak bed would grace any country home. The wood is distressed by hand then finished in cotton and linen upholstery, which also rolls sumptuously over the upper edges of the headboard and footboard. Etienne super kingsize sleigh bedstead, £1,499, John Lewis.
For a boutique hotel look, choose a smart bedstead with sprung slats. Made from birch with a dark stain to enhance the grain, it has a panel of off-white velour on the headboard. Garrat double bedstead, col Dark Chestnut, £800, Laura Ashley.
For a compact bedroom short of clothes storage, choose this divan bed with two integrated beech drawers. Its pocket-sprung mattress has a layer of memory wool filling for extra comfort and support. Also available with four drawers or ottoman storage. Windsor Memory 2800 double bed, £1,069; headboard, £129, Rest Assured.
For more bedroom ideas, see our galleries.
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