* Footboards - Think about how much space you’ll have to walk around your bed - the last thing you want to do is bump into the footboard. So if space is tight, choose a bed without.

* Slats underneath the mattress - Cheaper bedsteads tend to have fixed rigid slats, which don’t have as much give, while a sprung slatted base with bowed slats is more comfortable.

* Blue and white FR label - This means that the bed meets fire safety regulations and is cigarette and match flame resistant.


* Think about cleaning when you’re choosing between wood, metal and upholstered beds. Cream leather might look good now, but it’ll need cleaning with a leather-care kit to keep it looking sleek; a fabric-covered bedstead will need a light vacuuming to keep it dust-free.

Use our product finder to find the right bed for you.

Equally important is picking a good mattress. Read our buyer's guide to mattresses to make sure you're deep in sleep rather than counting sheep.

Visit housetohome's directory to find lots of bed retaliers in your local area.