bed

Futons

Originating from Japan, the futon is the quintessential bedroom solution for those in flats or with limited space. Generally consisting of a mattress set complete with duvet, the futon can be folded into traditional seating solutions during the day and rearranged each night as a bedroom solution.

While the futon may not be the ideal solution for those with severe pains or particular back conditions, it is by far one of the most affordable mattress options on the market. Sleep Junkie rates the futon as one of the most popular bedding options in high-density areas because of its compactness and overall affordability.

Adjustable Beds

For those who need a bit more customization in their bedtime routines, an adjustable bed may be just the item. Especially useful for flat owners, these beds can be configured in any number of positions to maximise both floor space and comfort during night-time hours.

Much like the futon, an adjustable bed can be contorted to serve as de-facto seating in some situations (though not as ideally as the futon). Single- and double-partner adjustable bed variations are available, making it possible to procure a smaller, individual bedding option or something more optimised for two sleepers.

Bunk Beds

Many people think of bunk beds as ideal merely for children, but this bedding solution may go farther than any other in maximising floor space in tightly-packed flat environments. You’ll be able to utilise this option either for two children or for you and a roommate.

Ultimately, bunk beds are rather affordable, but the true advantage lies in how compact they are; you’ll literally double the amount of space available when compared to two comparable mattress sets.

Day Beds

Designed to function in many of the same ways as a futon, day beds add a bit more style to any cosy flat. These can be used not only for sleep, but also for lounging and hosting guests in common areas of the flat.

The best way to describe a day bed is a hybrid between a couch, bed and lounge. There are many variations of the day bed available at all price points, but many affordable solutions exist on the market that simultaneously maximise floor space.

Fighting for floor space is a common problem in any cosy flat, but finding a bedding option that makes things simpler doesn’t have to be hard. With these four choices, you’ll be able to spend less and enjoy more room at the same time.

This is a guest post…

Baby bedding is essential for supporting your baby’s sleep. Quality sleep is important for any child, but it’s even more important for a baby’s development. They require upwards of 12 hours of sleep per day. Support them by purchasing the correct baby bedding.

If you’re not sure what this means, or how to do it, read through this article.

We show you what you need to look for and the various options available to you.

Supersets or Separate Pieces

Some companies sell crib bedding as supersets. They’ll contain covers, but they’ll also contain other items like bumper pads. You have to buy everything. This pushes up the price and means you pay more, even if you only intend on using some of the items.

A lot of companies realize this isn’t the right option. For example, The Stripy Company sells all of its products separately. If you have specific needs, avoid buying supersets where you can.

Soft and Washable

Whatever you buy, the bedding must be soft to the touch. It has to be soft to a baby’s skin. What’s soft to an adult’s skin may well irritate a baby’s skin. There are a number of options for soft bedding, such as:

Flannel sheets.
High thread-count woven cottons.
Knit cotton sheets.

Make sure the fabric washes relatively easily. If this is your first child you’ll realize babies make messes in their bedding all the time. Difficult to wash fabrics aren’t suitable for regular hand washing and spot treating.

Snug Bedding

The concept of snugness differs from what we know as soft. Cribs today are made to standard sizes. They aren’t made to measure your baby, unless you have one custom made.

In most cases, you’ll have a mattress slightly too small or too big for the crib. If you can’t get exactly the right size, you’ll leave too much room for your baby to move around.

The worst case scenario will result in trapped limbs between the mattress and the outside of the crib. Use the bedding to plug these gaps.

Crib bedding should give your baby some room to move, while constricting them to relatively small areas. This adds an extra layer of security and ensures the chances of an accident are minimal.

The Longevity

How long you want your bedding to last depends entirely on what you intend on doing with the bedding later on.

Within this industry you get exactly what you pay for. If you’re willing to purchase luxury bedding, expect to receive bedding to last for years. Families planning for more children will benefit from spending more now.

On a side note, make sure you purchase an extra load of bedding. Messes happen often and having a second set of bedding can make the switchover smoother.

Whenever you buy bedding, don’t worry about the style of it. The décor of bedding is irrelevant and should never become a factor in your purchasing decision. All that matters is your baby is warm and comfortable when they go to sleep for the night.