Buying a bed used to mean standing in a showroom, lying on ten mattresses in your coat and shoes, and pretending to feel the difference while a man with a name badge hovered nearby.
Now, you can scroll through dozens of beds in your pyjamas with a cup of tea. Sounds easier. And it is—until the thing turns up, doesn’t fit through the door, and creaks like an old barn when you lie down.
Shopping online can work. But only if you ask the right questions first. Otherwise, you’re just buying an expensive box you’ll regret at 2am when your back goes stiff and one leg’s hanging off the edge.
Measure Your Room (Not Just in Your Head)
This seems obvious, but it’s the step people skip because they’re convinced they “just know” it’ll fit.
You don’t.
Your old bed might have been smaller than you remember. A new orthopaedic bed might come with a bigger frame or a deeper mattress. And suddenly your wardrobe doors won’t open and you’re climbing into bed sideways.
Things to measure:
- The space where the bed will go
- Any narrow hallways, stairs or doorways it needs to pass through
- The height of the mattress, especially if you have low windows or awkward shelves
If you’ve ever tried turning a super king divan round a tight staircase, you’ll know why this matters.
Check What’s Included (And What Isn’t)
You’d think a bed would come with everything. But this is the internet, where things are never that simple.
Some listings are just for the frame. Others include a mattress, but not a headboard. And some include nothing apart from a box and a vague sense of confusion.
Before you click buy now, read the details. Not the bold headlines. The small print. The bit where they quietly mention you need to assemble it with tools that don’t exist in your house.
Also check if the base is solid, slatted, sprung, or made of something that would panic under the weight of a grown adult.
Read Reviews (But With a Pinch of Salt)
Reviews can be helpful. They can also be nonsense.
Some people complain because the bed didn’t arrive fast enough. Others give five stars before they’ve even slept on it. And one or two always say something like, “It’s too soft and too firm at the same time”, which helps no one.
Look for patterns. If ten people say the drawers are wonky or the frame arrived scratched, take that seriously.
Ignore the ones who just write “love it” with no punctuation. They might be happy, but they’re not helpful.
Delivery Can Be a Whole Thing
Orthopaedic divan beds can be heavy. And if you live up four flights of stairs or down a lane too narrow for vans, that becomes your problem very quickly.
Check:
- Will they bring it inside the house?
- Will they carry it upstairs?
- Do they assemble it or leave it in boxes?
- What happens if it doesn’t fit?
Some companies deliver to the front door only. Others offer two-person delivery, which means they’ll at least bring it inside instead of leaving it on the pavement like a bin bag.
Also, check the return policy. If you change your mind, are you expected to rewrap the mattress and post it back yourself? Because good luck with that.
Think About Storage (Before It’s Too Late)
If you’re short on space, a bed with drawers or an ottoman base can save you from living like a hoarder.
But again, check the details.
Some drawers don’t open if you’ve got bedside tables. Some lift-up beds only open from one side. And some require more strength than a gym membership will give you.
If you don’t need storage, fine. But if you do and forget to plan for it, you’ll end up stuffing things under the bed and pretending it’s not chaos.
Don’t Buy a Mattress Just Because It’s “Popular”
The most popular mattress isn’t always the best one for you.
Foam mattresses are quiet and tidy but can be too soft for some. Spring mattresses give more support but make more noise. Hybrids are in the middle—usually more expensive, but often worth it if you share your bed with someone who moves like they’re doing laps.
Check the depth, too. A thick mattress might not suit a shallow bed frame. You’ll end up feeling like you’re sleeping on a stage.
And if you’re a hot sleeper, check whether the mattress traps heat. Otherwise you’ll wake up sweaty and annoyed, no matter how nice it looked online.
Think Up Front
Buying a bed online doesn’t have to end in regret. You just have to do a bit more thinking up front.
Measure things. Read the fine print. Don’t trust glossy photos alone. And for the love of your spine, don’t guess.
If you want a bed that fits your room, holds up over time, and doesn’t make you wish you’d stayed on the sofa—start by asking the right questions.
And if you need a bit of help, we’re not far. No call centres. No scripts. Just real advice from people who’ve lifted more beds than they’d care to admit.