Given that we spend about a third of our lives in bed, it’s crucial to invest in a high-quality mattress and frame to support it. Here are the four things to look for when you’re in the market for a bed.
The Ana Bed is made from solid iron with hand-cast details and “heirloom quality construction,” according to the makers. The bed is on sale from $1,299.
Furniture waste is a big problem, with more than 9.6 million tons of it ending up in landfills in 2019.
1. Look for time-tested materials.
“Rogers beds are made with solid iron, brass, and mahogany with detailed finishes, and they’re built to hold today’s heavy mattresses,” Charles P. Rogers reports.
The Iron and Brass Sleigh Bed has a hand-applied, multi-layer finish.
2. Go for timeless, not trendy.
One factor in the longevity of a bed is style. If you choose something trendy and of the moment, you’ll likely want something new in a few years—not a sustainable or budget-friendly situation.
The Alana Platform Bed is a midcentury design updated for modern mattresses. The platform with the headboard is on sale from $1,139.
3. Prioritize sustainability.
It’s important to look at the individual components of a bed and research their origins, keeping an eye out for sustainable practices.
In the case of Rogers beds, most of the steel and brass (and mattress springs, too) is post-industrial recycled material—and it’s 100 percent recyclable in the event your bed reaches the end of its lifespan.
A glimpse at the layers of a Lifetime Mattress, which is on sale from $2,799.
A mattress is a long-term (and oft-used) purchase—and it’s important to find one that’s nontoxic, comfortable, and made to last.
4. Don’t skimp on comfort.
The company favors traditional springs (over foam) as a foundation, and its Powercore Mattress Unit uses specialized springs designed in house, which supports all shapes and sizes and adapts to each individual sleeper.