Buying Guides

Christmas Gift Ideas For New Homeowners

Moving into a new home is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated, especially as it’s considered as one of the most extreme things anyone can do in their lifetime, from the paperwork to the finances and the practicalities. Luckily, Christmas provides the perfect chance to make recently-moved friends and family feel right at home with a well-chosen housewarming Christmas present. Whether it’s a close friend, neighbour or cherished family member, a little something can make a big difference to how someone feels in their new space, so we’ve rounded up the best new home Christmas gift ideas to help you get it right and put a smile on their face. Practical Christmas gift ideas Presents that are practical as well as personal are the sweet spot when it comes to new home Christmas gifts. Not only can the recipient actually use them, but they’ll think of you every time they do, from top-notch tableware to beautiful bath linen and A-list accessories. Here are just a handful of pressies we think are practically perfect. Tableware gifts Throwing open the door to welcome friends and family is one of the most rewarding aspects of settling into a new home – and signals that most of the boxes have been packed away and you’re more or less sorted. So why not take stylish tableware as well as a bottle of wine if you’ve been invited over? A dinner set is always a safe bet and our Nordic Sea collection comes with 12 hand-glazed pieces in a striking grey-blue colourway that is sure to set the scene for many a soirée in a new home. Covetable cutlery always goes down a storm, too, such as the stainless-steel Santol set by Charingworth featuring no less than 42 gleaming pieces. Otherwise, dazzle with a pair of Champagne saucers from The Vintage List –hand-blown and hand-engraved – for clinking and drinking with; get then talking with a centrepiece in the abstract form of the Thyra vase by Broste Copenhagen; or sprinkle a little magic with the Cobra salt and pepper shakers from Georg Jensen. All practical Christmas gifts that equally pretty. Bath linen gifts For moments when new homeowners aren’t packing away the last of the boxes or showing friends and family around, the bathroom provides a welcome sanctuary to rest and recharge. So why not invest in some luxurious bath linen that envelops loved ones in five-star style? The check collection from Hay is as cosy as it is chic, whether the hand towel, wash cloth or bath mat, and adds instant style to even the most unfurnished of spaces; while our waffle range is crafted from ring-spun Turkish cotton for a pleasingly textured finish. New home Christmas gift ideas don’t come more chilled out. Home bar gifts Whether mixing and muddling cocktails on a Friday night, or simply pouring a glass of well-deserved wine mid-week, home bars help you to switch off from the strains of everyday life – and have spiked in popularity since the pandemic. You don’t even need a dedicated bar, either: it can be a zoned area on the worktop in the kitchen or a built-in cabinet in the living room that conceals a secret ‘speakeasy’. From the simple but beautiful Anna G corkscrew by Alessi to the Aurelia Carafe from LSA International and the Indulgence Champagne cooler by Georg Jensen, we’re home to a range of practical Christmas gifts that will help new homeowners create their very own watering hole, whatever their taste or space. Cosy Christmas gift ideas From the packing to the moving and the unpacking – not to mention the sorting and styling – it’s hardly surprising that new homeowners can feel exhausted once the dust has settled. So why not spoil them with cosy Christmas gifts that help them feel truly at home? Sleep gifts Show them you know them with the gift of sleep. Cosy up their bedroom so it’s conducive to quality slumber with the likes of the lambswool Hottie set from Catherine Tough, our wild fig-scented glass candle and the Mulberry silk eye mask by Gingerlily, sure to soothe them into a deep sleep. Positively dreamy. Wellness gifts Amid the chaos, it’s important for new homeowners to carve out time for themselves, and our wellness gifts will encourage them to do just that. Lotions and potions add a touch of luxury to proceedings, from the vitamin E face moisturiser by MALIN+GOETZ to the polyphenol hand pomade from Pelegrims, while the Mulberry silk pillowcase will give them five-star hygge from the comfort of home. Candle gifts Whether for the beside or bath, scented candles are always a stellar choice when it comes to Christmas gifts for new homeowners, particularly when they feature seasonal fragrances. Make like the three kings and bestow precious frankincense in the form of this short pillar candle, infused with the evocative scent of pinewood, or our winter spice brick candle, blending clove, orange and cinnamon in an unusual format. For something a bit different, a set of six Twisted candles from Hay are sure-fire conversation starters, while the Underground candle by self-taught British designer Tom Dixon will never disappoint. Cosy Christmas gifts that are certain to help new homeowners get a glow-up. Designer Christmas gift ideas Designer Christmas gifts make for real investment pieces and are received all the more gratefully by new homeowners when you’ve really nailed their taste. Whether it’s a cult designer they’re a fan of, or simply an objet d’art they’ve been coveting, design aficionados deserve the best. Designer vase gifts A vase isn’t just a vessel for seasonal flowers or foliage at Christmas, but another way for homeowners to express their personalities, whether oversized and maximalist or delicate and understated. The likes of the Massimo Bobble vase, the Ada vase and the Hourglass plant pot look as beautiful by themselves as they do brimming with stems or blooms. Why not take them full of flowers rather than wrapped? Designer drinkware gifts There are so many things to buy when you first move into a new home that sometimes the most practical items – such as glasses – get completely forgotten about. Give them the gift of gorgeous with stylish glassware such as the Terrazzo tumbler by Late Afternoon, Tint wine glasses from Hay or the Tank whiskey glasses by Tom Dixon. The perfect excuse to use them as soon as they’re unwrapped. Designer wall art gifts Walls can be one of the last things to decorate but artwork can be one of the most transformative ways to make a house feel like a home. You’ll need to have a handle on the homeowner’s taste, but consider modern pieces such as the Monstera print from Paper Collective, typographic treatments as in All Is Pretty by Andy Warhol via King & McGaw or surrealist prints such as the Magic Pods by Print Sisters. Eco-friendly Christmas gift ideas The most sustainable gift you can buy for a new homeowner is something you know they’ll love and won’t sit collecting dust at the back of a cupboard. But you can also prioritise eco-friendly Christmas gifts that bring together stylish design with sustainable materials and sound craftsmanship. Cruelty-free beauty gifts From the 100% vegan Fragrance Discovery kit by MALIN+GOETZ to the all-natural Bloomsbury gift box from Soapsmith and the paraben-free Dinosaurs design organic soap by ARTHOUSE Unlimited, good choices also make for thoughtful gifting with a clean conscience. Gifts made from recycled materials Eco-friendly Christmas gifts don’t come much more elegant than the Beach Clean placemats by Liga – crafted from sustainable cork and recycled EVA plastics – our Romilly rug, woven from yarn made from recycled bottles, or the Bit stool from Normann Copenhagen, comprising small bits of 100% recycled household and industrial plastic. Get inspired by more gorgeous Christmas gifts for stylish new homeowners.

Styling

The Best Green Bedding

Green is well and truly having a moment, perhaps in part because of its connection to nature – from emerald forests to sage fields and olive groves – as well as the fact it’s utterly timeless and complements most other shades. But did you know that the latest way to tap into the trend is through your bedding? Yes, green bedding is the hottest trope in interiors right now, perfectly timed for swapping out your current sheets for the cosy season ahead. Here, we track its rise (and rise) and help you shake up your set for autumn with truly inspiring green bedding ideas. Why is green bedding so popular? It didn’t start with green bedding. As with most things, the trend began with a broader brushstroke as green – more generally – became the colour of 2023. Searches for ‘green’ are soaring online as we look to surround ourselves with natural colours found in the world around us, from forests to fairways, which explains why earthy browns, watery blues and sunny yellows are also big news. These are comforting hues that console us in a world that continues to be tumultuous, even post-pandemic. Green brings the outside in with its restorative and refreshing qualities while grounding us in what really matters. And it symbolises growth and abundance and has a positive and calming effect on our emotion and mood. Is it hardly surprising that it’s filtered down from the plants we use to fill our interiors to the paint we put on our walls and the linen we dress our beds with? Is green bedding a good choice? Luckily, green is an excellent choice for your bedding. It’s versatile. Green bedding makes even the dark depths of winter feel positively spring-like but because it’s so versatile. Indeed, green is a chameleon of colour that complements a spectrum of different shades, from neutrals like brown and grey, to vibrant hues such as yellow, blue and pink. Better still, green itself comes in a range of different tones, from light to dark, with cool or warm undertones. You can choose a shade that fits your bedroom's aesthetic and your personal taste. For a more calming and neutral feel, consider soft, muted greens, while bolder shades can add a pop of colour to your bedroom. It’s timeless. It’s also timeless with black and white, able to step up as the star of the show or play a stellar support act. As they’re opposite each other on the colour wheel, red and green are happy bedfellows, too, despite the old adage that ‘red and green should never be seen’. It's complementary. Lastly, green can be made to look modern for contemporary spaces, or traditional with cottage-style décor, making it a secret weapon for your bedding that can be styled up differently time and again to keep things fresh. What is the best green bedding for me? Luckily, Heal’s is home to the best green bedding in the business, with something for every taste and space. Casually chic green linen bedding A bestseller for a reason, our washed linen in forest green is a casual but chic set that has a soft feel and a relaxed look, featuring distinctive mussel-shell buttons on the duvet for a stylish flourish. It’s carefully woven in Portugal using flax in a sustainable process that requires fewer dyes and water than cotton. Better still, the fabric is noticeably weightier than most other linens to make it as suitable for providing warmth in the winter as it keeps you cool in the summer. Don’t worry about ironing, either: simply wash, dry and put it straight back on. A pre-washed look means it comes stylishly faded, too, meaning it couldn’t be easier to keep looking like new. Smart and sophisticated green cotton bedding On the other side of the spectrum, Été bedding in dark green and white contrasting stripes from Hay – founded in 2002 in Denmark – is seriously smart and sophisticated. It’s crafted from crisp, soft cotton as part of a collaboration between the brand and designer Amanda Borberg. Breathable and lightweight, it’s perfect for recreating that beach-chic look, whether as a matching set or mixed with other pieces. Luxurious green quilted bedding For pure luxury, look no further than our velvet quilt in emerald green, a thick and cosy bedspread featuring plush quilting in a rich palette. It’s made from 100% cotton velvet and hand-finished for a hotel-style look. Layer over your duvet at the end of the bed to style it like a pro. Smooth and silky green bedding Alternatively, plump for our silk bedspread in sage, featuring a grid pattern and handwoven in India. From washed linen to Egyptian cotton, we offer a range of different bedding in quality materials – all with a different aesthetic and feel – so read our helpful buying guide to find the best for you. What accessories go well with green bedding? Bedding is just the beginning of creating a beautiful bed for rest and relaxation. Layering is key to creating a luxurious look, so invest in a scatter cushion or two, whether in something tonal like the Edith check cushion or Cabana stripe cushion, or a contrasting style such as the Pablo Picasso Femme au Chapeau cushion or the Heal’s + LF Markey cushion. Browse and buy our best green bedding.

Styling

Bedroom Ceiling Light Ideas

A bedroom needs to be conducive to rest and relaxation – not to mention quality sleep – while providing a stylish space for everything else when you’re not tucked up in bed (from getting ready to reading a book and watching TV). But many of us get preoccupied with selecting colours, furniture and textiles when it comes to decorating our bedrooms, and lighting can often be an afterthought. Here, we’ll show you how to create a dreamy scheme with a round-up of the best bedroom ceiling light ideas, sure to brighten up any space. Make a statement Like any room, your bedroom needs a focal point when it comes to lighting, so consider something oversized or dramatic for the centre of the ceiling, or perhaps over the bed or dressing table. While quiet luxury has certainly been trending of late, there’s no denying that maximalism is back with a bang, so think outside of the box when it comes to colour, material and shape. In particular, chandeliers are enjoying something of a revival and are well worth considering. You can forget the glitzy iterations of the past, though. The latest and greatest designs are contemporary takes that dazzle for all the right reasons. More really is more in the likes of our Mega Junction chandelier – a space-age design with 12 arms in a constellation-like configuration – and our Tubular sputnik, made up of six adjustable silicone light tubes with integrated LEDs. If you’ve got more of a penchant for pendant lighting, you can still choose a talking-point, from our Supernova LED long pendant light, which comprises individual lights in a shape inspired by the galaxy, to our Makiko pendant, inspired by Japanese panelling and crafted organically from wire. Alternatively, if you don’t plan for the light to sit or hang directly over something, you could opt for a longer pendant style, such as the Skipper multi pendant light by Tom Raffield, the Basalt nine pendant light from Tala or the Melt pendant system by Tom Dixon. Perfect for making a corner pop. Have some direction From spots in the ceiling pointed towards the right places, to lights above artworks on the walls to illuminate details, directional light certainly has a place in the bedroom. For the best lighting for a bedroom ceiling, we recommend our Milton 3 arm semi flush light in a matt-black and brushed-brass finish with three heads that can be adjusted for directing light where it’s needed, whether towards an armchair for reading a book or an architectural detail for highlighting a feature, while it can be complemented with the similarly adjustable Milton wall light for a cohesive look. Top tip: why not wallpaper a single wall and point your directional light towards it so it picks up on the intricate design? Similarly, shine it on the artwork you’re particularly proud of so you can appreciate it the moment you walk through the door. Select something understated Sometimes, simple bedroom ceiling lights are best, allowing your space and furniture to do the talking – creating beautiful lighting without being distracting in itself. After all, you can leave the conversation starters for something that sits above your dining table or hangs in your hallway. Understated styles can be found in these small but perfectly formed pendant lights from Tala, comprising a trio of bulbs suspended from a circular white ceiling rose, our sleek and streamlined Saber LED chandelier, which sits flush to the ceiling for a clean line of sight, or the Asteria LED Up light by Umage with a discreet but stylish design. Three more bright ideas 1 ) Hang pendant lights on either side of a bed to free up space on your bedside tables – they also make for a pleasing symmetry and catch the eye – and adjust the height so they're just right for reading. 2 ) Spotlights over a desk make even a WFH area in a bedroom as practical as it is pretty. 3 ) A layered look always adds a touch of luxury when it comes to lighting, so team ceiling lights with table lamps, pendants and floor styles. It’s all the style of a five-star hotel suite from the comfort of home. Browse and buy from our collection of designer ceilings lights for bedrooms.

Buying Guides

Bedroom Storage Guide

Now, more than ever, a bedroom needs to be conducive to rest, relaxation and plenty of quality sleep. But chaos and clutter can thwart even the best-laid plans, from piles of paperwork to stacks of clothes and towers of shoes. Luckily, a good clear-out and clever storage can turn chaos into calm and help you carve out a sanctuary that helps you switch-off. Here’s how. Decluttering a bedroom First thing’s first: a declutter to help you make the most of your space. In particular, small bedroom storage can only accommodate so much, so you can need to clean the decks before you start. Take stock of everything you have and ask yourself what you actually need or want. Start with your clothes and divide them into two piles: items you want to keep and those you want to donate (the general rule of thumb is the latter if you haven’t worn something for a year). Do the same with everything else – shoes, toiletries, makeup – until you’re only left with the things you want to keep and store. Next, sub-categorise each category to help you store items in a way that’s intuitive for retrieving, grouping like-for-like (winter jumpers, for example, versus summer dresses). Think of this sorting as key to efficient storage – much like preparation is to painting. Bedroom storage ideas Now for the fun bit: sorting your storage. There are plenty of bedroom storage ideas, but we’d suggest starting with the basics. Underbed storage Underbed storage is one of the most obvious, albeit clever, ways of maximising redundant space. Boxes and baskets are perfect for stashing things out of the way (and out of sight) beneath the bed. But if you’re in the market for a new bed, why not invest in a divan style that features built-in storage for smart two-in-one furniture? Function doesn’t have to mean compromising on form, either, with designs that are as beautiful as they are practical. Our lift storage divan bed features concealed storage that’s accessible via an easy-to-lift base, while the deep divan bed comprises optional storage drawers. Both avoid taking up valuable floor space by incorporating storage into their designs and can be teamed with a range of upholstered headboards for added style. Underbed storage is perfect for items you don’t need often: bedding and pillows or seasonal clothes, for example. Chest of drawers Next, you’ll need a quality chest of drawers for storing things you use regularly, such as everyday clothes. Consider popular styles like Amira, Brunel and Lars containing individual drawers to separate sub-categorised clothing – consider putting your most-used items at the top and your least-used at the bottom for ease of access – with a finish to suit every taste and space. If you don’t have built-in cabinetry, a new wardrobe can house hanging clothes for viewing your collection at-a-glance, whether models such as Artie, Morten or Shiro. Bedroom cupboard storage doesn’t have to come in the form of traditional pieces, either. Hanging rails are a good solution for small or awkward spaces. Bedroom tables as storage With your clothes sorted, it’s time to think about storage for your bedroom items, from sleep masks to books and reading glasses. Having a dedicated space for such essentials can help make your bedroom feel even more organised while providing a welcome accent either side of the bed. Made from a range of quality materials, from wood to metal and plastic, there’s something for everyone in our collection of bedside tables. Those with drawers, like Artie or Verona, are best for concealing items when you don’t need them. Generally, keep the surface free of clutter with no more than three carefully-curated items at any one time, such as a lamp, objet d’art and candle. A collector of jewellery or makeup fanatic? You may want to invest in a dressing table – making quite the comeback in modern spins on the classic concept – in sleek designs like Teramo by Ercol and Pala by Case. Display what you want and conceal what you don’t. Utilise shelving But it’s not just about furniture. Shelving can be your best friend when it comes to storage. Units such as Agnes and Ballatta make for brilliant bedroom wall storage that maximise the height of your room; while the modular Lars units can be hung on the wall or stacked on the floor according to the needs of your storage or space. Browse and buy more bedroom storage to optimise your space.

Buying Guides

Best Mattresses For Hot Sleepers

Summer is here, and with long, hot days and even longer, hotter nights, it can be particularly difficult to sleep over the coming months. Certainly, you can swap your sheets, pillows and duvet for lightweight, breathable ones and allow cool air to circulate via a ceiling fan or an open window, but it can still prove uncomfortable and disruptive to even the most sound of sleepers. The good news is that Heal’s offers arguably the best mattress for hot sleepers – plus a collection of other styles conducive to quality shut-eye – thanks to expert construction and specialist materials known for their cooling properties. Reasons to have a cooler mattress 1: Whatever the season, your body's temperature changes at different stages of your sleep cycle, with increases interrupting the cycle and decreases sustaining it. Therefore, the aim is to keep your body temperature low throughout the duration of the night. 2: Some people are generally hotter – women are 50% more unlikely to control their temperature while sleeping than men, for example – while the likes of injury, pregnancy, menopause and illness can all have an impact on snoozing. So, a cool, breathable mattress is a solid investment, summer or otherwise, to avoid trapping heat and moisture that contribute to unwanted temperature changes. Types of mattresses that are good for hot sleepers With over two centuries of mattress craftsmanship, Heal's has been perfecting sleep comfort since 1810. Founder John Harris Heal introduced French-style mattresses to London, and we now offer a diverse collection of mattresses to suit every type of sleeper, from Orthopaedic and Premium to Organic and Natural. Among these are some of the best mattresses for hot sleepers available. Natural hybrid mattresses Hybrid mattresses combine various materials like coils, memory foam and latex. Look for hybrids with cooling features, such as gel-infused memory foam or coils with airflow channels. These provide a balance of comfort and breathability. Our Natural Hybrid Mattress stands out as the pinnacle of better sleep, expertly combining our signature pocket springs with sustainable natural latex. Unlike foam or memory foam, the latex in this mattress promotes superior air-circulation and breathability, ensuring a cooler sleep experience. Enjoy hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and anti-dust mite properties, all wrapped up in one unparalleled mattress. The deep layer of moisture-wicking cotton with temperature-regulating properties means you can sleep cool and comfortable even on warm nights. Investing in this mattress is a solid return for your sleep quality and overall well-being. Wool-infused mattresses Experience the embrace of luxury and temperature regulation with our wool-infused mattresses. The firm Premium Sleep Silk mattress, hand-filled, -tufted and -stitched, offers a sumptuous blend of merino, lambswool and cashmere, providing excellent breathability and unparalleled comfort. For those seeking support and entry-level cooling, the Classic Pocket 1400 mattress, elegantly tailored in a luxurious fabric, incorporates cooling cotton and lambswool. These mattresses not only promote effective airflow and reduce moisture build-up, making them the perfect mattresses for hot sleepers, but provide excellent body support and relief from aches and pains – a combination that ensures a well-rested and revitalised you. Innerspring and Vispring mattresses Traditional innerspring mattresses offer good airflow due to the open space between the coils. This design promotes ventilation and keeps the mattress from trapping heat. Case in point is Vispring, the esteemed sleep specialist, which combines the pocket-springs of its mattresses with the finest materials that nature has to offer for superior comfort. It’s the assurance of a good night’s sleep long after you’ve made your choice. Cotton mattresses Organic cotton mattresses are an excellent choice for hot sleepers due to their natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. These mattresses are made with cotton fibres, which allow for excellent airflow and heat dissipation, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night. The soft and airy texture of cotton helps prevent heat from getting trapped, creating a more refreshing sleep surface. Additionally, cotton is hypoallergenic and tends to be more eco-friendly than synthetic materials, making it an appealing option for those with sensitive skin or environmental concerns. Look for mattresses that use high-quality organic cotton or blends with other natural materials to maximise the benefits. Cotton mattresses offer a cool and comfortable sleep environment and a cosy and supportive feel for a restful night's sleep. Nickel-infused mattresses For hot sleepers looking for innovative cooling solutions, nickel-infused mattresses like the Organic Sleep 3000 Mattress are worth considering. These mattresses incorporate nickel into the foam layers, which helps regulate temperature and prevent heat retention. Nickel is an excellent conductor of heat, and when infused into the mattress, it facilitates the efficient transfer of heat away from the body. As a result, these mattresses can keep you cool even in warmer climates or during hot summer nights. In addition to their cooling properties, nickel-infused mattresses offer other benefits, such as pressure-relief and support. They can be particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain issues, as the cooling effect can help alleviate discomfort. What to look for when choosing a mattress for hot sleepers 1. Breathability Opt for mattresses with materials that allow for good airflow, preventing heat from getting trapped. 2. Cooling features Look for mattresses with cooling gel, copper-infusion or other heat-dissipating technologies. 3. Firmness The right firmness level varies for each individual, but generally, a medium-firm mattress is recommended for hot sleepers. This firmness provides adequate support while still being comfortable and less likely to cause heat-retention. How to stay cool at night Once you’ve invested in the correct mattress, there are a few other tips and tricks to help keep you cool. 1. Choose a breathable mattress topper Enhance your sleep experience with a breathable mattress topper. Look for options like this one from premium Swedish brand Carpe Diem Beds, featuring a cotton-lined side that effectively transfers heat and moisture away from your body. This ensures a cooler and more comfortable rest throughout the night. 2. Choose temperature-regulating bed linen Create a cosy yet cool sleeping environment by opting for lightweight, temperature-regulating bed linen. Consider our own-brand Duck Down 9 duvet, designed to keep you comfortably cool. Additionally, explore quality sheets like our versatile washed linen, perfect for staying cool during summer and warm during winter. Available in various colours, our chic set from Portugal, including shades like slate blue, mustard and dusky pink, adds a touch of elegance to your space. 3. Choose a cooler pillow Experience the ultimate coolness with a pillow designed for comfort. The British Duck Down Surround pillow is a great choice, providing excellent cooling support. Enjoy a refreshing night's sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated. 4. Keep your bedroom windows shut during the day Maintain a cooler ambience in your bedroom by keeping the windows shut during the day. This prevents hot air from circulating and heating your space. Limiting sunlight and warmth from radiating through the glass, you’ll ensure a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere. 5. Open your bedroom windows in the evening As the sun sets and temperatures drop, crack open your bedroom windows to allow fresh, cool air to circulate. This revitalises your room and ensures a pleasant environment when it's time to settle in for the night. 6. Switch to LED lights Optimise your bedroom's cooling efforts by swapping traditional bulbs for LED lights. Unlike traditional bulbs that emit a significant amount of heat, LED lights are energy-efficient and produce minimal heat. This not only keeps your room cooler but also helps to lower energy bills. By following these simple steps and choosing the right bedding and bedroom setup, you'll create a sleep sanctuary perfect for those warmer months. Enjoy restful nights and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised.Browse and buy from our range of mattresses for hot sleepers.

Buying Guides

The Benefits Of Orthopaedic Mattresses

There’s nothing like waking up with aches and pains to get your day off on the wrong foot, whether a sore back, tight shoulders or a stiff neck, which is why an orthopaedic mattress could be one of the best investments you ever make for yourself. After all, now more than ever, we’re finally realising just how important quality shut-eye is to our physical health, mental wellbeing and overall performance. Success, it seems, is all wrapped up within sleep. But what is an orthopaedic mattress? Are orthopaedic mattresses any good? Are orthopaedic mattresses firm? And what are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress? So many questions surround these specific types of mattresses. Luckily, we’ve compiled all the essential information you need to inform your decision in one convenient place, so all you need to do is peruse and choose. What does an orthopaedic mattress mean? Taking its name from the branch of medicine relating to bones, joints and muscles, an orthopaedic mattress – invented in the 1950s – is specially designed to support the body in all the right places during sleep, preventing discomfort and alleviating pain. Usually firmer than traditional mattresses (but not always), they distribute the weight of your body more evenly, removing unnecessary pressure on the neck, back and hips, while ensuring correct spinal alignment and healthy posture. What are the benefits of an orthopaedic mattress? As well as offering support along the length of your body as you sleep – keeping the spine in a neutral position to eliminate pressure points – orthopaedic mattresses are generally better ventilated than traditional styles because they’re usually constructed from a sturdy sprung core rather than soft memory foam. This makes for a sleep that’s as cooling as it is comfortable. Here’s a cheat-sheet to help you understand all the benefits before committing to choosing an orthopaedic mattress: Avoiding pressure points from building in the neck, shoulders, back and hips Alleviating aches and pains if they already exist or when they occur Keeping your spine aligned to eliminate back pain Stopping ‘roll-together’ and movement transference Preventing the spine from curving among those who sleep on their front How do I choose the correct orthopaedic mattress? Because we’ve been crafting mattresses since we were founded in 1810 – in fact, we were the first to introduce French-style designs to London – we know a thing or two about orthopaedic mattresses, and our Orthopaedic Pocket is a superior choice. No less than 1,500 springs are nested in hard-wearing fabric pockets that move independently from one another to respond to the body’s natural contours and movements during the night. This helps to enhance natural sleep patterns and offer orthopaedic pain relief while avoiding disruption to bedfellows (when you move, your partner doesn’t feel the movement, and vice versa). What’s more, each mattress is filled with a cotton blend and Superflex foam with a hypo-allergenic layer that help create a healthy sleeping environment, while everything is tailored in a luxurious Belgian damask fabric held together by side stitching and hand-tufting. Those who want the support of an orthopaedic mattress but the softness of a traditional style needn’t worry, either – simply add a pillow top to enjoy the best of both worlds with absolutely no compromise. Because we spend around 26 years of our lives in bed, it’s not hard to see why an orthopaedic mattress might be a sound investment, particularly for those who suffer from pain, senior sleepers, or simply those who are generally active or athletic. Do note, that if you struggle to sleep, but the reason for your tossing and turning isn’t physical – stress, anxiety or overthinking, for example – then an orthopaedic mattress might not always be the solution. Think about why your sleep may be disturbed before exploring orthopaedic options or talk to your doctor. While orthopaedic mattresses for back pain are one of the most popular reasons to buy one, it’s important to remember they’re not just for those who are experiencing pain, as some people simply love a firmer surface to sleep on. For many, it’s the secret to better sleep. Try and buy our Orthopaedic Pocket in-store to see if it’s right for you.