Let’s talk practically first, because it’s all well and good having a beautiful intricate frame, but if you’re tossing and turning all night, will it really be worth it?
This being said, there are elements of the type of bedstead or bed base you choose that may impact the quality of your sleep. Here are some of the things you should consider when bed shopping:
Size
The size of your bed can determine how well you sleep, if you share a bed and your partner tends to move around a lot, you may want to opt for a wider bed, so they don’t end up hogging the whole bed! Alternatively, if one of you is tall, a longer bed will benefit you, so nobody’s legs are hanging off the end.
It’s also important to consider size and how it will fit into your bedroom, a tiny cramped room will not benefit from a huge king-sized bedstead, so make sure to bear this in mind.
Height
The height of the bedstead you choose is important. A high bed frame can add a sense of grandeur to a room and enhance the floor space, whilst a lower bedstead is considered more relaxing and zen.
A lower bed might also not be as suitable if you like to watch TV for example, you might find yourself craning your neck a lot, so it’s important to consider the activities you’ll be doing to determine the right height for you.
Material
The material you opt for on your bedstead can completely transform the look of your bedroom. A black leather bedstead for example, won’t quite look as in place with a pastel coloured room as a wooden bedstead.
If you’re all about being unique and clashing then of course the choice is yours, but if you’re a fan of a cohesive and atmospheric bedroom, make sure to match your items for your desired effect.
Choose your material wisely as it may also have an impact on the way you sleep and how much time you spend in your bed. If you like to relax and read a book in bed before drifting off, you may want to steer clear of a metal frame and head more towards a wooden bed. After all, comfort is key to getting a good night sleep so take this into consideration!
Storage
Some bedsteads give you the option of including extra storage.
This could either be in the form of an ottoman that lifts up to show a single storage compartment, drawers that slot into the space underneath the mattress or a headboard with shelves built into the side.
Choosing a bed with storage options can really help in maximising the space you already have available and really suit smaller bedrooms.
To shop our extensive range of bedsteads at Exmouth Bed and Pine Centre, take a look here
]]>Due to this, there’s now more need than ever to create a luxurious dining room suitable for a feast – and sure to impress!
Here’s our top picks for the best things to include to create a dining room that will definitely wow.
Plush Chairs
Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but plush and cushioned chairs look more elegant and regal if this is the look you want for your dining room too.
If you’re the type of person who can never settle, many plush and cushioned dining room chairs come with removable covers, so you can change the colour or fabric on yours at your will – this is great for wowing guests who don’t come over for dinner too often – they’ll feel like they’re in a completely new room every time they come and visit! It’s also helpful for dealing with spills, and damage.
A chair like this has a perfect padded back and seat, providing the ultimate comfort and support for you and your guests.
Display Cabinet
Having a dresser top that acts as a display cabinet is a great way to showcase some of your best art, photos or trinkets.
A glass dresser top like this has plenty of viewing space to show off your best crockery, or impress people with some of your best photo memories of you and your family.
Not only does this provide some excellent storage that saves floor space, it also gives you the option to display some of your more precious belongings and installing extras like specialist lighting can take this to another level and really stun your guests!
Impressive Lighting
Whilst we’re on the topic of lighting, installing some impressive light features in your dining room will not only create a fantastic atmosphere, but make your food look even more delicious.
Depending on the atmosphere you’re going for, different lighting could really enhance your dining space:
Extendable Table
Extendable tables like this one can not only help you make the most of your space, but it’s always impressive to watch a room transform!
The greatest element of these tables is that you’re able to cater for such a wide variety of occasions as you can adjust the size of your table, and this in itself is incredibly impressive!
Plain Walls
This might sound odd, but having plainer coloured walls allows you to really go the extra mile with your décor.
Intriguing pieces of art and trinkets throughout your dining room are sure to prompt more questions and pique the interest of more guests than a coloured wall.
For more beautiful furniture you can include in your dining room, take a look here.
]]>In this blog post, we’re giving you some of our top tips for making sure you can sleep when the evenings stay lighter for longer.
The work doesn’t start from the moment you get into bed, it actually starts from the minute you wake up! There are so many ways you can asjust your daily routine to ensure you get a great night sleep and here are just a few.
Exercise
Exercising gets your body going and will help to make you feel tired, making you more likely to fall asleep later on.
Try not to exercise just before bed though, or your body will become over stimulated right before sleep!
Exercising in the morning can also be a great way to get going and wake yourself up in the morning.
Sunlight
Expose yourself to sunlight in the morning – the light will help wake you up and your day will seem longer.
This will help your body clock to understand that your day is done in the evening, even if the sun is still up.
The more light you let in throughout the day, the more melatonin your body will produce. Melatonin is the chemical that helps us sleep, so the more that is naturally produced the better.
Keep an eye on your diet
Limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed as these are all stimulants. Similarly, don’t eat too much before bed as the body’s digestion process is likely to keep you awake!
Adjust Your Night-time Routine
This is one of the best ways to help your body adjust to a sleep cycle all year round. The simplest way to adjust your routine is to get up at the same time of day to optimise your body’s natural clock.
But, what else can you change in your bedtime routine to help you drift off? Here is a list of some of our top tips:
To browse our range of beds and mattresses and see if this is what’s stopping you making the most of your sleep, visit our store or shop online.
]]>From wall mounted storage to doubling up on the furniture, here’s what you can do to save that all-important space in your bedroom:
Invest in Miniatures
Miniature or smaller versions of traditional furniture can be a great addition to your bedroom if you’re struggling for space. They can fit into neater corners or tuck under other pieces of furniture – for example, a smaller version of a blanket box like the below, or a smaller chest of drawers can make all the difference when you’re trying to save space but don't want to compromise on storage.
Wall Hangings
If you’re restricted to the amount of floor space you have available, it may be time to utilise the walls. Floating shelves or wall mounted clothes rails can allow you to make use of blank space on walls whilst also providing you with a bit of a design feature.
Wall mirrors (like in the photo below) rather than desk mirrors can also save space and bring more light into the room, immediately making it look bigger.
Double Up Usage
If you have some larger pieces of furniture, is there any way you could use these for multiple purposes? A dressing table can also double up as a work desk with the right organisation, and a chest of drawers can always be used as a television stand.
Space Saving Designs
There are now furniture pieces that not only save you space but also increase your storage capacity.
Headboards with built-in cupboards or divan beds with drawers and storage are a great investment for a smaller room. Browse our range of space saving furniture.
Will you be using any of these ideas to give you more space for your storage in your bedroom this year? For more inspiration, browse our bedroom collections.
]]>There are some signs to look out for that could mean your bed is on its way out, and all of these could be affecting the overall quality of your sleep.
A good night’s sleep should leave you feeling fit and ready to face the day. So, to avoid insomnia and make sure you wake up feeling well rested every morning, take a look at some of the signs that might mean you need a new bed.
Your Mattress is Old
This isn’t so much a sign, but a fact. The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7 to 10 years for the optimum quality to be retained.
The lifespan of a mattress can vary a lot depending on how often you rotate it, how you sleep on it and how you take care of it, but as a guideline this should help you assess whether this could be affecting your sleep!
Even if you don’t feel like your sleep is being impacted by a 20-year-old mattress, it’s always a good idea to update your mattress. You may even uncover a level of comfort and sleep you didn’t know existed.
Are Other Beds Better?
Have you stayed in a hotel or at a friend’s house recently and found your night's sleep to be so much better there? The chances are their mattress is newer than your one at home, or it could just be better suited to your needs.
A mattress with better support could make your night’s sleep so much more enjoyable. If you find you’re sleeping better elsewhere, it may be time to reassess your bed situation at home.
Don’t just think about the age of a mattress, think about the firmness and features of a mattress as well.
Stiffness and Aches
Waking up with aches and pains and stiffness is a sure sign that something isn’t quite right with your bed or mattress.
Sleeping shouldn’t cause these issues, therefore if you find this keeps happening you should most certainly look to invest in a new mattress.
Is Your Mattress Lumpy?
Lumps, bumps and uneven patches on your mattress could mean that the springs have gone, and the mattress is ready to be replaced.
A lumpy mattress can cause all sorts of discomfort and disruption to your sleep, so as soon as you notice this it’s time to change your mattress over.
Are you sleeping as well as you did a year ago?
Even in as short amount of time as a year you can find your sleep becoming worse. If you’re not sleeping as well as you were a year ago, look at changing your bed and mattress to eliminate this as a possibility.
Even if your mattress isn’t worn, it’s still entirely possible you have the wrong mattress type. Soft, medium firm and hard firm mattresses all have different properties that suit different people.
If you need a new mattress or a new bed, we have a large selection at Exmouth Bed and Pine Centre. Call into the store to browse our collections and styles or view here.
]]>Aside from the tips and tricks usually used to combat this, did you know that the style of your room could also be contributing to a lack of sleep?
Certain subconscious factors that help you sleep can be emphasized by designing your room for optimum rest quality. Here’s our tips on how to design your bedroom to help you sleep.
Invest in a Good Mattress
A mattress is the part of your room you’ll spend most time on, and it is the basis to a good bed. A mattress that’s too hard or too soft can really affect the quality of your sleep.
An old mattress can also cause all sorts of discomfort issues, with loose springs and wear and tear all hindering top performance and sleep quality.
Dim the Lights
Too much light when you’re trying to sleep can interrupt your circadian rhythm by inhibiting the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you to sleep.
Invest in some blackout blinds or curtains to keep any light from car headlights or street lamps out of your view, and make sure you turn off all televisions and computers as the blue light emitted from the screens can also interfere.
One unusual culprit that isn’t usually considered is the digital alarm clock – having the lights from this face you all night can keep you up and have just as bad an impact as looking at any other digital devices would.
Pastel Peace
Certain colours evoke different moods and some are more peaceful and relaxing than others.
Pastels are known for their calming effect and decorating your room with these colours could be what you’re missing in your mission to sleep soundly.
Tidy Room, Tidy Mind
Clutter in your bedroom is never advised but can be even worse if you’re having trouble sleeping. Untidiness and belongings scattered about your room can cause anxiety even if you don’t realise it.
The effect that anxiety then has on your body can cause a lack of sleep, so try to keep a tidier room to ease your mind before bed.
Microfibre Magic
Temperature also plays its part in aiding you with a good night’s sleep. Being too hot or too cold are the worst culprits when it comes to being awake all night long.
Microfibre duvets can help with this in the warmer months, they’re a type of duvet that helps air circulate and ‘breathe’, saving your bed from being stuffy and constricting.
Plush Pillows
The importance of pillows to a sound sleep is something that often goes amiss. You need enough pillows to prop your head at the right angle – high enough that your head is above the rest of your body and you’re not constricting your neck, but not too high that you’re almost upright.
The filling of the pillow then comes into question. For luxury, you may want to choose down, or for support try memory foam. Try different pillows out until you find what works best for you.
Soothing Scents
Some scents are known for inducing sleep and being more relaxing. Lavender is a firm favourite for many.
Effective ways to use these scents to help sleep are in the form of essential oils, bath salts, candles, sleep masks and pillow sprays.
These scents are worth a try if they result in the peaceful night’s sleep you deserve.
For information about mattresses or other bedroom products, feel free to contact us today or come and visit our store.
]]>There are a variety of ways to freshen up your living space and bring something different to your home.
If 2019 is the year of ‘New Year, New Home’, keep on reading.
Upgrade your Storage
So many of us are guilty of leaving our belongings out and about. Investing in some good quality storage can make a big difference to the atmosphere of your home. Even if it’s just a space to put the items you would usually have scattered around.
Bookcases are great for displaying ornaments, magazines and newspapers, similarly, ottomans and cupboards are an ideal way to stash undesirable or unused items out of site.
If you’re a tad tight on space in your home, rather than adding more units, think about switching some of your current pieces for those slightly more useful, or invest in some hidden storage accessories to keep even the smallest of spaces tidy.
If you’re in the market for upgrading your storage this New Year, take a look at our range of storage pieces – you'll be sure to find the perfect piece for your home.
Convenience First
If there’s items you find yourself reaching for on a daily basis, ensure the layout of your items work with this.
Not only will this look different, but you can organise things like your cupboards or wardrobe to have the frequently used items at the most accessible places.
This will make a huge difference not only to refreshing your home but will most likely result in an easier start to your morning when everything you need is in arm’s reach!
Spring Clean
What more do we need to say? A spring clean has become something of a new year’s tradition for many, sprucing up your home with the intent to follow this for the rest of the year.
Whether you stick to it or not, a ‘spring clean’ can be great for refreshing your home. You may discover belongings you haven’t seen in a while, and there’s no better feeling than the accomplishment that follows a clean room – tidy house, tidy mind!
Florals and Greenery
There’s nothing fresher than nature. Add some of this to your home by decorating with flowers, you’ll soon notice their pleasant scent filling your home.
Green is a colour known to symbolize freshness, fertility, growth and harmony. Balance your home and bring only good emotions by dotting some green plants around your house.
You’ll be able to find some form of greenery to freshen up your space no matter how much room you can dedicate to this purpose. A potted cacti for your desk or a larger corner plant - there will be something that’s perfect for you and your home.
Change up your Colour Scheme
This is a simple and relatively cheap way of refreshing your home for the new year.
Whether you have accent cushions and curtains, or a theme within your artwork, changing the colour scheme for these can really change the look of your house from season to season.
The great thing about colour schemes, especially if you have a neutral base to your rooms, is that they can be changed again and again, always adding a fresh feel to your living space.
Liven Up Your Walls
The same goes for a feature wall – it is a fairly easy job to change this up when you feel like it.
You could even let the colour of this form the basis of your general colour scheme and is certain to add a new element to your sanctuary.
Allow Yourself the Little Things
Even a small spruce up like changing your sheets can help your home feel fresher for the year ahead.
If your budget doesn’t allow huge spending, there are plenty of retailers who sell affordable bedding.
Small changes like this really can make a huge difference.
Whatever room you’re looking to freshen up in 2019, we can help. To browse our range of furniture, with plenty of storage options to suit you, visit our website today.
]]>But how will you decorate your home to achieve a timeless, yet modern feel? The top trends for 2019 with regards to home décor are both new and fresh but hold the ability to impress time and time again. Which will you choose to implement in your home?
Jewel Tones
Jewel tones have the ability to make any room feel rich and sophisticated. Amethyst, sapphire, emerald alike, these colours are striking and make a big impact on any room.
We recommend you try an accent wall to avoid overpowering or on the other hand, balance your use of jewel tones with neutrals to soften their boldness.
Jewel tones furniture is great for creating a focal point within a room and can be accented with other jewel tone accessories to really create that luxurious and plush feeling.
Florals and Bold Prints
Bold prints and florals are certainly the way to make a statement in 2019. Florals are a beautiful way to bring the garden inside and can be exceptionally delicate and balanced when combined with the right accent furniture.
Print wise, whether you’re choosing stripes and geometrics, tropical leaves or fruity motifs, there’s always a way to make bold patterns work in every room.
If you prefer more of a simplistic style, choose one bold piece and let the eye be drawn to this. For a more eccentric and themed room, combine your patterns to complement one another and provide a sense of chaotic balance in your home.
Sustainability
As we become more and more aware of how we impact our environment, sustainable interior decoration methods have risen in popularity.
Choosing lighter walls and designs is recommended, as the amount of light reflected will be higher, saving money on illuminating your home. The same principle applies with carpets and rugs – these act as another thermal layer to reduce the need for heating in the colder months.
Choosing materials and surfaces wisely can also help with the environmental elements of home décor. Many people avoid synthetic materials, but these can actually prove more sustainable in terms of their life expectancy – they last longer.
Light Wood
Light wood veneers are still on trend for 2019. Remaining a classic due to its compatibility with a range of colours and materials, oak and pine style wood finishes can add a classy and uniform touch to any room.
To browse our selection of light wood furniture and furnishings, visit the shop section of our websiteor come and see us in store.
Comfort Remains Key
Ottomans to put your feet up, and abundance of pillows to bury yourself in – 2019 is the year for comfort.
This isn’t so much a trend but a lifestyle – your home is your place to relax, so make sure it’s equipped for this!
Art Deco Detailing
Famous for hard angles, symmetry and metallics, lavish and wealthy art deco designs are back! Period pieces are well sought after – the art movement spanned decades so it’s easy to see why it is considered so timeless.
Striking colours mixed with clean lines and lacquered furniture are your go-to’s when attempting to emulate the luxury of this period.
Living Coral:
Pantone’s 2019 Colour of the Year was names as Living Coral 16-1546. Try a feature wall, accent pillows or focus furniture using this colour to stay on trend all year round.
The colour pairs well with neutrals and greens and blues (for a real under-the-sea feel).
To browse our range of furniture to use in your 2019 trendy home renovation, browse our shop today.
]]>But what if you find the weather affecting your sleep? Many people find themselves feeling far more sluggish in the winter months, but fear not – you’re not alone if this is you.
What can affect my sleep during winter?
One of the prime reasons as to why tiredness is so rife in the cold is because of the shorter days. The amount of daylight we’re exposed to is much more limited than the rest of the year, which can impact the body’s natural cycles.
Light affects the pituitary gland which secretes melatonin, the chemical that regulates the body’s sleep cycle.
Lack of light can prompt the body to produce more of this chemical, making us feel tired and sluggish sooner and more easily. Sometimes, this can even transform into seasonal affective disorder (SAD) categorized by depressive episodes that take place during seasonal change.
The excess consumption of alcohol and caffeine that can creep in around the Christmas period can also be a contributor in your digestion and therefore quality of sleep.
Both of these products are natural stimulants, and coupled with digestion keeping you awake it is no wonder people are often up until the early hours.
Stress over holiday arrangements or your bank balance after Christmas shopping can play a part in how well you sleep through winter too.
Because of this, it is so crucial to allow your body the right amount of rest and minimise the things that are affecting your sleep as much as you can.
How can I combat this?
There are a few things you can do to try and set your body clock back to normal and get a good nights rest.
A good night’s sleep is vital for us to function at a normal level. Although winter can be harsh, you now know some of the ways to help yourself doze off in the chilly season and can reset your body clock.
]]>With Halloween just around the corner, this blog post could not have come at a better time; whether it’s your children having a restless sleep or yourself, these tips will work for you all.
Avoid Certain Foods
Avoid foods that you know cause you indigestion; this may cause you to stir in your sleep meaning you’ll be more susceptible to having a nightmare.
Common foods to avoid before sleep are any cheese, large amounts of dairy and spicy foods. But, there may be something more specific to you that you need to watch out for before bed.
So, the old wives tales of cheese giving you nightmares may actually have some truth in them after all!
You want to avoid anything that could interrupt your sleep like caffeine and sugar as well. Yes, we’re afraid that means that the Halloween treats will have to go away at night, if not you could be in for a trick.
Turn the Scary Movies Off
It may seem obvious, but scary movies, books or even conversations can disrupt your sleep and give you a few frightful dreams.
If you insist on watching a horror film or reading a ghost story before bed, take a few moments to reprogram your brain before sleeping by thinking of your happy place or happy thoughts. This will help to prevent those pesky dreams.
If you can, we would recommend avoiding this genre completely in the evenings, but we know that this may be especially hard as Halloween is approaching.
Spray Away the Monsters
Your brain reacts to smells heavily in your sleep, that means that if you’re smelling something you don’t like or that your brain doesn’t associate with soothing you could be in for a scare or two.
To combat this, you can use lavender pillow spray; this is available in all local pharmacies or health shops – you can even make your own!
Not only will the lavender help you drift off to sleep, but it will also help you to stay asleep with no stirs or monsters disturbing you.
If it’s your children having the nightmares, you could call the spray your “monster repellent” – this way they’ll be more than happy to have their pillows dowsed in the soothing scent.
Stick to your Routine
It may be tempting to stay up late as the nights draw in and the season gets spookier, but sticking to your routine and heading to bed earlier will stop those bad dreams from haunting your sleep.
If you don’t already have a good night routine in place now may be the time to start one. Who knows - your sleep may get dramatically better and all of those pesky bad dreams will stop.
Getting yourself into a good routine will mean that your body will know it’s time to sleep and overall getting up in the mornings will be a whole lot easier!
So, whether you’re trying to stop having bad dreams or you want to keep the ghosts and ghouls at bay, get into a good bedtime routine.
]]>There are some simple ways you can add a little bit of Autumn into your home, here’s how you can spice up your interior.
Midnight Blues will Warm Your Home
Midnight Blue is a huge trend this season, but if you don’t want to paint your walls this deep blue colour there are small things you can add - we don’t blame you, this is an awfully big commitment to a ‘trend’ colour.
So, how can you incorporate this colour in a slightly more understated way? Add in some cosy accessories like pillows, throws and soft bedding. This can inject the cosy tones into your home as well as adding warmth to a room.
Keep Warm with Blankets
Blankets can make any room look warm and cosy as well as being just what you need on a cold day at home.
Whether they’re knitted or fluffy blankets, you can never have too many in a room, especially in your bedroom or living room!
However, if you don’t want your blankets lying around the place or maybe you have too many to put on your sofa or bed, a blanket box is perfect for this.
Blanket boxes come in all shapes and sizes and you can definitely find one perfect for your room from our large range.
Ensure Your Room Glows with Candles
Candles are a great way to warm up those dark, Autumn evenings and a great way to fill your house with amazing musky scents.
There are so many scented and unscented candles on the market, you’ll be sure to find one for every room.
Curl Up with a Book
Autumn is the perfect time to get stuck into a good book and with all of the cold nights drawing in, you’ll need space for all of the great books.
A bookshelf is a great way to store and display your books and it is so easy to grab your favourite book for a cosy night in.
You can find the bookshelf which will fit in your room the best from our whole range of bookshelves, available here.
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