How to specify a bespoke bed

Discover our guide to specifying a bespoke bed, where we’ll navigate you through the maze of options and choices, so you can uncover a lifetime of quality sleep.


Sleep is the single most important thing you can do for your health and well-being. More important than nutrition and exercise, it’s an entirely pleasurable way to improve how you feel the next day. Good sleep starts with the right bed, but there are several factors to consider when investing in a new one. We’re here to navigate you through the most important elements in specifying a bespoke bed, allowing you to focus on enjoying uncovering a lifetime of quality sleep.


We need sleep to function, both physically and mentally. When we sleep, our bodies rest and repair. Sleep is brain food, as important as oxygen and water.


Dr Rebecca Robbins

Choosing to purchase a new bed is an incredibly exciting decision. However, with endless options, fabrics and tensions, making the right choice can very quickly become time-consuming. Your bed is by far the most significant part of a good night’s rest, and so, we’ve created a carefully curated guide to help you make the right choice when specifying your very own bespoke bed.


1. Support


The correct level of support is fundamental to ensuring that your spine is maintained in its natural position. To achieve this, you must sink into the bed comfortably or your spine will curve and result in aches and stiffness when you awake. For side sleepers, your hips and shoulders need to sink in to make sure you get support around the waist level. If you lie on your back, your body must sink in sufficiently to ensure your lower back is well supported.


This is why we offer a split-tension mattress option, custom-made to your preferences, so both you and your partner can have different support in the same bed. Discover our mattress buying guide to find out more about selecting the right support for you.


2. Base


The right base supports both, the mattress, and the person sleeping on it. It needs to have a level of firmness to its support. However, a base that is too firm will compromise the feel of even the softest mattress. A box spring base gives the mattress the best possible support, adding to the comfort of your bed and extending its life.


At Savoir, our box springs vary according to the hours of work and materials involved. The large independent hourglass springs and unrivalled edges take your weight. Enabling the mattress to do its job of taking your shape and giving the quality of support required whilst you sleep.


3. Size


When choosing the right bed, size is incredibly important. Ultimately, it’s a matter of individual taste and preference. There’s no one-size-fits-all. After all, we’re all built differently, have different sleeping positions, and have different comfort preferences. However, as a basic rule of comfort, you want to opt for the biggest bed your bedroom can fit. This will allow you to not only sleep more comfortably but also to approach designing the bed more creatively, as you curate the bedroom of your dreams.


A UK king is 150cm wide, giving each person just 75cm each to sleep on, which is less than a single bed. Similarly, a US Queen is 60″ wide, with just 30″ of sleeping space for each person. The more room you have, the more comfortable and less disturbed you will be by your partner’s movements.


For large beds, we offer zip and link mattresses and bases, to make them easier to handle and turn, but also to assist with access up staircases.


4. Materials


When it comes to choosing the materials inside your bed, natural is best. Horsetail, wool, and cotton all breathe exceptionally well. They provide incredible insulation properties and are critical for temperature regulation, which is important all year round.


Maintaining the body’s temperature helps improve the REM stage of sleep, which is essential for restorative rest. Natural materials tend to be found in the most expensive mattresses, toppers and bases, but also offer greater longevity. Foams and latex are less expensive but don’t breathe, so can feel hot and deteriorate over time. One of the worst things you can do for your sleep is overheating. It disrupts the sleep cycle and increases sleep disturbances.


Our beds are created with only the finest, natural materials harvested from the wild and lovingly refined for a calming, restful night’s sleep.


5. Style and design


While comfort, natural materials and size are all fundamental to good sleep, the style of your bed is just as important. As individual as the right mattress tension, the design of your bed is a wonderful way to add personality to your bedroom. We offer infinite style options, including headboards, legs and an almost unlimited range of fabrics. 


Although being spoilt for choice is rarely bad news, if you find yourself lost in countless ideas, our curated Design Page is there to inspire you to make your dream bed a reality. Every Savoir bed is made to order, we hold no stock, so your design starts with you.


Discover how our designs came to life at Lypiatt ParkPitzhanger Manor and other one-of-a-kind locations on House of Savoir and find out how to create your very own sleep sanctuary, starting with a bespoke bed.


6. Sleep test


Just as we don’t believe in rushing when creating our beds, we also don’t believe the decision to choose the right one should be rushed either. After all, we spend a third of our lives in bed. And so, we strongly advise visiting one of our global showrooms, where you can lie down, try different mattresses and allow yourself to drift off on the bed that is perfect for you. Our Sleep Specialists will be there to guide you through every step of the way, because purchasing a new bed is an investment that will pay off every day of your life. 


For more advice and ideas on a guide to choosing a bespoke bed, visit design page.