The Bed and Chair Centre

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Fireside Chairs

Fireside Chairs are designed perfectly to enjoy the cosy warmth of a fire. It’s back and high ‘wing’ sides offering cosy protection to you from draughts, as well as a beautifully comfortable place to sit

Using ‘wing’ sides on chairs first originated in the 17th century, where it was common place to find wing side settles in places like English Manor Houses. Later on that century the design evolved to incorporate upholstery and provide more comfort than a simple wooden bench!  This new, more luxurious version is what we now commonly know as a wingback chair. However, Historians who have studied these chairs reveal that there was nothing like the padding used then that we are accustomed to seeing on our modern day chairs!

The Victorian era is when these wingback chairs really took centre stage in our homes and were considered an essential piece of living room furniture, featuring in many books. Family life centered around these chairs, positioned more often than not, by the fire. The victorians also added to the design of the chairs during this era by adding more padding, and also by beginning to refer to it them as fireside chairs, rather than wingback chairs.

Nowadays of course, our much beloved Fireside Chairs offer far more style and comfort than they ever have done before. A well designed Fireside Chair can add a beautifully stylish touch to your room and they are built to provide you with years of comfort and timeless elegance. However, there are a few important things to remember when shopping for one.

What Height of Seat Is Right For Me?

Many people opt to buy a  Chair with a higher seat,  simply because it’s easier to get in and out of. Unfortunately this is not always the best way to approach the choice of size. It is important to remember that too much of a high seat can restrict your circulation, particularly in the area behind your knees, leading to swollen feet and ankles. Therefore be careful to try out your seat thoroughly before buying and make sure there is no restriction to your circulation. Another way to check that you have the seat height correct is to measure the length of your legs from the back of your knee to the floor. The height of the seat you choose should be the same or slightly less than your leg measurement.

Depth Of Seat

Again, it is fairly common for people to chose the biggest seat depth possible as they feel it is easier to get in and out of the chair when it’s like this. To be sure the seat depth is correct for you take the measurement of your legs from the back of your knees to the back of your buttocks. The depth of the seat should be less than this measurement of your legs.

The Back Of Your Chair Is An Important Consideration

There are two things you need to look at when considering the back of your chair. Firstly, the height of the back.  You should measure the length of your back, from the bottom of your back to the height of your eye level. This measurement should match as close as possible, the height of the back of your chair.

Secondly, you should consider the angle of the back of the chair, as every chair is built differently. Essesntially, most people find that those chairs with a more upright positioned back are easier to get out of, and are of course, far better for your posture!

The Bed and Chair Centre stock a wide range of Fireside Chairs Northumberland with a huge choice of upholstery and design, so you can be sure there will be something that suit your needs perfectly. Please feel free to browse our collection online and then pop in to see us at the shop to come and try them out. We also have many more variations in the shop and there’s always a discount or two to be had when Billy is on the floor!  We hope to see you soon.

 

 

 

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 Spring Clean Your Home

 

Spring Clean Your Home….It’s that time of year again! The time when we start to feel fed up with all the clutter that has accumulated over the winter months and we feel the need to start a fresh, rejuvenating our home and the way we feel to make way for sunnier times. Sounds easy right? Though as nearly every one of us knows, it can be time and energy consuming to see this task through to completion. Fear not, we at the Chair and Bedroom Centre have put together a few tips for you to help you do that spring clean in a far easier and happier manner.

Step One – Get In The Mood.

As crazy as it sounds you need to be in the right frame of mind to do your spring clean or you’ll soon find you run out of motivation to continue. Clutter in our homes can drain us of energy, leaving us feeling low and stuck, ultimately effecting our quality of life. Yep, it’s Feng Shui! So when we step into a cluttered room to try and spring clean, the low energy in that room can zap us of our motivation to improve it pretty quickly. So make sure you take the right kind of energy into that cluttered space to see you through. Let the light in, put on some music, scent the air with fragrant candles, feel good in yourself by having a shower first to feel fresh and vibrant. Whatever it takes to lift your mood  – do it!

Step Two – Prepare For Your Spring Clean

You will need to organise 3 separate boxes or bags. Label these boxes with the following; keep me, chuck me, question me. Place these boxes or bags in an area where there is enough space to work and accommodate the clutter whilst you sort it. Now find yourself a timer. You will set this timer for 30 minutes. If you try and do too much clearing in one go you’ll quickly lose energy and end up with only a half hearted effort. 30 minutes is just a nice amount of time to work efficiently in, and you can go back to your area to do another 30 minutes in a few days time. This is the added benefit of having a properly prepared area.

Step Three – Go to it!

Now you’re all set to clear that clutter! Pick up an item and limit yourself to one minute to make a decision about it. You can of course do it quicker than one minute, but never take longer than this. If you take longer then you’re not doing it right. Remember the 3 boxes you have in front of you. None of them demand a decision that is everlasting just now.  When you have an item in your hand ask yourself the following; “do i like it?” “do i use it?” “do i have a place for it?” If the answer is no then put it in the chuck me box, if the answer is yes, put it in the keep me box, if you simply can’t decide put it in the question me box. Remember, make your decision within a minute with a brave and honest attitude!

Step Four – The Tricky Bit

Now you need to sort those boxes you have filled. Try and deal with the “chuck me” box first. You’ll feel much more liberated once this has gone, as well as having much more room to move about in. So get yourself to the charity shop, rubbish tip or wherever it needs to go and get rid of it.

The next box to look at is the “question me” box. Now this one can be a tough one. It is quite common for people to get very emotional about the items in this box and find themselves in a real quandary about what to do with them. If this is you then try this technique. Seal up the box and store it away for 6 months. When you come back to it in 6 months time try and remember all of it’s contents without opening it. If you can’t remember what is even in there then you have given yourself your answer. Leave it sealed, don’t peek, and get rid of it!

Step Five – The Fun Bit

 

If you make it this far then a huge well done to you, we are proud of you! Now the best part is in front of you – furniture shopping! Your “keep me” box is filled with items that need a place to live in your home so you need to equip yourself with furniture to help you organise your belongings better. Create a system in your home  that gives all your cherished items somewhere to rest and make a resolution to yourself to keep it organised. Don’t fall into the trap of cluttering up your keep me items though. Remember, you can only keep it if you have a place for it to live! Though personally, we always find it helpful to have a clutter drawer for those hard to place items. Just make sure the clutter drawer doesn’t overspill into the rest of your home!

For storage ideas and much, much more pop in and see us at the Bed and Chair Centre, located on Prudhoe High Street. Alternatively take a browse through our website for inspiration and quality furniture.

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Quality Bedroom Furniture Is A Must

 

Quality Bedroom Furniture Northumberland is a justified investment to make when you consider that we spend one third of our lives in our bedrooms. Especially for parents, the bedroom offers a haven to retreat to for peace and quiet, reading or simply watching TV. Therefore, it is worth taking a bit of extra money and time to make your bedroom as comfortable as possible to make sure it is suited to your needs and will stand the test of time.

Size It Up

 

When choosing furniture for your bedroom the first thing you need to think about is the size of your room. Take some time to consider this, as if you choose too much furniture or furniture that is too big you will be left with a cluttered place that is difficult to move around in.

Alternatively, you don’t want to be left with a lack of storage space or a bed that is too small to get comfortable in. Do your research and get out that tape measure. A handy tip is to map out how the furniture will look in your room by placing bits of newspaper on the floor that mimic the size of the furniture you are looking to buy. This way you will get a more realistic view of the kind of space you have available.

Quality Bedroom Furniture – Not Quantity

 

When you invest time and money into updating your bedroom, the last thing you want to be doing is replacing it all again in a few months because it is starting to fall apart or look shabby. Thoroughly test the furniture you are looking to buy, and you will soon notice the difference between cheap and quality. Questions to ask yourself are:

  • Do the drawers and/or doors close smoothly and easily?

  • Does the item seem sturdy? No wobbles or wonky angles?

  • What kind of joints does the unit have? Do they look like they are solid or just held in place with wood glue and peg? (dove tail joints are said to be the best kind of joints for durabilty and quality)

  • Does the surface of the item look like it would scratch and mark easily?

Take your time to think and test so you can ensure your money is well invested. Well picked pieces will stand the test of time, and are often passed down through generations. Feel free to take a browse at our Quality Bedroom Furniture

 

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Riser Recliners – Choose The Best One For You

 

Riser Recliners might be the perfect option for you if you find yourself sitting in the same chair for long periods of time, needing extra support, or beginning to experience difficulty in sitting down or getting up. This kind of chair can give people much needed independence and comfort in their everyday lives.

What Is A Riser Recliner And What Can It Offer Me?

Rise Recline Chairs are specially manufactured to help people to sit and stand with ease, as well as offering comfort to those with medical issues and those who sit down for a great portion of the day. All Rise Recliner Chairs have a reclining and rising action that can be controlled at the press of a button.  These buttons are usually situated on the right hand side of the chair. However, if you have issues using your right hand you should ask your supplier if it is possible to have this button fitted to the other side.

The rising action of the chair allows you to raise the whole chair slowly, allowing you to stand up with ease in a gentle and safe manner. In reverse, this action also helps you to sit by simply placing yourself onto the raised chair and pressing the button to lower the chair. This then starts the movement to ease you into a comfortable sitting position.

The reclining action of the chair is ideal for those who sit down for long periods as it allows you to change your position with ease, and therefore relieve any soreness. For those who are choosing one of these chairs for problems of pressure and soreness there are  certain rise recliners that tip back completely, meaning that all of your weight will be supported completely and evenly.

People who are affected with leg problems also find the rise and recliner chair a perfect solution as it means they can raise their legs whilst sitting. However, we would recommend that you make sure the chair you choose supports the whole length of your leg when in this position.

Choosing The Best Rise And Recline Chair For You

With a choice of motors, fabrics, sizes and styles it is no wonder that people get confused when it comes to choosing the best chair for their needs. So, with our experience and expertise in this area we have broken the choices down into a few easy steps to help you on your way to selecting your perfect chair.

Step One: Make Sure The Chair Fits & Supports

Rise Recliners often come in a variety of sizes so when it comes to  chairs, one size does not fit all. Therefore, it is very important that you try before you buy, and take your time when doing this. Don’t rush this step as you need to make sure you are comfortable and leave yourself time to try out any of the features that the chair might offer. If you are of an average size and shape then it may well be that you can walk into a shop and find the perfect one for you.  However, if this is not the case for you, there is the option of ordering a made to measure chair. Although these can be a little more expensive and will mean waiting for it to be made and delivered, it is well worth doing this to ensure you have a chair that fits perfectly.

When you sit in the chair you like the look of make sure that you place your bottom right at the back of the seat. In this position you should find your thighs are level and straight, your feet flat on the floor and your lower legs straight down to the ground. Now you should be able to get two fingers between the front of the chair and your knees.

Whilst sitting in the chair give some thought to the width of it also. It should be wide enough to fit you without any squashing whilst still giving you support at your sides. If the chair you have chosen has arm rests, try and put your hands on each side to make sure there is plenty room and you are still comfortable. Your arms should be supported below the elbow without making you lift your shoulders.

If the chair feels right so far you should now give some thought to the support of your back. There should be padding on the chair for your lower back and head and you should feel supported by this. If you have particular issues with your back there are specialist back supports you can get to help with this.

In terms of the firmness of cushions, these should feel soft and comfy, but not so soft that you can feel the frame of the chair through them. If you expect to be sitting in the chair for long periods of time then we would certainly recommend acquiring some pressure relieving cushions to prevent any soreness.

Step Two: Think About How The Chair Will Fit In Your Home

There are a number of important things to consider here. Firstly, do you have any small animals or children at your home? If so, then it may be worth you considering getting a chair that is fitted with a safety device to prevent the chair moving when anything is in the way. This ensures that no trapping accidents occur.

The other consideration for having a riser recliner in your home is the space required. A lot of these chairs require a certain amount of space to be left behind them so that they do not hit the wall during the reclining motion. It is possible to purchase ‘wall hugging’ rise recliner chairs so that they can be positioned much closer to the walls in your home. However, you should bear in mind that ‘wall hugging’ chairs will require more space to be left in front of them.

Whilst most people purchase a rise recline chairs for comfort and ease rather than design. It is of course, important to a lot of people that their new chair fits in with the decor of their home. For this reason, many manufacturers will offer a range of fabrics from which to choose making it easy for you to find something that will fit your style and taste.

Step Three: What Additional Features Do You Require?

Many Rise Recliners come with one or two motors. Essentially, the more motors a chair has the more flexible the chair will be. For instance, a chair with one motor will lift the leg rest and recline the back of the chair together and in unison.  Single motor recliners will not fully recline. A chair with two motors  will move the leg rest and back rest independently of each other, giving much more movement possibilities.

Some chairs will also offer a rechargeable battery pack meaning that power cuts won’t leave you stuck in your chair and unable to move.

On some chairs you may be offered the option of built in heat pads and/or massagers. Whilst these can certainly offer more comfort we are not aware of these being able to offer any therapeutic value to the user.

If you think you may have difficulty in gripping the arms of your chosen chairs then there is the option of a chair with wooden arm ends/knuckles. These are much easier to get hold of than a wide upholstered arm rest and also can reduce wearing of the chair.

Step Four: What Style Of Back Rest Suits Me Best?

Many rise and recline chairs come with different styles of back rest.

 

The button back chair usually offers a  firm kind of support

 

The waterfall (or pillow back) style has 3 separate pillows at the back of the chair, with each pillow having it’s own zip meaning you can adjust the filling in each to give you maximum flexibility and achieve perfect comfort. This style of back is generally considered to be a softer kind of support.

Waterfall Back Riser Recliner

 

If you require any further advice please do not hesitate to contact us. And don’t forget that the Bed and Chair Centre, Northumberland offer FREE home visits. This allows you to choose a chair in the comfort of your own home as well as being able to see first hand how well it fits into the space of your home. We hope you have found our guide helpful in selecting the perfect Riser Recliner.

 

 

 

 

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How To Choose The Best Type Of Mattress For You

How to choose the best type of mattress for you can be quite a dilemma. With so many mattresses on the market today it is hard to know where to begin in choosing the best one for your own personal needs and comfort. Add to that all the myths that surround mattresses and you find yourself in a minefield of conflicting information. Relax, we are here to help. Using our experience and knowledge of mattresses we have put together some of the most important facts for you to know before purchasing your new mattress. So grab yourself a brew while we tell you all about it….

Comfort Is A Must

One of the most popular myths surrounding mattresses is that it has to be hard to be good for you. This is nonsense. Whilst it is of course important that your mattress has a good supporting structure, the amount of padding you decide to have on top should be decided upon using your own personal preference and what feels good to you. Some of us like to sink into bed and some of us don’t.  Ideally, your perfect mattress should mould to the shape of your body but still remain supportive. A little test to measure this is to lie on your back and slide your hand beneath the small of your back. If there is a gap between the bed and the hollow of your back then this bed is too firm. If you can’t slide your hand beneath your back at all then the bed is too soft.

Above all, remember, that when you are shopping for a new mattress, test, test and test some more. Try out as many varieties as possible and lie on each one for at least 10 minutes. (removing your shoes and coat so you can turn comfortably) Remember to take your sleeping partner with you as beds feel very different when there are two people in it and never go shopping for a mattress when you are feeling tired – when you’re tired every mattress feels good!

Size Matters

The size of a bed is something that quite often gets overlooked and people tend to go for a double, considering a king size as extravagant. Generally speaking, a king size is what you should be going for when two people are sharing a bed. A bed should be wide enough to allow two people to lie side by side with their hands behind their heads without their elbows touching each other. (There are not many double beds that can accommodate two adults to do that) When it comes to the length of a bed, you should be looking for something that is 4-6 inches longer than the tallest person that sleeps in it.

However, all this is very well, and whilst it is the right way to pick the size of your bed there is something else that is important to consider – the size of your room! Remember that the bedstead itself will be bigger than the mattress you choose so make sure that it will fit the room it has to go into and still allow enough space for other furniture and room to move.

How Long Will My Mattress Last?

Most mattresses will last you for 8-10 years and should provide a good amount of comfort during this time. However, we would always urge you to replace your mattress after this length of time even if it still feels comfortable to sleep on.

What Variety Is Right For Me?

There are many varieties of mattress to choose from, and it is important to understand the differences between them so that you can make the best informed decision before parting with your money. Most mattresses can be divided into five groups:

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Memory Foam /Memory Mattress

Continuous Coil /Open Coil

Foam or Latex Mattress.

Orthopaedic Mattress

Pocket Sprung Mattress

The Pocket Sprung Mattress is generally considered to be one of the more luxurious types you can buy, and is certainly one of the most popular on the market today.

The springs on a pocket sprung mattress are sewn into individual fabric pockets and these pockets are filled with material such as cotton, lambswool and mohair. At the more expensive and luxurious end the fillings can be cashmere and silk and the mattresses can also be made with each side a different firmness. This is to accommodate sleeping partners who have different preferences when it comes to the firmness of a mattress.

The pocket sprung mattress is so popular because of it’s design. Each spring in this type of mattress will move independently which provides excellent support to your body and makes them ideal for two people sharing who are very different weights. Added to that, there is also a choice of tensions in soft, medium and hard meaning there is a pocket sprung mattress to suit us all!

Now, whilst I can happily sing the praises of the pocket sprung mattress, I am honestly obliged to also tell you their downside.  Whilst the design of this mattress makes ideal sleeping it unfortunately makes it very heavy which means they are difficult to turn. There is also the possibility that this type of mattress can be problematic to allergy sufferers because of the natural materials contained within them.

Most retailers sell this type of mattress starting from £600.

OUR PRICE AT THE BED AND CHAIR CENTRE STARTS FROM ONLY £199 – Take a look at our range of Pocket Sprung Mattreses – Click Here.

 Memory Foam Mattress/Memory Mattress

Memory Foam Mattresses (also known as Memory Mattresses) are topped with a layer of temperature sensitive viscoelastic material. A material that was originally developed by NASA and responds to your temperature and weight. This material means the mattress will mould to your shape when it’s warm, whilst also absorbing your weight and taking pressure off your joints.

However, the way in which you can sink into these mattresses can also be viewed as a drawback for some as it can leave the mattress feeling too close to your body, and cause you too be too warm.  That said, the memory mattress must be championed for it’s suitability to those  who suffer from allergies or joint pain.

Continuous Coil Mattress/Open Coil

The Continuous Coil Mattress is made from a single looped wire. Whilst, the Open Coil is made of single springs joined together by one wire. The design of these mattresses is poor as all the springs move together as one, meaning it is highly likely that you will be disturbed by the movements of the person you are sleeping with. Because of this there aren’t many people who have good things to say about how they slept on one. For these reasons it is understandable that these mattresses are often referred to as the budget buy.

Prices Available On Request

 

Sprung Memory Foam Mattress

This type of mattress is a hybrid of two of the most popular types, and as a result has some fantastic qualities. It has the responsiveness of a pocket sprung whilst offering the support of a memory foam. Making it an ideal choice for those who love the feel of a pocket sprung but struggle with the natural fillings that can exacerbate allergies.

However, please be warned that this type of mattress is not a good choice for young children. As some ‘sinking’ can occur with this type of mattress this can cause a danger for younger ones if they were to roll onto their front, leading to a possibility of restricted breathing.

Most retailers sell this type of mattress starting from £525.

OUR PRICE AT THE BED AND CHAIR CENTRE STARTS FROM ONLY £129 – Take a look at our range of  Sprung Memory Foam Mattresses At the Chair & Bedroom Centre – Click Here.

Latex Mattress

Made from a mixture of synthetic latex and natural latex tapped from the trunks of rubber tress. The latex mattress is often heralded as being the perfect option for those who are allergic to house or dust mites due to it’s durable, breathable features and natural antimicrobial properties. It also has the added benefit of not overheating so is ideal for those who like to stay cool in bed.

Unfortunately it does have it’s drawbacks, in that it has a tendency to feel too heavy and solid. It is also worth pointing out that if you opt for one of these type of mattress you should be cautious of some of the cheaper ones as they are prone to developing lumps and bumps.

Most retailers sell this type of mattress starting from £600.

OUR PRICE AT THE BED AND CHAIR CENTRE STARTS FROM ONLY £319

 

Orthopaedic Mattress

 

Orthopaedic Mattresses are available in open sprung and pocket sprung varieties, generally with a firmer spring. They are designed specifically for those who suffer from joint pain, particularly related to the back. Offering maximum support and comfort to your neck, back and hips they are an ideal solution for those who have joint problems, and also for those who like to sleep on their back.

The lifespan of an Orthopaedic  mattress can be greater than most other mattresses, and these type of mattresses also come with the benefit of having an anti rolling effect. Meaning that you don’t need to worry about your movements disturbing the sleep of your partner.

And best of all, The Bed and Chair Centre retail these mattresses starting from only £149. Offering also a brilliant selection of Beds in Northumberlan dTake a look at our range of Orthopaedic Mattresses – Click Here

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 If you feel you require more information and help to chose the right kind of mattress please do not hesitate to call in and see us at The Bed and Chair Centre. Our staff pride themselves on helping customers to chose a mattress they will be happy with for a long time to come. We hope you have enjoyed our guide about how to choose the best type of mattress for you.

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Don’t Forget

We offer FREE home visits at a time suitable to you and are always ready to offer every customer the best possible discount. Pop in and see us soon at :

Unit 4, 10 Front Street, Prudhoe, Northumberland. NE42 5HJ
Telephone: 01661 836 566

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Our opening hours:

Mon – Fri = 09:30 – 16:30 / Sat = 09:30 – 16:00