To choose a bed for an ex council flat, start with access, then measure the room properly, then pick a frame that suits the layout. Many former local authority flats have generous, regular rooms by modern standards, but shared stairwells, compact lifts and tight landings can make delivery the real challenge. A flat packed or easily assembled frame in a standard size, with storage built in where cupboards are limited, is usually the most practical choice.
Our range of modern beds UK includes frames that arrive in manageable boxes, along with a wide choice of sizes and materials, and our modern bedroom furniture UK collection includes storage pieces designed for compact homes. Here is what to consider before you order.
Former council flats were built across many decades, from interwar blocks to post war towers and low rise maisonettes. They vary a great deal, but several features come up often.
Each of these affects which bed works best.
Before you fall for a design, walk the route from the building entrance to the bedroom with a tape measure. Note the width of each door, the depth and height of the lift if there is one, and any tight turns on the stairs or landings.
Beds that arrive flat packed in several boxes are far easier to get into most flats than one piece divans or fully assembled frames. Mattresses are often the hardest part. A rolled mattress delivered in a box is much easier to carry up stairs and around corners than a traditional flat mattress, especially in larger sizes.
If your building has a lift, check whether furniture deliveries are allowed and whether there are booking rules. Some managing agents ask residents to protect lift interiors during moves.
Measure the full floor area and note the positions of the door, window, radiator and sockets. Then mark out the bed size on the floor with masking tape. This gives a much clearer picture than numbers alone.
As a guide, the standard UK mattress sizes are:
Remember the frame adds to these measurements, sometimes significantly if there is a thick headboard or wide side rails. Leave enough room to walk around the bed, open the door fully and open drawers or wardrobe doors.
Many ex council bedrooms comfortably fit a double or even a king, particularly in older blocks. Second bedrooms are often smaller and may suit a single or a small double.
A small double is a useful size that is sometimes overlooked. It is roomier than a single for one adult and works for couples who use the room occasionally. Our small double fabric beds UK are well suited to second bedrooms and box rooms where every centimetre counts.
With limited built in cupboards, the bed is a good place to add storage. Options to consider:
For clothes, a wardrobe with sliding doors avoids clashes with the bed in tighter rooms. Our modern sliding wardrobes UK come in a range of widths to fit along one wall.
Solid walls are a benefit for sound but can be awkward if you want to fix a headboard or shelf. Freestanding headboards attached to the bed frame avoid drilling altogether, which is also useful if you rent.
Many ex council flats have concrete subfloors with carpet, laminate or vinyl over the top. A bed on legs spreads weight through a few small points, so felt pads or floor protectors help prevent marks on softer flooring. Heavy beds with solid plinth bases are easier on soft floors but harder to move for cleaning.
Wide windows are one of the pleasures of many council built flats, but they can restrict where the bed goes. Avoid placing the headboard directly under a window if possible, as it can be draughty and makes curtains harder to open. If the window wall is the only option, choose a lower headboard and fit blinds that sit within the window recess.
Keep the bed a short distance from radiators, which are often fitted beneath windows in these flats. This protects the frame and mattress and lets heat circulate.
Bedside tables are often the first thing to be squeezed out. Slim cabinets with a drawer, a narrow shelf or a wall mounted unit can work where a standard table will not. Our article on bedside cabinets for small UK bedrooms covers sizes and placement in more detail. If you are also trying to fit a chest of drawers, our guide on fitting a chest of drawers into a small UK bedroom is useful reading.
The mattress deserves as much attention as the frame. In flats, the practical questions are slightly different from those in a house.
Weight matters if you have to carry it up several flights of stairs. Rolled foam and hybrid mattresses tend to be easier to handle than traditional sprung designs, and they arrive compressed in a box that fits through standard doorways. Once unpacked, allow the time recommended by the manufacturer for the mattress to recover its full shape before sleeping on it.
Ventilation is worth thinking about too. Some flats, particularly those with solid walls and newer double glazing, can be prone to condensation in winter. A slatted base lets air move under the mattress, which helps keep it fresh. Pull back the duvet each morning, open a window for a short time when you can and avoid pushing the bed tight against a cold external wall.
Finally, consider noise. A mattress with a quieter construction and a frame with firm joints will reduce creaks, which neighbours below will appreciate in a building with shared floors.
Ex council flats suit a range of looks. Many have a straightforward, functional character that pairs well with modern and mid century inspired furniture. Some popular approaches include:
Light colours on walls and bedding keep compact rooms airy. Upholstered headboards add comfort and help absorb sound in rooms with hard floors.
If you rent, choose a bed that is easy to dismantle and move. Flat packed frames, rolled mattresses and freestanding headboards all make a future move simpler. If you own the flat and plan to stay, you might consider a sturdier frame or a storage bed that becomes a long term fixture.
Leaseholders should check any building rules on deliveries, communal area use and disposal of old furniture. Many councils offer bulky waste collections, which helps when replacing an old bed.
When you are ready to furnish your flat, you will find beds, storage and pieces for every room at Furniture in Fashion. Returns are available up to 30 days.
Many main bedrooms fit a double or king comfortably. Second bedrooms often suit a single or small double. Always measure the room and mark the bed on the floor first.
Choose a flat packed frame that arrives in several boxes and a rolled mattress. Measure every door, turn and lift on the route before ordering.
It is possible with the right fixings, but a headboard that attaches to the bed frame avoids drilling and is easier if you rent.
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