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HAND SIDE STITCHING Carried out by expert upholsterers, this is a highly labour intensive technique and gives a mattress strength and durability. Great care is taken, using traditional long needles and twine to secure the spring to the border both top and bottom, correctly tensioning the units. Border rods hold the spring unit in shape during this process and then removed before the mattress is upholstered. Genuine side stitching should not be


confused with the decorative stitching used on the mattress borders of many bed manufacturers. It is the single most time-consuming element in the bed making process and can take as long as eight hours for just one mattress.


NATURAL FILLINGS For a bed to stand the test of time, it should be wholly natural. Whereas synthetic beds can make sleepers uncomfortably hot, a bed made only from natural fibers keeps you cool in summer and snug in winter. Natural fibres are breathable and so absorb moisture away from the body, releasing it into the air for a clean, fresh and hypo-allergenic sleeping surface.


Wool is uniquely suited for mattress


upholstery, thanks to its combination of softness, warmth and resilience. A natural insulator, wool helps maintain the body’s correct temperature throughout the night. Other natural materials such as, pure cotton and linen mixes through to silk, mohair and cashmere can also be used to fill and cover premium beds. Fillings are weighed, teased, mixed and


layered onto the springs, separated by a fine cotton hair-proof sheet that prevents hairs from penetrating the surface. After which more layers are added. The top cover - known as ticking - is


woven from viscose, a natural breathing material derived from wood pulp. This fabric is strong and durable, yet luxurious. Before being placed over the fillings, the mattress side panels are hemmed and the mattress is closed using a specially adapted sewing machine. Round woollen tufts add the distinctive


domed look to each mattress. A long needle is used to pass a tape through the springs and upholstery. This is secured with tufts on each side of the mattress, holding the fillings in place.


THE DIVAN The comfort of a mattress is greatly enhanced by a sprung base or divan, which provides the flexible, responsive platform for the mattress, lacking in a slatted base. Superior divans also use quality nested calico pocket springs. The solid timber frame of the divan is insulated and the corners are carefully built around the spring for added strength and smooth lines.


THE FINAL TOUCHES From dramatic, oversized curves to subtle, angular designs, the headboard completes the look of a mattress and divan set. Both headboard and divan can be covered in the customer’s choice of fabric, in a variety of colours, prints and textures to suit any design scheme. To aid mobility, the divan base can be mounted on castors, while solid wooden legs or bun feet create a different look. Drawers can be added for extra storage space.


AN INVESTMENT TO SLEEP SOUNDLY A good quality hand-made bed should never be less comfortable than at the start of its life and, we believe this can only be achieved by using the finest materials and the best production techniques. designer


This regular series of features on interior design topics is produced in association with the Society of British Interior Design (SBID). For information about membership and training, visit the SBID website at www.thesocietyofbritishinteriordesign.org or follow on Twitter @TheSBID


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