Expert Advice: How to Buy a Bed to Last a Lifetime, from America’s Oldest Bed Makers
2. Go for timeless, not trendy.
One factor in the longevity of a bed is style. If you choose something trendy and of the moment, you’ll likely want something new in a few years—not a sustainable or budget-friendly situation. Instead, opt for a timeless look that will fit seamlessly no matter where you move or how your style might evolve. Rogers beds, for example, “harken back to a different age and are inspired by our history, but they are proportioned for today’s rooms,” according to the company.
3. Prioritize sustainability.
It’s important to look at the individual components of a bed and research their origins, keeping an eye out for sustainable practices. In the case of Rogers beds, most of the steel and brass (and mattress springs, too) is post-industrial recycled material—and it’s 100 percent recyclable in the event your bed reaches the end of its lifespan. The hardwood is responsibly harvested from plantations rather than natural forests. And look at the smallest details, too: The adhesives and finishes in a Rogers mattress are natural or are water based and non-toxic, without solvents. Lastly, finishes are designed to be fully repairable—no need to toss a bed if it gets worn or nicked.
4. Don’t skimp on comfort.
A mattress is a long-term (and oft-used) purchase—and it’s important to find one that’s nontoxic, comfortable, and made to last. While everyone has different sleep preferences, Rogers prioritizes comfort and support as a baseline across all its mattresses while offering different levels of firmness. The company favors traditional springs (over foam) as a foundation, and its Powercore Mattress Unit uses specialized springs designed in house, which supports all shapes and sizes and adapts to each individual sleeper. Mattresses can be topped with different padding and fabric—including latex, memory foam, Dupont Sorona (a natural fiber-based padding), and nano springs—and each mattress comes with a lifetime warranty.
Whatever your preferences, be sure to avoid urethane foam, chemical treatments, PBDE, CFCs, mercury, lead—as Rogers mattresses do—and look instead for responsibly sourced and non-toxic materials.
For more, head to Charles P. Rogers (and see how their beds are made here).
N.B. Shown in the featured image: the Cairo Canopy Bed, made from hand-forged wrought iron, “perfect for draping or leaving open and fresh.”
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