Millbrook Master Collection to return for 2010

In the New Year we are delighted to announce the return of the Millbrook Masters Collection. From January 2010 we will have available the Picasso 3000, Renoir 2500, Monet 2000 and Raphael 1700. This previously hugely successful range we sold across the UK and Europe with Picasso's going as far afield as Finland and Croatia.
For more details on Millbrook beds and mattresses please contact our Knutsford showroom on 01565 634 049. We are taking advanced orders for the collection!

Smart way for complaints (Interiors Monthly)

Please note that the article below contained with quotation marks is from the December 2009 issue of interiors monthly. We think this is very important for retailers and manufacturers to be aware of as we seek to resolve any customer complaints.

"The Furniture Ombudsman is offering consumers a £99 independent inspection service into complaints. A FO technician will visit the consumer's home and write a Smart Report.
According to the FO this: 'provides both you and your retailer with an indication as to whether your complaint is valid or not, the cause of any damage (such as a design or manufacturign fault, local conditions of use, wear and tear) and whether it is possible to carry out an effective repair. The impartial opinion of an expert is often the key to deciding whether or not to pursue your complaint.'
If the technician finds in favour of the consumer, they can pursue a repair or replacement of the product as well as reimbursement of the cost of the inspection report."

Customer service is one of the most important functions within any furniture retailer and we all have experience of working with FIRA to resolve complaints.

Here is a quick guide on the activities a customer can perform to assist in the speedy resolution of a complaint.
1. Contact your retailer by phone advising of the complaint.
2. Photograph to the best of your ability the complaint.
3. Compile an email or letter detailing the complaint (including photographs) and send it to your retailer.
4. Confirm with your retailer that they have received this information.
5. After 10 working days confirm with the retailer that they have sent the information off to the manufacturer (if this is the action the retailer deemed suitable in previous discussions) & check on progress
6. Work with your retailer to expedite a resolution.

We sell a wide range of beds, sofas and dining furniture from the UK's leading manufacturers. Allen & Appleyard Ltd est 1879 has a commitement to BRITISH made furniture.

Millbrook Beds

Discover the great variety of Millbrook Beds now in stock here at bedsite.co.uk. Exceptional build quality and long lasting craftsmanship ensure that any of the Millbrook Beds purchased from bedsite.co.uk will offer you many years of comfortable, luxurious use, enuring a sound night's sleep for you and your partner.

Browse our website today by following the links on the right to view the full range of Millbrook beds currently available here at bedsite.co.uk.

Able to deliver across the United Kingdom, we take care of all delivery arrangements and even offer a bespoke service for those wanting a tailored solution. Call today or visit us online.

Sealy Beds

At bedsite.co.uk, we are proud of our strong reputation that we have built up over the years. It wouldn't have been possible without the hardwork, dedication and our extremely personal approach to each client and tender, offering expert attention to detail.




Amongst the many items we supply, our range of Sealy beds are very popular and are available in an array of different models and designs. You really will be stuck for choice. Sealy beds are renouned for their comfort and quality and the fine selection here at bedsite.co.uk is no exception.

We can deliver across the UK and if you are searching for a bespoke service or perhaps require certain adjustments or changes to beds, furniture or accessories, we can offer a fully tailored solution for you.

Beds

Discover a huge range of beds, divans and mattresses here at bedsite.co.uk. We stock a massive range of the most comfortable, brand named beds and have built a reputation as being one of the foremost suppliers of beds, head boards, bedroom furniture and bedroom accessories within the UK.

In addition to the many beds on offer, our website lists vast quantities of kitchen and living room furniture to adorn your home and our professionalism, experience and attention to detail means that we can tailor items to match your specifications or required designs.

Discover more by visiting our website today by following the links to your right... we hope to see you soon and look forward to assisting you when choosing the perfect beds and furniture.

Wade Berrington | Wade Upholstery

The Berrington sofa range from Wade shown here in 009/029 is not only exceptionally made with a hardwood - glued, screwed and dowelled frame, it is available in any of Wade's fabrics or hides. The 009/029 hide shown with studs in the first picture is the most popular cover and it is easy to see why. This fully aniline hide is breathable and flexible working in harmony with fibre interiors and supported by a fully sprung base to provide exceptional comfort. In the picture we are showing the large sofa, although it is available in a variety of models which includes both a grand and small sofa as well as a variety of chairs. We display the Berrington sofas and chairs in our Knutsford showroom and it can also be seen at the JDP showroom in Long Eaton.

Not only is the Berrington available with a wide variety of options but it is also well proportioned and one of the most comfortable sofas on the market today.

To view more information on the Wade Berrington range of sofas and chairs please contact us on 01565 634 049 or go to the Bedsite where we have all size and specification details. Ranges from other manufacturers which you may be interested in include Halto and Verana which is the contemporary brand from Wade.

Another model which you may be interested in is the Gascoigne Designs Victoria.

Gascoigne Designs Victoria

The Gascoigne Designs Victoria picture above is a classically designed sofa which has been translated from the Liberty period and manufactured to the highest standards. Gacoigne Designs are one of the Long Eaton Guild of furniture manufacturers that are committed to the very highest standards, producing British hand-made furniture. The Gascoigne Designs Victoria can be seen at our Knutsford showroom in the fabrics as shown above from Spring 2009 and is permanently on display at the Gascoigne Long Eaton showroom.

For more information please contact us at Bedsite for any further information on Gascoigne Designs sofas, chairs and other furniture.

Harrison Beds Memory Tailor 2009

Following the successful launch of the Harrison Beds "Bed Tailor" range of models, Harrison have just launched their new "Memory Tailor" range for 2009. Their are 6 models are; Illusion 1800, Expression 3000, Impression 3500, Reflection 4000, Sensation 4500 and Liberation 6500. Each model is a unique piece of craftsmanship which has evolved from their equivalent traditional models in the "Bed Tailor" range.

Model: Harrison Liberation 6500

Specifications:

Mattress Spring Count: 4500

Base Spring Count: 2000

Total Spring Count: 6500

Firmness Options: Medium/Firm

Upholstery: Memory Foam, 100% Memory Foam, Contura Pad, Latex, Posturfil, Posturfil, Posturfil, Resilient White Fibre

4 rows hand side stitching, 8 handles, 16 vents, Visco white pom pom tufts

Base: 2000 true edge base with a piped buffer trim on mini shepherd castors

Drawer options and colour base options as standard

Model: Harrison Sensation 4500

Specifications:

Mattress Spring Count: 3500

Base Spring Count: 1000

Total Spring Count: 4500

Firmness Options: Medium/Firm

Upholstery: Memory Foam, 50% Memory, 50% Latex, Contura Pad, Latex, Posturfil, Spunbond, Posturefil, Resilient White Fibre

3 rows hand side stitching, 8 handles, 16 vents, Visco white pom pom tufts

Base: 1000 true edge base with a piped buffer trim on mini shepherd castors

Drawer options and colour base options as standard

Model: Harrison Reflection 4000

Specifications:

Mattress Spring Count: 3000

Base Spring Count: 1000

Total Spring Count: 4000

Firmness Options: Medium/Firm

Upholstery: Memory Foam, 50% Memory, 50% Foam, Contura Pad, Posturfil, Resilient White Fibre

3 rows hand side stitching, 8 handles, 16 vents, Visco white pom pom tufts

Base: 1000 true edge base with a piped buffer trim on mini shepherd castors

Drawer options and colour base options as standard

Model: Harrison Impression 3500

Specifications:

Mattress Spring Count: 2500

Base Spring Count: 1000

Total Spring Count: 3500

Firmness Options: Medium/Firm

Upholstery: Memory Foam, 50% Memory, 50% Foam, Contura Pad, Posturfil, Resilient White Fibre

2 rows hand side stitching, 8 handles, 3 vents, Visco white pom pom tufts

Base: 1000 true edge base with a plain trim on twin wheel castors

Drawer options and colour base options as standard

Model: Harrison Expression 3000

Specifications:

Mattress Spring Count: 2000

Base Spring Count: 1000

Total Spring Count: 3000

Firmness Options: Medium/Firm

Upholstery: Memory Foam, 50% Memory, 50% Foam, Contura Pad, Posturfil, Resilient White Fibre

2 rows hand side stitching, 4 handles, 3 vents, Visco white pom pom tufts

Base: 1000 true edge base with a plain trim on twin wheel castors

Drawer options and colour base options as standard

Model: Harrison Illusion 1800

Specifications:

Mattress Spring Count: 1800

Base Spring Count: 0

Total Spring Count: 1800

Firmness Options: Medium/Firm

Upholstery: Memory Foam, 100% Foam Contura Pad, Resilient White Fibre

2 rows hand side stitching, 4 handles, 3 vents, cotton pom pom tufts

Base: Platform Top with a plain trim on twin wheel castors

Drawer options and colour base options as standard

For more information on Harrison Beds and their "Bed Tailor" & "Memory Tailor" ranges please contact Allen & Appleyard Ltd on 01565 634 049 (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm)

Furniture in Knutsford, Cheshire

In 1972 Allen & Appleyard furniture opened its flagship store in "The Old Town Hall", Knutsford and continues to trade there to this day. With stores previously right across the North West including; Manchester, Stockport and Liverpool as well as in Bournemouth on the south coast Allen & Appleyard has been providing fine quality furniture, sofas and beds to all corners of the UK.

Our Knutsford store layout is as follows:

Ground Floor: Upholstery and Occasional Furniture from; Wade Upholstery, Gascoigne Designs, Bridgecraft, Vale Upholstery, Legacy Furniture, Family Tree, Leeny Jones, Titchmarsh & Goodwin, Parker + Farr, Totem, G Plan and Joynson Holland.

First Floor & Stairway: Millbrook Beds, Harrison Beds, Dunlopillo, Rest Assured, Sealy, Pocket Spring Bed Company, Dreamworks Beds, Highgrove, Kingstown Furniture, Verana, Wade Upholstery, Kevin France, Dutalier, G Plan Cabinet and many more.

Our Knutsford Furniture store is open Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm and we are also available on 01565 634 049 outside of these hours.

Sealy Beds - A new beginning

If 2008 presented the challenge to the bedding industry then 2009 will be all about the answers. The eyes of the industry are on the main players including Millbrook, Harrison and the world's biggest bed brand - Sealy. Operated under license in the UK by The Silent Night Group, Sealy have been a success story over the past 10 years. These are challenging times for the bedding industry and Sealy have responded in principal with arguably the most major of all contracts - Tesco. Naturally the Tesco product will not be an equivalent to that available in your local retail store and it surely questions the validity of a manufacturer who are looking to work with retailers who display their product. The retailer should fear not! Argos have long held the biggest market share within the furniture industry without ever displaying any of their furniture. This is the market that Tesco are after and Argos's steep furniture decline over the last 12 months and the transferring of several staff from Argos to Tesco supports this intent.

The future for the Sealy stockist is a bright one, a new look to their range is due to be launched and Tesco will increase brand awareness across the board. The RPC and Pure Mattress collections are re-positioning Sealy in the middle of the market. Value for money and a strong brand name should prove an effective money maker for both Sealy and their stockists over the coming years.

Shown in the picture above is the Sealy Windermere which has a deep pillow box top and contains visco elastic memory foam. Posturepocket Unicase springs are supported by a torsion sprung divan base. Please contact Allen & Appleyard on 01565 634 049 with any questions regarding the Sealy Windermere or any other bed within the Sealy range.

Totem Provence

The Totem Provence Living, Dining & Bedroom Collection is a timeless collection with a soft and relaxed look. The Provence collection is made from carefully selected solid oak and real oak veneers. All of the drawers are dovetailed and are fitted with soft look handles, and the range is finished with a soft sheen lacquer allowing for easy maintenance, and a clear statement on quality.

In the picture is the PRO5 or 2+4 bedroom chest (Height: 1255mm x Width: 970mm x Depth: 430mm).

The Provence Bedroom collection is also made up of; Nightstand (PRO1), 2+2 Chest (PRO27), 2+3 Chest (PRO4), 3+4 Chest (PRO6), 5 Drawer Wellington (PRO3), Dressing Table (PRO7), Dressing Table Mirror (PRO21), Stool in light oatmeal linen (PRO20), Ladies Wardrobe (PRO9), Extra Wide Ladies Wardrobe (PRO10), Gents Wardrobe with bottom drawer (PRO11) and Triple Gents Wardrobe with 2 bottom drawers (PRO12), Blanket Box (PRO8), Headboard in 4'6 and 5'0 (PRO17 and PRO18), Bedside Chest (PRO2), Large and Small Wall Mirror (PRO23 and PRO22), Cheval Mirror (PRO24) and a bed frame in 3'0 (PRO13), 4'6 (PRO14), 5'0 (PRO15) and 6'0 (PRO16) sizes.

For more information on the Totem Provence range please call in to our furniture store; Allen & Appleyard Ltd, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6BY or call us on 01565 634 049.

Vale Upholstery - Sorrento, Sienna and Lucca

The Vale Upholstery Sorrento, Sienna and Lucca range has a split panel back seat which assists in providing good lumbar support. The Sorrento and Sienna's arms have double wrap padding for a plusher look and added comfort. In the display picture cording highlights the fine detail work around the scroll arm, back and seat cushions. There are also deep skirted valances and the vented profile of the high back cushioning effectively supports the contours of the spine and lumbar region. Mixing and matching within the range is common and if often done in conjunction with the Amalfi, Monza and Parma range.

Traditional quality contruction is guaranteed by using a hardwood frame which is glued, double dowelled and screwed. 'Reflex' foam in the seat cushions are supported by coil springs and a sprung front edge which ensures lasting comfort. The quality of the frame and coil springs is underwritten by Vale's 25 year guarantee which confirms their commitment to providing and supporting a quality product. The split back or vented back design is both elegant and supportive and the sofa dimensions suit the smaller room.

The fabric in the picture above is Jasmine colour EN4 shown in a Sorrento 3 seater sofa, Sienna wing chair and Lucca chair. Please note that all of the models are available in a great variety. Please click here to go to straight to the Sorrento, Sienna and Lucca page on our website.

Halto

Halto has been established for more than 30 years and upholds a traditional Tuscan approach to furniture manufacturing. Master upholsterers are trained in the ancient way where an appreciation for art and the local upholstery techniques are passed down from generation to generation.  By combining this traditional approach with modern technology and the very best quality materials available, Halto has enjoyed a rapid growth and is today recognised as one of the prominent manufacturers in the world of Italian upholstery.

Halto manufacturers both traditional and contemporary sofas and suites although the traditional product is most commonly available in the UK. Amongst the traditional suites the "Charly" is probably the most popular and is available as a 3 seater, 2 seater, arm chair, manual recliner, electric recliner, riser electric recliner and a footstool. Shown above in this Blog the Halto is shown in Leather Colour Croix Brown Cat.A with Wood Finish Colour 110 - Glossy Light Walnut.

In addition to the Halto Charly we always have a few suites in our Knutsford showroom which can be viewed Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.

January 2009 - Furniture Show and Beyond

Today marks the final day of Interiors 2009 at the NEC in Birmingham. After much conjecture many manufacturers attended that weren't expected, whilst some were unable to attend after the impact of the financial markets had affected their businesses beyond the point of return. Only the year ahead will be able to let us know the success of this years show although it is clear that wholesale changes are afoot within the industry.

Cheap imports are becoming a thing of the past with the falling pound and increased import cost from the Far East, the volume furniture market is being heavily impacted upon. A poor performance in the pound usually spells good news for UK makers and this may well prove so over the coming weeks and months. Manufacturing costs are relative and whereby it has been unusual to export too much for established furniture companies whether in the Long Eaton Guild or a part of the bedding sector, exports are becoming a real opportunity.

Whilst increased exports are expected the global (and importantly European) nature of the current credit crisis will perhaps restrict the ability for individuals to purchase British goods as we would hope. For those attending Interiors 2009 all things have become possible.

Following the 2008 exhibition there was a genuine hope that optimism would return to a market that was in decline. With the decline the optimism is that it wont get too much worse before it gets better although retail trading has been severely impacted upon.

The bedding industry continues to go from strength to strength across the branded bed market place. The reported success in the Cabinet Maker of both retailers and manufacturers suggests that the market is buoyant. In real terms trade is difficult and whilst many manufacturers and retailers are bucking the national trend the national trend is one where it is becoming increasingly difficult for retailers and manufacturers alike.

Parker & Farr

Parker & Farr are internationally acknowledged as one of the leading bespoke British upholstery Companies.  The skill, care and creativity which goes into Parker & Farr furniture gives character and an instantly recognisable mark of excellence. 

It is the philosophy of Parker & Farr to remain at the forefront of furniture design and to maintain the time honoured skills that have been handed down from generation to generation. 

The most distinctive hallmark of each piece of Parker & Farr's hand made furniture is the cutting and tailoring of its upholstery fabrics. Covers, hand cut from either our own exclusive collections or customer's own material, are pattern matched throughout. Seams are ironed and skirts or fringes are hand sewn, all our seat cushions are reversible with concealed zips and all trims in the range feature Parker & Farr exclusive colours. 

All frames are made from selected hardwoods, which are sourced from sustainable forests throughout the world. Each frame is glued, screwed and dowelled. Parker & Farr’s highly skilled craftsmen and women use only the best traditional natural materials including hessian, jute webbing, hair and pure new cotton wadding. Fully sprung mesh top seats are used and the coil springs are of a higher gauge which makes the seat springing retain its shape.

CUSHIONS

Parker & Farr seat cushions feature optimal levels of comfort, this is achieved by using either a special blend of 100% oriental duck feather, reflexfoam, Dunlopillo or top quality fibres where applicable.

SOFA BEDS

Numerous Parker & Farr models are available as sofa beds. The heavy duty bed action is robust and will provide many years of use. The reversible mattress has sprung interior for greater comfort.

MADE TO YOUR PERSONAL DIMENSIONS

Parker & Farr are able to offer flexibility of design to satisfy most tastes. Various sizes of sofas and chairs are illustrated, but each one can be made to any specified length or width and have as many seat and back cushions as you wish.

FABRIC CHOICE

Parker & Farr offer a choice of fabrics, these may be selected from their exclusive fabric collection, branded wholesalers collections together with the choice of leather or should you prefer in your own fabric. Please review our online Fabric book for Parker & Farr for more details.

Comfort cannot be described, it can only be experienced and we hope that you enjoy the experience of Parker & Farr comfort for years to come.

For more information about ordering finely crafted Parker & Farr furniture from Allen & Appleyard, contact us on 01565 634 049, or simply fill in the customer enquiry form on our website.

Dreamworks Beds

Dreamworks Beds was established by a team of bedding industry professionals who has a passion for providing customers with something they had not seen before in the UK bed market. Dreamworks believed that well designed products, made with top quality materials, fairly priced and available in timescales unheard of before were what customers really wanted.

The Dreamworks principals go further down to a desire to be people whom are easy to work with and will put their customers first.

Dreamworks believe that is still true today and Dreamworks Beds continues to be one of the fastest growing companies in the UK bedding market and are constantly motivated to be the best.

By combining, modern factory techniques with seasoned craftsmanship, Dreamworks Beds offer a level of service, quality and value unsurpassed in the industry.

Dreamworks Beds worldwide sourcing agents supply high quality raw materials for use in their manufacturing processes.

Dreamworks Beds talk to customers all the time and use that feedback to help develop and introduce new products on a very regular basis.

If a customer wants a special size and it’s possible to make it, that is what Dreamworks Beds do.

Dreamworks Beds keep huge stocks of their hardwood bedsteads in their distribution centres so that long waits for products are rarely a problem.

Please enjoy perusing Dreamworks Beds’ extensive range of both traditional and contemporary upholstered beds, hardwood bedsteads and beds designed for the contract market.

Bedsite.co.uk is proud to be a stockist of Dreamworks Beds – call us on 01565 634 049 for more information about Dreamworks Beds.

Dunlopillo Beds

The Dunlopillo trademark was first registered in 1926 by parent company Dunlop, three years before Dunlopillo latex foam was invented. In 1929, a research team led by Mr E A Murphy finally developed Dunlopillo latex foam in a corner of the Fort Dunlop building in Birmingham. During WWII Dunlopillo mattresses were only available with a medical certificate from a GP, after Latex supplies were cut off by Japanese occupation of Malaysia. In the post-war years to 1964, Dunlopillo increased sales of its latex foam mattresses and pillows, not only to retailers but to most contract markets. Dunlopillo latex was even specified for use in all upholstery for the re-built Houses of Parliament. In 1965, Dunlopillo installed the latest method for manufacturing latex foam at its Harrogate factory. The Talalay system soon established itself as the premier type of latex foam available. 1985 saw the acquisition of the Dunlop Group, including Dunlopillo, by BTR plc before successful management buy-out in 1997 took Dunlopillo once more into private hands. More change came in 2002, when the giant Swedish-run Hilding Anders Group acquired the Dunlopillo brand in the UK and Ireland. In the following year, Dunlopillo beds manufacturing joined its sister company Slumberland, based in Oldham, until 2008 saw the concentration of Dunlopillo and Slumberland production in Huntingdon, joining new sister companies Myer’s Comfortable Beds and Staples Beds.

For more information about ordering the renowned Dunlopillo brand mattresses, pillows and divan sets from Allen & Appleyard, contact us on 01565 634 049 or by e-mail at, or simply fill in our customer enquiry form.

What is Latex?

In its purest form, natural latex is the milky white liquid that is tapped from the trunks of mature rubber trees (hevea brasiliensis).   

Dunlopillo takes the natural latex and blends it with a synthetic latex (SBR). This blended mixture is then ready to be turned into latex foam, using the TALALAY production process. 

The TALALAY Production Process

A measured amount of slightly foamed latex is poured into a large fixed mould to only partially fill it. The lid is then sealed and the latex is expanded by vacuum to completely fill the mould. As soon as the latex has filled the mould it is 'held' and prevented from collapsing by rapidly dropping the temperature to -30°C and freezing it solid.

At this point, carbon dioxide gas is passed through the latex and the temperature raised to 115°C, which sets and vulcanises it, after which the lid of the mould automatically opens, and the product is stripped and placed on a conveyor. The latex block or pillow is transferred first through a washer to rinse out any residual detergents and impurities before passing through a mangle to squeeze out the water. 

The product then travels through a system of overhead dryers prior to reaching a physical testing station. Every latex block is individually tested to ensure it meets the required specifications for density and hardness, prior to despatch or conversion in to a mattress or pillow. 

Back pain sufferers should choose the right bed

According to the Sleep Council, up to 40% of the population ( over 16 million of us) suffer from back pain. The importance of your sleeping surface from a reactionary and preventative perspective cannot be overstated. A good bed provides you with the correct support and comfort level for you. What maybe the ideal surface for one person is not necessarily the ideal for the next. Variable factors such as weight, height, body shape and above all personal preference can have a significant impact on deciding on the right bed for you.

Here are some things to consider when buying your next bed;

• Don't just buy a bed because it says it's good for your back. A bed that's supportive and comfortable is key. But it is important to remember that people's requirement for support will differ depending on their weight and build. 
  
• The term 'orthopaedic' – often shortened in advertisements to ‘Ortho’ - generally just means an extra firm bed; it is not based on any medical or other common standard.
• Tension or Firmness is not determined by price, although comfort, luxury and durability will often come with a higher price tag.
• Underlying back problems are exactly that "Underlying". The right bed for you may ease a back problem in comparison to the wrong bed or an old one.
• When buying your next bed take time to try out different models and choose one which feels supportive and comfortable to you.
• Once you have narrowed your choice spend time lying on each in your normal sleeping position. Simulating a nights sleep is not possible in a showroom with the five or ten minutes you may lie on a bed.
• A bigger bed will afford benefits for both for the back pain sufferer and for their partners - with less partner disturbance. Sharing a King-size bed means that in terms of width you have less space than in a single bed.
• Zip and link beds are a good option where a future requirement for two separate beds is identified.
• Think also about the height of the bed: can you get in and out of it with relative ease? An adjustable bed might be an option if this is an area of particular concern - it also offers variable sleeping positions.
• Mattresses need to be turned regularly to ensure even wear. If this is likely to prove difficult then consider a one-sided mattress which only needs turning end-to-end.
• Pay attention also to choosing the correct pillow which must support the neck neck in alignment with the rest of the spine. Too many pillows thrust the head forward or sideways depending on your sleeping position, and too few allow the head to tip backwards; both creating a more difficult angle for your neck and spinal alignment.
  

G-Plan Fresco becomes New Fresco

The G-Plan Fresco range was an immediate hit when launched in the late 1960's, and it paved the way for the revolution in Scandanavian-style furniture which is still popular today. As the relaxed dining experience regains its lost importance in our lives, Fresco's choice of three table styles - all extending - allows an almost infinite variety to suit your home. A choice of chairs is available including; a contemporary slat chair and a modernistic padded chair, both available as a carver option. Not that original pieces are popular among discerning collectors, Fresco's clean lines and good looks can show the way when furnishing the modern home, and its re-invention is testament to its sustainability.

The New Fresco is a 21st century update of what is a genuine design icon, re-proportioned to suit modern tastes and spaces, with all the functionality and innate style of the original. Fresco's fine teak veneer on a solid wood combine to provide a sturdy construction designed to give years and years of service.

G-Plan Cabinets have been manufacturing quality cabinet furniture for nearly 100 years. Today's product is covered by a unique ten year guarantee which covers any of the defects which whilst unusual can occur during the manufacturing process. G-Plan's commitment is to exchange piece for piece and where a model has been discontinued a similar value piece can be chosen from the range.

Sofas;Traditional v's Contemporary

Sofa designs and styles are constantly referred to as being either traditional or contemporary.  This black and white analogy is nothing more than an over simplification and should be left to those who simply don't know what it is they're looking for, or for those who are determined to see themselves as one or the other. Sofa designs haven't principally changed over the last 10-20 years so any contemporary terminology must be taken with a pinch of salt or more likely a twist!

Ever improving fabrics and the use of more sumptuous fillings are catering for a more discerning market whereby comfort is as important as any styling or design. The changing behaviour of the British people sees each of us spending more time in our homes on laptops, watching flat screen televisions and drinking cheap alcohol bought from the local supermarket. Making a house a comfortable home is a priority, and the importance placed on cars, clothing and footwear is now expanding to include beds and sofas.

The "Twist" is coming to represent much of the new designs available today and furniture makers are reviving or revving up previous styles by utlilising modern fabrics and mixing contrasting styles. What this does is to suggest a natural evolution for the industry which is utilising the latest in modern technology and combining it with the designs and styles of yesterday.

Allen & Appleyard Ltd - About Us

Allen & Appleyard was established in 1879 retailing and manufacturing fine quality furniture. It wasn't until 1971 that we started the refurbishment of "The Old Town Hall, Knutsford" shown in the picture above before we opened in 1972. In addition to Knutsford we have in recent times operated other retail premises in Macclesfield, Bournemouth, Manchester, Liverpool and Stockport to name a few as well as a factory showroom in St Helens. Recently we also launched our own website to display the living, dining, bedroom and lounge furniture that we sell today. Manufacturers that we work with include 3 out of the 8 Long Eaton Guild companies; Gascoigne Designs, Wade Upholstery and Parker + Farr. In addition to these we also are stockist partners with Vale-Bridgecraft, Millbrook Beds, Harrison Beds, Dunlopillo, Sealy, Rest Assured and Dreamworks. Click here to access our beds and bedroom department. Click here to access our sofas and lounge department. & Click here to access our  cabinet and dining  department.

"The Old Town Hall" is Knutsford's tallest and most recognisible building and continues to thrive as an icon. Most famously it was the location for a speech made by General Patton during WWII in his own intimidable style conveyed that the allied forces should attack the Russians once they'd beaten the Nazi's. It is often summised that the bi-polar political climate which is commonly referred to as "The Cold War" could have been averted by following Patton's words through to action.

Patton's beliefs ultimately led to his untimely death; We have recently become aware with the release of newly de-classified intelligence files that Patton was in fact killed by his own country and not in the staged car crash.

In future blogs I will go in to specific detail regarding our delivery and after sales service.

Our opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm although we are available on 01565 634 049 outside of these hours and on most Sundays.

Visit the Long Eaton Guild for your next 3-piece-suite

Why go to Long Eaton? The reason to actually go to Long Eaton is simply to view all that is available from the finest sofa manufacturers in the world today. Each of the manufacturers listed below have factory showroom where they display the majority of their products as well as innovative ideas for the future.

The Long Eaton Guild is different! Home to furniture makers of the highest quality and whose products can be seen throughout independent retailers and national multiples such as John Lewis, Harrods and Allen & Appleyard. Long Eaton truly is the home of upholstery and upon your arrival you’re within a couple of miles of all of the masters of upholstery.

The Long Eaton Guild comprises of eight furniture manufacturers; Artistic Upholstery, Duresta Upholstery, Gascoigne Designs, David Gundry Upholstery, Henderson Russell, Parker & Farr, Steed Upholstery, Wade Upholstery, all located in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire. The main purpose of the guild is to maintain the highest standards of proficiency and continue to support and develop the mastery of the art that is hand made furniture for the future. 

Please note that the JDP Group Showroom contains both Wade and Parker + Farr. The Gascoigne Designs showroom encompasses Legacy Furniture, Furnwood Upholstery and Gascoigne Designs themselves. It is important to call in advance to make an appointment and that the showroom will be open.

The Legacy Medici is a beautifully crafted Italian infulenced opulent piece of pure elegance. Due in to our Knutsford showroom again later this week the Medici combines the very best of Italian and Long Eaton worksmanship. Legacy furniture stands out as being exclsusive and elegant in the modern climate of sameism Legacy stands out and subsequently there is a natural gravitation towards its contoured lines, excellent tailoring and show wood finish. The Medici is available in a range of wood colours and fabric choices with or without arm throws. As usual with Gascoigne Designs, Legacy Furniture boasts the following model options;

4 seater sofa, 3.5 seater sofa, 3 seater sofa, 2.5 seater sofa, 2 seater sofa, 1.5 seater sofa, chair and footstool.

Please contact us at Allen & Appleyard on 01565 634 049 for more details on the Legacy Medici.

Wade Berrington

The Wade Berrington shown here on the left must be considered amongst the very best leather sofas available today. The comfort afforded by this fully aniline hide wrapped around luxurious fibre interiors on a fully sprung seating area ensures that the Berrington is super comfortable. 2006/2007 saw the beginning of Wade's Additions Leather Range which offered the Wade name on a product which costs approximately half that of the Berrington. The success of Additions could have easily taken away some of the importance that this suite has amongst the range. Instead we have seen an increase in Berrington sales as a result of the introduction of the Additions range as a whole new market has been introduced to the Wade brand. The 009/029 hide shown in the photograph is actually a brown leather although under the right light a rich redness shines through. Whilst available in other hides the Berrington is 95% of the time sold as above. The image also shows the Berrington without studs which is definitely a "Marmite Question" in terms of the finish. The split decision on the studs makes way for a unanimous comfort approval and for more details please click on the Berrington for complete details.

Interiors 2009

As if in the blink of an eye Interiors 2009 is unbelievably just one week away. Interiors Birmingham is the UK's largest interiors trade event where hundreds of new products from furniture, lighting, soft furnishings and furnishing accessories are exhibited at the NEC. For furniture retailers like ourselves it provides us with the opportunity to see the latest and greatest from across the industry, and for 2009 it marks the start of what has been projected to be a very difficult year.

Last years largest exhibitors (Wade Upholstery) are not showing this year, and after the "Nexus" won the coveted Leather sofa of the Year award it will be interesting to see who will follow in their footsteps in having a successful 09 show. One of the most notible things for 2009 is layout. Hall 1 will host high-end classic designs with Hall 2 showing high-end modern interior products. Hall 3 will feature soft furnishing accessories with Halls 4 and 5 showing mixed volume furniture and Hall 9 will be lighting.

For anyone able to gain tickets via the Interiors Birmingham website the opening times are 9am-6pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday with 9am-5pm on the Wednesday.

After visiting the Birmingham show for the last 10 years it is impossible to try and cover everything over 4 days and as I only tend to go on one of the days it is critical to plan your visit using the planner.  The major attraction I have pulled out for this year is bedding manufacturer Millbrook who have been notable by their absence in recent years although are attending this year in the absence of amongst others The Silent Night Group. Millbrook are one of the UK's largest bedding companies and are located in Southampton. Their premier "Masters Bed Collection" is a tried and tested product which provides excellent value for money at the top end of the market.

A brief history of beds

The history of beds began 10,000 years ago in the Neolithic period with people sleeping on heaps of furs and plants. These sleeping areas could hardly be classed as a bed nowadays, but the small areas of comfort laid the basic foundations for the concept of the bed. As the years went by, advancement was most likely very limited (except for the use of more comfortable materials). The next major breakthrough came in roughly 3600 BC in Persia. This involved filling goatskins with water and therefore producing the first waterbeds - thousands of years before their time. Perhaps the most important idea came from the Egyptians 200 years later (2400 BC) where the pharaohs would raise a pallet off the ground. At this time, many of the more common Egyptians would sleep on palm boughs piled up in the corner of their homes. It was during the time of the Roman Empire that beds really became a source of luxury and comfort, for the rich at least. The mattresses were stuffed bags and might have included materials such as wool, hay or reeds for the average citizen. The very wealthy would have used feathers.

The downfall of Rome and the downfall of beds:

After the fall of the Roman Empire, bed technology went into decline. The lowest point was during the dark ages, where sleeping areas were no more advanced than that of the Neolithic period. Thankfully things gradually improved and by the renaissance, in around the 13th or 14th century, mattresses were made from mainly cotton stuffed with straw, hey or wool. The most luxurious may have been silk filled with feathers. The most interesting thing to happen next was in 1865, with the patent of the coil spring mattress. This mattress type is still very widely used today.

20th Century Beds:

The 20th century saw the most bed advancements so far, beginning with the introduction of the fold away Murphy bed in 1918. Other progression included: improvements to springs in mattresses, foam rubber beds, modern waterbeds and airbeds. Arguably, the most important bed invention of recent times was memory foam. This was originally developed by NASA in the 1970’s to ease the G-force on astronauts at takeoff, yet was never used for this purpose. Despite this, others saw the memory foams potential for use in beds and the material is now becoming more commonly used for sleeping on as time goes by.

The Future of Beds:

What the future holds for beds is very uncertain but one thing we can be sure of is that people will constantly try to find more comfortable and effective methods of sleeping in the future.

This is my first post as a blogger

This is my first blog and the purpose of this blog is to provide useful and informative information about sofas, beds, furniture and other interiors products. The bedsite logo (for the website) can be seen to the left hand-side and has appeared in an unusual red/yellow combination as opposed to the normal blue/light blue which you may be familiar with.

Bedsite.co.uk is the online retail website for Allen & Appleyard Ltd, Knutsford, Cheshire, UK. We are 129 year old company about to celebrate 130 years of trading in fine furnishings. We sell branded furniture from leading UK manufacturers including Gascoigne Designs, Wade Upholstery, Millbrook Beds, Harrison Beds, Sealy Beds, Titchmarsh & Goodwin and G-Plan cabinet to name a few. The majority of our furniture has traditional styling with modern adaptations although we do also sell some contemporary products.

Should you have any questions please contact us on (UK +44 ) or (0) 1565 634 049 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm GMT or email us via our contact us form on the website.