The bed may just be the piece of furniture we take most for granted. Unlike the kitchen, usually described as the heart of the home, or the sofa, with its inescapable appeal for rest and relaxation, we often regard the bed as the place where we simply lay our heads to sleep. But what an essential job that is.
As the place in which we spend a significant portion of our lives, the importance of taking the time to choosing a bed – from the style to the shape, colour and of course, the mattress – can’t be underestimated.
In our ongoing series with Form, whose journey almost eight decades ago began in the bedding industry, we turn our attention towards this essential piece of furniture, with the insight of Sara Brincat, interior designer at Form’s in-house design and architecture studio, Draw.
Quoting House & Garden’s Dictionary of Design and Decoration, a design bible published in 1973 which describes the bed as “the most important piece of furniture man possesses”, Sara says that as well as having this high-ranking characteristic, “it is usually also the focal point of a bedroom, so understandably, choosing the perfect one for you can be daunting.”
“An upholstered bed would always be my recommended option as it gives a lovely softness to all the other hard surfaces in the room. Here, your imagination is your only limitation,” says Sara.
“With all the different fabric options available as well as all the different styles and shapes, an upholstered bed, as well as being the more luxurious option, also gives you the opportunity to be as bold or subdued as you choose. As with all décor choices, there is no right or wrong, your comfort and needs are the only true parameters to create a sanctuary that works,” she adds.
The case for upholstery
The beauty of an upholstered bed – meaning one which has its frame padded and covered in fabric or leather – is in its versatility. Almost any shape of bed can be upholstered, whether it’s a modern platform bed and headboard or a more elaborate design such as a winged bed with hoods on the side.
“My top pick inspiration today would be a timeless, soft upholstered headboard with subtle curves and vertical panels (which are great for hiding seams) in a linen look or textured fabric. The bordered divan base is my preference; however, my shins will surely disagree!”
“I’m also currently loving the tone on tone – a fabric with a similar colour to the wall – this is a welcome calmness to a hectic day, and the irregular spacing is great to get the best out of your wall,” says Sara.
With the guidance of experts at Form’s Bed Boutique – a bespoke service for locally-produced-mattresses crafted from components sourced from leading suppliers worldwide, as well as bespoke beds and headboards – the options are endless.
“As the spaces we live in have a powerful impact on us, it is our job as designers to help you create products and spaces that support and enhance the way you live in your environment,” says Sara.
A story that starts with bedding
Form’s humble beginnings are rooted in the bedding industry when, back in 1947, it began a long-standing collaboration with Dunlopillo, a pioneer in latex foam mattresses since 1929.
“This partnership remains steadfast to this day, reflecting our commitment to upholding tradition while embracing innovation. Dunlopillo’s legacy of crafting latex foam mattresses laid the foundation for our diverse mattress line-up, which encompasses a spectrum of options tailored to meet the evolving demands of the market,” the team says.
This includes premium Swedish brand Hästens, with a bed-making legacy that started in 1852, as well as Natuzzi Italia and its affordable luxury sister brand, Natuzzi Editions, among a range of other world-renowned brands on display at Form’s eclectic interiors mall in Valley Road, Msida.
Main image: Natuzzi Editions
