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To make a Chesterfield bed more comfortable, start with the mattress: a softer pillow top or memory foam mattress makes the biggest difference. Then make the buttoned headboard nicer to lean on, with a firm bolster or cushion and a 54 inch headboard height. Finally, layer the bedding so the bed feels as soft as it looks.
1. Get the mattress right
The frame holds the mattress; it doesn't decide how soft the bed feels. If your Chesterfield bed feels hard, the mattress is almost always the reason. Side sleepers do best on something with give at the shoulder, like our Pillow Top or Memory Foam mattress. If you need firm support for your back, keep the firm mattress and add comfort with bedding instead.
Softer mattresses and Chesterfield beds
2. Make the headboard nicer to sit against
Deep buttoning is padded, but the buttons themselves can press into your back if you sit up for a long time. A long bolster or two firm square cushions in front of the headboard spread that pressure. Height matters too: a 54 inch headboard reaches above your head when you sit up, so you can rest it against the padding. The headboard height guide compares 24, 54 and 60 inch.
3. Choose a wingback if you read in bed
A Chesterfield wingback, like the Royal Chesterfield Wingback, has padded side panels that wrap forward. They stop pillows sliding off the sides and shelter your head and shoulders, which is the most comfortable way to sit up in bed.
4. Layer the bedding
A mattress protector with a quilted top adds a thin layer of softness. Two pillows per person, one firm and one soft, give you a sleeping pillow and a reading pillow. And a throw at the foot of the bed softens the look of a structured, buttoned frame.
See all our Chesterfield beds. Free UK delivery in 5 to 7 working days, and you can add a mattress to any bed order at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chesterfield beds uncomfortable?
No. The buttoned headboard is padded, and sleeping comfort comes from the mattress. If the bed feels hard, change the mattress, not the frame.
Can you lean against a buttoned headboard?
Yes. The buttons are pulled into deep padding. A firm cushion or bolster in front of them makes it more comfortable for long reading sessions.
What height headboard is best for sitting up in bed?
A 54 inch headboard, measured from the floor, reaches above most people's heads when sitting up, so your head has something to rest against.
What mattress should I put on a Chesterfield bed?
Choose by how you sleep, not by the frame. Side sleepers usually prefer a pillow top or memory foam; back and front sleepers a firmer pocket sprung or orthopaedic mattress.
