Buying a bed is not something to be taken lightly, especially when you consider we spend around a third of our lives sleeping.

And it's not just about comfort either. Style has become just as important with beds turning into fashion items.

What's more, there's currently a greater choice than ever, with independent designers getting in on the act alongside the big names.

Many of these are now trading on the internet.

Furniture Online Ltd. is a great place to start.

This virtual furniture store is absolutely packed with a surprisingly diverse selection of styles and makes, offering something for everyone.

Moving around the site is as easy as taking a stroll through a real showroom.

Beds are divided between the 'contemporary' and 'traditional' with an extensive choice in each department.

Furniture Online offers up to 40 per cent off recommended prices, although it isn't indicated on-screen exactly what the saving is on each item.

If it's definitely contemporary you're after, have a look too at Defy Interior, which specialises in elegant modern styles created in its own workshops in Newport.

The cool orange and purple site has a sophisticated designer feel and is straightforward to use, although the pictures are a little on the small side.

There are eight different styles to choose from, ranging from the conventional to the fantastic, crafted from materials such as wrought iron, beech, maple and steel.

The Iron Bed Company is a long-established family concern with showrooms around the country and a well-presented website.

You'll find a good choice of quality, hand-made iron beds, all available in 3ft, 4ft6, 5ft and 6ft sizes, or just as headboards.

Beds arrive flat-packed for easy self-assembly and carry a ten-year warranty.

Don't be mislead by livingspace2000.com's futuristic sounding name.

They actually offer a comprehensive range of traditional country-style pine beds in single, double and king-size formats.

The no-frills site is easy to use with good photos and product descriptions.

For the ultimate in the sweet dreams department, visit Seventh Heaven.

This oldy-worldy, sepia-toned site is a treasure trove of antique bedsteads - the majority of which were originally made between 1820 and 1910 and have now been lovingly restored to their former glory by Seventh Heaven craftsmen.

Brass and iron bedsteads, wood and upholstered beds, French Louis XV doubles, four-posters, half-testers, singles, and day beds - you name it, they've got it.

www.furniture-on-line.co.uk
www.defyinterior.com
www.ironbed.co.uk
www.livingspace2000.com
www.seventh-heaven.co.uk