Small Spaces by Christine Brun

There is a primitive change we experience when the shorter days of fall beget the darkness that creeps in earlier each passing day. Somehow, the subtle shift causes us humans to want more sleep and sometimes causes a bit of an emotional slump. When something occupies a lot of our time, we often begin to think more about the activity than usual. When it comes to sleep, it is the very bed that we sleep on that deserves a little attention during autumn.

Now, this might mean that you merely take a look at the coverlet on top of the bed and considering changing from a lightweight summer type to a cozier winter covering. I use an old-fashioned white bedspread with a long fringe during the spring and summer months because it is appropriate for the warmer weather. Because I have dogs, I also like the convenience of being able to wash the spread at home instead of sending it out to the dry cleaners. However, for winter months, I use a coverlet made of a much sturdier woven fabric boasting deeper colors of gold, teal, rust, blue and red, which are rich in contrast to the starkness of summer white. If you do not care to make a seasonal change in the top treatment of your bed, you might simply add heavier blankets and flannel sheets in preparation for the approaching colder weather. Even in this horrible economy, a new set of sheets might still be possible and can make you feel snug as a bug when you crawl into bed at the end of a stressful day.

I believe that this is a perfect time to pay attention to the simplest aspects of our lives, such as how we sleep or eat our meals. These little amenities can bring daily pleasure in an affordable way. When it comes to bedrooms, beds and small space often are fierce competitors for the same precious floor area so making yourself familiar with some of the more practical solutions could be useful.

Let's start with the ridiculously sublime. We can still fantasize, right? Italian designer Emaf Progetti honors the words of Leonardo da Vinci — "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" — with his clean upholstered Box bed, part of the Domus Design Collection. The bed is fitted inside the base and is furnished with a container unit accessed by lifting up the mattress with a special device.

At prices that begin at just under $7,000 and climb to nearly $14,000 depending upon the fabrics used, this is definitely an item for those few privileged dreamers who can still afford such luxury.

Thankfully, the demand for storage space can be achieved at a much more reasonable price with a similar Storage Bed from BoConcept urban design. This version sells for around $1,650. This bed can also be raised, giving you easy access to a storage compartment for clothing, bedding, shoes or anything else that you want to conceal in the bedroom. If your space is severely limited, perhaps you are a candidate for a daybed with storage drawers below.

Another unique solution is the ottoman with sleeping function from BoConcept that transforms from a 27.75 inch cube into a bed that is 78 inches long and 27.74 inches deep. This sells for about $500. The same manufacturer offers an armless contemporary sofa design that works itself into one flat mattress that is 77 inches long by 49.25 inches deep. I suggest that you invest in plush mattress covers and luxurious coverings to compensate for the single mattress. A great night's sleep has much to do with the mattress itself and how well it matches your body size and weight. Never rush buying a mattress because it will take time and some study. You can buy such an array of styles from air mattresses, to memory foam and traditional coil springs. Bamboo memory foam is great for someone with allergies because of the antibacterial quality of the bamboo fiber.

Firmness is not necessarily the best way to evaluate a mattress and the old wives adage that a firm bed is better for your spine is not actually true. An extremely firm mattress does not give and that can force your spine to bend at the hips and shoulders. Do not confuse rigidity for support. You may be better off with a softer surface with a slight "give" that supports your spine and allows it to remain straight as you slumber.

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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