We’re in 2020, but search is still not so useful. Let’s look at something that parents, holiday cottage owners, and others might be looking for, and assess the online offerings in terms of the future of retail.
Importantly, if you’re actually looking for a Zed Bed, I’ll list out your options online, and you’ll be able to see what’s out there all in this page… see the jump links below if you know what you want already.
Table of Contents
Zed Beds
Zed Beds or Z beds (works only if you pronounce the Z with British intonation, hence I spell it phonetically), are folding beds. The Z is the shape these beds fold into.
Also known as: camp beds, folding beds.
They look like the picture below:
Z Chairs
A cousin to the Z bed, is the Z Chair, which is a soft, pliable, folding chair, which can expand out to become a servicable bed. Most useful for toddlers and small children, can provide a sleep-over bed for friends and family, or can also provide refuge for a bleary-eyed parent to a non-sleeping child!
Also known as: Futons, Single Z Chairs, Chair Beds.
They look like the picture below:
Z Sofa Beds
The big brother to the Z Chair is a Z Sofa Bed. It’s bigger – for more than one person – to sit and to sleep on, but again it’s a foldable bed.
Also known as: Sofa bed, double futon.
Online Retail Assessment
Let’s assess the stores out there who sell Zed Beds into the UK market.
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon is a monolith in the online retail world, and indeed the retail scene in the UK, apart from the big 4 supermarkets, is dominated by Amazon. You can buy everything there… including Z Beds.
They hold the top organic spot in Google search with a listing page which is generally useful, as pictured below:
Now, you can see, above, the products feature Z Bed as top product, a Z Chair, and then another Z Bed. Because these inndividual listings have all got pretty SEO stuffed names (Amazon is a marketplace, and marketplace listers are clever about knowing what you call their products), we must assume there’s an element of human curation or machine learning at play here, because this list is very tightly on point with regards to matching user intention.
A nice category page – not clear if this is accessible from the menu – if it is, it’s buried way deep. This is a search landing page, and it works.
eBay Z Beds Page
Where Amazon is, eBay is close behind. Arguably, eBay got their act together with regards to running tight category listings before Amazon, so it’s no surprise to see them popping up in second place in UK organic search with the following product category page:
eBay’s page is actually sharper than Amazon’s, more intuitive, and contains both filters and clear breadcrumbs which work. It’s definitely better for the shopper – though it present more options. This isn’t necessarily a good thing – a curated list is perhaps a wiser move in retail 2020.
Either way, eBay presents a good alternative to Amazon, and you can also pick up a second hand bargain here, at auction. Note that eBay makes the retailer choose the category, and they impose limits. This is a good thing for the purchaser, because then the listings are more relevant.
Wayfair.co.uk
We’ve seen two good options above, so let’s see what not to do. Wayfair’s search results page for “zed beds” shows in the first page of Google organic results for the same phrase. Let’s see what’s in there:
Wait, what!? We have a lamp, a dining set, a bathroom set and a rug. Actually, this entire page does not contain one zed bed. Thumbs down. -1. Mark this with L.
Argos
Argos is an interesting one. This shows where we’re at in terms of online search in 2020, because their page on Guest Beds does not even feature the word “zed beds” in the page… anywhere. Matter of fact, the letter Z is in the following category page only once (in the filters, as a part of the word “size”. This shows Google understands what a z bed is, and that they aren’t afraid to link up well formatted pages full of them.
Actually Argos features the same or similar products to Amazon and eBay, and are in fact often cheaper for the same thing.
It’s a useful page, with helpful filters.
This is a good example of an online store which, with a tiny bit of effort, could lift it’s search performance based on user intent, and score a lot more organic traffic. Argos are leaving money on the table, in my view.
In terms of user experience, Argos offers click and collect, and they probably outdo most competitors in terms of available locations to actually collect goods that day. This is a growing space for retail – people want items now. Buy online, go to store, collect. Future of retail, right here.
In any case, see the Argos page full of relevant guest beds, here. They are nicely priced.
A Note on Affiliate Links
Please note that several of the links above are my referral link – or affiliate link. I may be paid a commission by some of the retailers who sell these products. This payment allows me to create this curated and detailed listing, by hand, to assist you with your online shopping. It also pays me for my time while I critically assess the current range of online stores, as I consider the Future of Retail here in my blog.
I’m an eCommerce website producer and developer, so I spend all day every day looking at online stores. I know what’s out there, and can help you to find what you need. If you run an online store and want consultancy, please feel free to contact me, any time.
Z Beds: The Ultimate Convenience in Space-Saving Comfort
Introduction
The struggle to make optimal use of space has always been a crucial part of interior design, particularly in smaller living areas. The notion of a bed, being an indispensable item in every home, inevitably occupies a substantial portion of space. This leads to the question: Is there a way to reconcile comfort with functionality? Enter the Z bed—a practical, space-saving, and comfortable solution.
What is a Z Bed?
The term “Z bed” generally refers to a foldable, portable bed that can be converted from a seat or sofa into a sleeping surface. This multi-purpose piece of furniture owes its name to the Z-shaped folding mechanism that allows it to transform from one form to another. Made with sturdy yet lightweight metal or wooden frames and typically featuring foam or spring mattresses, Z beds combine convenience with comfort.
Key Features
Space-Saving
Perhaps the most lauded attribute of a Z bed is its ability to save space. When folded up, it can serve as a chair, footrest, or a simple decorative item that takes up a small area in your room. When the need for a bed arises, the Z bed can be effortlessly unfolded to provide a full-size sleeping surface.
Versatility
From guest rooms to college dorms, and from camping trips to unexpected sleepovers, Z beds have a wide range of applications. Their lightweight build and ease of portability make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Comfort
While not as luxurious as high-end, traditional beds, Z beds are typically designed to offer reasonable comfort. Advanced models even feature memory foam mattresses, removable and washable covers, and other customizable options to maximize coziness.
Easy to Use
Most Z beds come pre-assembled and require little to no expertise to set up. All you usually need to do is unfold the bed into its ‘Z’ shape and you’re good to go.
Popular Uses
Guest Rooms
Having a Z bed in your guest room ensures that you are always prepared for unexpected visitors. It is much easier and quicker to set up compared to an air mattress and offers a more stable sleeping surface.
Kids’ Rooms
Z beds are extremely popular in kids’ rooms, especially for sleepovers. Their compact design also allows children more room to play when the bed is folded up.
Offices and Studios
For those who work long hours and occasionally find themselves in need of a power nap, a Z bed is an excellent addition to a personal office or studio space.
Camping
Because they are lightweight and portable, Z beds are an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and air mattresses for campers who prioritize comfort and convenience.
Things to Consider When Buying a Z Bed
- Material: Opt for a durable frame and a comfortable mattress. Metal frames are usually more robust, while wooden frames offer aesthetic appeal.
- Size: Ensure the unfolded dimensions of the bed fit the space where you plan to use it. Also, check the weight capacity to make sure it suits your needs.
- Ease of Maintenance: Look for models with removable and washable covers for easier cleaning.
- Budget: Z beds range from basic, budget-friendly options to more luxurious models with various features. Decide what you’re willing to spend before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Z beds offer a unique blend of functionality, convenience, and comfort, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space or a need for versatility. They have evolved far beyond the simple, foldable beds of yesteryears, and now offer a variety of features to cater to diverse needs and preferences. So, the next time you find yourself pondering how to accommodate that extra guest or where to sneak in a quick nap, consider a Z bed as your go-to solution.
