2026 Entertainment Unit Trends for Kiwi Living Rooms
Looking to refresh your lounge in 2026? Entertainment units are more than just a TV stand—they’re a statement piece that can define your living space. From Auckland apartments to Christchurch family homes, Kiwis are looking for units that combine functionality, style, and clever storage.
Modern Designs That Fit Kiwi Homes
This year, minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired designs are taking centre stage. Clean lines, neutral colours, and natural wood finishes are perfect for creating a calm, organised living space. For smaller rooms, a compact TV stand can provide everything you need without overwhelming the space.
Maximise Storage Without Sacrificing Style
Kiwis love practical furniture, and entertainment units are no exception. Shelves, drawers, and hidden compartments help store consoles, media, and even kids’ toys. Whether you’re in a city apartment or a suburban lounge, a well-designed unit keeps your space clutter-free while looking stylish.
Choosing the Right Unit for Your Lifestyle
When selecting an entertainment unit, consider:
Size and Scale – Match your unit to your TV and room dimensions.
Material – Choose durable materials built to withstand Kiwi family life.
Storage Needs – Think about what you want to store and how you want it displayed.
Style – Modern, rustic, or classic—pick a unit that complements your décor.
Entertainment Units That Grow with Your Home
A quality unit isn’t just functional—it’s an investment. Many units adapt with your needs, offering flexible shelving and modular designs that can evolve as your living space changes.
Ready to upgrade your lounge? Explore our full TV stands collection for modern, stylish, and practical units designed for Kiwi homes in 2026.
Sleep problems are one of the most common complaints among adults over 60, and yet the mattress rarely gets the blame it deserves. Aching joints, restless nights, waking at 3 am for no clear reason, these things are often brushed off as just part of getting older. Sometimes they are. But a mattress that's sagging in the middle, too firm for ageing joints, or trapping heat all night is going to make every one of those problems worse. If you're shopping for yourself or trying to find something better for a parent, this guide will help you cut through the noise and make a decision that actually improves sleep.
Common Sleep Challenges for Elderly People
It helps to start with the specific problems, because the right mattress addresses different needs for different people.
Sleep Challenge
How It Affects Sleep
Arthritis
Inflamed joints need cushioning. A mattress that pushes back too hard against the hips, shoulders, or knees will cause pain throughout the night.
Back pain
Ageing spines need consistent support. Without it, muscles overcompensate, and you wake up stiff and sore.
Hip pain
Side sleepers take the brunt of this. A mattress that's too firm puts direct pressure on the hip joint with nowhere for it to go.
Poor circulation
Pressure points on a too-firm surface restrict blood flow. That pins-and-needles feeling at night is often the mattress, not a health issue.
Night sweats
Temperature regulation becomes less efficient with age. A mattress that traps heat makes this significantly worse.
What Makes the Best Mattress for Seniors?
Not every mattress brand talks about these features plainly, so here's what actually matters and why.
Pressure Relief
This is the big one. Pressure relief means the mattress gives way where the body is heaviest, hips, shoulders, and lower back, so those areas aren't grinding against a hard surface all night. For anyone with arthritis or joint pain, this isn't a luxury feature. It's essential.
Proper Spinal Alignment
Too soft and the spine sags. Too firm and it can't follow its natural curve. Neither is good. What you want is a mattress that supports the spine in a neutral position so the back muscles can actually relax overnight instead of working to compensate.
Strong Edge Support
This matters far more for older sleepers than younger ones. If the edges compress when you sit on them, getting up becomes awkward and unstable. Good edge support gives you a firm, reliable surface to push off from and also means you can use the full width of the mattress without feeling like you might roll off.
Temperature Regulation
Older adults tend to sleep warmer, and a mattress that traps body heat compounds the problem. Materials like pocket springs, latex, and open-cell foam allow air to move through the mattress and keep the sleep surface cooler.
Durability
A mattress that starts sagging after three years defeats the purpose. For elderly sleepers especially, a mattress that loses its support over time gradually undoes all the benefits you bought it for.
Which Mattress Type is Best for Elderly People?
Pocket Spring Mattress
Each coil moves on its own, so when your hip sinks in, your shoulder doesn't have to follow. That independence is what makes them good for people who carry their weight unevenly or sleep in one position all night.
Pros: Great spinal support, breathable, easy to move on, built to last
Cons: Can feel too firm if the comfort layer is thin, not great at absorbing a partner's movement
Best for: Seniors who tend to sleep hot, need reliable back support, or have always preferred a traditional spring mattress
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam wraps around you rather than pushing back. That might sound like a good thing, and for painful joints, it often is, but it also means you can feel a bit stuck when you try to roll over.
Pros: Takes pressure off sore joints, barely transfers movement, good for hip and shoulder pain
Cons: Holds onto heat, responds slowly, so turning over takes more effort, can feel low and hard to get out of
Best for: Seniors whose main issue is joint pain and who don't run hot at night
Latex Mattress
Latex gives you the cushioning of foam without the stuck-in-quicksand feeling. It pushes back a little, which makes moving around at night much easier, and it doesn't trap heat the way dense foam does.
Pros: Breathable, easy to move on, very durable, naturally hypoallergenic
Cons: Heavy, harder to handle, more expensive, not suitable for those with latex allergies
Best for: Seniors who want pressure relief without the sinking feeling of foam, and who sleep warm
Hybrid Mattress
A coil base topped with foam or latex comfort layers. Covers more ground than any single-material mattress.
Pros: Good balance of support and cushioning, breathable, strong edges, works for most sleep positions
Cons: Pricier, quality varies considerably between brands
Best for: Most elderly sleepers. If you're not sure what to get, a good hybrid is usually the safest choice.
Bonnell Spring Mattress
The traditional interconnected spring design. Still widely available and the most affordable option.
Pros: Budget-friendly, firm, good airflow
Cons: Springs are linked, so movement transfers across the whole mattress, less pressure relief, can squeak and sag over time
Best for: Seniors on a tight budget who sleep alone and prefer a firmer surface
Better Sleep Starts With the Right Choice
The right mattress won't fix everything, but it removes one of the most correctable barriers to good sleep. Once support, pressure relief, and temperature are sorted, a lot of other sleep problems improve on their own.
One practical thing worth checking before you buy: mattress height. For elderly sleepers, somewhere between 25 and 35 cm works best. High enough to sit down and stand up without strain, but not so high that getting into bed becomes its own challenge. Pair it with the right bed base and make sure the combined height works for the person using it.
Not sure where to start? TSB Living has a range of mattresses suited to the needs of older people, across different budgets and sleep types. Come in and talk to us, or browse the range of bedroom and living room furniture online. Better sleep is worth getting right.
What if the mattress you've been sleeping on is the reason you wake up tired? Most people blame their schedule, their stress, or the neighbor's dog. Rarely do they look at the thing they're lying on for eight hours a night. Mattress firmness has a direct impact on spinal alignment, pressure relief, and how rested you feel come morning. Getting it wrong is easy. Getting it right, once you know what to look for, is straightforward. Here's what you actually need to know before you buy.
What Does Mattress Firmness Actually Mean?
Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard the surface feels the moment you lie down. It is the initial resistance your body experiences, not how well the mattress supports your spine over the course of the night. That distinction matters more than most people realize.
There is no universal industry standard for the mattress firmness scale. One brand's "medium" might feel like another brand's "firm." Most manufacturers use a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the plushest and 10 is the hardest. Terms like "luxury plush," "cushion firm," or "ultra firm" are marketing labels, and they vary widely between brands.
What you should focus on instead is how a mattress interacts with your specific body weight, sleeping position, and physical needs. Firmness is personal. That is where the real decision lies.
Soft vs Medium vs Firm Mattress Comparison
Feature
Soft (1-3)
Medium (4-6)
Firm (7-10)
Surface Feel
Plush, deep sink
Balanced give and support
Minimal sink, rigid surface
Best For
Side sleepers, lightweight bodies
Combination sleepers, couples
Stomach sleepers, heavier bodies
Pressure Relief
High
Moderate
Low
Spinal Support
Depends on the base layer
Good for most
Excellent for back/stomach
Motion Transfer
Higher
Moderate
Lower
Durability
Can soften faster
Stable over time
Longest lasting feel
Which Mattress Firmness Is Best for Your Sleeping Position?
Here is the most practical question to ask yourself before shopping: What position do you spend most of the night in? Your sleep position places pressure on specific areas of your body, and the right firmness should relieve that pressure without letting your spine fall out of alignment.
Side sleepers tend to do best on soft to medium mattresses. In this position, the shoulders and hips take the brunt of your body weight. If the mattress is too firm to allow any give at those points, pressure builds up fast, and you'll feel it by morning.
Back sleepers typically benefit from medium to medium-firm mattresses. Body weight spreads out more evenly in this position, which takes some pressure off the mattress. That said, the lower back still needs enough support to stay in its natural curve rather than flattening against the surface.
Stomach sleepers generally require a firm mattress. When the hips sink too far into a soft surface, the lower back arches unnaturally, and pain follows quickly.
Mattress Materials and How They Affect Firmness
Material
How It Affects Firmness
Memory Foam
Tends to feel progressively softer the longer you lie on it; a rated medium can feel like a soft within minutes
Latex
Feels firmer in practice than its rating suggests; holds its shape rather than conforming deeply
Innerspring
Coil count and gauge directly determine firmness; they can feel inconsistent across the surface
Hybrid
Offers better pressure relief than pure innerspring while maintaining stronger support than all-foam
Signs Your Mattress Is Too Soft
A mattress that is too soft might seem like a luxury at first, but the signs of a poor fit show up fast.
You wake up with lower back pain or stiffness that eases after you get up and move around.
Your hips sink deeper than your shoulders, causing your spine to curve downward.
Changing positions takes real effort. You feel like you are working against the mattress rather than moving freely.
Visible sagging or a body impression that stays even after you get up is a clear sign the material has broken down.
Sleeping hot is common when you sink too deep into a firm memory foam mattress, as the material surrounds your body and traps heat through the night.
Signs Your Mattress Is Too Firm
On the opposite end, a mattress that is too hard creates a different set of problems.
You wake up with pain or numbness in the shoulders, hips, or knees, particularly if you are a side sleeper.
A gap under your lower back when lying flat means the mattress is not following the curve of your spine. That unsupported space leads to tension and aching over time.
Frequent position changes through the night usually mean your body is searching for relief it is not finding.
The mattress feels like it is working against your body shape rather than accommodating it. There is no real give at the contact points.
You feel unrested in the morning despite getting enough hours of sleep.
Medium Firm Mattresses: Why They're the Most Popular Choice
Walk into any mattress store, and medium firm is the firmness level most people end up leaving with. That is not a coincidence. Rated roughly 5 to 6 out of 10, medium firm hits a balance that works across a wider range of body types and sleep positions than soft or firm can manage on their own. There is enough give at the surface to take pressure off the shoulders and hips, and enough resistance underneath to keep the spine from dropping out of alignment.
It is also the safest compromise for couples who have different sleeping positions or moderate weight differences. Rather than one person getting exactly what they need and the other settling, a medium-firm queen mattress tends to work reasonably well for both.
At TSB Living, we carry a curated range of mattresses across all firmness levels. Browse our collection and filter by firmness to find the right match for your sleep style.
Most mattress advice in New Zealand starts with firmness. Soft, medium, or firm. But firmness is a surface-level detail. What actually determines how a mattress performs night after night is the spring system underneath. Bonnell springs and pocket springs are built on entirely different principles, and that difference ripples through everything from spinal support to how much you feel your partner roll over at 2 am. If you have been choosing mattresses based on how they feel in a showroom, you may have been missing the bigger picture entirely. Here is what to look for instead.
What Is a Bonnell Spring Mattress?
A Bonnell spring mattress is built around a network of hourglass-shaped metal coils, wider at the top and bottom and narrower through the middle. Bonnell spring mattresses use hourglass-shaped metal coils connected by a wire frame, forming one spring unit that works together. The shape of each coil is wider at the top and bottom and narrower through the middle. Key features:
Hourglass coils that give a firm, springy feel
A long-standing innerspring design used across homes for decades
Weight spreads across the surface through the linked coil network
Firm and bouncy underfoot, a feel many sleepers actively prefer
Good airflow through the open coil structure, cooler than most foam options
Think of it like a trampoline. When one area compresses, the movement ripples across the whole surface. That's a useful image for understanding both the bounce and the motion transfer that comes with a Bonnell design.
What Is a Pocket Spring Mattress?
A pocket spring mattress takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of joining all the springs together, each coil is wrapped individually in its own fabric pocket. The springs stand side by side but operate independently.
Key characteristics include:
Each spring is individually wrapped and responds only to the pressure placed directly on it
The mattress adapts to your body's shape rather than pushing back with equal force across the surface
Shoulders, hips, and lower back receive more tailored cushioning
Spinal alignment is better maintained because the mattress responds to varying pressure levels across your body
Movement in one area stays contained, so a restless partner is far less likely to disturb your side of the bed. That's the key advantage, particularly for couples.
Bonnell Spring vs Pocket Spring Mattress: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature
Bonnell Spring
Pocket Spring
Coil Design
Interconnected hourglass coils
Individually wrapped coils
Feel
Firm and bouncy
Adaptive and contouring
Motion Transfer
Higher
Lower
Pressure Relief
Basic
Better
Spinal Support
Even but less precise
More targeted
Partner Disturbance
More noticeable
Minimal
Airflow
Excellent
Good
Durability
Moderate
Good to very good
Construction and Coil Design
Bonnell coils are tied together with helical wires, creating a unified support layer. Pocket springs are individually encased, so the coil count and casing quality matter significantly. A higher pocket spring count generally means finer, more precise support.
Comfort and Pressure Relief
Pocket springs win here. Because each coil moves independently, pocket springs cushion pressure points like the hips and shoulders without letting the body sink unevenly. Bonnell springs distribute weight more uniformly across the surface but offer less targeted relief at key contact points.
Support and Spinal Alignment
A pocket spring mattress follows the natural curve of your spine more closely than a Bonnell system does. Bonnell mattresses provide solid, consistent support but may feel too firm or too flat for sleepers who need more give in specific areas.
Motion Isolation
This is where the two diverge most sharply. Bonnell springs are connected, so movement travels across the whole surface. Pocket springs contain movement to the area where it occurs, making them far better for people who share a bed.
Durability and Lifespan
A well-made pocket spring mattress tends to hold its shape longer because the springs bear load individually rather than as a unit. Bonnell queen-size mattress can develop uneven wear when certain coils carry more weight over time. That said, build quality, foam layers, and the base underneath all play a role in how long either mattress lasts.
Temperature Regulation and Breathability
Spring mattresses generally sleep cooler than foam because air moves through the coil layer rather than getting trapped. Bonnell mattresses have an open coil structure that allows particularly good airflow. A pocket spring king-size mattress also stays cool, more so when the cover fabric is breathable or there is a light comfort layer on top. For anyone who runs warm at night, the cover material and top layers deserve just as much attention as the spring type itself.
Which Mattress Is Best for Different Sleepers?
Sleeper Type
Best Choice
Why
Side Sleepers
Pocket Spring
Conforms to the curve of the hips and shoulders, relieving pressure at key contact points
Back Sleepers
Either (lean Bonnell)
Bonnell's even, firm surface supports the natural curve of the lower back well; pocket spring works too if you prefer a softer feel
Stomach Sleepers
Bonnell Spring
The firmer, flatter surface prevents the hips from sinking too deep, keeping the spine in a safer position
Combination Sleepers
Pocket Spring
Independent coils adjust quickly as you shift positions throughout the night
Couples
Pocket Spring
Significantly reduces motion transfer so one partner's movement does not disturb the other
Children
Bonnell Spring
Durable, affordable, and firm enough to support growing bodies during lighter use
Guest Rooms
Bonnell Spring
Cost-effective for occasional use where advanced support features are not a priority
How to Choose Between a Bonnell and Pocket Spring Mattress?
Ask yourself these questions before deciding on a Bonnell Spring vs. a Pocket Spring Mattress:
Who will sleep on it? If it's a couple, lean toward a pocket spring. If it's a single sleeper, guest, or child, Bonnell may serve just as well.
How often will it be used? Daily sleepers benefit from the better support and durability of the pocket spring. Guest rooms can get by comfortably on Bonnell.
What is your sleep position? Side sleepers need the pressure relief of a pocket spring. Back and stomach sleepers may actually prefer the firmer feel of Bonnell.
What is your budget? If cost is a key factor, Bonell delivers solid value for light-to-moderate use.
Are you a hot sleeper? Both spring types offer decent airflow, but check the foam and cover layers for additional breathability.
Looking for a spring mattress that suits the New Zealand climate and your sleep needs? TSB Living has mattress and bed and mattress options across sizes, firmness levels, and budgets. Walk in, and our team will help you find the right one.
Most mattresses do not get ruined by years of use. They get ruined in a single move. One unprotected trip in a truck, one damp storage unit, one wrong position, and a perfectly good mattress is warped, moldy, or permanently compressed? Whether you are relocating across town or tucking a spare bed away for months, the way you handle your mattress makes a lasting difference in how long it performs and how well you sleep on it later.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from how to pack a mattress for moving to how to store a mattress long term, so you do not end up with a warped, moldy, or permanently damaged bed.
How to Pack a Mattress for Moving?
Packing a mattress sounds simple until you show up at your new place with a dirty, torn, or damp bed. Get this part right, and the rest of the move takes care of itself.
Step 1: Get the Right Mattress Packing Cover
Pick up a mattress bag before anything else. It is basically a thick plastic or fabric sleeve that fully encloses your mattress and keeps out dust, moisture, bedbugs, and the general chaos of a moving truck. Sizes vary, so grab one that actually fits yours.
Step 2: Clean It Before You Seal It
Give the mattress a good vacuum, sort out any stains, and then let it breathe for a bit. This step gets skipped more than it should. Sealing in even a little moisture is enough to start a mold problem, and you will not notice it until it is too late.
Step 3: Seal It Properly
Slide the mattress into the bag, push out as much air as you can, and tape it shut. Some bags have a zip closure, which makes this easier and more secure. Either way, make sure nothing is getting in or out.
Step 4: Use a Mattress Box for Extra Protection
If you are moving a significant distance, consider slipping the bagged mattress into a flat cardboard mattress box. This adds structural protection, especially at the corners and edges.
Best Way to Move a Mattress by Size
Not all mattresses move the same way. Size plays a huge role in logistics. Here is a quick reference:
Mattress Size
Typical Weight
Moving Tip
Twin
40–45 lbs
One person can manage with a dolly
Full
50–60 lbs
Two people recommended
Queen
60–80 lbs
Two people plus a hand truck
King
130–180 lbs
Three people or professional help is strongly advised
Storing a Mattress: The Right Way
Storing a mattress is where most people go wrong. Here are the steps to follow, whether you are putting it away for a few weeks or several months.
Clean It Thoroughly First
Before storing a mattress, vacuum it, treat any stains, and let it air dry completely. Any residual moisture sealed inside a storage bag is a recipe for mildew.
Wrap It in a Mattress Bag
Just like packing for a move, a high-quality mattress packing cover is essential for storage. It keeps out dust mites, moisture, and pests over time.
Store It Flat
This is the most important storage rule: always store a mattress flat. Keeping it upright on its side for extended periods allows the internal components to shift and sag, particularly in innerspring and hybrid models.
Control the Environment
The best way to store a mattress involves a climate-controlled storage unit. Extreme heat, cold, and humidity all degrade foam and fabric faster than normal use would. Aim for a consistent, moderate temperature and low humidity.
How to Store a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam is particularly vulnerable to environmental damage. Unlike innerspring mattresses, foam breaks down faster when exposed to heat, humidity, or uneven pressure during storage. If you are putting one away for a while, here is what actually matters:
Store it flat; foam shifts and compresses permanently if left on its side
Use a breathable mattress bag so trapped moisture does not turn into mildew
Find a climate-controlled spot, ideally away from windows and exterior walls
Keep the surface clear; stacking boxes or bags on top will leave lasting impressions
The best way to store a mattress topper is to roll it gently (if the material allows), place it in a storage bag or sealed plastic bin, and keep it in a cool, dry location. Avoid compressing it under heavy objects, which can permanently flatten the materials. Memory foam toppers should never be tightly rolled or folded.
Quick Reference: Mattress Storage Do's and Don'ts
Do
Don't
Clean before storing
Store a damp mattress
Use a quality mattress bag
Leave it unwrapped
Store flat
Store on its side long-term
Use climate-controlled storage
Store in a damp garage or basement
Check on it periodically
Ignore it for months
Keep the storage area dry
Place heavy items on top
Why Proper Handling Actually Matters?
Think about it this way: would you toss a $1,000 investment in the back of a truck without protection? Probably not. Yet that is exactly what happens to mattresses during most moves. Exposure to moisture, dirt, and pressure during transit can break down foam layers, ruin coil systems, and introduce allergens that never fully go away. The good news is that with the right steps, your mattress can come through a move or a long storage period in near-perfect condition.
