Guide

Knowledge for
sleep & living.

Well-founded answers to the questions we hear most often in consultations – researched and backed by sources.

Infografik: Biophilic Design — gemessene Einzelbefunde aus Schlaflabor, Büro und Schule

Living & interiorsSeptember 10, 2026 · 8 min read

Biophilic Design at Home: What the Research Shows

A view of greenery from the window, houseplants, solid wood in the bedroom: nature-oriented design is often linked to greater well-being. This overview reviews what individual studies actually show about this — and where research still has no answer.

Infografik: Licht und innere Uhr — Messwerte aus Laborstudien und Konsenspapier-Empfehlungen

Sleep & bedSeptember 10, 2026 · 8 min read

Circadian Light and Sleep Rhythm: What the Research Shows

Not just how bright light is, but when and at what wavelength it reaches the eyes, influences the body clock and melatonin production, according to several laboratory studies. This guide reviews the evidence — including the light levels an international panel of experts recommends for daytime, evening and the bedroom.

Infografik: Quiet Luxury im Interieur — Beleglage vom Modebegriff zum Einrichtungstrend

Living & interiorsSeptember 10, 2026 · 8 min read

Quiet Luxury in Interiors: Restraint as a Design Principle

«Quiet Luxury» describes a design trend that moved from the fashion world into interiors in 2023: high-quality, restrained materials instead of conspicuous logos. This article traces where the term comes from, what professionals mean by it, and what about it cannot be scientifically substantiated.

Infografik: Schlafdauer und Sterberisiko — die U-Kurve aus grossen Beobachtungsstudien in Zahlen

Sleep & bedSeptember 10, 2026 · 7 min read

Sleep and Longevity: What the Research Really Shows

Sleep duration and mortality risk are linked, but not in the way many articles suggest: large cohort studies and the American Heart Association point to a U-shaped relationship rather than a linear «more is better». An overview of the figures, the limits of the evidence, and what the research does not show.

Infografik: Getrennt schlafen in Zahlen — US-Umfrage und Paar-Schlafforschung

Sleep & bedSeptember 10, 2026 · 7 min read

Sleep Divorce: When Couples Sleep Apart

The term «Sleep Divorce» keeps coming up whenever couples sleep in separate rooms, at least some of the time. Drawing on a US survey and several sleep studies, this article looks at how common the practice is, what reasons are given for it — and where the evidence reaches its limits.

Infografik: Sleep Tourism — Marktprognose, Zufriedenheitsdaten und Laborstudie in Zahlen

Sleep & bedSeptember 10, 2026 · 7 min read

Sleep Tourism: The Hotel Bed Feeling at Home

Travellers are increasingly booking with sleep quality in mind, and hotels advertise pillow menus, blackout curtains and soundproofing. This article looks at what research and industry data actually show — and what can be drawn from it for your own bedroom.

Infografik: Hästens und DUXIANA im Vergleich — Gründungsjahre, Federsysteme und Garantien laut Herstellerangaben

Sleep & bedSeptember 8, 2026 · 10 min read

Hästens or DUXIANA? Two Swedish Heritage Houses, Two Constructions

Hästens and DUX are both Swedish, both handmade — and constructively different. According to the manufacturer, Hästens works with independently acting pocket springs above a Bonnell base spring layer and fills the layers with horsehair, cotton, wool and flax. According to the manufacturer, DUX works with a continuously wound endless spring system made of Swedish spring steel and lets you change the firmness even after purchase via interchangeable Pascal cassettes. We have not found an independent, comparative test of the two systems — this article therefore names no winner, but instead sets construction, materials, adjustability, warranty and price transparency side by side, with a source given for every statement in the text. And so you know who is writing this: we carry DUXIANA. We do not carry Hästens.

Infografik: Sechs italienische Designmöbel-Marken — Gründungsjahre und Standorte laut Unternehmensangaben

Living & interiorsSeptember 8, 2026 · 8 min read

Italian Design Furniture Brands: Six Manufacturers, Their Origins and What They Stand For

Cassina (1927), Molteni&C (1934), Minotti (1948), B&B Italia (1966), Poliform (1970) and Flou (1978): all six houses are based in Lombardy — in the Brianza north of Milan and the province of Como. This article orders them by founding year, not by rank, and states for each brand its origin, ownership structure and the programmes it claims to stand for, by its own account. All information comes from the manufacturers' own company websites; the full list of sources with access dates appears at the end. Disclosed up front: we carry one of the six brands, Flou, in Zurich — not the other five.

Infografik: Zehn Luxusbetten-Marken — Gründungsspanne, Herkunftsländer, Bauprinzipien und Preistransparenz

Sleep & bedSeptember 8, 2026 · 9 min read

Luxury Bed Brands at a Glance: Ten Profiles on Origin, Founding Year and Construction

This overview introduces ten luxury bed brands — six that we do not carry, and four from our own range: Hästens, Vispring, Elite, Schramm, Tréca, Auping, DUXIANA, NUVOSETTE, King Koil and Flou. This article organises them by three factual criteria — origin, founding year and core construction — and deliberately avoids any ranking: no independent comparative tests of these models exist, so a ranking could not be substantiated. Our own commercial interest is stated right in the first section: we are the exclusive Swiss distribution partner for DUXIANA and also carry our own brand NUVOSETTE, Flou and King Koil. We do not carry six of the ten brands — and describe them nonetheless as accurately as the manufacturers' own statements allow.

Infografik: Memoryschaum oder Federkern — belegte Kennzahlen aus Tests und Studien

Sleep & bedSeptember 8, 2026 · 11 min read

Memory Foam or Innerspring? What's Proven — and What Isn't

No system wins across the board: what actually matters, research sorts by firmness and fit, not by material. The documented difference lies in sleep climate: according to Stiftung Warentest, pocket springs run on the cooler side with good moisture transport, while foam runs warmer and benefits those who feel the cold. For viscoelastic foam, the institute found no laboratory advantages in support, pressure distribution or lying comfort — but it also names foam's proven strengths. Disclosure upfront: our range is innerspring-based — which is why every claim in this article carries its source.

Moderne Aussenküche mit Inox-Grill und grosszügiger Arbeitsfläche auf einer Terrasse

OutdoorAugust 25, 2026 · 8 min read

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen in Switzerland: Location, Connections, Materials and Costs

If you're planning an outdoor kitchen, it's best to settle four things before getting a quote: location, connections, materials and budget. The best spot sits close to the living area on a solid surface and is oriented so the wind carries smoke away from the seating area – with at least one metre of clearance between the grill and anything flammable, as recommended by the Swiss fire-prevention advisory body. Power belongs at the location as a weatherproof outdoor socket, water either fixed or via a tank, gas via a cylinder or a fixed connection from a specialist installer. List prices from the Swiss manufacturer azado range from CHF 11'900 to CHF 57'800 (as of August 2026) – and whether a building permit is needed depends on the design and is clarified by your municipality.

Zwei Monteure tragen eine verpackte Matratze durch ein helles Treppenhaus in eine Stadtwohnung

Sleep & bedAugust 25, 2026 · 6 min read

Bought a Bed – What Happens Next? Delivery, Assembly, Disposal, Payment

At Imperial Interiors, our own team delivers and assembles throughout Switzerland – items in stock usually within 48 hours – and we take your old bed away free of charge at delivery and dispose of it properly. If you bring the old bed to the recycling centre yourself, you pay CHF 22.70 for the first 100 kilograms since May 2025; the mobile recycling centre and cargo tram remain free. ERZ pickup costs CHF 86.50 per quarter-hour of loading time. With us, you pay in two steps: a deposit when you order, the balance before delivery – items in stock are paid for directly. This article explains the whole process from purchase to the first night in your new bed.

Gestapelte Bettwäsche aus Leinen, Perkal und Mako-Satin in Naturtönen auf einem aufgeschlagenen Bett

Sleep & bedAugust 25, 2026 · 7 min read

Bed Linen Materials Compared: Cotton, Percale, Sateen, Linen and Silk

Percale, Renforcé and sateen aren't materials, they're weaves – usually made of cotton; sateen bedding is therefore usually not silk. The fibres differ above all in how they handle moisture: cotton absorbs up to 65 percent of its own weight in moisture without dripping, according to Planet Wissen, silk around a third, and linen is the most permeable to water vapour. When it comes to care, cotton is the most forgiving – Renforcé is usually washed at 40 to 60 degrees, while for silk the care label is what counts. And OEKO-TEX Standard 100 tests for over 1000 harmful substances but says nothing about quality or sleep comfort.

Boxspringbett mit zurückgeschlagener Bettdecke: auf der Federkernmatratze liegt ein loser Topper als oberste Schicht

Sleep & bedAugust 25, 2026 · 6 min read

Does a Box Spring Bed Need a Topper?

No – a topper isn't a must: according to Stiftung Warentest (a German consumer-testing institute), good lying properties and comfortable sleep on a box spring bed are possible with or without a topper. A topper can soften a too-firm sleeping surface and add lying height; but it can also mean that the shoulder and hip zones of the mattress lose their effect, and it slows moisture wicking – ÖKO-TEST, another German testing institute, calls buying one "always just a compromise". We show what a topper can really do, where it gets in the way, and how DUXIANA solves the top layer as a replaceable component. Many people end up not needing one at all – and that's perfectly fine.

Rechteckiger Esstisch mit sechs Stühlen in einem hellen Esszimmer, rundum grosszügige Bewegungsfläche bis zur Wand

Living & interiorsAugust 25, 2026 · 6 min read

Calculating Dining Table Size: How Much Table 4, 6 or 8 People Need

Furniture retailers calculate 60 to 70 cm of width and around 40 cm of depth per person – from that come the common guideline sizes: 120×80 cm for four, 180×90 cm for six and 200×100 cm for eight people; round tables need 110 to 125 cm in diameter for six people. Add to that the clearance space: 80 to 100 cm between the table edge and the wall, so chairs can be pushed back. Anyone who knows these figures can check the table size against the floor plan before buying instead of guessing in the shop.

Teak-Gartenmöbel mit silbergrauer Patina auf einer winterlichen Terrasse, im Hintergrund ein verschneiter Garten

OutdoorAugust 25, 2026 · 5 min read

Overwintering Garden Furniture: What Can Stay Outside – and What Can't

Whether garden furniture can spend the winter outside depends on the material, not the calendar: teak, aluminium, stainless steel and high-quality synthetic-fibre weave tolerate the winter outdoors – cushions and pillows, by contrast, belong fully dry and ventilated indoors. Teak greying is, according to the manufacturer, purely cosmetic and doesn't harm the wood. The real opponent is water: when it freezes, it expands by around 9 percent, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). If you let water drain away, don't pull protective covers all the way to the ground, and store cushions dry, you've taken care of the essentials.

Schema einer Person in Seitenlage: Schulter und Becken sinken kontrolliert in die Matratze ein, die Wirbelsäule bleibt g

Sleep & bedAugust 25, 2026 · 7 min read

Which Mattress for Side Sleepers? What the Evidence Shows

Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position: an accelerometer study of 664 adults measured an average of 54 percent of sleep time spent on the side. The right mattress for that lets the shoulder and hip sink in under control and supports the waist, so the spine stays straight when viewed from behind. The evidence also points to a mattress perceived as medium-firm and individually adjustable – though "medium-firm" is a subjective rating, and only trying the mattress in side-lying position shows what suits your body. And because how deep the shoulder sinks in also determines the right pillow height, mattress and pillow belong in one shared decision.

Mundgeblasene Kristallglas-Leuchte in Nahaufnahme: feine Lufteinschlüsse und Schlieren zeichnen die Handarbeit des Glasm

LightingAugust 25, 2026 · 7 min read

Recognising Hand-Blown Crystal Glass: The Four Marks of Craftsmanship

Hand-blown glass reveals itself through four marks: tiny air bubbles – glassmakers call them "seeds" – fine striations, slight variance in shape and size, and the pontil mark on the base where the punty iron was snapped off. In museum documentation, these features count as marks of manual production; one long-established glassworks calls them simply "proof of authenticity". On the term "crystal", EU directive 69/493/EEC helps: lead-free glass may also be called crystal glass if it contains at least 10 percent of certain metal oxides and meets density and refractive-index requirements. Knowing these features lets you judge instead of guess.

Seitliche Ansicht eines Betts mit Nachttisch: Die Oberkante des Nachttischs liegt ungefähr auf Höhe der Matratzenoberkan

Living & interiorsAugust 25, 2026 · 6 min read

How High Should a Nightstand Be – and Which One Suits Your Bed?

The top of the nightstand belongs roughly at the height of the top of the mattress – that's the rule of thumb that runs through practically every retail guide. It isn't a standard: depending on the source, it says "level with", "slightly above" or, occasionally, "slightly below" – a centimetre or two either way doesn't matter. As common market guideline figures: around 30–45 cm for a low bed, 45–55 cm for a classic frame, 55–70 cm for a box spring bed. We also clarify when a wall-mounted nightstand is the better choice and which light belongs on the surface.

Schnittzeichnung eines Esstischs mit Massband: Pendelleuchte 60 Zentimeter über der Tischplatte, daneben die zwei Grösse

LightingAugust 25, 2026 · 6 min read

Pendant Light Over the Dining Table: Getting Height, Size and Number Right

About 60 centimetres between the tabletop and the bottom edge of the fixture – that's the proven hanging height for a pendant light over the dining table; manufacturers cite up to 75 or 80 centimetres depending on the model. For size, two rules apply that are often confused: round fixtures measure at most half the table's width, linear fixtures around two-thirds of the table's length. From about 180 centimetres of table length, manufacturers recommend two pendants, and warm-white, dimmable light around 2700 Kelvin has become the established colour temperature. There's no standard for the private dining table – we show where each rule of thumb comes from.

Elegantes Bettsofa mit ausgezogenem zweitem Gästebett in einem hellen Wohnraum, beide Liegeflächen mit Bettwäsche bezoge

Living & interiorsAugust 25, 2026 · 7 min read

Is a Sofa Bed Suitable for Sleeping on Every Night?

Yes, a sofa bed can work for sleeping on every night – but only if it's built for it: with a proper slatted base, a separate mattress and adequate dimensions. As a guideline, specialist retail guides cite a lying height from around 40 cm, a lying width from 140 cm for couples, and a mattress thickness around 14 cm – rules of thumb, not standards. For occasional guests, a fold-out sofa with a foldable foam mattress is enough; there, foam is even the right construction choice, because springs would bend when folded. We map out where the line lies between a guest solution and a permanent sleeping place – and when a proper bed is the more honest answer.

Draufsicht auf ein Wohnzimmer: Sofa und Sessel stehen mit den Vorderfüssen auf einem grossen hellen Teppich, zur Wand bl

Living & interiorsAugust 25, 2026 · 7 min read

How to Determine Rug Size: Rules of Thumb for the Living Room, Dining Room and Bedroom

There's no standard for rug sizes – but rules of thumb that large furniture and rug retailers largely agree on. In the living room, the rug should be roughly 40 to 60 cm wider than the sofa; in the dining room, it needs 60 to 80 cm of extra room per side of the table for chairs to be pulled out; in the bedroom, 20 to 50 cm of visible overhang around the bed is enough. Anyone who knows these three ranges can work out any rug size themselves within minutes. This guide walks through the rules room by room – with worked examples from a table for four to a table for eight.

Bettbreiten im Vergleich: 160, 180 und 200 cm – mit der Faustregel von 90 cm Liegebreite pro Person

Sleep & bedJuly 17, 2026 · 6 min read

160, 180 or 200? Bed Size and Mattress Split for Couples

The two questions that precede almost every bed order: how wide should it be – and one continuous mattress or two separate ones? The proven rule of thumb is 90 centimetres of lying width per person; from 180 cm, couples sleep comfortably. On the mattress question, weight difference and lying preferences decide – and there is a way that combines both worlds.

Drei Bettsysteme im Schema: Lattenrost mit Federkernmatratze, Boxspringbett und mehrlagiges Federsystem

Sleep & bedJuly 17, 2026 · 6 min read

Box-Spring Bed or Bed with Slatted Frame? The Honest System Comparison

The truth up front: none of the systems is demonstrably “healthier” – comparative studies on this do not exist. What research does show: the decisive factors are suitable support and firmness, not the construction type. The systems differ in lying height, looks, climate logic and adaptability. We carry all three approaches – slatted frame with innerspring mattress (Flou), box-spring and multi-layer spring systems (DUXIANA) – and therefore compare without any vested interest in a particular answer.

Drei Befeuerungsarten im Vergleich: Gas, Holzkohle und Holz – mit ihren Stärken

OutdoorJuly 17, 2026 · 5 min read

Gas, Charcoal or Wood? The Grill Decision – Honestly Compared

The question of faith of every grilling summer – viewed soberly: gas scores with speed and control, charcoal with ritual and heat, wood with flame and smoky flavour. On pure taste, the matter is less clear-cut than the camps claim. And there is a Swiss answer to the either-or: grill systems that master all three firing methods.

Transparente Preisarchitektur: Matratzen ab CHF 2'800, NUVOSETTE-Betten ab CHF 3'900, DUXIANA ab CHF 5'300

Sleep & bedJuly 17, 2026 · 6 min read

What Does a Good Bed Cost? Honest Prices in Swiss Francs

The question hardly any premium retailer answers – we do: high-quality innerspring mattresses start at CHF 2'800 with us, complete beds from our own brand NUVOSETTE at CHF 3'900, DUXIANA beds at CHF 5'300. Calculated over ten years, that is one to one and a half francs per night. More important than the number is knowing what you are paying for – and where saving is smart and where it never is.

Offizielle Watt-Lumen-Äquivalenzen der EU: 40 W entsprechen 470 Lumen, 60 W entsprechen 806 Lumen, 100 W entsprechen 152

LightingJuly 15, 2026 · 6 min read

Buying Lights Without the Jargon: Lumens, Kelvin, Ra and “Dimmable”

Watts no longer tell you anything about brightness – by law, lumens are what count: an old 60-watt incandescent bulb officially corresponds to 806 lumens, 100 watts correspond to 1521 lumens. Add three details that must appear on every package: the light colour in kelvin, the colour rendering index (at least Ra 80 is mandatory, Ra 90 is the connoisseur's choice) and the dimmability note. If you can read these four values, you buy light like a professional.

Vier Outdoor-Materialien im Überblick: Teak, pulverbeschichtetes Aluminium, Edelstahl und spinndüsengefärbte Outdoor-Sto

OutdoorJuly 15, 2026 · 6 min read

Outdoor Furniture: Understanding Materials, Caring Properly, Overwintering Well

Good outdoor furniture is materials science: teak protects itself through its natural oil content and weathers to a silvery grey in the sun – that is surface physics, not damage. Aluminium and stainless steel do not rust, for two different, well-documented reasons. And with fabrics, the fibre dyeing decides colour fastness. If you know these connections, you spend less on care and enjoy your furniture longer – the honest fundamentals, winter storage checklist included.

Checkliste mit fünf Punkten für das Probeliegen beim Bettenkauf

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Buying a Bed: Testing It Properly – a Checklist with Substance

When buying a bed, your subjective lying feel is not a “soft” criterion – it is the scientifically relevant one: studies show that a sleep surface subjectively perceived as medium-firm and individually fitting performs best, and that declared firmness ratings are not very reliable. Consumer tests add an honest caveat: a brief in-store test has its limits; more time and your own sleeping position make it meaningful.

Aufbau-Schema eines Boxspringbetts: Topper, Matratze und gefederte Box mit komfortabler Einstiegshöhe

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Box-Spring Beds: Construction, Strengths and Who They Suit

A box-spring bed consists of three components: a sprung, upholstered box as the base, the actual mattress on top and usually a topper to finish. Typical of the design are the double-sprung lying feel and the raised entry height. Honestly put: there are no studies showing box-spring beds to be “healthier” – the choice is a matter of comfort and taste, best settled by testing the bed in person.

Die sieben Schritte einer Einrichtungsberatung vom Erstgespräch bis zu Abnahme und Styling

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Interior Consultation: What It Delivers, How It Works, What It Costs

“Interior architect” is not a federally protected title in Switzerland – qualification shows in training (a university of applied sciences degree), association membership (VSI.ASAI) or an entry in the REG register. Interior consultation and interior design focus on furnishing, material, color and light without structural alterations; the typical process leads from the initial conversation through measurement and concept to delivery and styling. With us, the initial conversation, the first home visit and the initial concept are free.

Zeitachse der modernen Einrichtung: Bauhaus 1919, Compasso d'Oro und Design in Scandinavia 1954, erster Salone del Mobil

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 6 min read

Interior Styles at a Glance: From Bauhaus to Japandi

Styles are maps, not laws: the Bauhaus (1919–1933) laid the foundation of modernism, “Mid-Century Modern” was only defined as a design movement in 1984 by a book, Scandinavian design conquered the world from 1954 with a traveling exhibition, and Italian modernism institutionalized itself with the Compasso d'Oro (1954) and the first Salone del Mobile (1961). Japandi, in turn, is a young label – with, however, a very real historical root.

Raumquerschnitt mit empfohlenen Reflexionsgraden: Decke 0,7–0,9, Wände 0,5–0,8, Boden 0,2–0,6

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Color in the Home: What Really Works – and What Is a Myth

Light ceilings and walls make rooms appear measurably taller – floor color plays no role in this. That is experimentally proven. Not proven, by contrast, is much of what is said about color psychology: the definitive research review classifies the field as young and inconsistent, and blanket claims such as “blue calms” have no scientific backing. Color remains above all one thing: a question of light, material and taste.

Schema der drei Federkern-Bauarten: Bonellfederkern, Taschenfederkern, mehrlagige Federsysteme

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Bonnell, Pocket Springs, Multi-Layer Systems: Understanding Spring Cores

Not all spring cores are alike: in a Bonnell spring unit the springs are connected and respond as a surface, while in a pocket spring core each spring works individually inside a fabric pocket – which makes the support more precisely targeted. Multi-layer and zoned systems refine this principle. Studies support the benefits of zoned, adjustable elasticity for spinal alignment; a “best spring type for everyone”, however, is not proven.

Checkliste mit fünf Prüfpunkten für Möbelqualität: Verbindungen, Innenleben, Emissionen, Zertifikate, Polsteraufbau

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 6 min read

Recognizing High-Quality Furniture: Material, Craftsmanship, Certificates

Quality shows where nobody looks: on back panels, in joints and inside the upholstery. Objective anchors exist for emissions (class E1; from August 2026 the stricter EU limit of 0.062 mg/m³ formaldehyde applies) and certificates (FSC for wood, OEKO-TEX for textiles). And one prejudice deserves correcting: veneer is not a “cheap substitute” for solid wood but a quality construction method in its own right.

Kennzahl: 46,6 Quadratmeter durchschnittliche Wohnfläche pro Person in der Schweiz (BFS 2024)

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Furnishing Small Rooms: What Really Creates Space

46.6 m² of living space per person – that is how Switzerland lives on average; in large city centers it is closer to 41 m². Furnishing compactly is everyday reality here. Perception research supplies clear levers: visible floor area dominates the impression of size, and light ceilings and walls make rooms appear taller. Plus one honest caveat: “less furniture automatically feels larger” is not proven in such blanket terms.

Schema der drei Lichtebenen: Grundlicht, Zonenlicht und Akzentlicht

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Lighting Design for Living Spaces: Lux, Kelvin and the Three Layers

There is no binding lighting standard for residential spaces – practice takes its cues from the workplace standard EN 12464-1: around 100 lux for circulation areas, 500 lux for reading and work areas. Two principles come on top: warm, dimmed light in the evening (circadian research supplies the rationale) and a structure in three layers – ambient, task and accent lighting.

Zwei Kennzahlen der Betthygiene: Bettwäsche bei 60 Grad waschen, Luftfeuchtigkeit unter 50 Prozent halten

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

How Long Does a Mattress Last? Honest Answers on Lifespan and Hygiene

There is no scientifically proven rule such as “replace every 8 years” – such intervals come from the industry, not from research. What is established: worn-out beds that no longer support you impair sleep, washing bed linen at 55 °C or above reliably kills house dust mites, and below 50% humidity mites dry out. What counts is the condition of the bed, not its year of birth.

Härtegrad-Spektrum von sehr weich bis sehr fest mit hervorgehobenem mittelfestem Bereich

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Mattress Firmness: Why “H3” Says Little – and What Counts

Firmness ratings such as H2 or H3 are not standardised – every brand defines them itself, and even the European test standard EN 1957 is based on subjective perception. Research shows that the most favourable sleep surface is one that feels subjectively medium-firm and fits your body individually. So rely on testing the bed in person, not on the label.

Kennzahlen zum Möbelabfall: 12,1 Millionen Tonnen pro Jahr in den USA, nur 0,3 Prozent rezykliert

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Sustainable Furnishing Means Furnishing to Last

Furniture waste is measurably enormous: in the US, according to the environmental agency EPA, 12.1 million tonnes accrued in 2018 – 80 percent of it went to landfill, 0.3 percent was recycled. For the EU, a study estimates around 10 million tonnes annually. The most effective lever against this is not a label but length of use: durable construction, repairability and passing furniture on. That is exactly what the planned EU ecodesign rules for furniture target.

Schema: Seitenschläfer brauchen ein höheres Kissen, Rückenschläfer ein flacheres, damit die Halswirbelsäule in einer Lin

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

The Right Pillow: What the Evidence Shows for Neck Pain

Pillow height and shape determine the alignment of the cervical spine – not the marketing. A systematic review shows that the right pillow can reduce neck pain and waking symptoms; general sleep quality, by contrast, changes little. In comparative studies, latex pillows performed best. The right height is individual: side sleepers need more, back sleepers less.

Balkendiagramm der gemessenen Liegezeit: 54 % Seitenlage, 38 % Rückenlage, 7 % Bauchlage

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Side, Back or Stomach: What Sleep Research Knows About Positions

Objective measurements of 664 adults show that on average we spend a good half of the night on our side (54%), a good third on our back (38%) and only around 7% on our stomach – and side sleeping increases further with age. Research knows no single “healthiest position for everyone”; what matters is that the sleep surface suits your preferred position.

Schema: Luftzirkulation durch eine offene Federkern-Struktur transportiert Feuchtigkeit aus dem Bett

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Bedroom Temperature: Why Heat Is the Real Sleep Thief

Heat and humid warmth demonstrably disturb sleep – they increase wake phases and reduce deep and REM sleep. A fixed “ideal temperature” such as the often-quoted 18 °C, however, is not scientifically robust: a large field study found the best sleep efficiency between 20 and 25 °C, with large individual differences. What matters is avoiding trapped heat and moisture in the bed.

Empfehlung der National Sleep Foundation: 7 bis 9 Stunden Schlaf für Erwachsene

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 6 min read

What Good Sleep Does for Body and Mind – the Research

According to the consensus recommendation of the National Sleep Foundation, adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Research links sufficient sleep to a functioning immune system, to memory formation and to everyday safety: in one study, people who regularly slept 6 hours or less were around four times more susceptible to colds. In Switzerland, around a third of the population reports sleep disorders.

Schema: gerade Wirbelsäule in Seitenlage bei passender Stützung, durchhängend bei zu weicher Mitte

Sleep & bedJuly 4, 2026 · 6 min read

Which Bed for Back Pain? What Studies Really Show

The best available evidence supports a medium-firm, individually fitted bed for back pain – not the hardest one possible. In a randomised Lancet study, medium-firm mattresses performed markedly better than firm ones for chronic low-back pain. What matters is that the spine stays straight while you lie down: shoulders and pelvis sink in, and the middle of the body is supported.

Sechs Schritte zum Einrichten: Bedarf, Raumplan, Grossmöbel, Licht, Textilien, Accessoires

Living & interiorsJuly 4, 2026 · 5 min read

Furnishing a Home: The Right Order

From large to fine: clarify needs and budget, measure and plan the space, place the large furniture, define the lighting, then textiles and finally accessories – this order is proven consulting practice, not a standard. Real normative anchors exist for dimensions: passages from 80 cm clear width and corridors from 100–120 cm count as the reference in barrier-free building. And since the Swiss move less and less often (2023 relocation rate: 9.3%), a thorough concept for each home pays off all the more.

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Knowledge forsleep & living.

Biophilic Design at Home: What the Research Shows

Circadian Light and Sleep Rhythm: What the Research Shows

Quiet Luxury in Interiors: Restraint as a Design Principle

Sleep and Longevity: What the Research Really Shows

Sleep Divorce: When Couples Sleep Apart

Sleep Tourism: The Hotel Bed Feeling at Home

Hästens or DUXIANA? Two Swedish Heritage Houses, Two Constructions

Italian Design Furniture Brands: Six Manufacturers, Their Origins and What They Stand For

Luxury Bed Brands at a Glance: Ten Profiles on Origin, Founding Year and Construction

Memory Foam or Innerspring? What's Proven — and What Isn't

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen in Switzerland: Location, Connections, Materials and Costs

Bought a Bed – What Happens Next? Delivery, Assembly, Disposal, Payment

Bed Linen Materials Compared: Cotton, Percale, Sateen, Linen and Silk

Does a Box Spring Bed Need a Topper?

Calculating Dining Table Size: How Much Table 4, 6 or 8 People Need

Overwintering Garden Furniture: What Can Stay Outside – and What Can't

Which Mattress for Side Sleepers? What the Evidence Shows

Recognising Hand-Blown Crystal Glass: The Four Marks of Craftsmanship

How High Should a Nightstand Be – and Which One Suits Your Bed?

Pendant Light Over the Dining Table: Getting Height, Size and Number Right

Is a Sofa Bed Suitable for Sleeping on Every Night?

How to Determine Rug Size: Rules of Thumb for the Living Room, Dining Room and Bedroom

160, 180 or 200? Bed Size and Mattress Split for Couples

Box-Spring Bed or Bed with Slatted Frame? The Honest System Comparison

Gas, Charcoal or Wood? The Grill Decision – Honestly Compared

What Does a Good Bed Cost? Honest Prices in Swiss Francs

Buying Lights Without the Jargon: Lumens, Kelvin, Ra and “Dimmable”

Outdoor Furniture: Understanding Materials, Caring Properly, Overwintering Well

Buying a Bed: Testing It Properly – a Checklist with Substance

Box-Spring Beds: Construction, Strengths and Who They Suit

Interior Consultation: What It Delivers, How It Works, What It Costs

Interior Styles at a Glance: From Bauhaus to Japandi

Color in the Home: What Really Works – and What Is a Myth

Bonnell, Pocket Springs, Multi-Layer Systems: Understanding Spring Cores

Recognizing High-Quality Furniture: Material, Craftsmanship, Certificates

Furnishing Small Rooms: What Really Creates Space

Lighting Design for Living Spaces: Lux, Kelvin and the Three Layers

How Long Does a Mattress Last? Honest Answers on Lifespan and Hygiene

Mattress Firmness: Why “H3” Says Little – and What Counts

Sustainable Furnishing Means Furnishing to Last

The Right Pillow: What the Evidence Shows for Neck Pain

Side, Back or Stomach: What Sleep Research Knows About Positions

Bedroom Temperature: Why Heat Is the Real Sleep Thief

What Good Sleep Does for Body and Mind – the Research

Which Bed for Back Pain? What Studies Really Show

Furnishing a Home: The Right Order

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