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BEST OF BRITISH
No place like home Sweet Dreams has expanded its range of UK produced furniture The latest range of own-made fabric bedsteads, upholstery and sofabeds was Sweet Dreams’ big story at interiors 2011 and reactions have been positive. The Burnley company, which has manufactured divans in-house for more than 20 years, has made full use of existing machinery and expertise for the bedsteads and sofabeds. For the new upholstery it invested in sewing and woodworking machines, and took on more staff. There are four bedstead styles: Angelina, Laughton, Burton and Keira. The 28 strong fabric choice from Sweet Dreams’ new Gallery collection, allows consumers to make a splash with colour and pattern, or to keep schemes neutral with creams and beiges in plains. In upholstery, there are 12 fabric models in the latest range. The two cottage suites, Arizona and Mexico, saw particularly strong sales at interiors. Around half of the remaining models follow a 3-2-1
Above: Tranquility Above right: Laughton Right: Lincoln
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format, while the others are available as a chair and two-seater fixed sofa to match a two-seater sofabed. Swivel storage stools and chairs are further options. Divans have always been Sweet Dreams’ core product and the range, now comprising seven collections and some 50 models, confirms this commitment. At interiors, it presented a fresh look for the top end Well Being collection. Bases are now micro-quilted in a contemporary style and the mattresses feature a knitted top and damask border.
There were also new models across the other collections, especially Pocket Spring, where the company launched three beds, two of which featured latex. ‘There have always been major advantages to manufacturing here in the UK and the company is in fact built on this premise,’ says Jackie McGarvey, Sweet Dreams sales manager. ‘With increasing freight costs and currency fluctuations, it is sensible to extend that facility beyond divans and into our other product ranges.’