Home Help: 20 September
Q I get backache when I sleep nowadays. Perhaps I need to replace my mattress. Can you advise what I should buy?
JN, by email
A Heavy men need thicker and softer mattresses, lighter ladies need firmer. Many suppliers sell combination ones with different tensions on either side for couples of a different weight. Side sleepers need a soft mattress that allows their shoulders to sink in. Back sleepers need a firm one to support the neck and lower back. Those who sleep on their stomach need a firm mattress. Pay £1 for a Which? magazine online review before visiting a shop. In a survey it emerges that the most expensive mattresses are not necessarily the best.
www.which.co.uk
Q My antique leather books have been damaged by water. I want to restore them, where is the best place to go?
VB, by email
A Shepherds is one of the best antique book restorers. It recently bought Falkiners, the paper company, so it has a huge selection of beautiful handmade papers. You need to take the books to the shop for a quote, but if there is a large quantity they might do a home visit.
76 Rochester Row, London SW1: 020-7630 5323, www.bookbinding.co.uk
Q I need to get some winter bedding. I want old-fashioned, pretty eiderdowns. I know Cath Kidston makes them, but I want something a bit different.
LP, by email
A Belinda Davies makes traditional eiderdowns in the English country-house style using natural materials and methods. Patterns are paisleys, flowers and stripes. Each one is different because she buys small runs of fabric. She will make from customers’ material too.
Queens Road, Moretonhampstead, Devon: 07941-459371, www.belindadavieseiderdowns.co.uk
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com
JN, by email
A Heavy men need thicker and softer mattresses, lighter ladies need firmer. Many suppliers sell combination ones with different tensions on either side for couples of a different weight. Side sleepers need a soft mattress that allows their shoulders to sink in. Back sleepers need a firm one to support the neck and lower back. Those who sleep on their stomach need a firm mattress. Pay £1 for a Which? magazine online review before visiting a shop. In a survey it emerges that the most expensive mattresses are not necessarily the best.
www.which.co.uk
Q My antique leather books have been damaged by water. I want to restore them, where is the best place to go?
VB, by email
A Shepherds is one of the best antique book restorers. It recently bought Falkiners, the paper company, so it has a huge selection of beautiful handmade papers. You need to take the books to the shop for a quote, but if there is a large quantity they might do a home visit.
76 Rochester Row, London SW1: 020-7630 5323, www.bookbinding.co.uk
Q I need to get some winter bedding. I want old-fashioned, pretty eiderdowns. I know Cath Kidston makes them, but I want something a bit different.
LP, by email
A Belinda Davies makes traditional eiderdowns in the English country-house style using natural materials and methods. Patterns are paisleys, flowers and stripes. Each one is different because she buys small runs of fabric. She will make from customers’ material too.
Queens Road, Moretonhampstead, Devon: 07941-459371, www.belindadavieseiderdowns.co.uk
Send your queries to the usual Bedford Street address or email Hugh St Clair at hughstclair@googlemail.com