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TV beds aimed at men have become the latest must-have, showing that even the recession can't come between boys and their toys.
Furniture retailers report that sales of the £3,000-plus "man beds" with James Bond-style pop-up high-definition televisions, have soared as the economy nose-dived and demand falters for other household items, especially white goods.
The number of customers willing to spend four or five times the average price of a bed for extra comfort and access to entertainment has risen by up to 50 per cent in the last year.
"Pimped-up" beds first became a phenomenon in America five years ago and were launched here two years ago.
Peter Burt, director of online bed seller Righteous & Co, said sales of his TV beds, which cost nearly £4,000, are up about 50 per cent since last September: "We were a bit anxious as they cost so much, but they've actually really taken off." Manufacturers say the inbuilt hi-tech entertainment is aimed at male buyers who have been neglected by an industry traditionally geared toward housewives.
Retailers also believe people cannot move house in the recession so are making their current home more comfortable.
US retailers have even progressed to selling "man caves" - beds with so many features people have everything they need to stay there for hours.
Hollandia International's £31,000 "sphere" bed includes a 32-inch flat screen TV, surround sound, champagne cooler and mattress with a massage action. In only a few months, 20 have sold here. Furniture Village, which has four stores within the M25, says growth in TV bed sales has been "significant" in the last year. They have recently introduced mattresses that can incline to a seated position.
Standard reporter Alex Plough, who tried one of the beds, said: "It's a loafer's paradise. My only reservation, apart from the price not including the mattress, is I'd want to choose the TV."
Mr Burt added: "They are definitely aimed at men. They love playing with the TV when they are in the showroom, they think it's very clever. Their wives have to pull them away."
