my cocker spaniel only five months and sleeps in crate but would like to buy a basket she could use during the day and grow into for night time.  It will be in the lounge so want something that looks smart as well as being highly functional.  Am not sure what to look for and whether some makes are particularly good.  Nor do I have any idea of what I should spend but imagine you get what you pay for as with most things.  Not keen on having a hard bed or a 'lilo' type bed unless these really are the best.  Thanks

I'd be inclined to wait and see - you've some chewing phases to go through first!  It would be a shame to buy a smart bed and find that she prefers to eat it.  One of mine used to indulge in some mindless chewing as he nodded off and we have a bench leg that has been artistically reshaped in this way :)

I have more beds than dogs as mine like to hang out with me so we have Tuffies in their crates in the utility room, one memory foam bed and another Tuffie in the hall, then a further three Tuffies between the lounge and dining room.  That said I have in recent years relented about furniture so they are allowed to sleep on certain sofas too.

Regarding the basket type of bed - some dogs like 'sides' whereas others prefer to sleep flat out.  My terrier type likes basket style beds but my gundogs much refer to 'splat' although a pillow is appreciated and they have been known to carry towels and arrange them for their chins.

Whilst you wait and see what type of dog yours will grow into you could buy one of the plastic 'baskets' that are sold in most pet shops - like this one.  However I'd recommend buying secondhand (they are always lots available on Freecycle, Guntree and eBay) just in case she decides to chew it, or you find it's the wrong size.  These beds are easy to clean and you can fill it with whatever type of bedding you like.  If you are planning a bed in a living space I'd always recommend something that can be fully washed regularly.

As a side note I wouldn't plan to do away with the crate if she is happy in it.  My dogs are adults now and don't need the doors but they love their crates for relaxed upside down sleeping - going into the crate means that they aren't going to be needed for a while and they can completely switch off for a proper sleep, a crate trained dog is an advantage if you need to travel and if you use it properly then she'll view it as her safe place at home.