Having guests over is always nice, but fitting an extra bed into your home can be a headache. Not everyone has a spare room, and even if you do, you may not want it dominated by a large bed that’s rarely used. The good news is there are clever ways to give your visitors a comfortable night’s sleep without sacrificing valuable space.
Below we’ll look at the smartest guest bed options that make life easier, whether you live in a flat or a large family home.
Trundle Beds
A trundle bed looks like a standard single bed at first glance, but tucked beneath is a second bed on wheels. When guests arrive, you simply pull it out and set it up.
This option works well for children’s rooms, spare rooms, or anywhere you want to double sleeping space without clutter. Many trundles can also be pushed together to create a double bed, which is perfect if you host couples.
Sofa Beds
The sofa bed is a classic for good reason. By day, it’s a sofa. By night, it folds out into a bed.
Modern guest bed designs have come a long way from the stiff, lumpy versions of the past. Today you’ll find sofa beds with memory foam mattresses, click-clack mechanisms, and stylish designs that wouldn’t look out of place in a living room.
If you want your sitting room to double as a guest room, this is one of the most practical choices.
Folding Beds
Folding beds are ideal if you need a quick fix that can be stored away when not in use. These beds usually come with a metal frame and a mattress that folds in half.
They’re easy to wheel into position, and once your guests leave, you can fold them up and hide them in a cupboard or under the stairs. While not something you’d sleep on every night, folding beds are surprisingly comfortable for short stays.
Day Beds
Day beds work as a stylish sofa during the day and a single bed at night. Some designs come with a trundle tucked beneath, giving you two sleeping spots in one frame.
They’re excellent for home offices, conservatories, or spare rooms where you don’t want a bulky double bed taking up space. Day beds also come in elegant designs that make them a feature piece of furniture.
3-in-1 Beds
These clever beds combine multiple functions. For example, a single bed with a pull-out trundle and drawers built into the base. You gain storage, a main bed, and an extra sleeping space.
For families with limited room, these are a lifesaver. Children can have friends over without the chaos of sleeping bags on the floor, and visiting relatives can stay without hassle.
Ottoman Beds
If you already have a guest room, an ottoman bed is a clever upgrade. The mattress lifts up to reveal a large storage space beneath. This allows you to keep spare bedding, pillows, or seasonal clothes neatly hidden away.
It’s not just about saving space in the bedroom. With an ottoman, you make one piece of furniture do two jobs, which is always a win in smaller homes.
Which Guest Bed Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your space and lifestyle. If you have no spare room, a sofa bed or folding bed may suit you best. If you want flexibility for children’s rooms, a trundle bed or 3-in-1 bed works perfectly. And if you have the luxury of a dedicated guest room, consider an ottoman, a practical zip together bed, or a stylish day bed.
The main thing is to think about how often you host, how much room you have, and how quickly you need to set up. That way you can pick a guest bed that fits smoothly into your home without feeling like an afterthought.