When it comes to furnishing a guest room, the bed is the star of the show. You want your guests to feel welcome, well-rested, and comfortable. But with so many options available, choosing the right bed can feel like a bit of a task.
Let’s explore some of the best bed options for a guest room, considering comfort, style, and practicality.
Sofa Bed
A sofa bed is one of a versatile option for a guest room. During the day, it serves as a comfortable place to sit and relax. At night, it quickly transforms into a bed. This makes it ideal for rooms that serve multiple purposes, like a home office or small spare bedroom.
Sofa beds come in many sizes and styles, from compact singles to large doubles. If space is an issue, a sofa bed can save you valuable floor space and still provide a decent sleeping surface for guests.
One thing to keep in mind is the quality of the mattress. Not all sofa beds are equal when it comes to comfort. Look for one with a thicker, high-quality mattress if you expect guests to stay more than just a night or two. I have seen many people choose sofa beds that are stylish but end up regretting it when their guests complain about a lumpy mattress.
Day Bed
A day bed is another multifunctional option that works well in a guest room. It looks like a sofa but can easily double as a bed. Some day beds also come with a trundle underneath, providing space for a second mattress. This is ideal if you often have more than one guest staying at a time.
Day beds are particularly popular for smaller guest rooms or rooms that are used for other purposes when guests are not around. They are stylish, simple, and do not take up too much space. I have found that a day bed with a trundle can make a small room much more functional.
Divan Bed
For a more traditional option, a standard divan bed is a great choice. Divan beds come with a solid base and can include built-in storage drawers, making them practical as well as comfortable. This is perfect if you need extra storage space for bed linens or guest essentials.
Divan beds come all UK sizes, so you can choose one that fits your guest room perfectly. They also tend to offer more support and durability than some other options, ensuring a good night’s sleep for your guests.
I always recommend divan beds for larger guest rooms, especially if you want to combine comfort with a clean, modern look. The added storage is a real bonus too.
Futon
A futon is a simple and affordable option for a guest bed. Like a sofa bed, it can serve as seating during the day and be folded out into a bed at night. Futons are often smaller and lighter than most sofa beds, making them easier to move around.
The downside to a futon is that they are generally less comfortable than other types of guest beds. The mattress is often thinner than regular mattresses, and it might not offer enough support for longer stays. However, if you are looking for something budget-friendly or need a temporary solution, a futon could work well for shorter visits.
I have found that futons are best suited to guest rooms that do not see a lot of use. They are practical for occasional guests but might not provide the long-term comfort that a sofa bed or divan could.
Air Mattress
If you need a bed that can be stored away when not in use, an air mattress is a good option. Modern air mattresses are far more comfortable than you might expect, and some even come with built-in pumps for easy inflation.
An air mattress can be inflated when guests arrive and deflated once they leave, freeing up your guest room for other purposes. This flexibility makes air mattresses a popular choice for people with limited space.
The downside is that air mattresses are not as durable or supportive as other types of beds. If you plan on hosting guests frequently, it might be worth investing in a more permanent option. But for occasional use, an air mattress can be a lifesaver. Just make sure to keep a spare pump handy in case you need to top it up during your guest’s stay.
Fold-Out Bed
A fold-out bed, sometimes called a guest bed or rollaway bed, is another space-saving option for guest rooms. These beds fold up and stored in a cupboard when not in use, making them ideal for smaller homes or flats.
Fold-out beds are designed to be easy to set up, and many come with a simple, spring-loaded mechanism that makes it quick to unfold when guests arrive. The mattresses on these beds are typically thinner than standard ones, but they can still offer decent comfort for short stays.
I have seen fold-out beds work well in homes that do not have a dedicated guest room. They can be brought out as needed and tucked away again, leaving the room free for other uses.
Murphy Bed
If you are looking for something more permanent but still want to save space, a Murphy bed might be the answer. Murphy beds fold up into the wall or a cabinet when not in use, giving you the best of both worlds: a comfortable bed for guests and a room that can be used for other purposes during the day.
Murphy beds come in all sizes, from singles to doubles, and they can be designed to match your home’s decor. While they tend to be more expensive and require professional installation, they offer a stylish and space-saving solution for guest rooms.
If you have a small flat or home office that doubles as a guest room, a Murphy bed could be a perfect solution. It allows you to keep the room functional without sacrificing comfort when guests come to stay.
A Welcoming Space
Choosing the right bed for your guest room depends on your space, budget, and how often you host visitors. If you are looking for versatility, sofa beds and day beds offer both seating and sleeping options. For a more traditional and comfortable option, a divan or fold-out bed might be the best choice. If space is limited, an air mattress or futon can provide a quick and easy solution.
In the end, the goal is to create a welcoming space where your guests can relax and sleep comfortably. Whether you opt for a stylish sofa bed or a practical air mattress, make sure the bed you choose suits both your room and your guests’ requirements.
