How can you properly host guests when you don’t have a guest room at home? These days, it’s not uncommon to run out of space at home, but there are solutions for adding extra sleeping arrangements that are both comfortable and practical—even in small spaces.
The usefulness of a guest bed is undeniable. Often called upon when loved ones arrive for a planned visit or when they stay overnight after an impromptu evening get-together, these beds can also enhance the living room’s decor. Their design is constantly evolving to keep up with current trends and meet the demanding standards of today’s households.
Whether it’s a sleeper sofa, a fold-out bed, an armchair, or an air mattress, choosing a guest bed that suits your needs requires some careful consideration beforehand. How much space do you have available in your home? Will you use it occasionally or regularly? What size bed should you choose? Whatever your budget, here’s a brief overview of the options available on the market.
The sleeper sofa: a comfortable double bed for guests
A sleeper sofa is a reliable choice for an extra bed. Its dual purpose—as a sofa during the day and an occasional bed at night—makes everyday life easier, which is why it’s the preferred solution for many households.
It allows you to offer your guests the comfort of a real bed, and is sometimes used as a permanent sleeping solution for small spaces.
The Different Types of Sofa Beds
Understated and functional, the convertible sofa is a 2-in-1 piece of furniture that saves a significant amount of space. It comes in a wide variety of shapes and styles, which are primarily characterized by their folding mechanism:
- the traditional sofa bed, which consists of a mattress hidden within the sofa's frame and usually requires the removal of the seat cushions to unfold;
- the BZ sofa, a small 2- or 3-seater convertible sofa consisting of three sections that unfold like an accordion;
- the sofa bed, a timeless classic that you simply tilt to unfold and that features a handy storage compartment for bedding;
- the futon sofa with itssolid wood base —a sturdy and durable extra sleeping surface;
- the pull-out sofa bed, which has an extra mattress stored underneath the sofa and can be pulled out to the same level as the first one using a simple pull mechanism.
Choosing a Mattress for Your Sofa Bed
When choosing a sleeper sofa, you should consider the quality and density of the materials, as well as the thickness of the mattress and how often it will be used.
For daily use, it is recommended to choose a mattress that is at least 15 cm thick, while for occasional use, a thickness of 6 to 10 cm is sufficient.
Memory foam or natural latex provide good support and maximum comfort. Mattresses made of layers of polyether or polyurethane foam are generally recommended for occasional use. While they are certainly softer, they are generally much less durable.
Covers for Sofa Beds
Maintaining a sofa bed will be much easier if it has removable covers. The upholstery is also a key factor. It falls into two categories:
- natural materials, such as linen—the most eco-friendly option—cotton, a more traditional choice, and leather, a luxurious material that is, however, controversial due to concerns about environmental impact and animal welfare;
- synthetic materials derived from the petrochemical industry, which are extremely polluting. Examples include faux leather—coated with a layer of polyurethane to mimic real leather—and microfiber, which is valued for its durability and ease of care but has a highly questionable environmental impact.
Other options to consider when choosing an adult guest bed
In addition to the sofa bed—which can be quite expensive depending on the model—there are other options that make excellent guest beds and may even be better solutions for certain types of interior design.
The convertible armchair or chaise longue: a stylish extra sleeping spot for one person
Less common than the sofa bed, the chaise longue and the convertible armchair are trendy pieces of furniture that provide a guest bed for one person without compromising on style.
Their design is constantly evolving to combine originality, comfort, and practicality. The criteria for selecting materials are similar to those for a sleeper sofa.
The foam armchair: a budget-friendly choice
Typically made of foam covered with fabric, the armchair comes in one-seater or two-seater sizes. While its seat is low and more or less firm, it features an adjustable backrest.
Although inexpensive to buy, the comfort of a foam armchair is rather basic due to the thickness of the cushion and the quality of the foam used. Be careful, then, not to choose an armchair that’s too soft or low-quality, as it will quickly lose its shape.
However, this option is still a great way to create a cozy corner in a child's bedroom and can serve as a temporary extra bed when needed.
The folding guest bed for minimal space requirements
The folding guest bed consists of a frame and a metal bed base that fold in half, a foam or spring mattress, and four casters so it can be easily moved from one room to another.
Once folded, it can be stored between a closet and a wall, or in a garage, where it will stay in good condition thanks to its protective cover. The main advantage of this product is that it’s almost as comfortable as a traditional bed.
On the downside, it’s worth noting that it can be quite heavy, and it can also take up a lot of space, especially considering that it must always be stored away when not in use.
The pull-out bed: a practical solution for a child's bedroom
As the name suggests, a trundle bed slides under a bed to maximize space and accommodate a surprise guest during a sleepover. Placed in a child’s bedroom, it saves a significant amount of space while increasing the number of sleeping spots.
This type of guest bed usually does not have a box spring. The mattress must therefore be chosen carefully to meet your desired comfort standards.
As for maintenance, it is recommended that you vacuum the surface regularly to minimize the buildup of dust and dust mites.
The inflatable mattress: an affordable, portable, and versatile option
Easy to set up, store, and transport, the inflatable mattress is a practical and economical extra bed.
They come in a manual version, which is inflated using a pump, or a self-inflating version, equipped with an electric motor. Some mattresses even have a built-in cushion.
Its main drawback is that comfort levels can vary significantly depending on the model. For your comfort, you should therefore opt for a high-quality inflatable mattress that’s at least 30 cm thick. To deal with any punctures, you’ll also need to bring a repair kit.
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