Best Guest Beds For Small Spaces

Fitting out small spaces for a bed is one of the most challenging projects because every millimetre counts. You can go mad scanning through bed and room dimensions to ensure things will fit and look right.

The last thing you want is a guest room that’s too cramped, but you also want to give guests the best possible sleeping experience. Here are the best guest beds for small spaces

Small double bed 

The best compromise for small spaces is a small double, which saves you 6 inches in width over a double bed. Those 6 inches could be the difference between guests being able to walk around the bed or having to crawl into it.

Small doubles are the same length as standard doubles (4ft wide and 6ft 3ins long (120cm wide and 190cm long), and they look similar, letting you save space without sacrificing how your guest bedroom looks.

The downside to small doubles is that they take up floor space when not used. If you want to increase floor space, get a day bed.

Day beds

Day beds are couches during the day, converted into a double or king by pulling out an additional mattress under the frame when not in use. Daybeds preserve floor space and occupy the same space as a single or small bed.

Day beds are trendy in playrooms, guest rooms, and second sitting rooms because they serve two functions. The thick mattress is ideal for maximising guest comfort, and you can get them in various styles.

The downside to day beds is they still take up floor space. If you want to take up even less, a folding bed could be the ticket.

Folding beds

Folding beds are the ultimate space-saving beds. They take up mostly vertical space, tucking into a compact package on wheels when not in use. Unlike the folding bed at grandma’s house, the latest folding beds offer outstanding comfort.

If your guest room is used sparingly, a folding bed is perfect – you can fold it up and wheel it into the corner of the room until needed.

Depending on your guests, you can get folding beds with a sprung or foam mattress. You can also get them in single and small double sizes and look for mattresses at least 10cm thick to assure comfort.

Ottoman beds

An ottoman bed is ideal for maximising storage in your guest room. Ottomans have a lift-up mattress base with the whole underside used as storage. You can put bedding, towels, shoes and seasonal clothes in there.

The great thing about ottoman beds is that you can get them in all sizes, including single, small, double, and king. Because the whole base can be used as storage, you might not need a chest of drawers in your guest room.

For small guest rooms, look for low ottoman beds - low beds take up less visual space and make small bedrooms look more prominent.

Divan beds

Divan beds are similar to ottomans but have built-in drawers at the side or foot end instead of a lift-up base. If you prefer drawers, then a divan bed is for you, and they come in a nearly unlimited range of styles and colours.

Divans and ottomans have a replaceable headboard so that you can change the style of your bed over time. The base is the same size as the mattress, so divans take less space than standard bed frames.

Small guest rooms should have a light-coloured divan bed because dark divans can make spaces look smaller.

What type of mattress is best for a guest bed?

It’s important to provide your guests with a comfortable place to sleep. No matter your bed, the correct mattress will make all the difference. There are several factors that you must consider when choosing a mattress for a guest bed:

• How often will the mattress be used
• What price do you want to pay?

The mattress ideally should be medium/firm, as this will suit everyone, with a thickness of at least three inches or more. There are different options when it comes to the type of mattress available, including the following:

• Memory Foam
• Moulds to the shape of your body, giving support and comfort.
• No need to flip or turn. So easy to handle.
• Anti-allergen carbon fibres that prevent dust and mites.
• Pocket Sprung
• Gives total support and comfort.
• It provides a stable sleeping area and has reinforced edges.
• No need to flip and turn.
• Ideal for couples as there is no roll together.
• Pocket Cool Gel
• Regulates your body temperature for a fresher night’s sleep.

Summing up

These are the best guest beds for small spaces:

• Small double – best if you want a standard bed
• Day beds – best if you want a sofa and bed all-in-one
• Folding beds – best if you’re going to free up floor space
• Ottoman beds – best for overall storage
• Divan beds – best for storage organisation

Browse our entire collection of beds for more bright ideas.

Related pages

• The Definitive Advice Guide to UK Bed Sizes