9 best guest beds that are perfect for small spaces
We tested for form, function, affordability, craftsmanship and space-saving ability
(iStock/The Independent)We’re out of practise when it comes to hosting overnight guests, but thankfully, sleepovers are on the horizon. So, now’s the time to invest in a bed that makes visitors feel special – even if it is a space-saving one that doesn’t encroach too much on our floor space.
If you’re blessed with a spare bedroom, think about furnishing it with a small double bed. With its compact dimensions you can save on space while maintaining a sophisticated, grown-up aesthetic.
Otherwise, there are shrewd multifunctional designs on offer when it comes to guest beds – contemporary clic-clac style sofa beds can transform in a jiffy to create occasional beds for when guests stay over unexpectedly.
Similarly, bed-in-a-box products cleverly morph from stylish ottoman to single – or even double – guest beds in a matter of moments, complete with a plush, integrated upholstered headboard.
We put a variety of guest beds to the test, looking for the best in form and function, affordability and craftsmanship – as well as nifty space-saving qualities.
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Ikea hemnes day bed with 3 drawers/2 mattresses
This multifunctional furniture piece makes the perfect occasional bed for house guests. As a daybed it offers smart seating with its church pew-like frame painted in a chic mid-grey – try loading it up with colourful scatter cushions for extra cosiness.
The lower section glides out smoothly to reveal a slatted trundle bed underneath – simply pull the second mattress pad on top. At this stage you’d be forgiven for thinking the trio of drawers were purely decorative, but no – there’s deep storage space for pillows and covers, too. Seriously clever design and well worth the (not too taxing) self-assembly.
Buy now £355.00, Ikea.com
Happy Beds buxton pine wooden guest bed frame, 3ft single
Where most trundle bed frames offer a second – and inferior – sleeping space that pulls out and stays low to the ground, this one is elevated with extending, angled legs, allowing us to create a makeshift double bed from a petite and compact single. Crafted from solid pine with a simple slatted headboard, the Buxton proves to be one stylish space-saver. The bed comes in white, grey or natural pine, with single mattresses sold separately. We loved that we could have both beds fully made up and ready to go in a jiffy.
Buy now £194.99, Happybeds.co.uk
Loaf bed in a button
On first sight you’d never think this sumptuous upholstered ottoman housed a guest bed. Ingeniously, the buttoned top transforms into a smart and comfy headboard while the slim black metal frame, complete with foam mattress, unfolds from inside the box.
As with many of Loaf’s luxurious offerings, this one’s made to order, with a lead time of 9-11 weeks. But that means we get to choose from a vast selection of fabrics – almost 150 in fact – making it well worth the wait. This is a great occasional guest bed to have in the living room if you’re short on space, and is available in single and double sizes.
Buy now £845.00, Loaf.com
Symple Stuff barrett daybed with trundle
We loved this industrial style trundle bed for its versatility. The lower frame and mattress comes out fully, meaning you can easily wheel it into its optimum space-saving position. The bed is crafted from steel, with rustic reclaimed wood accents at either end, awarding it an attractive contrast in materials. It also manages to be reliably sturdy while boasting a compact silhouette. Take note though:mattresses need to be bought separately with careful consideration of depth, as anything too thick will prevent the bottom bed from rolling out smoothly.
Buy now £162.99, Wayfair.co.uk
Dreams ellery 3 seater clic-clac sofa bed
While traditional sofa beds can be cumbersome things, a clic-clac design makes an ideal guest bed if you’re short on square footage. Dreams’ stylish offering cleverly transforms from a sleek mid-century inspired three seater settee into a generous double bed via a simple fold down mechanism.
Elevated on tapered wooden legs, and without armrests, it presents a compact footprint – just what you want when you need to be economic with space. We love this piece in its sumptuous petrol blue velvet fabric, but it also comes in a smart and elegant mid-grey.
Buy now £319.00, Dreams.co.uk
Habitat industrial small double bed frame
If you have a spare room that’s permanently set up for overnight guests, a small double bed will often suffice. Its compact dimensions – typically 4ft wide – allows for extra leg room either side, and will look perfectly proportionate in a smaller bedroom, without overwhelming the space.
Habitat’s industrial styled diminutive double is sturdy, stylish and affordable, meaning you can spend bigger on a decent mattress – your guests will thank you for it. Mixing rustic wood with a black metal frame, the look is utilitarian but ultimately homely.
Buy now £140.00, Argos.co.uk
Made besley small double bed, Aegean blue
Made’s small double is similarly economic in dimensions to the Habitat model (£140, Argos.co.uk), with its no-frills design maximising our floor space. But where the besley bed reins in on width and length, it makes up for in height with a large and comfy headboard to lean back on.
The bed boasts an all-over upholstery in a soft but durable polyester fabric, and has discreet metal legs elevating it off the floor. Smart and contemporary, this one’s a winner if you’re after a grown-up aesthetic in petite dimensions.
Buy now £249.00, Made.com
Sofa.com Henry single bed in box, oxford blue brushed linen cotton
This is another ingenious bed in a box design – and a great addition to a guest room if you need an extra single. As an ottoman it is simple and stylish, and proves a comfy place to perch. Pull the fabric handle and it opens up to reveal a decent camp bed with a sturdy metal frame and foam mattress.
With shrewd design, the lid transforms into a headboard with hidden struts – simply spin it round and slide it back in. Handmade to order, this one comes in a huge range of upholstery fabrics and colours too.
Buy now £730.00, Sofa.com
The Original Bed Co. Hamilton low footend iron/metal bed frame
We love this brand for its vintage appeal – and while vintage often equals creaky, these beds bring the reliable sturdiness of a brand new product. The Hamilton is a handsome furniture piece in powder-coated black and shiny brass, but, as with any of The Original Bed Co.’s iron frames, it can be painted in a choice of colours at an extra cost. In a small double size – exactly 4 ft wide – the bed boasts a grand and imposing presence but with a small footprint. This one is perfect for the guest room.
Buy now £549.00, Obc-uk.net
The verdict: Guest beds
Ikea’s hemnes day bed got our top marks for its slick design. Multifunctional, it transforms into a comfy double bed in seconds with its smooth pull out trundle. We loved the deep storage drawers for bedding, allowing the whole piece to be guest ready.
We were also impressed with Happy Beds’ buxton pine wooden guest bed frame for its simple but thoughtful design. The lower bed comes out on castors, yet the extending legs allow for the two beds to be flanked – creating a sizeable double.
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