Guest bed—a buyer’s guide for practical and comfortable solutions
A good guest bed delights overnight guests. The best spare beds adapt to your needs and might even include hidden storage.
Use
Do you need a place for your guests to sleep that doubles as a sofa or provides storage during the day—or would a simple extra bed suffice? How often and for how many people do you need sleeping spots? If you only use a guest bed a couple of times a year and have limited space, a temporary bed is usually the most practical choice. An inflatable air mattress, a roll-up mattress, or a foldable metal-framed guest bed is easy to tuck away.
Model
A guest bed doesn’t have to stay hidden in storage, since it can be part of the decor. A sleeper sofa, sofa bed, or sleeper chair can be used day and night. You could also transform a traditional daybed or a simple box spring into a welcoming sofa with large throw pillows. If you’re considering a sleeper sofa, check how easily it opens and closes and how comfortable it is for sleeping. Because of their construction, sleeper sofas are often firmer than regular sofas. A wall bed that folds up during the day is a real space-saver.
Size
When it comes to sleeping comfort, sofa beds are often the most practical size. They’re typically about 80 centimeters wide and can usually be extended into a standard double bed. Sleeper sofas often have less room for two people, with a width of about 120–140 centimeters.
In smaller spaces, a two-seater sleeper sofa or a sleeper chair often works best. A sofa bed’s storage drawer can make a handy extra bed for kids. Many sofa beds are taller than standard sofas, especially if they store multiple mattresses in the frame.
Mattress
A good mattress supports you from head to toe so your spine stays neutral and nothing feels uncomfortable. Most spare beds have foam mattresses, and thicker foam usually offers more comfort. A sleeper sofa becomes much more comfortable if you add a quality topper. To keep a guest mattress in good condition, air it out regularly and store it in a dry, dust-free space.
Price
You can buy a basic air mattress for just a few dozen euros. Extra beds meant for more frequent use generally cost more due to better durability and quality. Look at the materials: solid wood and thick plywood last longer than particle board or composite board, and can also be sanded and refinished. With sleeper sofas, both the upholstery fabric and the mechanism’s durability affect the price. Investing in quality is worthwhile.
Read more:
Make a pretty sofa bed for your cottage room [in Finnish]
How to make your cottage guesthouse feel at home [in Finnish]
A metal bed fits many styles—check out these ideas [in Finnish]
