Small bedroom or guest room? There are alternatives other than going for the classic, pull-out sofa bed
What type of bed is best for a small room? Well, apart from the "classic" sofa pull-out bed, there are several alternatives you can consider using. Sometimes, you can put up a temporary bed for a guest, or you can gain extra space in a small bedroom by using standard, foldaway furniture. But there are other options too, and we list these below for you:
1. A multi-layer bed
Usually, a sofa bed has an interlocking frame that can be folded up or pulled out as needed: sofa by day, bed by night. Then, there are one-person beds with storage drawers built in underneath the frame. The "Two Pack Daybed (TOD)" model by Loaf is a clever "blend" of both the former bed types.
The wooden frame of the TOD has a second mattress, sandwiched between two, compartmentalized layers. This means that, in addition to the TOD becoming a bed when you need it, you can place a second, extra mattress on the floor for any last-minute guests.
2. A thin mattress to lay out whenever needed
This idea originates in the Far East. In Japan, they are called futons; in Korea they are called Yo mattresses. In these cultures, even a small room has to fulfill multiple functions, so it is necessary to be able to remove the bed to make room for "daytime" furniture.
This need led to the invention of thin, flexible mattresses which can be rolled up or folded like large duvets. This is the ideal solution for those who don't have a guest room but do have some free floor space. Futons are also perfect for use in cramped apartments - whether you're expecting guests or not!
3. Hide the bed
Measure your small room accurately to evaluate if it is worth investing in a foldaway-bed which can be "hidden" in a piece of furniture (like a faux closet, for example). When closed, this faux closet will take up a minimum of floor space.
4. Use all the space available
There are examples in which attics, cellars, verandas and other spaces are transformed into an extra bedroom. And if you really only need a bed, why not use all this available, free space?
Niches can also be set up in studio apartments - with partitions made from plasterboard - to provide a basic sleeping area.
5. Quick solutions using pallets
Perhaps you have the space, but you don't have a bed to put in it? Well, you can set one up in a jiffy using humble pallets: one or two pallets can provide the frame upon which you can put a mattress - all done in two shakes of a lamb's tail!
6. Loft bed
If the size of the room - and especially the height of the ceiling - allows for it, why not consider a raised bed? Raised platforms (like the one shown here) - even just one metre off the ground - creates a lot more space for shelves and/or bookcases, for example.
Which solution could be right for you?
