Guest bed guide: How to choose a bed for a guest bedroom

Preparing your home for overnight guests can sometimes feel like a chore. However, choosing a comfortable bed and mattress for your spare room can go a long way toward ensuring your guests feel welcome, get a good night’s rest, and enjoy their stay.

Factors to consider when choosing a guest bed

Whether your guests are staying for one night or several nights, there are several factors to consider when choosing a spare room bed. These include who will be sleeping on the bed, how often it will be used, the available space, and, of course, your budget. 

How will the room be used?

A good starting point is to decide how you’ll use the bedroom space. Will it be used primarily for sleeping, or will it also serve other purposes, such as a home office or a lounging area? This will help you determine the most suitable bed size and type for the room. For example, if the bedroom will also be used for lounging, a sofa bed may be a more practical option. If, on the other hand, it also functions as a home office, a trundle bed, where one bed is stored underneath the other, saves space while also providing the flexibility to accommodate either a single guest or a couple.

Who will be sleeping on the bed?

Another factor to consider is who will be using the bed: adults, children, or both. Adults often have different sleeping needs than children. They may require a larger bed or one that provides sufficient cushioning and support, particularly for those with back pain. Children, on the other hand, while still needing some support for their growing bodies, are often comfortable in a single bed or one with minimal cushioning.   

Even if you only plan to use the bed occasionally, you should still prioritise comfort and support. You want your guests to have a comfortable night’s sleep, no matter how long they stay.

There may also be times when you or your partner need to sleep in the guest bedroom, for example, if someone is ill or your main bedroom is unavailable. Therefore, consider upgrading to a better-quality bed just in case.

Bedroom space

When choosing a guest bed, decide which size works best for the room. A larger bed may offer more sleeping space, but it can also dominate a smaller room. On the other hand, a smaller bed, such as a single or small double, can save space but may not be suitable for couples. In some cases, the room layout and available space may limit you to a particular bed size.

Carefully measuring your bedroom space beforehand will help you choose the most appropriate bed size for the room. You should also allow extra space for opening doors and for any additional furniture you’re considering. Also, be mindful that bed frames typically take up more space, as the mattress usually sits inside the frame.

Mattress firmness

Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels. Besides personal preference, body weight is one of the main factors to consider when choosing mattress firmness. Generally, the heavier a person is, the firmer the mattress they need.

Knowing whether to choose a soft or firm mattress for your guest bedroom depends on the type of guests who will be staying. For example, someone weighing more than 16 stone (102 kg +) may find a firmer mattress more comfortable, whereas a much lighter person may find it too firm.

For this reason, it’s often best to choose a mattress with a medium feel for a guest bedroom, particularly if you’re hosting several guests throughout the year. A mattress with a medium feel should suit most sleepers, as it allows the body to conform to the mattress while still providing adequate support. It offers a reasonable amount of cushioning, which is beneficial for side sleepers and helps prevent excessive sinking.

Storage needs

Storage space is often limited in guest bedrooms. Fortunately, many beds come with built-in storage options that help reduce clutter and make the room feel more spacious.

If you’re considering a bed frame, you can utilise the space underneath for storage. Sliding drawers or stylish storage boxes provide valuable space for clothing, books, and bedding. Additionally, most divan beds are available with built-in drawers that keep items hidden yet easily accessible when needed.

Another popular option is an ottoman bed, which has a large storage compartment that is accessible by lifting the base. Ottoman beds are an excellent way to keep your belongings organised and dust-free. 

Your budget

How much you spend on a guest bed depends on who it is for, how often it will be used, and your priorities. While you don’t necessarily need to spend as much on a guest bed as you would on your main one, it is still important to choose a bed that your guests will find comfortable.

Avoid buying a cheap bed whenever possible, even if it’s only used occasionally. It may be unsuitable and need to be replaced much sooner than expected. Focus on getting the best value, not just the lowest price.

Bed availability

Although many beds are kept in stock, some come with additional options, such as a choice of base colour or mattress firmness. These models may need to be ordered from the manufacturer, which can take several weeks. If this is the case, it’s advisable to wait until your new bed has been delivered before inviting guests to stay. Otherwise, you may find yourself without a bed for them to sleep on when they arrive.  

Replace your main bed

Another option is to buy a new bed for your main bedroom and move your old one into the spare room, provided it’s in good condition and fits in the space. This allows you to upgrade to a more comfortable bed or even a larger one if you have the room.

What types of beds are available for guest bedrooms?

There are several bed options for guest bedrooms, from traditional divans and bed frames to futons and sofa beds. Your choice will largely depend on the room layout, available space and how you plan to use the bedroom. 

Divan beds

Divan beds are a popular option for guest bedrooms because the base is usually the same size as the mattress and doesn’t take up any extra floor space. Most divans are available in a variety of colours and materials, and some can even be paired with a matching headboard for a more coordinated look.

Divans provide an even sleeping surface and can have a sprung or solid top. Sprung divans offer a more luxurious feel and provide extra cushioning. Solid tops, on the other hand, are often used in more affordable models and provide a firmer sleeping surface.

Many divans are also fitted with castors, so they can be easily moved for cleaning or if you need to rearrange the bedroom.

Bed frames

Bed frames, or bedsteads, are available in wood, metal, fabric, and leather. They usually include a headboard and can often be paired with matching bedroom furniture for a more coordinated look. Bed frames are typically flat-packed, making them ideal for properties with access restrictions, but they do need to be assembled once in the bedroom. 

Trundle beds

A trundle bed is a low bed on wheels that can be stored underneath another bed. Trundle beds are usually sold as a set, which includes the main bed and the underbed. The lower bed usually has castors or wheels so that it can be easily rolled or pushed underneath the main bed.  

Most trundle beds have folding legs, giving you the flexibility to raise the bed to the same level as the main bed for couples, or keep it low for children’s sleepovers.

Trundle beds are ideal for smaller bedrooms, as they provide an extra bed which only takes up additional floor space when in use.

However, a drawback of trundle beds is that they often have relatively shallow mattresses to allow one bed to fit easily under the other. This means that they may not feel as comfortable as a standard mattress.

Sofa beds

A sofa bed is a couch that converts into an occasional bed. It is a versatile option if you plan to use your guest room in different ways, as it provides comfortable seating during the day for work or lounging, as well as an extra bed for sleeping.

The bed is neatly stored inside the sofa and easily accessible when needed. Because of this, sofa beds typically take up less floor space than a traditional double bed when the bed is not in use. This makes them a great option for smaller rooms.

However, sofa bed mattresses tend to be relatively shallow, so they can be easily folded or stored within the sofa. As a result, they usually offer less cushioning than standard mattresses and may not feel as comfortable.

Another drawback is the weight of sofa beds, which can make them difficult to move, especially during delivery. If you’re considering a sofa bed, ensure there is good access to the room and check whether the retailer offers a drop-to-room service to avoid any delivery issues.

While it’s sometimes possible to remove the sofa bed mechanism to make it lighter and easier to handle, it’s best to carefully measure your property and discuss any access concerns with the retailer beforehand.

You could also consider placing a sofa bed in your living room instead. Just ensure you choose a model with comfortable seating suitable for everyday use. Otherwise, ordering a bed for the guest bedroom may be the better option.

Day beds

A daybed can be used for both lounging and sleeping. It is typically a three-sided frame with a backrest, two armrests and a large cushion or mattress that sits inside the frame.

Day beds are available in various materials, such as wood, metal, wicker, and fabric. Some day beds come with a trundle bed that can be pulled out from underneath to provide extra sleeping space when needed.

Folding guest beds

A folding bed, also known as a z-bed, is a portable bed that can be folded and stored away when not in use. Folding beds typically have a metal frame and wheels or castors, making them easy to move.

Their compact design makes them ideal for smaller guest bedrooms or properties with access restrictions. However, folding beds usually come with thinner mattresses that are only really suitable for occasional use.

Air beds

An air mattress, or blow-up bed, is an inflatable mattress made from materials such as PVC, rubber, or plastic. These mattresses are easy to store and inflate. However, air beds are best suited to occasional use, as they lack the comfort and support of a traditional mattress.

What size bed to consider for a guest bedroom

The size of bed you choose for your guest bedroom will depend on the room layout, available space, and whether you need to accommodate a single guest or a couple. Once you’ve measured the room, you should have a clearer idea of which bed size will work best.

Single beds

A single bed measures 90 cm wide by 190 cm long (3’0” x 6’3”). It is ideal for a small guest bedroom and can comfortably accommodate a child or a single adult. Single beds are generally lighter and easier to move, and they also tend to be more affordable than larger beds.   

Their compact size also makes them well-suited to multi-functional spaces such as home offices, gyms, or playrooms. However, it’s best to avoid using a single bed for additional seating, as sitting on the edge for long periods can damage the mattress.  

Twin beds are a popular option for larger guest bedrooms, as they offer the flexibility to push them together, keep them apart, or even use them in separate bedrooms, depending on your sleeping requirements.

However, while a single bed provides enough space for one person, it is not suitable for couples. 

Three-quarter beds

A three-quarter bed measures 120 cm wide by 190 cm long (4’0” x 6’3”), making it wider than a single bed but smaller than a standard double. This bed size is ideal for a single person who requires more sleeping space. A three-quarter bed can also accommodate couples, although it may feel a little cramped.

Three-quarter beds work well in guest bedrooms and properties with access restrictions, such as low ceilings or narrow staircases, where a larger bed may not fit. However, three-quarter beds are not as widely available as other sizes and are often the same price as a standard double. If room space allows, it’s usually worth upgrading to a standard double bed.

Standard double beds

A standard double bed measures 135 cm wide by 190 cm long (4’6” x 6’3”). Double beds are popular, particularly in modern homes where bedrooms tend to be smaller. They provide a generous amount of sleeping space for a single person and can comfortably accommodate couples. Double beds are also more widely available than other bed sizes and, since many are kept in stock, can usually be delivered relatively quickly if needed.

King size beds

A king size bed measures 150 cm wide by 200 cm long (5’0” x 6’6”). Although this bed size is more common in main bedrooms, the extra sleeping space is ideal for large guest bedrooms, especially when hosting couples. King size beds are also slightly longer than single and double beds, making them a good option for taller guests.

It usually doesn’t cost much extra to upgrade from a double to a king size bed. Some manufacturers may even offer a free upgrade, allowing you to purchase the king size model for the same price as a standard double.

Another option often available when upgrading to a king size bed is a split-tension mattress. This allows each half of the bed to have a different firmness, for example, medium on one side and firm on the other. This combination is ideal for couples with significantly different body weights or firmness preferences.

Super king size beds

For large guest bedrooms, a super king size bed, measuring 180 cm wide by 200 cm long (6’0” x 6’6”) may be an option. The generous sleeping space is ideal for couples and makes it less likely they will disturb each other during the night.

However, a super king size bed takes up a significant amount of space, so it’s important to ensure the room can comfortably accommodate it. You will also need to check access points, such as staircases and doorways, to ensure a one-piece super king mattress can fit into the room. Super king size mattresses are also heavy and can be difficult to turn or manoeuvre.

Be mindful that super king size beds are much more expensive than other bed sizes. That said, a super king size bed offers the flexibility of a second full-size bed that can be used whenever necessary, rather than just as an occasional guest bed.

Zip and link beds

A zip and link bed consists of two single beds that can be zipped together to create one large king or super king size bed. It’s a great option for spacious guest bedrooms, as it gives you the flexibility to quickly change the room layout depending on who is staying. For example, you can keep the beds separate for children or single adults or join them together for couples who prefer to sleep together. You can also move the beds into separate rooms to suit guests who prefer their own sleeping space.

A zip and link bed is also useful as a second bed if you need to sleep separately, for example, due to different sleep schedules, or when one partner is unwell. 

Zip and link beds are ideal for couples with different comfort or support preferences, as each person can have their side of the bed in their preferred mattress firmness. For example, one mattress could be soft and the other firm, a combination that is not typically available as a one-piece mattress.

Zip and link beds also eliminate any movement or roll-together, as each person is essentially sleeping in their own bed.

However, despite their flexibility, zip and link beds tend to cost significantly more than standard bed sizes. You’ll also need specially sized bedding when the beds are kept separate. This is because each single bed is 200 cm long (6’6”), which is 3 inches longer than a standard single, so that when the beds are zipped together, the overall size is equivalent to a king or super king size bed.

Finally, zip and link beds are considered non-standard and are usually made to order. As a result, delivery can take several weeks, so if you need a guest bed quickly, you may be better off choosing a standard size bed from stock.

Types of mattresses for guest bedrooms

There are several common types of mattresses, including coil springs, pocket springs, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses. There isn’t a single type that is suitable for everyone, but understanding the differences between them will help you decide which is right for your guests.  

Open coil springs

Open coil springs are commonly used in low- to mid-range mattresses because they can be mass-produced and are inexpensive to manufacture. Each spring is made from a single steel wire twisted into an hourglass shape. These springs are then arranged in rows and linked together to form the sprung unit.

Coil springs feel firmer and bouncier than other mattress types. Because each spring is interconnected, movement is transferred across the entire sleeping surface, making it more likely that sleeping partners will disturb each other in bed.

Open coil mattresses typically contain synthetic materials such as polyester and foam. They tend to be lighter than other mattresses and are widely available. However, they usually have thinner comfort layers and may not feel as comfortable and supportive as other mattress types. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan due to their construction. 

Pocket springs

Pocket springs are smaller coils that are wrapped in fabric. These fabric sleeves, or pockets, are typically stitched or glued together, allowing each spring to move independently. This design allows the mattress to respond more effectively to weight and pressure and better conform to the body.

Pocket springs also absorb movement because each spring works independently. When pressure is applied to one area, the surrounding springs are unaffected. This makes pocket spring mattresses a great option for couples, as they are less likely to disturb each other when they move during sleep.

Pocket springs are often available in soft, medium, and firm spring tensions, allowing you to choose a mattress firmness that suits your guests’ support needs and preferences.

Higher-quality pocket spring mattresses often contain natural materials such as cotton and wool, which are more luxurious, durable, and breathable.

While pocket spring mattresses are more expensive than open coil mattresses, they are highly responsive and offer better targeted support. They are also suitable for regular use, making them a good option if you occasionally need to sleep in a different bed.  

Memory foam

Memory foam is a temperature-sensitive material that gradually softens and moulds to the body. The material offers exceptional pressure relief and can also help improve circulation.

It naturally absorbs movement, so sleeping partners are less likely to disturb each other in bed.

However, memory foam has a unique feel, often described as sinking into quicksand, which may not suit everyone. Its dense cell structure can also trap body heat near the surface, making some sleepers feel uncomfortably warm. Modern memory foam mattresses, however, may be constructed with breathable fabrics and open-cell foams to create a cooler sleeping surface.

Latex

Like memory foam, latex conforms to the body. It has a slightly bouncier feel and responds quickly when pressure is removed. Latex also absorbs movement, though it is not as effective as memory foam at reducing partner disturbances.

Latex has a pin-hole structure that allows air to circulate more freely through the material, resulting in a cooler, more comfortable sleeping surface.

Natural latex is exceptionally durable and naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and resistant to dust mites. However, it is a premium material and can cost significantly more than other mattress types.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine foam with springs, offering the best of both worlds. The comfort layer(s), located near the surface, are typically made of memory foam, latex, or gel. They provide cushioning and pressure relief. The support layer(s) underneath help distribute weight evenly.

Hybrid mattresses are designed to feel more like a traditional mattress, with a bouncier feel. They are generally cooler than all-foam models because air can circulate more freely between the springs. However, they tend to be deeper and more expensive than other mattress types.

Should you buy a mattress topper instead of a new mattress for your guest bedroom?

A mattress topper is designed to improve the comfort of your bed. However, its effectiveness depends on the condition of your mattress. If the mattress is worn out or sagging, a topper is unlikely to make much difference. On the other hand, if your mattress is relatively new and in good condition, a topper can provide extra cushioning and help make your guests feel more comfortable.   

Final thoughts

Think carefully about the type and size of bed you choose for your guest bedroom. Otherwise, you may end up with a bed that is uncomfortable and impractical. Take your time, do plenty of research, and set a realistic budget, especially as you may need to use the bed yourself at times.