Solutions for an Extra Bed

Elegant sleeping ideas for those of us who are so over couch crashing

Designer Mandy Cheng designed custom cabinetry around the Murphy bed in her guest bedroom. (Photo: Yoshihiro Makino for Architectural Digest)

My husband, son, and I moved last week. It was traumatic and endless drudgery. Since we all know how bad it is to pack up an entire household then turn around and unpack it all again I’ll spare you the details.

One good thing that happened is our bedroom count changed from two to four.

Now I can accommodate any of my three adult children along with their partners and friends without worrying where they’re going to sleep. We bought a Murphy bed many years ago and it is still serving us well. It would also be great to do a foldaway-type bed for the other guest room so I could use it for other things in between guests.

Extra bed options have come a long way in recent years. For small homes and active social lives, they come in very handy, to say the least. They are smart in design and take up very little space when not in use. I collected some ideas that range in scope from easy and (relatively) cheap to time-consuming and pricey (but worth it).

(The obvious option, a pullout couch or sofa bed, is not included here as I intend to save that for an article on its own.)

First, the rollaway.

The Rollaway Bed

The Millard Deluxe Diplomat Folding Bed is an option with glowing reviews on Amazon. (Photo: Amazon)

For about $350 you really can’t go wrong with the classic rollaway bed. These metal foldups still resemble the ones we all remember from family trips that ended in budget motel rooms. However, they are superior in strength and support.

Rollaways are compact enough to store in a large closet. A good-quality rollaway will have a 4- or 5-inch-thick mattress and provides a surprisingly comfortable night’s sleep. One tip: Check the reviews to make sure the mattress size is accurate to standard sheet sizes.

Next up: the futon.

The Futon

The frame on this Okinawa Bi-Fold futon frame is sleek and pretty; it also offers a drawer below and a storage rack on the back. (Photo: The Futon Shop)

One lesson to share: When you say “futon” you are technically referring to the traditional Japanese bedding set that includes a roll-up mattress filled with wool or cotton (shikibuton), comforter, pillow, and floor mat. For the couch conversion type, the correct term is “Western futon.” It includes a thicker mattress that folds and fits onto a couch frame.

Overall, you have some pretty amazing options and comfort levels. Choose from twin, full, queen, or king; organic wool and cotton mattresses; and either frames or platforms if you don’t like the idea of your guest sleeping on the floor. Prices range from $400 - $1,600 for the mattress, and $600 - $1,000 for the frame.

Your basic vertical Murphy bed operates on a strong hydraulic spring so it is easy (and safe) to pull down.

Now for a bigger spend … the Murphy bed.

Wall-mount Murphy

The full Murphy bed appears to be a large cabinet by day, and pulls down into a twin, full, queen, or king bed by night. The mattress is very comfortable, just like a regular bed, and they come in a variety of designs (formal, beachy, modern, farmhouse, etc.) and finishes.

It’s probably the best option if you want a foldaway bed that acts like a permanent bed—for example, for someone who is staying in it longer than a week or so. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the bedcovering and the pillows need to be removed and put away before closing up the bed.

These things are very expensive and heavy. They range from $2,100 not including mattress (the Bestar shown above) to upwards of $10,000 for one that’s custom built. Ours is just a frame like the Bestar, but you have others with options like side cubbies, cabinets, reading lights, and overhead shelves.

Slightly less expensive but supposedly a b**tch to assemble, cabinet Murphy beds are nevertheless an ingenious way to give your spare room more space between guests. (Photo: Murphy Bed Depot)

Cabinet Bed

The cabinet bed is a very interesting configuration. It’s a Murphy bed that folds away into a portable cabinet instead of into the wall.

The obvious advantage here is more portability and you don’t lose a large chunk of wall to operate it.

(Photo: Murphy Bed Depot)

There are many designs to choose from including some really nice-looking Mission style and “Amish” style hand-finished cabinets. (Amish isn’t truly a furniture style; it simply refers to the use of solid wood, traditional joinery, and simple hardware and finishes.)

This is a good idea for a very small room that might feel engulfed by a wall-mount bed.

It wouldn’t hurt to ask an architect if your home could benefit from a built-in sleeping space like this. (Photo: DecorPad)

Drum roll, please … the Built-in Bed

Built-in Bed

This option is very expensive and also relies heavily on the space and layout of your room to work well. It’s ideal for an older house where the room might have alcoves, or maybe an adjoining smaller room that could be redesigned into a built-in bed area.

But oh … the end result could be spectacular.

Sometimes it’s difficult for a layperson to visualize the possibilities; a professional could help here. If you think you could benefit from a remodel that includes a built-in sleeping space, get the advice of an interior designer and/or an architect.

Needless to say, a built-in sleeping space is beneficial and attractive for any size home.

Needless to say, it’s also a big investment.

Creating a bed nook changes the entire layout and enhances the architectural appeal of the room. (Photo: DecorPad)

In the best outcome, the remodeled room is more cohesive and sets a boundary between sleeping area and living area.

A Cozy Port in a Storm

No matter which extra bed option ends up working for your own situation, you will experience a feeling of deep satisfaction. It’s a joyous expression of hospitality when one can say “I would love for you to stay with us” without having to sheet up the living room couch.

Your guests will appreciate it, too.

When we are finished with our “fourth bedroom” and its Murphy bed install, I’ll share it with you.