Choosing the Right Bed for Your Guest Room
Nothing sours having guests over more than an uncomfortable mattress and a bed that doesn’t work for the space.
Guest beds should be comfortable and perfectly sized for the space. Inbuilt storage can reduce bulky furniture items and give your guests somewhere to put their stuff. A high headboard gives them something to sit up against.
There are so many things to consider. Read on for our expert advice:
Budgets
Spending a small fortune on a guest bedroom isn’t necessary when there are so many fantastic, affordable beds and mattresses, but splurging a little extra is worth it if you want to deliver the wow factor.
For guest rooms that only get occasional use, a decent double mattress costs £250–£350. Prioritise pocket springs over open coils, though. Those tiny, individually wrapped springs reduce motion transfer and provide more targeted support. If your spare room doubles as an Air BnB suite or you regularly host long-term guests, it’s worth levelling up. £350–£450 will get you a high-quality pocket-sprung mattress built to last.
You don’t necessarily need to spend a lot on something pricier, but a few extra pounds offer peace of mind that your mattress will satisfy every body type.
Bed Size
Double beds are the most popular, with a double mattress measuring 135cm x 190 cm—suitable for most couples. King size beds are 150 cm x 200 cm, with that extra 15 cm of width equivalent to an extra-slim person sleeping on their side.
Kings are godsends with babies and young children, who usually end up in the guest bed anyway. Doubles save space and are cheaper. Your call.
Bed Frame Style and Storage
An ottoman bed frame with hydraulic storage is best when floor space is tight. It gives your guests somewhere to stash their bags out of the way, which reduces the amount of bulky furniture in your guest bedroom.
A low-profile metal or wooden bed frame is another option for an open, airy vibe that makes your guest room feel bright and welcoming.
The Perfect Mattress Firmness
You’ll want something in that oh-so-accommodating medium to medium-firm range to satisfy most side and back sleepers.
A plush medium suits most side sleepers, while back sleepers prefer a touch more resistance with a medium-firm mattress.
Both firmness ratings deliver a comfy, pressure-relieving slumber for temporary use. Just remember that slatted bed frames can make a firmer mattress feel a tad softer, while solid platforms can make a soft mattress feel firmer.
Choosing an Elegant Bed Frame
Your bed frame sets the tone for your guest bedroom, so choose carefully. A richly upholstered frame like a sleigh bed with plush wings wrapping around the headboard exudes boutique hotel vibes. Effortless elegance.
Classic wooden and metal frames in black or white can look chic with the right interior design and a colourful feature wall.
Consider the finish and how it complements the rest of your decor scheme – maybe a buttery tan leather or a modern matte black vibe if you’re daring.
Don’t underestimate the cosy factor of an upholstered headboard for sitting up and reading in bed or built-in storage like drawers or an ottoman base to give guests a useful perk that cuts down on clutter.
Let the bed be the star, then layer in pops of pattern and texture through bedding, curtains, throws, artwork, and a plush area rug for an extra hit of cosy.
Summing Up
With strategic splurges and a dash of creativity, you can curate a chic, comfortable, and blissfully serene guest retreat without blowing your budget.
Your visitors will thank you for investing in a fantastic bed and mattress – and their well-rested smiles will be all the proof you need that you nailed it.
*This is a collaborative post
