The 9 Best Guest Beds for Small Spaces

If you're here, chances are you've got a teeny-tiny spare room or a cosy studio apartment and you're on the hunt for the perfect guest bed. To help all you space-conscious hosts, here we share our favourite guest beds for small spaces. These beds are not only space-saving but also comfortable and stylish, ensuring your family and friends will feel right at home.

1. Sofa beds

Imagine this: your best friend comes to visit, but where will they sleep? Enter the sofa bed. During the day, it's a modern sofa for lounging, and at night, it transforms into a comfortable bed, so you don't have to sacrifice style for hospitality. Make sure to measure your doorways before ordering, as most sofa beds arrive fully assembled or in two pieces. For the tightest spaces, a clic-clac sofa bed folds flat without needing clearance at the front.

2. Day beds

For when you're short on space but still want to host occasional visitors, a day bed is ideal. Not only do they provide a comfortable sleeping surface, but they also double as a functional piece of furniture during the day. You can longue on them with a good book or playlist and just unwind. Plus, you can opt for a day bed with built-in storage drawers and shelves so that your guests have a place to unpack their belongings. Day beds use standard single mattresses, so you've got plenty of options when it comes to comfort and firmness.

3. Folding beds

For the tiniest of spaces, invest in a folding bed. They are super versatile as they can be easily tucked away when not in use, freeing up precious square footage. And when your guests arrive, they can be set up in minutes. Say goodbye to the days of sacrificing comfort for functionality, and hello to folding beds, a wonderful last-minute bed for small-space hospitality.

4. Ottoman beds

When every inch of space counts, an ottoman bed can be a game-changer. The lift-up base reveals a spacious storage area underneath, perfect for bulky items like seasonal clothing or spare bedding. And because the base lifts upwards rather than outwards, you don't need floor space for drawers to open into. This makes ottoman beds ideal for rooms where the bed sits close to walls on multiple sides. See our full guide to storage bed types for more options.

5. Divan beds

Like ottoman beds, divan beds also excel in providing valuable storage space. These beds feature built-in storage options, such as drawers or compartments, integrated into the base. This clever design allows you to put away extra blankets, pillows, or clothing efficiently.

6. Air beds

Air beds make genius guest beds for snug spots, and they're one of the most affordable options if you're hosting on a budget. They can be quickly inflated when needed and easily deflated and stowed away when not in use, conserving your valuable space. They're also lightweight and easy to transport, making them especially ideal for households with kids who take turns having sleepovers. For more ways to create a welcoming guest space without spending a fortune, see our budget friendly spare room ideas.

7. Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are an excellent choice for guest rooms, giving you two or three sleeping spaces within the footprint of a single bed. They offer a fun and adventurous sleeping arrangement for children while helping keep the room organised. Consider choosing a bunk bed with built-in shelves and drawers to neatly store toys, books and other belongings. A triple bunk bed can accommodate even more sleepers without taking up extra floor space, making it easier to host friends or siblings comfortably.

8. Cabin beds

Another fantastic option for younger guests is cabin beds. These beds are designed to do more than just provide a place to sleep—they create a dedicated space for creativity and play. Whether you choose a cabin bed with a built-in workstation for arts and crafts or one with a gaming station, this type of bed is perfect for encouraging imagination and keeping kids engaged. Cabin beds often feature storage solutions as well, helping to keep the room tidy while offering a multifunctional space that’s both practical and fun.

9. Small double beds

A small double bed is an ideal choice for creating a snug guest room while maximising space. With dimensions of 120cm by 190cm, it provides a comfortable sleeping area for two people without overwhelming the room. This compact size allows you to maintain a spacious feel, leaving enough room for additional furniture or décor elements. Whether for a studio apartment or a small spare room, a small double bed offers both comfort and practicality.

Which space-saving guest bed is right for you?

Still weighing up your options? Our guest bed buying guide walks through mattress choices and welcoming comfort tips. For styling inspiration, our guest bedroom ideas cover colour schemes, furniture choices and finishing touches that suit compact spaces.

Once you've sorted the sleeping arrangements, small touches make all the difference. Our guide to sleep etiquette when hosting overnight guests shares everything from offering the right toiletries to giving visitors space to settle in.