Though loved ones coming over is a lovely and exciting prospect, it also brings about potential problems. Most of these problems have to do with space and where those loved ones will sleep. After all, you want them to be as happy and comfortable as possible.
That is where temporary beds come in. You can buy them for a reasonable price, take them out when you need them, and then fold them into a neat and small unit you can store somewhere until you need the bed again.
But what are the best temporary beds you can choose out there? Does more expensive always equal better quality? And how do you use up the space you have in the best way possible? Read on, as you will find the answers to these and many other questions about temporary beds in the sections that follow.
Different Types of Temporary Beds for Guests
Pull Out Guest Beds
One way you can ensure you’ll always have a temporary bed is to get a trundle bed for yourself. A trundle bed is a single bed frame that has a secondary frame underneath. You can pull out this secondary frame whenever you need it and get a comfortable and spacious bed easily and quickly.
Some trundle bed frames are meant to be pulled out completely and put next to the bed, while others stay attached to the bed when you pull them out. Either way, trundle beds are extremely safe and comfortable temporary bed options. They are a great choice if your kids are having friends over, as they are much safer than bunk beds.
However, these beds are also more expensive. People only get them if they know for a fact that they’ll be having people over regularly. If that is the case, then you can think about getting one. But if you’ll only need a temporary bed solution for a few days or weeks, going with another, more affordable choice might be better.
Sofa Guest Beds
Sofa beds are another traditional solution for having guests over. The great thing about these beds is that they serve a double purpose. You can keep them in your living room, bedroom, or even office as excellent accessories for people to sit on. But at night, you get to transform them into comfortable temporary beds your guests can sleep in.
So, if you are debating whether to get a regular sofa or a sofa bed, the choice is pretty easy. A sofa bed is just as functional a piece of furniture as a regular sofa, but it can also serve as a temporary bed. That makes it a better choice.
Even though sofa beds are slightly more expensive, their double purpose more than makes up for it. With a sofa bed, you’ll always have a solution for your guests sleeping over, and you won’t have to spend any additional money on a temporary bed.
Pull Down Guest Beds
If you are looking for a subtle temporary bed option that won’t take up too much space during the day, this option is for you. These beds are also known as wall beds or fold-down beds, and their name tells you everything you need to know about them.
The bed is attached to a wall using special screws, and the mechanism inside the bed enables you to fold it against the wall whenever you want. That makes it perfect for small apartments or houses. You can put it in multi-purpose rooms and fold it up whenever you don’t need it.
It is important to mention that these beds are often quite pricey due to their nature and everything that is needed to set them up. In addition, since these beds have to be attached to a wall, they are not an option for those living in rented accommodation.
Folding Guest Beds
Folding beds are great space savers. However, they don’t look that great just sitting in your room when you’re not using them. So, you should only go for fold-up beds if you have somewhere else to store them once you don’t need them anymore. Such options include a garage or a spare room people won’t go in.
The great thing about these beds is their versatility. They come as both singles and doubles. In addition, they are portable, meaning that you can put them in the trunk of your car and carry them wherever you go. Finally, they are highly affordable and won’t drain your budget at all.
Zip and Link Guest Beds
A zip and link bed is an interesting temporary bed idea you can consider. Essentially, a zip and link bed consists of two separate mattresses that can be either separated or zipped together.
If you zip them together, you get a single or double bed you can sleep in yourself. But when you separate the mattresses, you basically get two beds: one for you and one for your guests. And when they are done using the mattress, you simply zip and link it back to your own.
This temporary bed option is amazing because you don’t need any extra space to hold the mattress. It’s just on your bed, and you can unzip it whenever you need to. These beds also take up less space, as the base of the bed does not have to be as big as the mattresses themselves.
Air Mattresses
There is no list of temporary guest beds that does not mention good old air mattresses. You get to keep these beds in your closet or anywhere you want and inflate them once guests come over. They are comfortable and don’t take up too much space.
However, it is important that the air mattress you buy is as high-quality as possible. No one wants to lie down on a comfortable air mattress at night and wake up on the hard floor because the mattress deflated in the meantime. So, make sure that the material is sturdy and the mattress durable. Also, consider raising your air mattress off the floor so it doesn’t get punctured or scratch the floor.
Air mattresses are affordable and great for small spaces. However, they aren’t a good solution for prolonged use as they do not offer the same level of support as regular beds and mattresses. So if your guests are staying for a long time, a different option might be better for you.
Day Beds
Day beds are a quite versatile option for a temporary bed. They can serve as comfy sofas, temporary beds, and even storage units if they come with drawers underneath.
You can easily customize day beds to fit in with your decor. They can be ready for a guest to sleep in mere minutes, and you can keep sheets, pillows, and comforters in the drawers underneath them. That way, everything you will need will be right there, and surprise guests will not cause you anxiety anymore.
Bed-In-a-Box
These beds are, perhaps, the most clever temporary bed solution that saves you tons of space. These beds are folded into a box (they look just like ottomans), and you can unfold them whenever the need arises.
When these beds are folded, they are incredibly subtle. It is hard to tell that there is a bed in the room at all. The box looks like an ordinary piece of furniture meant for sitting.
Once you unfold the box, you get a comfortable bed anyone could sleep in. Add some comfortable sheets, pillows, and a comforter and give your guests a true hotel experience.
Folding Mattresses
Aside from a folding bed, you can also get a folding mattress. The main difference between the two is the frame. Namely, the bed has one, while the mattress does not. Mattresses are also more comfortable, especially those made of memory foam.
The mattresses usually come with three pads in three corners that make them easy to fold and get ready for storing. These mattresses are perfect for last-minute guests because you can unfold them in seconds and offer your guests a comfortable place for sleeping.
These mattresses are quite affordable. What’s more, they are versatile, as you can keep them at home or take them with you on camping trips or any other trip you’re going on.
The Best Temporary Bed Options On the Market
Now that you know all the temporary bed types, it is time to see which products on the market fit into the descriptions we provided as well as into your budget. Read on.
1. Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed
This model is one of the best folding beds you can find. The great thing about it is the fact that it is spacious to lie in but doesn’t take up much space when folded. That is all you really want from a folding bed in the first place.
- EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT – The Diplomat distinguishes...
- LUXURIOUS COMFORT –the Diplomat features our...
- PRACTICAL & PORTABLE – Fold up your Diplomat to a...
- QUICK & EASY ASSEMBLY – Assembly has never been...
Apart from a single bed option, you can also go for their twin bed one. And the best thing is, both options look pretty much the same folded up. So, the twin one doesn’t take more space, making it a perfect purchase if you have more than one person coming over.
We will put things in perspective for you. Once you set up the bed, its dimensions are as follows: 75 inches in length, 38 inches in width, and a height of 17 inches. Thus, most anyone will be able to sleep comfortably in it.
Once you fold it up to put it away, you get a package of 38-inch width, 14-inch thickness, and 44 inches high. Compared to some other similar options on the market, this model is the smallest and most compact.
Apart from being portable and comfortable, this bed is also made of premium materials. The mattress consists of five layers, while the frame is made of high-grade steel. The wire lattice is also quite sturdy, ensuring the bed won’t sag with prolonged use.
The bed has two downsides. Firstly, it is a bit challenging to put together, and you’ll probably need more than one set of hands for the job. Secondly, it is rather expensive, which is off-putting for many people.
Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed – Available on Amazon
2. TATAGO Premium Ottoman Folding Bed
Most temporary and portable beds support the weight of up to 300 pounds. But that is not the case with this bed-in-a-box model. In fact, this TATAGO bed can sustain a weight of up to 500 pounds, making it the perfect choice if you have bulkier guests over.
- ✅【500lbs Max Weight Capacity】–Heavy duty rust...
- ✅【3inch Comfort Foam Mattress】–Featuring a...
- ✅【Dual Use Ottoman+Bed】–You can simply remove...
- ✅【Easy assembly】Assembly is simple and quick, no...
The reason behind such sturdiness is the construction of the bed. The lattice base is wired, and there is an additional high-quality spring that both provides support and makes you comfortable. The tubes are made from rust-resistant steel, and the bed also has a locking brace to make everything extra safe.
The bed comes with a 3-inch mattress that gets rave reviews from everyone who uses it. It provides you with excellent support that is great for your back, which will help you have a restful sleep. However, some people say that the mattress is a bit too firm and that they would prefer something slightly softer. So, that is something you ought to keep in mind before purchasing this bed.
Once folded, this model resembles a beautiful black ottoman that can easily fit in with any decor. It can make a great addition to your living room, office, or bedroom. And the best thing is, no one will ever be able to tell it is actually a temporary bed.
TATAGO Premium Ottoman Folding Bed – Available on Amazon
3. Giantex Fold Down Sofa Bed
Sofa beds are an excellent choice if you want your temporary bed to serve a double purpose. This model can serve as a regular sofa in general and transform into a comfortable bed when guests come over.
Giantex is a brand that is famous for the extraordinary softness of all its furniture pieces. This sofa bed is no exception. The mattress on top of it is filled with high-quality sponges, and it also has a flocking surface. All of that ensures you will have a great time both sitting and lying on this bed.
- 【Flocking Surface & Sponge Filling】 This mattress...
- 【Fixed Magic Stick】 It features fixed magic sticks...
- 【Two Position Available】This sofa could be adjust...
- 【Versatility Usage】 This folding mattress can be...
The mattress also has three zippers you can use to remove the top cover and wash it whenever you need to. This model is quite easy to clean in general, so that part won’t give you too much trouble.
The frame has a rather sturdy build and has two adjustable positions for you to pick. One is for lying down, and the other is for sitting. In addition, you won’t have to worry about the sofa bed not being firmly set in place once you pick the position. The magic sticks on the sides make sure to keep the bed stable at all times by locking it in place.
Of course, this bed is not a folding option, so you can’t just store it in your closet once you’re done with it. Thus, only buy a sofa bed if you have the need and space for a sofa in the first place.
One con that you definitely need to consider is the fact that taller people might find this bed too small to sleep in comfortably. If your guests are on the taller side, another option on the list might be a better fit.
Giantex Fold Down Sofa Bed – Available on Amazon
4. SoundAsleep Dream Inflatable Bed
As we have mentioned, an air mattress can be a good choice for a temporary bed if it is high-quality. Luckily, there are models out there that fit into that category, and the SoundAsleep Dream bed is one of them.
- CUSTOMER FRIENDLY 1-YEAR WARRANTY comes standard on all...
- INDUSTRY LEADING DESIGN exclusively using ComfortCoil...
- PATENTED 1-CLICK INTERNAL PUMP ensures quick and easy...
- PREMIUM “DOUBLE-HEIGHT” RAISED AIR BED with dual...
When fully inflated, this model is the size of a standard queen-size bed. The great thing about this model is that it is almost twice as high as other inflatable beds. That will give your guests the impression that they are sleeping in and getting up from a regular bed, which is always a plus.
You can sleep directly on this mattress. However, a sheet will help protect it and add another layer of softness and comfort. On the inside, the mattress consists of 40 internal air coils. These coils ensure that the bed stays firm and flat all the way through the night.
The bed comes with a built-in pump that is responsible for both inflating and deflating. You will need a power outlet nearby for it to do the job, though. The pump does an impressive job, as it can both deflate and inflate the bed in mere minutes without any help from you.
Air mattresses are not made for daily use. They will inevitably wear down, no matter how sturdy or high-quality they are. Thus, only get this bed if your guests won’t be staying over for too long and if you’ll only inflate it from time to time. In such cases, this bed is a perfect choice and one we warmly recommend.
SoundAsleep Dream Inflatable Bed – Available on Amazon
5. LEISUIT Rollaway Guest Bed
This model is an excellent portable guest bed. You can set it up in just a few minutes, and it won’t take up too much space at all.
When you fully unfold it, this bed has the following dimensions: 31x75x14 inches. The dimensions of it folded are 31x37x6.7 inches. Most anyone could work with such compact measures, as this bed can fit into the corner of most closets.
- Memory Foam+High Density Sponge:The 3" memory foam...
- High-Strength Oxford:Compared with wood slat and wire...
- Ideal Fold Out Bed:Robust all metal frame folds in half...
- Quick Assembly :No tool needed, the roll away bed can...
These dimensions also ensure that the bed is lightweight. You can carry it with you wherever you go and have a temporary bed at your disposal at all times. The bed also has small and sturdy wheels that make it easy to roll it out for your guest whenever they need it. You can also lock the wheels in place, so the bed does not move.
The mattress is made from high-density sponges and memory foam, ensuring the bed is soft and comfortable The frame is made of steel, meaning that it can sustain up to 300 pounds. As far as folding beds go, that is quite generous. The tube frame is also durable and sturdy.
Though this model is affordable, it is not made to be used every day. Prolonged use will make it sag, especially if the person sleeping on it is a bit bulkier. The cloth covering the mattress also tears easily, according to reviews.
LEISUIT Rollaway Guest Bed – Available on Amazon
6. Zermätte Roll Up Mattress
If you only need a portable mattress for your friend to sleep in for a night or two, this might be a good idea. You won’t have to spend too much money, and it won’t take up a lot of space once you fold it back up. What’s more, you’ll get a nice mattress you’ll be able to take on camping trips.
- A GOOD NIGHT’S REST GOES PORTABLE | 2.75” Extra...
- TRAVEL LIGHT WITHOUT MISSING A WINK | Compact Sleep Pad...
- ULTRA PLUSH COVER WITH GRIPPED BOTTOM | Don’t Worry...
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR SOUND SLEEP | To Ensure a...
This mattress is made of dense memory foam stuffed inside a moldable cover. This combination will ensure there is no backache after sleeping in it for a few days. You can get this bed in different sizes, from those made for kids to twin beds. Also, the mattress is durable, meaning that it can sustain a weight of up to 300 pounds.
The cover is easy to clean, and it won’t absorb dirt or dust nearly as much as other mattresses in the same price range. The material on the bottom can easily stick to any surface, so you don’t have to worry about the mattress moving around as you sleep in it.
If you are contemplating getting a folding mattress that can also serve as a bed on camping trips, this is the one for you. You will no longer need flimsy sleeping bags that make your back ache. With this option, you can enjoy outdoor trips as if you were in the comfort of your own home.
Zermätte Roll Up Mattress – Available on Amazon
7. Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Sofa Bed
This sofa bed comes in several sizes that you can choose depending on your guest’s size and build. It also comes in beautiful colors that can fit in with any decor you have in your home.
When you need a temporary bed for a guest, you only have to unfold it, and it will only take a few minutes to do so. This sofa bed is incredibly light, so you will be able to move it between rooms if you need to. However, that also means it has a lower weight capacity, at about 230 pounds.
The outer material is incredibly easy to clean, so ensuring this sofa is always meticulous will not be a problem. The bed also comes with wheels, so you can move it and clean the space around it easily.
The first sofa bed we recommended was not fit for taller people. This one, on the other hand, is. So, if you need a bed for someone lean and tall, this is the model you should go for. They will sleep comfortably and get enough rest every night.
Milliard Tri-Fold Foam Sofa Bed – Available on Amazon
Final Thoughts On Temporary Beds
Temporary beds can make your life a lot easier. You can fold and put away most models or enjoy them as sofas, ottomans, and lounge chairs when you don’t need them.
With so many options to choose from, looking for a perfect temporary bed can get a bit overwhelming. Hopefully, the guide to temporary bed types at the beginning of the article helps you find the bed you need. Then, you can check out our recommendations and see if any of them match your budget and preferences.
If not, you can always explore even further and find what you desire. Remember to value quality over everything else, and you’ll find a bed that will last you a long time and that your guests will love sleeping in. Good luck!
