There are so many things to think about at Christmas. Not just what to buy for your 80-year-old father or whether to opt for the traditional Christmas pudding or something a little different, like a Yule log or cheesecake. There is the age-old problem of how on earth you’re going to accommodate the extra overnight guests. Fortunately, there are now plenty of types of beds and mattresses designed specifically for the expected or even unexpected guests.
Different types of guest beds
Sofa beds
If you don’t have the luxury of a spare bedroom, you could fit a sofa bed in a separate sitting room or study. Sofa beds are available in different sizes – two-seaters, three-seaters and corner sofas. If space is tight, opt for the two-seater version. This will comfortably sleep one person but could be a tight fit for two, often only providing a sleeping width of 120cm (4ft) or less.
There are generally two styles of sofa bed mechanisms. The first type has a metal frame that folds out from underneath the seating area to reveal a mattress. The mattresses can vary in depth and construction – the deeper the mattress, the greater comfort and support provided. This type of sofa bed is generally the most expensive type and is a good option if you regularly have guests.
The ‘click-clack’ is the other main type of sofa bed mechanism. This is due to the sound of the ratchets, which let you fold the back section of the sofa into a flat position to form the sleeping surface. They are ideal for the occasional one-night sleepover and can cost as little as a couple of hundred pounds. They aren’t as comfortable as a more traditional sofa bed, and the sleeping area is often limited due to the upright arms.
Z-beds
Z-beds and fold-out sofa chairs are a great option for single guests and don’t take up as much room as a sofa bed. Cheaper models are made entirely from hinged foam cushions, with better models having a metal action. Z-beds fold up neatly and can be stored in a large cupboard.
Children’s bedrooms
A good option in children’s bedrooms is the hideaway bed. Often referred to as a trundle or truckle bed, these are beds with a second hidden underneath the main one that simply roll out. Better models allow the second bed to be raised to the same level as the main bed. In most models, the underbed allows a standard UK single-size mattress to be used.
Inflatable mattresses
Inflatable air mattresses are another choice for the occasional sleepover and have become popular in the last few years. Price and quality vary considerably, with some coming with their own pumps or self-inflation devices. Easy to store and simple to inflate, they can vary hugely in quality, so don’t expect the cheapest ones to be the most robust.
Now that you have a selection of Christmas guest bed ideas, it’s time to get back to thinking about the important stuff. Christmas pudding or Yule log?
0 Comments