12 Ideas for How to Hide a Guest Bed

If you live in a small apartment, you might want to free up some space during the day. A bed takes up a lot of room but is only used at night. Hiding it when you don’t need it can make your place feel bigger.

On the other hand, maybe you have a guest bed that you don’t use very often. You want a creative way to make it blend in with your home’s style. It should look good and be ready for guests when they visit.

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Ways to Hide Guest Beds

Here are 12 clever and creative ways to hide guest beds in your home, maximizing space and style without compromising comfort or functionality.

Closet Beds

Imagine a chic apartment inspired by Swiss Army Knives. All the furniture folds up and fits inside a spacious closet, even a cozy bed. The closet doors open to reveal an organized space with everything you need.

The bed is snug inside, surrounded by shelves and drawers. It’s simple, elegant, and saves a ton of space while still providing a comfortable and private sleeping area.

When morning comes, just fold the bed back into the closet and you’ve got your living space back. Closet beds are an innovative solution for those who want to maximize their space.

Sofa Beds

When you think of a temporary bed that can be hidden, a sofa bed probably comes to mind first. It’s the most popular solution. And there are many ways to hide a bed inside a sofa.

Some designs have a mattress that pulls out from underneath the cushions. Others involve rearranging the back pillows to lay flat and form a sleeping surface. Modular sofa systems offer even more flexibility, with pieces that can be moved around to create different configurations.

The main downside is that to make the bed fit inside the sofa frame, the mattress is often thinner and not as high quality as a regular bed. That means sofa beds are great for planning sleepovers and hosting guests, but not for everyday sleeping over a long time.

For a more comfortable night’s sleep, you’d want to consider a daybed. Still, sofa beds are a classic choice for those who want a versatile piece of furniture that can adapt to their needs.

Chair Beds

Chair beds are similar to sofa beds, but they have some extra benefits. First, they take up less room, which is perfect if you don’t have a lot of space. Second, they’re easier to move around and fit into your room’s layout. You can even have more than one chair bed to host multiple guests.

There are chair beds with a simple, modern look that works with many different styles. You can also find chair beds in neutral white that match contemporary rooms.

Whether you use them in a living room, home office or small bedroom, chair beds are a great option when you need extra seating that can easily convert into a sleeping spot.

Trundle Beds

Trundle beds feature a secondary mattress that slides out from underneath the main bed frame, providing an additional sleeping surface when needed. When not in use, the trundle can be easily tucked away, keeping your room clutter-free and spacious.

Trundle beds offer a more permanent sleeping solution compared to inflatable mattresses or fold-out chairs. The mattress on a trundle bed is typically thicker and more supportive than those found on sofa beds or chair beds, providing a better night’s sleep for your guests. Plus, you can easily accessorize the trundle bed with cozy bedding and pillows to create a welcoming and inviting space for your visitors.

When not in use, simply tuck the trundle back under the main bed, and your room will be ready for its everyday use once again. You can even incorporate the trundle bed into your under bed storage, using the frame to hold seasonal items and such.

Table Beds

Here’s an unexpected idea that’s perfect for small city apartments or homes that only occasionally host overnight guests. Picture a sleek dining set with a table and chairs. But here’s the twist – the table has a hidden compartment underneath that holds a folded up bed frame and mattress.

The trick is to find a wall bed units that has a pullout table, with half of the table supported by the wall bed and the other half by standard table legs.

When guests stay over, just move the chairs out of the way, fold away the table and roll out the bed. Genius! Dining area beds are a surprising and practical way to accommodate guests in small spaces.

When you have company, simply clear off the tabletop and lift it up. The bed frame unfolds and extends out into the room, while the mattress fits neatly on top. Arrange the chairs and table ends around it to create a daybed or sofa look. In the morning, just fold it all back up and your dining room is restored. It’s like magic!

Desk Bed

Similar to the hideaway bed behind your dining table, there’s the desk bed! These clever pieces of furniture serve dual purposes, functioning as a desk during the day and transforming into a comfortable bed at night.

When in desk mode, they provide a proper workspace with ample surface area for computers, books, and other work materials. At night, they can be quickly converted into a bed. This makes them ideal for studio apartment bedrooms or home offices that need to double as occasional sleeping quarters.

Wardrobe-Style Murphy Beds

Wardrobe-style murphy beds offer a clever solution for maximizing space in small living areas. These designs integrate a fold-down bed into what appears to be a standard wardrobe or closet unit.

During the day, the bed is tucked vertically into the wardrobe structure, completely hidden from view. This allows the room to function as a living space, home office, or for other purposes. When needed, the bed can be easily pulled down from the wardrobe, transforming the space into a bedroom.

Murphy beds can be concealed in various other ways as well, hiding behind a bookcase or in a cabinet or chest.

Reading Nook Beds

Why not turn part of your living room into a cozy reading corner that doubles as guest accommodation? Reading nooks like this are a great way to create a relaxing, multi-purpose space.

Choose cushions and pillows in a style that complements the rest of the room. Arrange them on a pullout sleeper bench or window seat to create an inviting spot to curl up with a book.

Then when guests come to stay, you can easily remove some of the cushions to reveal a bed. A twin or even full-size mattress can fit in the nook, providing a comfy place to sleep.

In the morning after your guests leave, put the cushions back and your reading nook is restored. With some clever styling, your guests might not even realize it’s a pull-out bed.

Glass Room Dividers

Sliding doors with frosted or mirrored glass are a stylish way to separate a living room and bedroom. Thin black metal frames add a modern edge.

The foggy glass provides privacy without making the space feel closed off. It’s a fresh, sophisticated look that’s both trendy and functional. Glass room dividers are a chic and practical way to create distinct areas within an open floor plan and can help dress up a simpler guest bed.

Under-Stair Hideaways

Those awkward, sloped areas beneath a staircase often end up being wasted space or home to various odds and ends. But with a little creativity, you can transform them into cozy sleeping nooks for guests. A custom-built platform can be designed to fit perfectly into the available space, with a mattress that sits on top.

You can even add drawers underneath to provide extra storage for linens and pillows.

If you have high ceilings, you have even more options. Take advantage of the vertical space by adding full-height shelving to create a built-in library feel.

Tuck a daybed or sleeper sofa away under these shelves and you’ve got the perfect hideaway spot for visiting friends and family. With some smart planning, you can turn an under-utilized area into a functional and inviting guest retreat.

Retractable Loft Beds

Imagine a smart layout for a modern, minimalist small space. Carefully designed, multi-functional built-ins keep the main living area open and airy. A sleek metal staircase leads up to a lofted bedroom.

But the real showstopper is the bed itself. Suspended from the ceiling by industrial metal ropes and a pulley system, it appears to float in midair.

When it’s time to sleep, simply pull the bed down to the desired height. Climb the ladder and drift off in your own cozy nest. In the morning, hoist the bed back up to the ceiling to instantly free up valuable floor space for daytime use.

The clean lines and cool hardware give this clever bed solution a contemporary edge. Pulley loft beds are a unique, eye-catching option for those who want to save space without sacrificing style.

Reverse Loft Beds

Many studio apartments are rooms with sharply sloped ceilings located in attics or lofts. These unusual angles can present design challenges.

But with some clever space planning, you can transform one into a welcoming home. Start by using wood paneling to create built-in storage and a nightstand under the low windows.

A small desk can be tucked under the eaves on one end of the room. On the other side, elevate your kitchen with an island or breakfast bar.

Underneath, there’s just enough room to slide in a mattress on a platform. Hence why we call it a “reverse loft bed” as it inverts the idea by placing the bed on the bottom and the living space on top.

During the day, add bolsters or large pillows along the back to turn it into a banquette or sofa. Beds like these are a smart solution for studio apartments with tricky layouts.

FAQs

What’s the best way to hide a guest bed in a small apartment?

Consider using a multifunctional furniture piece like a sofa bed or daybed. These options serve as comfortable seating during the day and easily convert into a bed at night, maximizing the use of limited space without compromising on functionality.

Another solution is a wall-mounted murphy bed, which can be folded up vertically against the wall when not in use. Modern murphy bed designs often incorporate additional features like built-in storage or a desk, further enhancing their practicality in compact living areas.

For occasional use, a high-quality inflatable mattress that can be easily stored in a closet or under existing furniture when deflated offers great flexibility in small apartments.

How do I make my guest bed look inviting?

To make a guest bed look inviting, start by pairing a  a high-quality mattress with cozy, crisp bedding in neutral or soothing colors. Layer the bed with a mix of textures, such as a soft duvet, a cozy throw blanket, and an assortment of plush pillows in varying sizes. Test out the bed yourself to make sure it meets your comfort standards.

Add thoughtful touches like a small tray with a carafe of water and a glass, a scented candle for sleep, or a small vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand. Ensure the area around the bed is clutter-free and consider adding soft lighting options like a bedside lamp or string lights to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

What is the best alternative to a Murphy bed?

One of the best alternatives to a Murphy bed is a daybed or sofa bed, which can serve as comfortable seating during the day and easily convert into a bed at night. Another excellent option is a loft bed, which uses vertical space by placing the bed area above a desk, storage, or seating area below.

For those seeking a more traditional look, a trundle bed can be a great choice, offering a hidden second bed that pulls out from under the main bed frame when needed.

Does a Murphy bed have to be anchored to the wall?

Murphy beds typically require anchoring to the wall for safety, stability, and proper functioning. The vertical folding design and weight of the bed create forces that could cause tipping if not securely attached.

Wall anchoring ensures the bed remains steady during use, preventing wobbling or shifting that could affect comfort and durability. It also supports the lifting and lowering mechanism, allowing for smooth operation and reducing the risk of mechanical issues.

While some freestanding Murphy bed designs exist, they are less common and may have their own safety considerations. For standard Murphy beds, wall anchoring isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a crucial aspect of installation.

Are there any hidden bed options that don’t require permanent installation?

Yes, there are several non-permanent options available. Consider a chair bed or a foldable bed that can be easily stored away when not in use.

These versatile pieces can be moved around your home as needed, making them perfect for renters or those who like to switch up their space.

What’s the most space-saving way to hide a guest bed?

A lofted bed that retracts against the ceiling takes advantage of often underused vertical space, keeping the floor area completely clear when the bed is not in use.

When retracted, it sits flush with or recessed into the ceiling, making it nearly invisible and allowing the room to function normally for other purposes.  After guests arrive, simply lower the bed down to a comfortable height for sleeping.

However there are other options that save you a great deal of space, such as Murphy beds and sofa beds.

Conclusion

Hiding a guest bed doesn’t mean sacrificing style or comfort in your home. With these clever and creative ideas, you can maximize your space while still providing a cozy and inviting sleeping area for your guests.

Whether you opt for a classic sofa bed, a custom-built hideaway, or a trendy pulley loft bed, there’s a solution that will fit your unique needs and personal style. By incorporating a hidden guest bed into your home, you’ll be ready to welcome visitors at a moment’s notice without compromising on your everyday living space.