Choosing the right guest beds
Guest and sofa beds can be used in a number of different settings including hotels, hospitals and care homes as well as in residential properties. Whatever the setting, here are five things to consider when making your selection.
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1. Durability
One of the key considerations when choosing a guest or sofa bed is the regularity of use. It is vital to think about how often it will be used and in what setting. This is where contract grade and heavy duty beds can offer an ideal solution. Think about whether or not the bed will be frequently moved between rooms or stowed away and the impact this will have on its durability and resilience. Also consider how long you want to keep the bed and ensure the specifications fit your criteria and any regulations you need to meet, such as level of fire resistance.
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2. Weight
A natural progression from the durability of the bed is its weight. The key consideration here is how often, or not, the bed is going to be moved. If the bed is going to be moved on a regular basis, consider the weight of the item you are purchasing and the impact this will have on those responsible for moving it.
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3. Size and space
As with any item of furniture, it is crucial to consider the size of the furniture for the space it is going to fit into and whether you are looking to accommodate a single sleeper or multiple. Think about all the options for placement and storage (if a folding bed) that you have in your space and, crucially, consider the footprint of the bed when it is fully extended. If you're choosing a sofa bed, consider how much room both the chair and the bed will take up when in use respectively.
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4. Comfort
Whatever their purpose or environment, beds need to be comfortable as well as durable for a range of users and, in certain circumstances, aesthetically pleasing too. Depending on who will be using it and the environment, consider if the bed needs to be waterproof or hypoallergenic.
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5. Design
Finally, think about the style of the bed and whether it will be used in a contemporary space, a more traditional one or an institutional environment. Some beds are designed to more modern, contemporary aesthetics while others offer a retro or homely feel. Consider the colour options available and how this fits into your wider decor; note that darker colours are easier to keep looking clean if your bed will get a lot of use. If you're looking for a bed which is to be used in a healthcare facility, then it's important it is functional and easy to sterilise.
Take a look at our range of folding guest and sofa beds for residential and commercial settings, including hotels, hospitals and beds for care homes!