Ideas to Convert a Twin Bed Into a Sofa

Easy Twin Bed Sofa

• A pair of bolster pillows and a matching bedspread create an instant sofa from a twin bed. Start with a block of foam that's half the width and length of the bed, and about 24 inches tall. Cut the foam block in half lengthwise. Make pillow covers for the foam blocks, or use a set of sofa slipcovers. Cover the bed with a bedspread that matches the pillow covers, position it with one long side against a wall and put the pillows against the wall, creating a sofa back. The look is sleek and minimalist, fitting perfectly into a contemporary style room. To use the sofa as a bed, pull the cushions off and add bed pillows.

Double Footboards

• Scour yard sales and thrift shops for a pair of matching foot boards–preferably in a style that's at least 8 inches taller than the height of the mattress and box spring on a frame. Attach the foot boards to the short sides of the frame. Position the bed with a long side against the wall, and prop oversize cushions against the wall. For a more polished look, cover the foot boards before you attach them. Wrap each foot board with 2-inch-thick foam, holding it in place with staples or upholstery tacks. Cover the foam with upholstery fabric and make a matching bedspread and pillow covers.

Daybed

• Daybeds look like sofas, but sleep like beds. Purchased daybeds usually include a three-piece frame--a back and two sides. Some also include a flat spring to hold the mattress, but many require you to buy one separately. Alternatively, you can attach a daybed frame to a regular bed frame. You'll find daybeds in wood or metal at most furniture stores. Prices start at just over $100.

  If you enjoy the challenge of a do-it-yourself project, build your own daybed frame from plywood. It can be as simple as attaching two ends and a back to the existing bed frame. If your DIY skills extend beyond screwing together precut wood pieces, build a platform to support the mattress and add drawers underneath for storage. Add cushions to provide back support and shorten the depth of the seat to a comfortable width.