A Comparison of Folding Beds

Sleeper Sofa

• Sleeper sofas, by doing double duty as sofas and sleeper beds, can help you maximize the use of your available space. Most unfold to a double or queen size bed. According to the Apartment Therapy website, modern sofa beds are more comfortable than in the past and a wider choice is available. Sofas range from stylish options priced at several thousand dollars down to a basic, small-scale, sectional sofa that converts to a bed with storage at around $900.

Metal Folding Bed

• The metal folding bed is the most common portable bed and most likely the least expensive to buy. The bed frame is made from sturdy, 1-inch tubular heavy gauge steel with steel springs. It has wheels for easy movement and folds down to 32 by 31 by 13 inches for storage. A 5-inch-thick inner spring mattress is included with the bed, which retails online for about $150.

Cabinet Bed

• The cabinet bed is an attractive option, although it's more expensive that some of the other beds available. The folding guest bed sells with a wooden storage cabinet that has simulated doors and drawers and is made from light cherry or beech wood. The cabinet is 34 inches wide by 40 inches high and 14 inches deep. It has wooden slats and a 5-inch inner spring mattress, all of which is stored in the rear of the cabinet until needed. The cabinet has wheels for easy movement around the house. The set retails for approximately $600.

Sleeper Ottoman

• An interesting folding bed, perfect for small apartments, is the sleeper ottoman. When unfolded, the ottoman provides a twin-size bed, while it serves as a portable seat when folded. Retailing at about $120, the cost is minimal compared with other folding beds available.

Inflatable Bed

• The folding air bed is an option that sleeps two adults but disappears completely when not in use. The air bed has a steel frame and mattress that fold up compact enough to allow for travel. The bed sells with a 120-volt air pump that has three nozzles and inflates the mattress in a few minutes. The entire bed fits into a 300-denier storage bag with wheels for easy transportation. Selling at around $170 for the full package, this bed is truly portable and can be used for camping trips.

Stowaway Bed

• The Murphy is the ultimate foldaway bed and has been a favorite of apartment dwellers for years. It is not always practical, however, to build in the necessary infrastructure for a Murphy, which needs its own closet to be stowed. Modern stowaway beds can't be folded, but they can be up-ended and wheeled on casters through most doorways to be stored in an average-sized closet. It retails for about $400; the mattresses usually cost extra.