Folding Bed Solutions

Murphy Bed

• A Murphy bed, also called a wall bed, is an ingenious design. The entire bed flips up and folds out of the way, flat against the wall, when you're not using it. You simply pull it back down to the floor when you need a bed. You can fold it up against the wall when it's fully sheeted so that when you pull it back down it's instantly ready for sleeping. Paneling conceals the bed when it's folded up, so your friends will never know that the room also serves as a bedroom. A Murphy bed can come in any size you like, from twin to king. A Murphy bed's only drawback is that it can be expensive.

Futon

• A piece of furniture that serves as both a bed and a couch, depending on how you have it configured, is a Murphy bed. When laid flat, it serves as a bed. Or you can fold the futon in half lengthwise so that one side of the mattress becomes the back of the sofa and one half is the seat. Futons are quite affordable. Mattress covers allow you to cover your futon's mattress to fit your decor and are readily available in stores. Futon mattresses are usually full size, large enough for one or two people.

Rollaway Bed

• A rollaway bed is basically a cot with a mattress. When not in use, the entire unit folds in half, endwise. Wheels on the frame allow you to easily roll the folded rollaway bed from room to room. These beds are usually twin size and big enough for two people. They are often used in hotels when guests need an extra bed for a friend or family member.

Sofa Sleeper

• Another ingenious design, a sofa sleeper is indistinguishable from any regular sofa when closed up. However, it has a mattress hidden inside. Open up a sleeper sofa, pull out its mattress and you have a queen, full or twin bed at your disposal. When you wake up in the morning, all you have to do to make your bed is to push the mattress back inside the couch and replace the cushions.