Facebook Twitter Instagram
    SnoozeSnooze
    • Beds & Accessories
      • Mattresses
        • Guide & Quiz
        • Innerspring
        • Memory Foam
        • Hybrid
        • Bed In A Box
      • Frames
        • Guide & Quiz
        • Most Common
      • Bedding
        • Duvets
        • Comforters
        • Sheets
          • Guide & Quiz
      • Pillows & Pillowcases
        • Guide & Quiz
        • Head
        • Body
        • Pregnancy
        • Pillowcases
      • Blankets
        • Guide & Quiz
        • Weighted
        • Heated
        • Cooling
    • Sleep Psychology
    • Tech
    • Hygiene
    SnoozeSnooze
    Home » Save Space, Save Money With a Folding Bed

    Save Space, Save Money With a Folding Bed

    By Snooze StaffAugust 18, 2022Updated:November 30, 2022
    blue folding cot for camping
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

    Do you ever wish you can have guests sleep over or go camping and have the luxury of sleeping on a real bed? Folding beds are ideal for each of those activities and more! However, choosing a folding bed can be a complicated process. You want comfort while also saving as much money and space as possible.

    Where do you start? How do you know which option is best for you?

    This guide will provide those answers for you. We will talk about the different kinds of folding beds in detail as well as show you some of the top rated folding beds you can buy to save money and space.

    Different Kinds of Folding Beds

    Each type of folding bed has its own unique qualities, such as having the capacity to fold into your wall (with a Murphy Bed) or the ability to be used as both a sofa and a bed (as with a sofa bed). This section will look at the different types of folding beds and the features that make them unique, their advantages and disadvantages, and the average price you can expect to pay for each type.

    The Murphy Bed

    A Murphy bed folds up into a space in the wall when not in use, which is why it is also sometimes called a “wall bed.” It was invented by William Lawrence Murphy around 1900. Murphy enjoyed hosting parties in his apartment, but needed more space to properly entertain his guests.

    To solve that problem, he created a bed with a hinged frame. This allowed him to fold the frame up at the hinge, providing more floor space when people came over.

    The modern Murphy beds have evolved to the point that you can’t even tell there’s a bed there when it is folded. There are Murphy bed models with shelves or a sofa visible when the bed isn’t in use.

    Chelsea Williams, a representative and expert at Murphy Wall-Beds Hardware Incorporated, said Murphy beds “are continuing to gain in popularity, especially with the imaginative ways they can be incorporated into a person’s home decor.”

    Since the Murphy bed is secured to the wall and stored inside the wall, this option eliminates the need to move the folding bed around when needed and to store it somewhere when you don’t.

    Now the downside to the “king of hide-aways.” A Murphy bed can be more expensive than other types of folding beds. For example, according to the National Sleep Foundation, high quality Murphy beds can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 where normal folding beds cost on average $100-$400. 

    The Floor Sofabed

    The floor sofabed is another multi-functional folding bed. The sofabed has no legs or support beams. It sits directly on the floor and is used as a sofa when it is not needed as a bed. When it is slumber time, the sofa becomes a bed by either folding down the cushions or pulling out more cushions from under the sofa.

    A floor sofabed is a great option for people with mobility issues or those who have trouble getting up onto a bed with a higher-sitting mattress. Many models are also easy to move around. This would be handy for those who might want to sleep in rooms other than a guest room ⁠— such as a young child.

    Prices for sofabeds vary, but they are generally inexpensive. Many large retailers that sell floor sofabeds range between $200-$400 for top-of-the-line foor sofa beds.

    A major “con” of the floor sofabed is that it tends to trap food crumbs, odors and other undesirable things in the material or cracks of the bed more easily than does a regular bed. Remembering to clean your sofabed thoroughly and often to remove stains, crumbs and germs collected by the fabric will avoid those issues.

    The Sofabed

    Our next model is probably familiar to many: the sofabed. Unlike the previous option, this one looks like an ordinary sofa by day but transforms into a bed at night.

    This piece of furniture may be upholstered, have no visible frames, have armrests, and may even have cup holders or other accessories found in a regular sofa.

    To turn the sofa into a bed, (1) take the top cushions off, (2) pull the frame out to expand into a bed, and (3) place the cushions on the frame to form a mattress. Some models even allow you to snap the cushions together so they don’t separate while you sleep. When you wake up, reverse the process to return the bed to its sofa form. 

    A sofa bed is an excellent choice for those wanting to save floor space while also being able to entertain guests. It is especially good for those with no extra guest room.

    A possible disadvantage to this option is that many sofabeds are best fitted for one person. If you expect to have multiple guests staying overnight, you may need more than one sofabed or use one of the other options as well.

    The average cost for a sofa bed can range widely, depending on many factors such as the materials the bed is made with, extra features the bed has, and the overall quality of the sofa bed. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$2,000 for a sofa bed, which means that people with varying budgets will be able to find a sofa bed that fits their need.

    Tri-folding Mattresses

    As the name describes, this option is a mattress that folds into thirds when not in use. They are usually lightweight, thin and inexpensive. They are portable and do not take much storage space. Some models even have handles to make carrying them easier.

    While the tri-folding mattress pricetag makes it ideal for those on a tight budget, this option isn’t as comfortable as a regular bed or some of of the other folding beds we’ve discussed. Larger retailers such as Wayfair and Amazon sell tri-folding mattresses ranging from just $75 all the way up to $200+. 

    The Rollaway Folding Bed

    Rollaway folding beds can be thought of as a middle ground between a regular bed and a tri-folding mattress that lays on the floor.

    A rollaway bed has a metal mattress frame with wheels and an attached mattress. The frame is secured while folded. When the securing strap or bar is unloosed, unfold the bed in the desired location and have pleasant dreams. When you wake up, fold the bed back up and roll it to wherever you are storing it.

    The rollaway allows you to take advantage of your living area when there are no guests. They are easy to move, which would be important for those with mobility issues or trouble moving heavy objects.

    Rollaway beds are relatively inexpensive, making them great options for people who have tighter budgets. You can expect to pay a range of about $100-$400 for a rollaway bed.  

    The Futon

    Many people may confuse a futon with a folding sofabed. However, they are slightly different, which is why we’ve made the futon its own separate type of folding bed.

    A futon is like a sofabed in that people can sit on it during the day and sleep on it when it’s time to hit the hay.

    Futons have legs on them like a sofabed, but usually aren’t upholstered, don’t have armrests, and don’t have cushions that you can take off. The futon’s cushioning is connected to its frame.

    To transform it into a bed usually takes only pulling the top of the backrest on the futon, which will release springs and allow it to be gently placed flat. To return to couch mode, all you need to do is grab the backrest and pull back up, locking the futon into place.

    Futons are also good options for people who wish to maximize their living space and don’t have a lot of extra room or a separate guest room for visitors. 

    A disadvantage compared to other options is that they are not very mobile and can be challenging to move. If you purchase a futon, we recommend placing it in an area where you want it to remain.

    Futons come in a wide price range, based on their quality and material. If you’re looking for a cheaper futon, you won’t have to pay more than $200 for one. If there’s an expensive futon you’re wanting to buy, you could pay more than $800 for one. 

    Camping Cots

    The last type of folding bed is the camping cot. This option is usually for camping or other activities requiring very mobile bedding.

    Camping cots are made with thin, metal frames and usually have thin mattresses. Those wanting more comfort with a thicker mattress should note the cot’s frame usually won’t accommodate one.

    The frames can fold up into a square or small rectangle, which is perfect for storing them in snug places.

    Camping cots are among the cheapest options for folding beds. They range from $75-$180. The value of the cot is that it is lightweight, easy to set up, easy to move and easy to store. It is particularly popular with those on a budget who seldom have need for an extra bed.

    The Best Space-Saving Folding Beds

    Now that introductions have been made, let’s look at some of the top-rated folding beds to help you save space in your home.

    Before you purchase a folding bed, we recommend making a list of the qualities you are looking for in a folding bed. Start with the priority ⁠— cost or comfort? ⁠— and go from there. This will keep you from wasting time looking at beds you won’t like.

    The Leisuit Rollaway Guest Bed

    The Leisuit Rollaway Guest Bed folds in the middle for easy storage. It has a thin, metal frame with a high-quality piece of elastic material in the middle that holds the mattress. The 3-inch thick memory foam mattress is 75 inches long and 31 inches wide. When folded, it is only 38 x 31 inches and is 7 inches thick.

    The Leisuit Rollaway Guest Bed is a great option to maximize floor space because of its compact size when folded. As advertised, it takes only 60 seconds to set up.

     If you’re interested in this great guest bed, you can find it here on Amazon for $236.99. 

    Leisuit Rollaway Guest Bed Cot Fold Out Bed
    Photo source: amazon.com

    Giantex Rollaway Folding Bed

    The Giantex Rollaway Folding Bed is another good option. It features a durable metal frame with the mattress springs tightly connected in place. The bed has a comfortable 4-inch thick memory foam mattress.

    To fold the bed, unlock the middle support and fold both ends upward. The wheels make it easy to steer the bed anywhere around your home.

    The bed is 75 inches long, 31 inches wide and 15 inches tall when in bed form. It combines the comfort of a normal bed with the ease of moving a camping cot. If you’re interested in this folding bed, you can find it on Amazon for $239.99.

    Giantex Rollaway Folding Bed with 4 Inch Mattress
    Photo source: amazon.com

    Lilypelle Folding Camping Cot

    The Lilypelle Folding Camping Cot is a comfortable and easy-to-use camping cot with a luscious, double-layer Oxford fabric. The high-quality metal frame is stable yet easy to fold and unfold. It is a heavy-duty cot able to support 880 pounds.

    There is no need for a pillow with this cot. The tilt at the head of the cot is designed with comfort in mind, so the sleeper won’t wake up with any neck or shoulder pains. The cot folds up in seconds and is stored in a durable bag.

    This is the perfect option for those needing a comfortable bed for that camping trip or to take with them for an overnight visit at a friend’s house. If you’re interested in this camping cot, you can find it on Amazon for the affordable price of $109.00.

    Lilypelle Folding Camping Cot
    Photo source: amazon.com

    Linon Verona Cot-Size Folding Bed

    The Linon Verona Cot-Size Folding Bed is a rollaway bed that’s designed for ease of use and comfort. The innerspring mattress is 5 inches thick, which is not too thin and not too thick for a foldable bed. The thin yet durable metal frame is easy to fold and unfold, so there will be no struggling to move it or put it away.

    For those seeking a bed that can be rolled into the living room for an overnight guest while not taking up a lot of storage space when not in use, this is a good option. This cot fits twin-size bedsheets. You can find the Linon Verona Cot-Size Folding bed for an affordable price of $179.40 here on Amazon. 

    Linon Verona Cot-Size Folding Bed
    Photo source: amazon.com

    Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot

    The Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot is perfect for people who wants to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Weighing only 22 pounds, the cot can be taken almost anywhere. The thin mattress offers as much support as a regular mattress.

    The cot can fold up in seconds and be stored away easily.

    Those looking for a low-priced option that is comfortable and easy to use might want to consider this cot, which is priced at $46.97 on Amazon. 

    Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot
    Photo source: amazon.com

    Milliard Deluxe Diplomat Folding Bed

    The Milliard Deluxe Diplomat Folding Bed is a twin-sized rollaway with an incredibly soft memory foam mattress and a high-quality metal bed frame. The design makes it easy to unfold and fold the bed. The bed is only 14 inches tall when folded, enabling it to be stored without using up too much space in the home. The various handles on the frame make it easy to hold and move around.

    It takes about 15 minutes to set up the Milliard Deluxe Folding Bed the first time. After that, it is easy mobility, easy set up and easy storage.

    If you’re interested in this highly luxurious folding bed, you can find it for $359.99 on Amazon. 

    Milliard Deluxe Diplomat Folding Bed
    Photo source: amazon.com

    Linon Memory Foam Luxor Folding Bed

    The Linon Memory Foam Luxor Folding bed is different from some of the other types we have looked at in this article, but deserves a spot on our “best beds” list.

    This rollaway bed is made with a durable metal frame. However, its memory foam mattress rest includes pieces of thick plywood that won’t move around like spring systems do.

    To get ready for bedtime, just unfasten the latch at the top of the frame and unfold it. When you are ready to put it away, unlock it in the middle and close it back up. Its four wheels allow you to easily roll it to where it is needed and back to its storage place. You can find this folding bed on Amazon for $172.99. 

    Linon Home Dcor Linon Memory Foam Luxor Folding Bed
    Photo source: amazon.com

    Conclusion

    We get it. You want to be able to enjoy having company overnight without having to deal with the stresses of clearing out an entire space for a permanent bed to sit in. That’s why, as far back as Mr. Murphy, folding beds were invented to be an alternative to a permanent bed in a separate room for guests.

    It is our hope that this short guide has helped you to see the types of beds available to meet your needs, including the major advantages and possible disadvantages of each model.

    Armed with your list of what is important to you, and a few of what we believe are the best options available, you should be ready to start shopping for the perfect folding bed for you and your guests.

    Snooze Staff
    • Website

    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Get Pillow Talk Free

    Get the latest sleep health trends, products, and deals delivered to your inbox.

    Recent Articles
    • Wellness Expert Henry Penix on Sound Sleeping
    • The Best Crib Sheets to Consider Buying
    • Considering the Best Metal Bed Frames Available Now
    • The Best White Bed Frames to Inspire Decorative Style
    • The 6 Best Black Bed Frames to Check Out Now
    WHY SNOOZE?

    Snooze is the go-to resource for all things sleep. We research, evaluate, and review sleep-related products and provide you with the information you need to make the right choice for your lifestyle.

    Get Pillow Talk Free

    Get the latest sleep health trends, products, and deals delivered to your inboxs.

    Latest Articles
    • Wellness Expert Henry Penix on Sound Sleeping
    • The Best Crib Sheets to Consider Buying
    • Considering the Best Metal Bed Frames Available Now
    • The Best White Bed Frames to Inspire Decorative Style
    • The 6 Best Black Bed Frames to Check Out Now
    © 2023 Snooze. All rights reserved. Terms & Privacy | Submit A Pitch

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT