Choosing Chair Beds for a Bungalow

The right chair bed for a bungalow is one with a comfortable seat height, sturdy arms to help people stand up, and a mechanism that opens easily without heavy lifting or bending. It should fit within the room when open while leaving a clear, level walkway to the door. In most bungalows, a chair bed works best in a spare bedroom used as a study or sitting room, where it provides everyday seating and a single bed for visiting family or friends.

Our range of modern sofa beds UK sale includes chair bed designs suited to compact rooms. This guide explains what to look for and how to plan the space.

Why Chair Beds Suit Bungalows

Bungalows are popular with a wide range of households, from young families to people who have downsized. Rooms tend to be practical in size, and the second or third bedroom is often used for something other than sleeping most of the time. A chair bed lets that room serve as a study, craft room or quiet sitting room, while still providing somewhere for a grandchild, friend or carer to sleep.

Because everything is on one level, a bungalow is also a natural choice for guests who prefer to avoid stairs. A well chosen chair bed supports that ease of access. If you are comparing a chair bed with a standard armchair or a small sofa, looking through our modern sofas UK range will help you see how the footprints differ.

Seat Height and Support

Seat height is one of the most important considerations, both for sitting in the chair and for getting in and out of the bed. A seat that is too low can be difficult to rise from, especially for older visitors or anyone with stiff knees. Look for a chair bed whose seat sits at a comfortable height, and test it if you can by sitting down and standing up several times.

Arms matter too. Firm, well padded arms at a sensible height give people something to push against when standing. Avoid very soft or very low arms if the chair will be used by older relatives.

When the bed is open, check the height of the mattress from the floor. Many chair beds sit lower than a standard bed, so consider whether guests will be comfortable getting up in the morning. A sturdy bedside cabinet within reach can also help with balance.

Choosing an Easy Mechanism

A chair bed should be simple to open and close, ideally by one person without bending deeply or lifting heavy parts. Mechanisms vary:

• Pull out designs have a folding frame and mattress that unfold from under the seat. They feel more like a bed but involve a few steps to set up.
• Fold out cushion designs extend forwards in sections. They are light and quick to open but may be firmer to sleep on.
• Click clack chairs recline the back flat. They need very little space in front, but the sleeping surface is shorter unless paired with a footstool.

If the chair bed will often be opened by someone with limited strength or mobility, prioritise smooth, light operation over the most compact design.

Which Room Works Best?

In most bungalows, the spare bedroom is the obvious home for a chair bed. It gives guests privacy and a door that closes. A study or hobby room also works well, as long as there is enough clear floor in front of the chair.

In smaller bungalows, the living room may be the only option. A chair bed here should match or complement the existing sofa so it looks like part of the seating rather than a temporary addition. Choose a design that opens away from the TV and fireplace, and plan where coffee tables will go when the bed is in use.

Conservatories are sometimes used as extra living space in bungalows, but they can become very cold in winter and very warm in summer. They are usually less comfortable for overnight guests than an internal room.

Measuring the Room

Measure the closed footprint of the chair, then the open length, which is often close to that of a single bed. Allow enough clear space to walk around the open bed and reach the door easily, especially at night. Check that the open bed will not block wardrobes, drawers or radiators.

Clear walkways are particularly important if guests use walking aids. Keep the route from the bed to the door and from the door to the bathroom free of rugs that could slip, trailing cables and low furniture.

Bungalow layouts often place bedrooms off a single corridor, and doors may open inwards into fairly small rooms. Check that the bedroom door can still open fully with the bed made up, and that a guest can get from the bed to the light switch without stepping around furniture. If the room has a radiator under the window, position the chair bed so the mattress does not press against it when open.

Fabrics That Are Easy to Live With

Choose upholstery that is comfortable to sit on and simple to care for. Tightly woven fabrics are durable and resist snagging. Textured weaves in mid tones hide everyday marks. Faux leather wipes clean easily, although some people find it cooler to sit on. Removable covers are useful in a room where grandchildren may stay.

Soft, light colours help a compact room feel open, particularly in bungalows where some rooms face away from the sun. Sage, soft blue, oatmeal and warm grey are calm and easy to coordinate.

Pairing the Chair Bed With Other Seating

In a room used as a sitting room most of the time, a chair bed can sit alongside a recliner or a standard armchair. Our modern reclining chairs UK sale are a comfortable companion for a chair bed, giving you two quite different seats in a small room. Matching fabrics or complementary colours keep the space looking coordinated.

A Bedside Surface Within Reach

Every guest needs somewhere to put a lamp, glasses, a phone and a glass of water. A compact bedside cabinet placed beside the chair works as a side table during the day and becomes a bedside table at night. Drawers are useful for storing a spare phone charger, tissues and a torch. Our modern bedside cabinets UK include slim designs that fit beside a chair without crowding the room.

Storing Bedding Nearby

Keeping bedding close to the chair bed saves trips to the airing cupboard. A blanket box at the foot of the bed, a wardrobe shelf or a lidded basket all work well. Some chair beds include a small storage compartment under the seat. Store a fitted sheet, a duvet, a pillow and a spare blanket together, so the bed can be made up in minutes.

If the spare room also needs somewhere for guests to hang clothes, our article on wardrobe ideas for a UK guest bedroom has practical suggestions for small rooms.

Lighting and Finishing Touches

Good lighting makes a guest room safer and more welcoming. Place a lamp where it can be switched on from the bed, and consider a plug in night light for the route to the bathroom. Use warm white bulbs for a relaxed feel.

A few thoughtful touches go a long way: a fresh towel folded at the foot of the bed, a small clock, a box of tissues and a spare blanket. Blackout curtains or blinds help guests sleep well, particularly in bungalows where bedrooms often face the garden or street at ground level.

Checking the Open Size Before You Buy

Marking the open bed outline on the floor with masking tape is the simplest way to check your plan. Leave it in place and walk the route from the bed to the door and bathroom. Our guide to sofa bed open dimensions in UK homes explains how open sizes are measured and how much clearance to allow.

A chair bed is a small purchase that can make a big difference to how a bungalow works, giving you flexible space for daily life and a comfortable bed when it is needed. You can shop modern furniture UK at Furniture in Fashion, where our chair beds, bedside cabinets and recliners are chosen to suit compact homes, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chair beds comfortable for adults?

Yes, for occasional stays. Most open to a length close to a single bed. Check the mattress type and depth if guests will stay for several nights.

What seat height is best for older guests?

A seat that allows the feet to rest flat on the floor with the knees roughly level with the hips is usually easiest to rise from. Firm arms at a sensible height also help.

How much space does a chair bed need when open?

Allow roughly two metres from the wall, plus enough space to walk beside the bed and reach the door. Always check the specific open dimensions.

Can a chair bed go in a living room?

Yes. Choose one that complements your existing sofa and plan where the coffee table will go when the bed is open.