Crisis Averted — Here's How to Convert Any Sofa Into a Comfortable Temporary Bed This Festive Season When You've Got One Too Many Guests
There's no excuse for an uncomfortable bed setup on the sofa with these simple tips and tricks
The holiday season can often require a certain level of creativity when it comes to providing multiple family and friends with a comfortable space to sleep, especially if space is limited.
If, like me, you don't have a sofa bed and will be using your living room sofa to create a makeshift sleep space, rest assured that there are plenty of simple tips and tricks to help make your sofa more comfortable and ensure the setup is cozy and restful for guests.
“Turning a regular sofa into a genuinely comfortable overnight setup is absolutely doable — you just need a few thoughtful layers," says Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed. Below, discover exactly how experts recommend you level up your temporary bed.
1. Invest in a Bed Topper
Just like you would when looking to make your bed more comfortable, invest in a mattress topper. "Start with padding," says Jessica of Piglet in Bed. "Use a slim mattress topper or even a neatly folded duvet to add instant softness and help even out any sofa seams."
Interior designer Serena Pitchers of Your Interiors Friend recommends using Zara Home's Washed Linen Topper, specifically. "It comes in a beautiful warm palette of Cinnamon, Light Beige, Oyster White, and Gray, and they are so beautiful that they can be left on top of your sofa all year round. Even better is that they are machine washable, so you can keep the room nice and fresh," she says.
When choosing sheets to go above your topper, Jessica advises natural fabrics for added comfort. "Natural, breathable sheets make a world of difference: crisp cotton percale for that hotel-feel, or easy, lived-in linen if you want to keep things low-maintenance," she says.
With a wool filling, this mattress topper is perfect for hosting during the winter months, adding warmth and an extra layer of comfort.
Serena Pitchers is the founder of Your Interiors Friend, a Leamington Spa-based studio known for its warm and collaborative approach to design. Serena helps clients define a clear sense of personal style, then thoughtfully weaves it into the architecture of their home and the landscape it sits within. Her work is guided by a belief that truly beautiful interiors feel effortless, authentic, and deeply connected to the way people live.
2. Create a Makeshift Headboard
"To make the space feel more like a proper bed, build up the ‘headboard’ with a couple of firm cushions behind the pillows, and drape a cozy throw at the foot — no one enjoys waking up with cold toes," says Jessica.
What's more, if you have a choice of sofas to create your temporary bed from, go for the one with removable back cushions and low arms to allow room for layering headboard cushions. "I would suggest going for a deep sofa with loose back cushions which can easily be removed, allowing plenty of depth to use as a temporary sleeping arrangement," adds interior designer Jenny Luck.
If your guest pillows are in need of a refresh, look no further than these linen striped pillowcases that will add design flair to your setup.
Jessica launched Piglet in Bed in 2017 from her mother's garden shed in rural West Sussex, with her fingers crossed that she wasn’t alone in looking for high-quality basics for her home that are as cozy as they are beautiful. Starting small with linen duvet covers and pillowcases in a few calming colors, the brand has since grown to include much more bedding (including sustainably-sourced cotton), sleepwear, table linens, gifts, and other natural homewares. Guided by its slogan, Made for Living, Piglet in Bed empowers its community to create spaces that reflect their own style.
3. Swap a Bulky Duvet for Throws and Quilts
If space is especially limited, consider swapping heavy duvets for lighter blankets and quilts. Serena says that she would use "layers of throws and quilts rather than a space-stealing duvet."
From cotton quilts to wool throws and linen bedcovers, there are plenty of types of bedding to use instead of a duvet. But just because you're opting for a lighter weight, don't skimp on the amount — layering will keep your guests warm, and will also nod to the latest bedding trends.
Another tip to keep the setup feeling like a bed rather than a sofa is to go for a flat sheet, which will drape to the floor. Jessica says that this will "disguise the sofa’s shape and metal bits, creating a more considered look."
Crafted from 100% cotton, this quilt is a timeless piece that would not only make a stylish addition to your temporary bed setup, but also elsewhere in your home afterwards.
4. Complete the Setup With Cozy Decor
Think beyond the sofa bed setup itself, and help guests feel comfortable with the surrounding cozy decor, says Jessica, who recommends "a lamp within reach, a spot to tuck away belongings, and fresh towels so guests don’t have to ask."
Just like with the things you should design around a sofa bed, it's important to consider the space and experience sleeping there as a whole.
"If your curtains aren’t blackout, leave an eye mask — your future sleepy guests will thank you," adds Jessica.
Add on-trend silver to your living room with this table lamp that is small enough to work on a temporary nightstand.
These easy steps will absolutely keep guests comfortable and cozy on your temporary bed setup. That said, if you're considering investing in a more permanent sofa bed at some point, look out for the sofa bed buying mistakes to avoid.
