Until a couple of days ago, I had absolutely no idea that you could buy a footstool that turns into a bed. This is pure genius! Having to sacrifice your dream sofa for a variety that accommodates guests is sad for two reasons: one, there is a far more limited selection of design-forward sofas that have this functionality, and two, let's be honest, they're not going to be quite as comfortable as those that don't transform.
Granted, for small space dwellers in particular, the need to find furniture that works double duty is a must — but why not choose something that works triple or even quadruple duty, and leave your sofa be, like this Bed in a Button from Loaf? A footstool, a bed, extra seating, or even a coffee table — this design is so versatile and is much more movable than a sofa in and around your living space to suit your needs.
What I am particularly fond of with this design is how unassuming it is — sofa beds are usually quite easy to spot, but this? I'll bet none of your visitors would guess that their sleeping setup is right underneath their toes...
Loaf’s ‘Bed in a Button’
Size: W 153cm x D 76cm (Double) - Also available in a Single bed size (W 113cm x D 76cm)
This space-saving, highly versatile 'Bed in a Button' design from Loaf is both practical and stylish. Available in a selection of nine fabrics, in a vast variety of shades, there’s an option to suit every style.
The 'Bed in a Button' would work brilliantly as a footstool-come-coffee table in a living area, or at the foot of a bed in a bedroom as extra seating (or a space to style an extra throw blanket or two), or even in the corner of a home office.
And even better? No assembly is required. It seamlessly transforms from footstool to bed, so when guests come to stay, all you need to do is remove the lid, pull upwards on the middle of the metal frame, and bring it out towards you until voila! You have a bed out of nowhere — brilliant.
Footstool Bed Design Benefits
Although the ‘Bed in a Button’ footstool bed is part of Loaf's new collection, Loaf is not new to this design concept — and neither was our editor, Hugh Metcalf, who, as it turns out, had actually picked Loaf's original footstool bed for one of his very first design projects.
"The client wanted his home office to also have a guest function, but we didn't want to compromise the design of the space by having to squeeze in a Murphy bed or a sofa bed, so we settled on this clever idea that meant we could arrange the original floorplan, while adding in an ottoman that acted as a coffee table for the space," Hugh explains.
The design is perfect for small-space hosting, offering a guest bed solution without encroaching on limited space. Its multifunctional aspect brings flexibility to how you want to use it, whether it be extra seating, a footrest, or a coffee table — plus, it's far easier to manoeuvre than a sofa bed, giving it another layer of versatility.
One thing I would recommend investing in is a mattress topper for these sorts of foldaway beds, as the mattresses can be on the thinner side, which will add that much-needed extra depth for additional comfort for your guests. (Though you will need to store the topper separately, so that the mattress still folds back into the footstool properly.)
This Silentnight Deep Sleep Mattress Topper for a Single Bed on Amazon is highly rated, hypoallergenic, and machine washable. Stress-free hosting starts now.
Alternative Footstool Beds
With footstool beds now becoming more commonplace among retailers, there is a great selection to choose from, so that you don't have to sacrifice style for practicality. Here are a few of my favorites.
Size: W 158cm x H 46cm x D 75cm
With a vast array of fabrics and hues on offer, including their new chinoiserie options — like the Rhubarb Chinoiserie if you want to add something with a little pattern to your space — the Jack in a Box Double Bed packs in plenty of style while still being a great guest bed option for a small living room or bedroom.
Size: 230 x 103 x 97cm
The Costway Folding Sofa Bed With Mattress comes in a range of colors, including Beige (featured), Blue, Gray, and Pink. With a 4.5/5 star rating after 103 reviews, the proof is in the pudding. One reviewer wrote: "I love this product, amazing value for money; I used this while waiting for my flat to complete — I slept on it for two months in a family's spare room. It’s very comfortable."
Size: H 46 x W 72 x D 89cm
I just love how anyone looking at this footstool (as with all of these footstool beds) would assume that when they open the lid, they will find some blankets or other paraphernalia that's being stored inside, not a fold-out bed. This discreet style would blend into any living space, especially with the multiple hues to choose from, and houses an award-winning, advanced fiber-topped mattress for extra support.
Size: W 170 x D 76 x H 49cm
Part of the Esprit collection — a range of affordable, handcrafted, space-saving furniture — this stool bed goes from stool to bed in seconds. A great size to be used as a coffee table or extra seating in a living space when not in use as an occasional bed, the velvety fabric is chic and available in three colorways.
Size: W 98 x D 80 x H 45.5cm
Available in a Small Double size and in a variety of colors, this buttoned fold-out ottoman bed is a sturdy, stylish, space-saving gem. Rated 5/5 stars after 12 ratings, one reviewer said: "Stylish, practical, and clever — this piece has become a real statement in my home. Highly recommend it if you’re looking to save space without compromising on looks."
Size: W 113cm x D 76cm
Loaf's 'Bed in a Bun' version of the 'Bed in a Button' design — same idea, sans buttons. It also comes in a Double size and houses a marshmallow mattress for your occasional guests. Choose from the same selection of nine different fabrics and multiple colorways as the button design to suit your space.
Size: W 134 x L 64 x H 41cm
Loaf's Slumberbox footstool bed is less sturdy than the other varieties, but it's a very stylish and nifty un-zip-and-fold-out bed design. I love the vast selection of shades and fabrics you can choose from when you shop at Loaf. The mattress for this style folds straight out onto the floor, so there's no frame to contend with, if that is a style option you're after.
Size: W 98 x D 98 x H 50cm
Currently part of a limited-time-only deal, this Barnet Single Bed in a Box comes in a stain-resistant house fabric in a variety of colors — plus there are an additional 25 fabrics to choose from in a vast selection of shades, including 100% British Wool, Vintage Velvet, Mohair, and Basketweave. The square design makes for a great coffee table or extra seat.
Size: W 60 x L 60 x H 40cm
The last — but by no means least — Loaf footstool bed selection is another variety that unzips with a marshmallow mattress that folds out straight onto the floor. The nine fabrics are available with this option, along with the diverse range of colors, and would be an excellent addition to a kids' room or any living space.
A footstool bed is a wonderful marriage of style and practicality for a modern living room, bedroom, home office, and beyond, allowing you to host a surprise sleepover with ease, without that ability having to play a major role in how you design your space.
I would, however, place a footstool bed in the 'occasional bed' category, for those surprise visits and short stays, rather than being a solution for long-term use.
Still considering your options? IKEA recently launched an armchair bed that's another great space-saving solution for hosting guests without needing to rely on a sofa bed or blow-up mattress.
