In tight spaces, a large bed may not fit. Many people use alternatives to beds in these spaces to sleep. In major cities, there are hundreds of condos, basement apartments, and units with limited spaces. A small bed or bed alternative is your best bet at maximizing the square footage.
You don’t have to sleep in a traditional bed. Many other options may surprise you by how comfortable and space-saving they are. Here is a list of the nine best alternatives to beds:
Bed Alternative #1: Recliner
A recliner is perfect for an elderly person or someone with mobility issues. They are very comfortable. Lift into an elevated position at bedtime and then down during the day. It’s easy to get comfortable in a recliner, and they’re great space-savers.
For side and front sleepers, you may struggle to adjust to sleeping on your back. Recliners have been shown to reduce risks related to sleep apnea, heart failure, heartburn, and acid reflux.
Bed Alternative #2: Hammock
A hammock allows you to stretch out in a way you can’t on a bed. Hammocks do not carry your traditional bulky mattress and box spring. They can be taken down when not in use, and when they get dirty, the hammock can be put in the washing machine very easily.
It’s a bit different if you haven’t slept in a hammock before, but once you get in the swing of it, it can be addictive.
Alternative #3: Sofa Bed
A sofa bed is the best bed alternative for a small condo or apartment when space must be maximized. A sofa bed provides a place you can sleep at night. It is also somewhere you can comfortably sit during the day. Best of all, a sofa bed for small spaces is ideal for compact apartment arrangements.
A wide variety of sofa bed types match a certain type of décor and aesthetic. Nothing is better if you’re in a bachelor’s or single-bedroom apartment.
Alternative #4: Loft Bed
A loft bed is essentially a bunk bed without a bottom bunk. It allows for free ground space that’s often purposed with either a desk or is used for storage. Loft beds use unused vertical space and are most commonly used in tiny homes where every inch matters.
Loft beds can sometimes be mounted from the ceiling or wall but are often their freestanding structure, equipped with a ladder for easy getting in and out.
Alternative #5: Air Mattress
An air mattress is inexpensive, easy to inflate and deflate, and helps keep floor space free. Though these are the pros, there are many cons to air mattresses. They aren’t very comfortable, in general. If you have cats or dogs, their claws might tear the mattress, which is no longer good.
If you have joint or chronic pain, this is not the bed alternative you’ll want. They can be very bad for your back, particularly when it comes to lower-quality air mattresses.
Alternative #6: Murphy Bed
While a sofa bed makes a bed from a sofa, think of a Murphy bed as a bed that flips down from the wall. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘wall bed.’ It’s a nice space-saving idea but can be cabinet-like in build and requires the space for that.
A Murphy bed comes in a variety of designs and price points. It completely disappears during the day, so it can be very advantageous, perfectly suited for micro-condos and tiny apartments.
Alternative #7: Futon Mattress
If you’ve ever thought, “I could just sleep on the floor,” a futon mattress can assist you. These are very thin, dense mattresses that can be put on the floor and provide a sleeping area. It’s essentially a thin mattress that adds some padding to the floor.
Like other alternative beds, these can be rough to sleep on if you suffer back or neck pain. Also, there is a range of futon mattresses, some more comfortable and long-lasting than others.
Alternative #8: Folding Mattress
A folding mattress can be similar to a futon mattress, except it’s made to fold up into an item for easy storage. Folding mattresses have been used traditionally as a part of a futon or sofa bed. However, they are very common today as their piece.
It comes in three sections, can provide a thick layer of padding to lay out over the floor as you sleep, and store well. They are seen as a sort of North American version of what’s known as a Japanese futon.
Alternative #9: Bed Roll
A bed roll is another way you can sleep on the floor. It’s similar in design to a sleeping bag and resembles a combination of that blanket. The difference is you do not sleep inside a bedroll. It is rolled out over the floor and acts as a makeshift mattress.
While it’s certainly better than sleeping on the floor, it’s not the best bed alternative, and most people are sure to wake up with some aches and pains more often than not.