Guest Bedroom Ideas UK: Choosing the Right Bed

The best bed for a guest bedroom is one that suits the room you have: a small double (4FT) is the sensible choice for most spare rooms, a double (4FT6) suits a room that regularly hosts couples, and a single (3FT) works in a box room. If the room is tight, pick an ottoman bed so spare bedding lives under the mattress instead of in the way.

By the Eagle Bed workshop team, Dewsbury. Last updated: 20 October 2026.

Which bed size suits which guest room?

Allow at least 60 cm of clear floor on each side you will walk down. The wall widths below use the same method as our UK bed sizes guide.

Allow extra for the headboard and the upholstered sides of the frame, and 60 cm or more at the foot of the bed. Not sure of your measurements? Follow our guide to measuring your bedroom for a new bed.

Small double or double for guests?

A small double is 120 x 190 cm and a double is 135 x 190 cm. They are the same length; the double is 15 cm wider.

• Choose a small double if the room is under about 2.6 m wide, guests usually stay alone, or you want to keep a wardrobe door or chest of drawers clear. Two adults can share it for an occasional night, with about 60 cm each.
• Choose a double if couples stay often and the wall is at least 255 cm wide, so each guest has about 67 cm.

You can browse every option in our small double beds and double beds collections, and read the full small double beds guide for spare rooms.

Storage ideas for a guest bedroom

A guest room usually has to hold spare bedding, towels and the odd suitcase, and it often has little other furniture. Storage built into the bed is the easiest answer.

• Gas lift ottoman bed: the whole base lifts for one large storage space, which suits duvets, pillows and out-of-season items. Leave clear floor at the foot or side so the base can open. Browse our ottoman beds.
• Drawer storage: useful if you want to keep guest linen in separate compartments. Allow floor space at the side or end to pull the drawers out.

Two examples that come in Small Double (4FT): the Cloud Teddy Bouclé Ottoman Bed and the Side Lift Ottoman Storage Base. Not sure which suits you? Read ottoman bed vs divan bed.

Make a guest bedroom feel welcoming

• Pick a calm solid colour, such as grey, beige or navy, that works with most decor. Free fabric swatches are available from the swatch page.
• Choose a bed with a padded headboard, so guests can sit up and read.
• Leave a clear bedside space on at least one side for a lamp and a glass of water.
• Keep floor space free by using under-bed storage rather than extra furniture.
• Order a mattress in the same size as the frame, and order both together so they can arrive in one delivery. See our mattresses.

About Eagle Bed

Every Eagle Bed is handmade to order in our workshop in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, with solid wood frames and a 5-year warranty. Delivery is free across Great Britain (Northern Ireland £90), usually in 3 to 5 working days, and Klarna and Clearpay are available.

Frequently asked questions

What size bed is best for a guest room?

For most spare rooms, a small double (4FT, 120 x 190 cm) is the best balance of comfort and floor space. Choose a double (4FT6) if couples stay regularly and you have at least 255 cm of wall width.

Is a small double big enough for two guests?

Yes, for an occasional night. Two adults have about 60 cm each. If couples stay often, a double or king gives more room.

What is a good bed for a small guest room?

A small double or single with built-in storage. A gas lift ottoman bed keeps spare bedding under the mattress, so the room needs less other furniture.

Can I store spare bedding in the bed?

Yes. An ottoman bed lifts the whole base for one large storage space, and drawer beds give separate compartments. Leave clear floor space for the base to lift or the drawers to open.

Can I get help choosing a size?

Yes. Call 07417 439197 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or email eaglebedofficial@gmail.com with your room measurements and we will tell you which size fits.