Do You Really Need a Spare Room?
Having a dedicated spare room may sound ideal when you enjoy hosting friends and family. However, in many homes, that room remains empty for much of the year. It occupies valuable space that could otherwise become a home office, dressing room, storage area or simply give you a less crowded interior.
When space is limited, the question is not always how to create another bedroom. It may be more useful to consider how you can accommodate guests without dedicating an entire room to occasional use. A sofa bed can provide that flexibility by temporarily transforming a living room or multifunctional space into a sleeping area.
A spare room may remain unused for much of the year
A dedicated guest bedroom is useful for a few nights, but it may remain unoccupied for weeks or months at a time. In a smaller flat or a home where every room needs a clear purpose, this may not be the most practical arrangement.
The same room could be used as a home office, playroom, reading area or space for a personal activity. The challenge is keeping the ability to host overnight guests without losing the room’s everyday function.
One solution is to choose furniture that can adapt to different needs. A sofa bed provides seating during the day and an additional sleeping area when somebody stays overnight.
Create sleeping space without installing a permanent bed
A traditional bed occupies a significant amount of floor space, even when nobody is using it. In a smaller home, it can restrict movement and prevent the room from serving another purpose.
A sofa bed avoids this limitation. When it is folded away, it returns to its main function and allows the room to be used as a living or working space. When a guest stays over, it can be converted into an additional bed.
This arrangement is particularly suitable for studio flats, one-bedroom homes and properties with a home office or multifunctional room.
Choose a sofa that works every day
A sofa bed should not only be practical when unfolded. Most of the time, it will be used for sitting, so its dimensions, upholstery and appearance should suit your interior and everyday routine.
ELYROA sofa beds feature corduroy upholstery and high-density 32D foam. Their design allows them to remain part of a living room without making the space look as though a temporary bed has been installed.
The available colours also make it easier to match the sofa to your interior. Oat Cream creates a light, neutral appearance, while Moss Green, Burnt Orange and Deep Cherry add more character. Charcoal Grey and Midnight Black suit more understated interiors.
Which size should you choose for guests?
The right size depends on the available floor space and the number of people you expect to accommodate. Consider the dimensions of the sofa when closed as well as the amount of room it requires in the sleeping position.
The ELYROA One measures 160 cm in length, 90 cm in width and 67 cm in height. It provides a sleeping surface of 160 × 154 cm and is suited to more compact spaces.
The ELYROA One XL measures 200 cm in width, 100 cm in depth and 70 cm in height. Its 200 × 175 cm sleeping surface provides guests with additional room.
Before choosing, measure the room in both configurations. You should also leave a suitable route around the sleeping area so that guests can move comfortably through the room.
Turn a living room into a guest space
A few simple additions can make your living room feel more suitable for an overnight stay. Bedding, pillows, an accessible lamp and a small side table may be enough to create a welcoming space.
It can also be helpful to provide somewhere for guests to place clothes, a phone or personal belongings. A basket or small storage area can prevent the room from becoming cluttered.
The following morning, these items can be stored away and the sofa can return to its main purpose. Your guest area becomes a living room again without requiring a major reorganisation.
What if the sofa bed is in a home office?
A home office can be one of the most practical rooms to use as a temporary guest bedroom. The sofa provides a reading area or additional seating during the day and becomes a sleeping space when required.
Choose a compact desk and avoid placing furniture that is difficult to move directly in front of the sofa. Check that drawers, doors and storage areas will remain accessible when the bed is unfolded.
Prepare before your guests arrive
Before somebody stays over, unfold the sofa bed to check that the surrounding area is clear. Prepare the bedding and make sure your guest can easily reach a light and electrical socket.
This quick preparation helps you identify anything that needs to be moved and prevents you from having to rearrange the entire room at the last minute.
Frequently asked questions
Can a sofa bed replace a spare room?
It can provide additional sleeping space without requiring a dedicated room. The right solution depends on how frequently it will be used, the space available and the needs of your guests.
Which room is suitable for a sofa bed?
A sofa bed can be placed in a living room, home office, studio or multifunctional room, provided there is enough space when it is unfolded.
How do I choose the right size?
Measure your room in both sofa and bed positions and compare the sleeping surfaces. The ELYROA One is the more compact format, while the One XL offers additional room.
A more flexible home
Choosing not to have a separate spare room does not mean you cannot welcome overnight guests. A sofa bed allows your space to reflect your actual needs: living, working or relaxing during the day, then providing a sleeping area when friends or family stay over.
Explore the colours in the ELYROA One collection, compare the ELYROA One XL or visit our FAQ for more information.