If there’s one type of furniture that every studio apartment or small apartment needs, it’s got to be a portable folding bed.
The American Tiny House Association defines 100 to 400 square feet or less as a tiny home while anything between 400 to 1000 square feet is considered a small house.
Every inch of space is precious and you’ll always have to think through every purchase you have to make and wonder “Is that going to fit there?”.
Fun Fact: Portable folding beds were probably first used by the Roman Army which eventually came to be known as a camp bed. It is used in place of a larger, more permanent bed. Today, we have a variety of space-saving folding beds that are practically made for tiny spaces and comfort doesn’t have to be an issue.
Studio apartments, for example, may not give you the same luxury of owning a bedroom. But you can still create a comfortable sleeping space with a little creativity and some space saving tricks. Same goes with tiny houses, campervans, cabins. The solution? Folding beds.
Take a look at these 7 types of folding beds that I’d recommend for (almost) all sizes of people and for the tiniest of spaces.
1. Best Twin Folding Bed
Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed – Twin Size | USD 299.99
While it may be tempting to get a queen sized bed, not all studio apartments can accommodate it. Twin rollaway beds are the perfect size because i’s just right for one person and don’t take up too much space.
The Milliard Diplomat Folding Bed offers ultimate comfort with its combined supportive foam and memory foam giving its users a firm mattress experience. Perhaps the biggest point of this bed is that it folds into a slim 14” thick profile making it easy to hide and store when not in use. Users also rated it high for being lightweight despite its steel material.
What we like:
- Really slim and lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Portable and easy to fold and store away
What we don’t like:
- Can be difficult to lock clasp
2. Best Compact Folding Bed
Leisuit Rollaway Cot Fold-out Bed – Twin Size | USD 175.99
The Leisuit Rollaway bed is the ultimate space-saver folding into a super slim 6.7” that makes it easy to store in closets or even under beds when not in use. Boasting a simple design and weighing only 35 pounds, it’s easy to drag around and assemble by anyone for a quick nap.
It’s one of the most compact folding beds that doesn’t compromise comfort and durability. Despite its slim profile, reviewers gave it a high score for comfort thanks to its Oxford cloth support and 3” thick memory foam mattress.
What we like:
- Great price
- Light-weight and slender
- Comfortable
What we don’t like:
- Despite its name, it doesn’t have casters to roll it around
3. Best Folding Travel Mattress
Cushy Form Folding Mattress | USD 127.99
If you have guests frequently coming over into your tiny home, then a folding mattress may be what you need. Folding mattresses are inexpensive, easy to store, and can be placed directly on the floor. Most folding mattresses come in tri-fold or bi-fold designs that allow owners to fold and compress it into a smaller size for storage.
The Cushy Form Folding Mattress is a tri-fold mattress, ideal for micro spaces and studio apartments where a folding bed frame can’t be used. Although it’s rated as a top travel mattress, users have also reported using it for sudden sleepovers and you’ll be glad to hear that it also works great for homes.
The mattress is 4” thick with firm cushioning and comes with its own carry bag for ease of storage or transport.
What we like:
- Easy to remove cover for washing
- Easy to store
- Lightweight
What we don’t like:
- Slightly smaller in size
4. Best Folding Bed Frame
Amazon Basics Foldable 14” Platform Bed | USD 75.00
If you already have an existing mattress and need a spare folding bed for your home, purchasing a folding bed frame can save you more money. The Amazon Basics Foldable bed is designed for the setup-challenged homeowners. Once you flip the legs, just toss on an air cushion or a foldable mattress on top and you’re good to go.
Despite its affordable price, the frame can hold up to 250 pounds of weight and even comes in different sizes.
What we like:
- Quiet support, no squeaky sounds
- Durable
- Comes in twin, queen and king sizes
What we don’t like:
- Nothing to hold mattress in place
- Middle legs don’t touch the floor
5. Best Folding Bed For Toddlers
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed | USD 29.99
If you’re a parent and have experienced staying at budget hotels that don’t offer beds for kids, then you know how much of a comfort it is to have your own toddler folding bed for your guests or even for yourself.
The Regalo Portable Folding Bed is a dream to set up and use. It’s collapsible and easy to stow even in a suitcase. Even if you aren’t traveling and planning to use this for your home, the bed is great for small spaces when you can’t have a full-size kid’s bed. It’s also great for transitioning kids who are still sleeping with you into their own beds.
It only weighs 4 pounds but can take up to 75 pounds of weight and it doesn’t take much to assemble. It’s also easy to clean, requiring just a wipe down with a damp cloth and soap.
What we like:
- Portable and convenient
- Easy to assemble
What we don’t like:
- Uncomfortable to use on its own and will need extra padding
6. Best Futon
Best Choice Products Faux Leather Futon | USD 224.99
Now if it’s a dual-purpose product that you are looking for, it can’t get any more cleverly multi-purpose than sleeper sofas.
Sleeper sofas include sofa beds and futons which is great for studio apartment owners who want to save space by using only one piece of furniture for seating and sleeping.
The Best Choice Futon is a great alternative if your home cannot accommodate a full-sized sofa bed. It has three adjustable positions and can fit two people comfortably with weight support of 500 pounds.
Functionality-wise, it has removable armrests and cup-holders. It also looks extra sleek and modern at a very friendly price.
What we like:
- Modern design
- Folds easily
- Great price
What we don’t like
- Too firm and may need extra cushion or topper
Try the Milliard Tri-fold Folding Mattress and Sofa Bed if sleeper sofas aren’t an option for your home.
7. Best Queen Folding Mattress
CT Compact Technologies Folding Mattress – Queen | USD 349.89
So far, all the options we mentioned are twin or full-sized but if you’re longing for a bigger sleep area without the bulk, CT Compact Technology’s Folding Queen Mattress is perfect.
The 6” thick mattress not only boasts comfort but also functionality. Just fold it into two, prop it against a wall and you have an instant floor futon. It comes in an Oxford fabric case too for portability.
What we like:
- Folds into a floor futon
- Soft and comfortable
What we don’t like:
- Bulky
Final Word
Folding beds truly shine in small spaces. They’re a nifty solution, especially in studios or tiny homes where every square inch counts.
Picture this: your living space effortlessly transforms into a comfy bedroom, and then back again, all with the fold of a bed. It’s about maximizing utility without compromising on comfort.
And here’s a tip: choosing the right folding bed is crucial. It’s more than just a sleeping spot — it’s a vital piece of your daily puzzle in a compact living area. Think of it as an investment in both space and quality of life.
So, go ahead, embrace the convenience of a folding bed, and make the most of your snug space!
Farah Nadia is a small-space maestro, she focuses on transforming small areas into aesthetically unique yet functional spaces. She’s all about using her interior design training and passion for decor to make tiny areas look stylish, feel comfy and function well.
