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Quick Holiday Design Solution Needed!

9 years ago
I need to create a guest/office space by Thanksgiving. Currently this space is the holder of all the boxes and misc things we didn't unpack when we moved in a year ago. I am hosting dinner however recently learned that my in-laws intend to stay overnight. My father-in-law is not able to climb stairs so I need to transform this downstairs room quicker than I'd planned. It also can't be an air mattress. It's a small space so I'm considering a sofa sleeper or if necessary a full bed and a small space for an office set up. I'd initially wanted this to be a full office but may use my MB sitting room for this instead. I've sketched a quick layout and attached a couple photos. I'm thinking the bed/couch will need to be on the only full wall and maybe a desk where the current filing cabinet is. What do you think? I will begin shopping tomorrow and would love your insight. Thanks for your help!

Comments (40)

  • 9 years ago
    How about a trundle day bed? They use two regular twin size mattresses. One twin is the couch surface. The other is on a frame that pulls out from underneath and pops up. Will save you space when not used but give your inlaws the comfort of real beds rather than a sofa bed.
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I find sofa beds to be extremely uncomfortable. Here are some layouts with a full size bed. I like the office in the closet.

  • 9 years ago
    I agree that anything but a bed is hard for older people. Can you get a Murphy bed in there soon enough?
  • 9 years ago

    Is there a nice hotel nearby?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Consider what you want in the room after they leave. Do you want this to be a guest room, or an office, or a storage area? Then decide.

    I just think rather then spending money for a 1 day temporary fix, I would want to spend money on something I would really like that will complete the room.

    Also, just a suggestion not knowing the whole situation--can you spring for a hotel room near by?

    Otherwise a foldup cot, trundle or even a built in Murphy bed are all good ideas.

    You mentioned a full bed, would that be just for Father-in-law? I ask because a full won't fit 2 people.

  • 9 years ago

    We did a twin sleigh bed with same size head and footboard and a trundle underneath. Not as uncomfortable as a true day bed or sofa bed but has same appeal when put against a wall and sleeps much better! We also have a small desk on the opposite wall and store all our files in cabinet in the closet.

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Go to A Mattress store ASAP, and get two twins! The most inexpensive size always, and you can create an L along two walls, the window wall and the solid wall.. They don't need to sleep in the same direction! they need to SLEEP! Feet to feet will not bother them at all. The mattresses will come with their own frames then go buy some bedding, which is also the least $$$ in twin sizes! They don't need a headboard, they need the basics! You can make daybed couch style seating from it later, and store a twin set somewhere else. ) Get going. !!! You have a lot of work, just to empty the room!

    You can do the whole thing on 600.00 if you begin at a Costco .......and head to Target after that.

  • 9 years ago

    I have a sofa bed (double size, no arms) which is in fact quite comfortable - but it wasn't cheap. I'm inclined to think that, if you can't find a trundle bed, then Jan Moyer's solution is the next best option.

  • 9 years ago

    Hi---I really like Jan's suggestion of two twin beds. Convert the closet into a little desk-office space. Good Luck!

    Colorful Butterfly Girl's Room · More Info

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Seriously, that will work with two twins, and you need to do it tomorrow ASAP. DON'T get a memory foam!!! Anyone with difficulty climbing stairs may have extreme difficulty rolling over on this, and they are hot unless high quality. Get a firm set with a box spring. And buy two cheap white fitted sheets to hide the box spring and you wont notice them.

    You can buy the BEST sheets in twin for cheap!

    Get GOOD pillows. This is about guest comfort in a hurry, not long term design. A blanket and a comforter for varied sleep comfort....two pillows each bed, one down filled and one NOT.

  • 9 years ago
    Thank you all for your quick reply. The hotel isn't an option as they want to spend as much time as possible with the kids (and vice versa). Also, I intend for this design to be sustainable, so I'm designing with that in mind. I like the practicality of the two twins especially since my son is in need of a new twin mattress...he could have one of them afterwards. My long term vision for the room does include office space and some type of seating so I'll want to look at how to best do that with the mattress or just buy a trundle later.
  • 9 years ago
    Jan's advice is spot on. Add a few cute (and cheap) pillows, a small night stand that you spray paint and a few things on the wall and you're done. You'd better get cracking:)
  • 9 years ago
    Thank you! Brilliant ideas. Yes, I'm about to work on decluttering now.
  • 9 years ago

    Sounds like you have your answer! Enjoy the Holiday and I am sure your parents will be so happy with your generosity in keeping their needs in mind. What a great daughter!


  • 9 years ago
    Twin beds will work best and can be used like sofas after guests leave. Try Costco for inexpensive yet very well-made bed frames. No problem with your boxes. Stack them neatly and whip a large tablecloth over them and use them as a platform for luggage. No time to waste!
  • 9 years ago

    Frances Cadle's suggestion for a trundle bed is the best solution for now and long term. The bottom mattress usually pops up to be even with the other mattress. Wonderful for sleeping as it is two regular mattresses. You probably could get it all at Costco.

    For the long term, could be a sofa seating for your office.

    Down the road, you may want to invest in a murphy bed. I love them and perfect for a guest room/office.

  • 9 years ago

    Here's a layout for you:

  • 9 years ago

    Something you may want to consider for the future, Clei Systems are incredible and solve many issues. Don't forget to look at the video on how it works.

    http://resourcefurniture.com/product/atoll-000/

    http://resourcefurniture.com/product/swing-0/


  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    No offense..... but she isn't going to get a trundle bed by Wednesday evening 11/23/16 ( 96 hours from now) and get it delivered, set up ! And clean the room, care for her kids, grocery shop, and make a turkey dinner, clean the rest of the house, and buy bedding, .............. set up the room, set the table, and throw open the door to ...............

    Nationwide, I bet there aren't 96 trundle beds on the selling floor of all furniture stores in total!!

    The "long term" should have been thought about six months ago, when the boxes and crates were shoved in the room, unpacked, for another six months. : )

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    No one mentioned a queen Futon??? Great for a bed when unfolded and otherwise is used for a couch. You can always put a mattress topper on it to soften it up if necessary.

    this one is an office and has a very nice futon. Nice room.

    Client A · More Info

    another futon.

    Winkley Workshop · More Info

  • 9 years ago
    Thank you for your comments. After a long day of visiting close to 15 stores, I decided to purchase a nice quality bed frame (folds for easy storage) and twin mattress. This will be for my father in law and afterwards I will use the mattress for my son. My mother in law can sleep upstairs. This will solve my short term needs perfectly and as you called out Jan, I can begin planning for long term, which I am now focusing on. The major purchases in this space will be a desk and seating (ideally with sleeping option). I still would like to find a trundle but as I found yesterday, can be hard to find (thanks Denise for the layout and ideas!). I found one on Houzz yesterday that I love ( https://www.houzz.com/photos/46-forest-street-beach-style-home-office-miami-phvw-vp~45847789) but will need to research it more. I also found some others online and will post photos of them. There's lots of deals out there this week - maybe I can capitalize on that.
  • 9 years ago
    Upon further research, this bed is made by Lee Industries out of Canada...
  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Elle Elle

    I see you're on there: ) You know, ........if you feel confident you and hubby can each grab an armpit and hoist "dad" safely UP with that added booster,.....and same thing coming down, I'd consider giving them the master bedroom. Particularly for the bathing aspect unless you have a full bath with shower on the first floor. It won't kill you, and they really need only to get up / down once each day, especially if staying the whole holiday weekend ?


  • 9 years ago
    Hi Jan! There is a full bath next to the office so it's easier for him to stay downstairs. Also, he's 6'5" so assisting up stairs would be a challenge. My in laws don't live that far away (a little over an hour) so when they visit they ALWAYS go back home except this time they want to stay. It will just be one night. So I just need to plan my space to accommodate guest in the future.
  • 9 years ago
    https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/SIGNAL-HILLS-Knightsbridge-Tufted-Scroll-Arm-Chesterfield-Daybed-and-Trundle/10214818/product.html?utm_campaign=Pinterest Buy Button&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_content=pinterest-buy-button-1b136301d-48c7-4937-8c49-45b2dccb70b5
  • 9 years ago
    I notice that most of these trundle daybeds don't have a mattress cover in the same fabric.
  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    They dont!! Because you buy your OWN matresses! Honestly , it's easier to just buy a decent sofa bed! Also something that is good looking if it ever ends up in a different room! And one with a good mechanism inside and a good mattress, where you can customize your fabric as well. You get what you pay for. Many of the sleepers today come with an air mattress inside. UGH!!! If you want a decent mattress, in a decent looking sofa, no hassle, a desk in the room....that's what you need.

    You have had no office, and a room full of junk........for a year: ) You survived.? lol


    http://www.pearsonco.com/Furniture/Upholstery/Sleep-Sofas/i320612-Trudy-Sleep-Sofa.aspx

  • 9 years ago
    Clear and clean the room, set up the bed, and done. It's one night. Make grand dad as comfortable as you can, then worry about the room later.
  • 9 years ago

    For a 6'5" man, a Twin XL will fit. A regular twin will be too short.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    It's ONE night The hotel is looking better by the minute. Go pick them up for breakfast! Nobody "visits" while they're sleeping..... lol or haul him up the stair and give them the master bedroom! Hope hubby is strong and tall. That's what I'd be doing for one night. I'd haul him up, and help him down. Even if I had to call a neighbor man helper!

  • 9 years ago

    Sounds like you solved your short term dilemma. Once they start staying overnight it will probably happen more often. Christmas is right around the corner. Long term I like the idea of a Murphy bed best. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family!

  • 9 years ago
    :-). Luckily we have a bonus room upstairs and have an office/kids homework space there. This office will be more of an adult space (for working from home and a future home business).
  • 9 years ago
    A daybed (with a trundle) is not a comfortable sitting sofa. Something to keep in mind if you really want a place to sit and not just to sleep in your room.
  • 9 years ago

    I had a trundle for years in my tv room with those back wedges for extra back support and more big throw pillows. It was never an issue. Actually it was quite comfortable for curling up and reading. There are so many great fabric covers now, you can make it look like any design with the option of sleeping for guests.

    Can"t imagine bringing your dad upstairs, even if it was easy. It's a matter of pride. I get it, my mom is the same way. She wants to make her own cup of tea early in the morning. Also waking up in a place which is not your own, is disorienting, even for one night, even for me.

    The turquoise daybed is divine.

  • 9 years ago

    I just installed these curtains from anthropologie for a client and they are fantastic. Very sophisticated. Would look smashing in your office/guest room.

    https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/quiet-horizon-curtain?category=curtains&color=040

  • 9 years ago

    Probably too late now but it would be less expensive and far easier in this short time frame (not to mention that you're also hosting a full Thanksgiving dinner) to pay for a hotel room that's close to your home for the in-laws.

    You've got too much else to worry about. What are you going to do with all that stuff? Plus, you're trying to decorate a room in 15 minutes so you're likely to make expensive mistakes.

    Good luck. I'd seriously get them a nice room nearby.

  • 9 years ago
    Everyone thank you for your quick input on my little dilemma a few weeks ago. I removed the majority of the clutter (I left any office related boxes in the room however). We added the bed and it fit the needs of my father n law for that night. Now I'd like to work on the office. I know I'd like to consider investing in a nice twin/twin and a half sleeper. I like having the option of extra sleeping space without taking up the entire room. Since I had custom built-ins at my previous home office, I'm starting over with furniture. I'll post some rooms that I like so you can provide any ideas. Thank you so much!
  • 9 years ago

    Yay, you did it!

  • 9 years ago

    I am sure your father in law was most appreciative. Good for you!

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