You don't need to splurge on luxury hotel standards – just a comfortable, supportive mattress that lets guests wake up refreshed rather than counting the hours until they can return home to their own bed.
Join us below to choose the right guest mattress.
Budgets and expectations
Giving your guests the best night’s sleep starts with a comfortable mattress and there are plenty of options that suit every budget.
Let’s say you have less than £400 to spend on a double or king – you can still get pocket springs, memory foam, and excellent motion isolation with a top-branded mattress like the Silentnight Pocket Star 1000 (pictured above).
If you have even less to spend, an open coil or pure foam mattress will do the trick, giving your guest bedroom a decent mattress for under £300.
Upping your budget to £500 or £600 allows you to buy a thicker and more substantial mattress with more springs and better mid-layers.
You’ll have to weigh the value factor – spending more makes the most sense if your guest bedroom is used frequently. If you only accommodate people once in a blue moon, a cheap mattress will do just fine.
Firmness ratings
Medium and medium-firm mattresses make perfect guest beds because they accommodate most sleeping positions.
Your side sleeping guests will sink just enough to keep their spine aligned, while back sleepers get adequate support for proper posture.
These middle-ground options also work well for combination sleepers who switch positions throughout the night.
Consider medium-firm for better longevity and versatility. Most guests will find it comfortable, and those who prefer a softer feel can always add a plush mattress topper.
Edge support
Firm edges transform your guest mattress from good to great. Look for reinforced perimeters that prevent that annoying "rolling off" sensation when guests sit on the bed's edge.
Pocket-spring mattresses typically excel here, with sturdy construction offering exceptional edge-to-edge support. The added stability makes getting in and out easier, particularly beneficial for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues.
Plus, robust edges help maintain the mattress's shape, extending its lifespan even with irregular use.
Motion isolation
Couples staying over? Motion isolation becomes crucial for undisturbed sleep. Memory foam excels at minimising movement transfer – when one person tosses and turns, their partner barely notices.
Hybrid mattresses combining springs with foam layers offer an excellent middle ground, delivering bounce and stability.
Natural latex options also excel at reducing partner disturbance, though they typically have a higher price tag. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtful consideration of their shared sleeping experience.
Choosing the right bed frame
Maximise your guest room's potential with smart bed frame choices. Ottoman beds offer hidden storage for spare linens and pillows, while metal frames provide durability without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Consider a TV bed for ultimate guest luxury – perfect for those lazy mornings. Wooden frames bring timeless appeal and match most decor styles, though fabric-upholstered options add extra comfort for sitting up and reading.
Remember to factor in assembly ease, especially in rooms with tricky access – divan bases are the best for minimal build time.
Pictured: Giltedge Beds Divan Base. Priced £223 (Available from Bedstar)
Don’t neglect plush pillows
Give your guests a choice of pillows to complement their new mattress.
Pairing one firm and one soft pillow makes perfect sense – firm pillows filled with memory foam or dense hollowfibre support side and back sleepers, while soft down or microfibre options suit front sleepers who need less height. Avoid down and feather pillows and duvets because they can trigger asthma and allergies.
*Collaborative post
0 comments