The best fold-away wardrobe beds in the UK 2023

Faced with the lack of space at home, from which more than 50% of English people suffer, folding wardrobe beds are an ingenious solution. Indeed, they allow to use the bedroom for other purposes during the day. Which foldaway wardrobe bed should you choose for your home? Browse our comparative guide to find out the answer!

INSIDE75 Dynamo Sofa - Corner Set 1
8/10

Best value for money

INSIDE75 Dynamo Sofa - Corner Set

The best retractable wardrobe bed in 2021

Going far beyond a simple folding wardrobe bed, this model includes a single bed, a sofa configuration, a single door wardrobe and a bookcase.

See the price

If this furniture signed by the brand INSIDE75 arrives at the top of our comparison of the best folding wardrobe beds, it is thanks to the clever combination of design, functionality and comfort. Much more than a simple convertible furniture, it is a composition that works as a complete bedroom.

Indeed, you have everything with this model: a bed for 1 person with a sleeping surface of 90 x 200 cm, a sofa that moves into place when the bed base is put away, a wardrobe with a door, a column with 6 shelves that will act as a library. Thanks to the ingenuity of the manufacturer, you can configure your furniture in 15 seconds thanks to an assisted opening system.

VANIER - Lit escamotable horizontal blanc mat 2
8/10

Best value for money

VANIER - Lit escamotable horizontal blanc mat

The best entry-level retractable wardrobe bed

Designed with simplicity and versatility in mind, this inexpensive retractable wardrobe bed will save you a few square feet.

See the price

Saving space with a furniture that enhances the design of the room, this is the common thread that guided the manufacturer of this cheap folding wardrobe bed. Once the mattress is folded, you have a pretty white dresser leaning against the wall. Place photos, indoor flower pots or other colorful knickknacks on it to tone up the room.

At bedtime, pull the metal handle to unfold a bed with a 120 x 200 cm sleeping surface. A horizontal opening at a 90° angle allows the bed base to be pulled out with straps to secure the mattress. The legs unfold at the same time as the bed base; all you have to do is take the pillows and the comforter to get into bed.

FIDJI SOFA - Lit armoire avec canapé 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

FIDJI SOFA - Lit armoire avec canapé

The best high-end retractable wardrobe bed

The natural oak gives an elegant and refined look to this retractable wardrobe bed. A large 140×200 bed, a soft sofa and two storage columns make up this article.

See the price

The sturdy and stable natural oak of this luxury folding wardrobe bed is hidden under a melamine front painted in light beige for a sober, yet bright look in your bedroom. Ideal for a master bedroom, this high-end wardrobe bed offers a sleeping surface for 2 persons of 140 x 200 cm.

2 storage columns frame the wardrobe that houses the folded bed. They are equipped with shelves, drawers and closed compartments. A seat sofa made of springs and foam is at your disposal when the bed is stored. In the bed configuration, the furniture reveals more shelves and niches that make for a very designer headboard, especially if you enhance it with bedside lamps.

INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué - Armoire lit escamotable 4
8/10

Largest space

INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué - Armoire lit escamotable

The most spacious retractable wardrobe bed

In addition to a 160×200 cm sleeping surface, the INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué queen size folding bed seduces with its elegant design of a smooth and shiny front.

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Rare are the folding wardrobe beds that offer a sleeping surface equal to that of a queen size bed. In addition, the box spring has two parts with 17 slats each to offer independence of sleeping and optimal comfort. The unfolded bed reveals niches and a shelf that act as a headboard to provide you with a bedding worthy of the name.

The bed unfolds smoothly and flexibly with adjustable spring jacks built into the power handling mechanism. The foot of the bed automatically extends until it touches the floor and is stabilized by a self-locking gas piston. Needless to say, with such a system, safety in use is guaranteed!

Buying guide • November 2023

Best foldaway wardrobe bed

Any specific needs?

The best retractable wardrobe bed in 2021

The best entry-level retractable wardrobe bed

The best high-end retractable wardrobe bed

The most spacious retractable wardrobe bed

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best fold-away wardrobe beds

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
INSIDE75 Dynamo Sofa - Corner Set 5
8/10
VANIER - Lit escamotable horizontal blanc mat 6
8/10
FIDJI SOFA - Lit armoire avec canapé 7
9/10
INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué - Armoire lit escamotable 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
INSIDE75 Dynamo Sofa - Corner Set
VANIER - Lit escamotable horizontal blanc mat
FIDJI SOFA - Lit armoire avec canapé
INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué - Armoire lit escamotable
Going far beyond a simple folding wardrobe bed, this model includes a single bed, a sofa configuration, a single door wardrobe and a bookcase.
Designed with simplicity and versatility in mind, this inexpensive retractable wardrobe bed will save you a few square feet.
The natural oak gives an elegant and refined look to this retractable wardrobe bed. A large 140×200 bed, a soft sofa and two storage columns make up this article.
In addition to a 160×200 cm sleeping surface, the INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué queen size folding bed seduces with its elegant design of a smooth and shiny front.
Sleeping surface
90 x 200 cm
120 x 200 cm
140 x 200 cm
160 x 200 cm
Dimensions (with bed folded and unfolded)
W305 x H219 x D100W305 x H219 x P213
W212 x H134 x D43W212 x H134 x D147
W279 x H240 x D131W279 x H240 x P214
W179 x H240 x D50W179 x H240 x P214
Accessories
1 door cabinet, sofa, bookcase
Yes
2 columns with shelves, drawers and closed compartmentNiche headboard and shelf
Niche headboard and shelf
Wall mountings
Yes
Sangles
Yes
Yes
Mattress mounting
4 mattress blocks
Mattress stops
Mattress stops

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - foldaway wardrobe bed

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How to choose your foldaway wardrobe bed

To choose a foldaway wardrobe bed, you must consider the comfort of the bed, the practicality of the furniture and its handling.

#1 - Dimensions of the foldaway wardrobe bed

The principle of a retractable wardrobe bed requires you to consider two dimensions: those of the entire furniture when the bed is deployed and those of the furniture when the bed is raised and stored in the wardrobe. Don't be fooled by the space you get when the bed is stored. Remember that when night falls, you have to take out the box spring and mattress; so you will have to move the other furniture in the room.

#2 - The material

Generally speaking, retractable wardrobe beds are designed with solid wood, because you need a material that is strong and sturdy enough to support the frame and the opening mechanism. In addition, wood blends easily into the decor, whether it keeps its original appearance or is treated with varnish or lacquer for a glossy finish. Nevertheless, you'll find foldaway wardrobe beds mixing particleboard and wood to combine design and sturdiness. However, this combination is found more in models designed only for 1 person.

#3 - The compatible mattress

Guaranteeing your comfort and firm support while you sleep, the box spring that comes with your retractable wardrobe bed defines the type of mattress you should choose. Fixed slat bases are the best choice in that they are versatile. If the slats are flexible, look to foam or latex mattresses. If you've chosen a box spring, look exclusively at spring mattresses.

#4 - Handling

The

principle of a retractable wardrobe bed is to deploy the box spring by taking it out of its support cabinet when you go to bed, and to fold it down when it's not in use. This manipulation must be done with ease thanks to hydraulic or gas jacks which will be integrated in its mechanism. Remember to always check if the bed base is stable before using it.

#5 - Lying surface

Last criterion to consider: the dimensions of the sleeping surface. Of course, this choice is up to you: do you want a retractable wardrobe bed for one or two people? If you want it for two people, do you want the standard 140×190 dimensions or a larger bed?

Practical tips for a folding wardrobe bed

Because the wall bed comes with regular handling, you'll want to make sure you handle the structure according to the recommended uses for your own safety.

  • When you deploy the bed, make sure that the legs of the box spring are extended, straight, and stable before you get on it.
  • Whenever possible, place the cabinet against a concrete wall for added stability.
  • When unfolding the bed, whether you have chosen a horizontal or vertical unfolding model, always accompany the descent movement. Make sure it is not too abrupt to prevent the bed from losing its stability.
  • Whenever possible, use a professional to assemble the bed, or get help from people with DIY skills who can ensure that the structure is stable.

When folding the bed, remember to check that the locking mechanism is securely engaged to prevent the bed from unfolding by itself.

Good to know

Always keep pillows and comforters that are a little too large when folding the bed.

The different types of fold-away wardrobe beds

Depending on the design and the way the bed base is deployed, we distinguish between two types of retractable wardrobe beds: those that open vertically and those that open horizontally.

Vertical retractable wardrobe bed

This type of foldaway wardrobe bed opens vertically, so in bed configuration, you already gain a headboard that can be composed of shelves or not. If you choose to use this method, remember to carefully choose the other furniture that will fit in the same room as your foldaway wardrobe bed, as the foldaway bed base will take up almost as much space as a conventional bed.

The vertical wall bed is best suited for rooms with a good ceiling height as the furniture itself is quite imposing. Indeed, the wardrobe that accommodates the bed in its length is at least 2 m high. However, the vertical retractable wardrobe bed remains a design choice, whether you fold down the box spring or deploy it.

Horizontal retractable wardrobe bed

Unlike the vertical retractable wardrobe bed where the bed is stored along its length, the horizontal version folds down along its width. Already, you don't have to be burdened with a cabinet that's too high to graze your ceiling, as the height of a horizontal roll-out model is less. However, the width of the furniture is obviously more substantial.

If you are desperately short of space at home or if the height of your ceiling does not allow for a piece of furniture that is too high, a horizontal folding wardrobe bed will suit you perfectly. Indeed, when the bed is deployed, part of the width of the sleeping surface is already included in the width of the entire furniture, so you won't have to clear too much space to take out the bed base.

Retractable wardrobe bed or sofa bed?

The foldaway wardrobe bed and the sofa bed share a common denominator: the convertible aspect that allows the bed to be folded down to obtain another piece of furniture. If we compare the advantages and disadvantages of these two pieces of furniture, which one will come out on top?

The foldaway wardrobe bed

A true blend of comfort and design, the folding wardrobe bed will redefine the decor of a room, which will then gain a double function: office or living room by day, bedroom at night. This is possible thanks to an ingenious mechanism that allows the bed to be folded into a cupboard so that it disappears from the decor until the next use.

The folding wardrobe bed can be equipped with several storage accessories, such as a real wardrobe with one or two doors, shelves for knick-knacks and other decorative elements. Generally, it is designed with solid wood or hot-pressed wood to obtain more malleable particleboard and offering more design possibilities.

The sofa bed

If you don't have a guest room and need a spare bed for when someone stays overnight, consider a sofa bed that can be placed in any living area. Normally, the furniture will perform the basic functions of a sofa, but when the situation calls for it, it will turn into a real comfortable bed where your guest can get comfortable.

With a sofa bed, however, few models come with storage space as it takes the classic sofa form. Nevertheless, you will have the pleasure of gaining a comfortable couch that will save your ass if someone spends the night.

Verdict

Even though the foldaway wardrobe bed is a 2-in-1 piece of furniture, it is suitable for regular and permanent use. In other words, it is a bed in its own right, usable every night. The sofa bed, on the other hand, remains in the category of extra sleeping accommodation and is better suited to occasional use. To decide between these two types of furniture, you need to decide whether you want a real bed or an extra bed.

Pillows and duvets

Pillows and duvets that are a little too large should always be removed when folding the bed. It would be unfortunate to damage the mechanism as a result of such carelessness!

Tips

How can I be sure that the foldaway wardrobe bed is stable?

Shake the frame at the end of the assembly and installation of your retractable wardrobe bed: it should not sway, creak or crack. Basically, the frame should remain stable and immobile.

How can I be sure that the bed has been deployed?

After

taking the box spring out of the closet support, check that its legs touch the floor and are straight. Generally speaking, you should hear a click that means the legs have been extended properly. As a precaution, put pressure on the bed to test it before using it.

How can I make sure that the mattress does not move from the box spring?

Generally,

retractable wardrobe beds already have straps to hold the mattress in place, even when the bed is put away. There is bound to be a mattress attachment system in the model you choose.

How to adapt the foldaway wardrobe bed to the room's decor?

Because we

're dealing with furniture that gives an impression of grandeur, especially when the bed is put away, consider leaning it against a clear wall. Note, however, that the retractable wardrobe bed has the advantage of blending easily into the decor thanks to the classic shape of its structure.

What precautions should be taken with a foldaway wardrobe bed?

A

mechanism equipped with jacks and/or shock absorbers accompanies the deployment and storage of the bed in the wardrobe. As long as this mechanism is in place, the use of the retractable wardrobe bed is safe.

FAQ

What is the best folding wardrobe bed?

The best retractable wardrobe bed depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

In which room should a foldaway wardrobe bed be installed?

Most living rooms can accommodate a folding wardrobe bed: bedroom, living room, outbuilding and office.

Is the foldaway wardrobe bed reusable?

If for any reason you want to change the base, you can reuse the support cabinet, provided you find a base compatible with its dimensions. Of course, you will have to reinstall the deployment mechanism.

A foldaway wardrobe bed for whom?

The folding wardrobe bed can be used in a teenager's bedroom as well as in a parent's bedroom. It is available in 1 or 2 places version, with standard and optimized dimensions.

Is the foldaway wardrobe bed comfortable?

The comfort of a foldaway wardrobe bed depends mainly on the stability of its legs, the nature of its base and the mattress you have chosen.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , linternaute.fr
  2. , journaldesfemmes.fr
  3. , maison-travaux.fr
  4. , irvinemurphybeds.com
  5. , thespruce.com
  6. , loriwallbeds.com
  7. , sleepingocean.com
  8. , tuck.com
  9. , sonuit.fr
  10. , lamaisonconvertible.fr
  11. , amazon.co.uk
  12. , squaredeco.com
  13. , lamaisonconvertible.fr
  14. , pratix.fr
  15. , mobilierdefrance.com
  16. , bimodal.fr
  17. , inside75.com
  18. , libolion.fr
  19. , amazon.co.uk
  20. , convertibledefrance.fr
  21. , manomano.fr
  22. , rueducommerce.fr
  23. , litable.fr
  24. , lestendances.fr
  25. , litescamotableetsofa.com
  26. , les-matelas.fr
  27. , cdiscount.com
  28. , petitechambre.fr
  29. , openbed.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
INSIDE75 Dynamo Sofa - Corner Set 9
INSIDE75 Dynamo Sofa - Corner Set
VANIER - Lit escamotable horizontal blanc mat 10
VANIER - Lit escamotable horizontal blanc mat
FIDJI SOFA - Lit armoire avec canapé 11
FIDJI SOFA - Lit armoire avec canapé
INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué - Armoire lit escamotable 12
INSIDE75 Fidgi Wengué - Armoire lit escamotable

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