In the world of vacation rentals, every square meter counts. Small rentals—studios, one-bedroom apartments, or compact cottages—are highly sought after for their affordability and practicality. But how can you offer maximum comfort and functionality in a limited space? The answer often lies in a clever and versatile piece of furniture: the sofa bed .
Discover how this smart furniture can transform your small vacation rental into a functional and attractive haven, maximizing space and your guests' experience.
Why is the convertible sofa the essential ally for small spaces?
The convertible sofa is the champion of optimization for small spaces, offering a valuable double functionality:
- Living room by day, bedroom by night: it allows a single room to serve as a comfortable living room during the day for relaxing, eating, or working, and to transform into a cozy bedroom at night. No more feeling like you're sleeping in a living room or living in a bedroom!
- Significant space saving: in sofa mode, it frees up valuable floor space, making the room more open, brighter, and more pleasant to live in. This is essential to avoid the feeling of being suffocated in a small home.
- Increase in capacity: a 20m studio ² can go from 2 to 4 beds in the blink of an eye. This flexibility allows you to target a wider audience (small families, friends traveling together) and, potentially, increase your nightly rate.
- Versatile: It adapts to different needs. Your guests can sit, watch a movie, read, or sleep, all with a single central piece of furniture.
Choosing the right sofa bed for a small rental
To be an asset, the convertible sofa must be chosen with care.
Size and configuration
- Compact 2 or 3-seater sofa: choose models with reasonable dimensions that fit in without overloading the room.
- Clic-clac or BZ : these mechanisms are often more compact in sofa mode and are ideal for very small spaces. However, be careful of the quality of the mattress .
- Compact corner sofa bed: For a little more space, a small corner sofa can add structure to the room while still providing generous sleeping space. Always measure the space needed once unfolded!
The comfort of the mattress
This is the number one criterion for positive reviews! Even in a small space, sleep shouldn't be a compromise.
- Thickness: Aim for a mattress that is at least 12 to 14cm thick for sufficient comfort.
- Density: High Resilience (HR) foam of 30-35 kg/m³ minimum will ensure good maintenance and an acceptable lifespan for frequent rental use.
The mechanism: ease and robustness
A simple and smooth mechanism is essential. The rapido (or express opening) system is perfect: it allows you to transform the sofa into a bed in a few seconds, effortlessly and without removing the cushions. This is a plus for your guests and your cleaning team. The robustness of the mechanism is essential to withstand the regular handling of different tenants.
The coating: practicality and durability
Choose fabrics that are durable and, above all, easy to clean. Removable and machine-washable covers are a huge advantage for maintaining impeccable hygiene and extending the life of your sofa. Opt for neutral and bright colors (light gray, beige, ecru) that visually enlarge the space and are easy to coordinate with the decor.
Design tips to enhance the space
- Multifunctional furniture: complement your sofa bed with coffee tables, ottomans with built-in storage, or wall shelves to maximize every corner.
- Light: Good lighting (natural and artificial) is crucial for making a small space appear larger. Avoid overly large lighting fixtures.
- Mirrors: Strategically placing a large mirror can double the perception of space and diffuse light.
- Smart storage: favor vertical storage (high shelves) and integrated solutions (chest in the chaise longue if you choose a compact corner sofa).
READ ALSO: Designer convertible sofas for small spaces: our recommendations
Conclusion: the key to a successful small seasonal rental
A sofa bed isn't just a piece of furniture for your small vacation rental; it's a design strategy. By choosing a suitable, comfortable, and durable model, you'll offer your guests an optimized experience, transforming a small space into a functional and pleasant living space. This investment will result in glowing reviews, a better occupancy rate, and ultimately, increased profitability for your property. Your small space will never have felt so spacious!
