Zip and Link Beds: A Flexible Solution for Guest Rooms

Having a comfortable guest bedroom can really make visits from friends and family much more inviting for you and the guests. Imagine being invited over for the weekend to be squashed onto a sofa, pull-out bed or air mattress. It’s not ideal, is it? If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room or guest bedroom, choosing the right mattress is essential so the room is multifunctional for various guests.

Whether it’s single sleepers, couples or children staying over, this guide to zip and link beds will show you how to have a guest room that’s fit for every kind of guest!

1. What are zip link beds?
2. How do zip and links work?
3. Benefits of a zip and link bed in a guest room
4. How to choose Guest Room beds
5. What’s the best guest room mattress?
6. Small guest room ideas
7. Colour scheme ideas for guest bedrooms
8. Problems to avoid when creating a guest bedroom

What are zip and link beds?

A zip and link bed, also known as a zip and lock bed, is a type of bed that consists of two separate mattresses that can be zipped or linked together to create a larger bed when required. Each mattress can also function independently, with its own separate covering and support system. However, they can also be connected using a zipper or a linking mechanism to create a single, larger sleeping surface, allowing for customisable sleeping arrangements – perfect for spare bedrooms.

Zip and link beds are commonly used in hospitality and commercial settings, such as hotels, guest houses, and vacation rentals, where the flexibility to offer different bed configurations to accommodate varying guest needs is desirable. Zip and link beds offer complete flexibility for a guest bedroom, given the ability to join and separate them when required.

They are also popular in home settings where two separate mattresses are preferred, but the ability to convert them into a larger bed is also needed, such as in guest rooms or for couples with different mattress preferences.

How do zip and link beds work?

Zip and link beds work by quickly zipping or unzipping together or apart. The two separate sides of the mattress can be easily zipped together to form one larger mattress or unzipped to be pulled apart as two separate single beds.

The zips are recessed just below the surface so the guests don’t feel them when sleeping on a zip and link mattress. When they are unzipped the bed looks and feels like a normal single mattress, with no sign of the zip once the sheets are back on and bedding.

It takes a matter of minutes to split a zip and link bed, making them a very convenient choice for guest rooms, and allowing ultimate flexibility and comfort when you’ve got a couple sharing a bed or two friends sharing a room that need separate beds.

Benefits of zip link mattresses for a guest room

One of the benefits of a zip and link bed is that it provides flexibility in terms of mattress firmness and support, as each mattress can be chosen independently to suit individual preferences. This means you can have two different spring tensions, such as a medium and firm or soft and firm, allowing for a far greater weight range of sleepers to use them. Given that most couples have a different body weight, you can select the firmer side for the heavier of the pair or even offer your two guests a preference of firmer or softer.

Additionally, the mattresses can be unzipped or unlinked, making them easier to transport, move, or replace compared to a single large mattress. This means that moving the beds in a guest room for cleaning or separating the beds is super easy and a person on their own can prepare the room without assistance.

Overall, zip and link beds offer versatility and customization options, making them a popular choice for various hospitality and home settings where flexibility and individual comfort preferences are important.

Choosing Guest Room Beds

You want to choose a mattress for a guest room that can:

• Accommodate a range of weights: from 9 stone to 18 stone
• Will provide comfort for both side, back or front sleepers (i.e. not too soft or firm)
• A bed with a deep comfort layer in the upholstery for ultimate comfort
• Can be split into two single beds along with the mattress base for separate guests sharing the same room

What’s the best guest room mattress?

The best guest room mattress should have the following features and bed attributes to ensure the widest range of sleeper types can have a comfortable nights sleep in your guest room.

• Have a medium 1.4 gauge pocket spring.
• Be two-sided so the mattress can be flipped and turned to extend the life span.
• Provide a medium comfort layer in the upholstery that suits most sleeping positions.
• Avoid super soft or super firm beds. A mattress topper can always be used to soften a mattress temporarily.
• Choose a mattress that can be partnered with a divan with drawers or ottoman for guest storage.

Our best-selling guest room mattress is the Origins Reflex hand made mattress. It’s a great option for guest rooms thanks to its universally comfortable medium-firm feel and durable two-sided design. Although we created our Origins Reflex for those that like a firmer mattress, the comfort is taken care of with firm insulating layers and comfort layers, and support is provided by the 1000 pocket springs. If you or your guests like a comfortable but firm support, then this is the mattress for you.

It can be rotated frequently to significantly extend its usable life and is also enclosed in a soft, removable and washable cover to maintain freshness. The medium-firm comfort allows the mattress to work well on various frames and bases too.

Small guest bedroom ideas

Now that you’ve chosen the very best mattress for your guest bedroom – one that can accommodate a variety of sleepers and also a zip and link model that can be split – it’s time to think of some other ‘must haves’ to make your guest room amazing! It can be helpful when designing a guest room to list the things you like to have when you stay in a hotel, guesthouse, B&B or a friend’s guest room. That way, you can ensure your guest room features these must-have delights for your guests.

Here are some guest room tips to help you create a welcoming and comfortable space for your guests:

1. Comfortable Bedding

Invest in a good-quality mattress and provide clean, soft, and comfortable bedding, including sheets, pillows, and blankets. Consider offering a variety of pillow options to accommodate different sleeping preferences. Natural fibre bedding, such as cotton, is far cooler and breathable than polyester. Consider upping the quality of the bedding if your budget allows. Natural fibres also wash and last far longer than synthetics, which tend to bobble, fade and warp over time.

2. Choosing a quality zip and link bed

A zip and link bed allows for the room to be super multifunctional for the number of guests. When guests come to stay, make sure that you choose a quality mattress so they have the best night’s sleep. Guest bedrooms can forgo chocolates on pillows, but any guests who have a bad night’s sleep will remember it!

3. Ample Guest Room Storage Space

Provide ample storage space for your guests to store their belongings, such as a dresser, wardrobe, or luggage rack. Make sure there are enough hangers and empty drawers for their clothes.

4. Provide Basic Guest Room Amenities

Stock the guest room with basic amenities that your guests may need during their stay, such as towels, toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap) and a waste paper bin. Consider providing extras like a hairdryer, extra blankets, or a fan for added comfort.

5. Adequate Guest Room Lighting

Ensure that the guest room has adequate lighting for different purposes, such as reading, working, or getting ready. Provide bedside lamps, a desk lamp, and overhead lighting options, along with easy-to-reach light switches.

6. Privacy and Security

Install window coverings such as curtains or blinds to provide privacy for your guests. Make sure the door to the guest room has a working lock or provide a doorstop for added security and peace of mind.

7. Blackout blinds and curtains can help guests relax

Good quality heavy-weight curtains can make a guest room far more relaxing than thin see through ones. They allow your guests time to lie in during their stays and not be woken up by morning lights or security lights while sleeping.

8. Wi-Fi Access

Consider providing access to Wi-Fi in the guest room so that your guests can stay connected and use their devices comfortably. Display the Wi-Fi network name and password on a card or leaflet somewhere in the room. Ideally, they’ll be too busy relaxing, but it gives them a choice if they need to use their mobile device.

9. Thoughtful Guest Room Touches

Add thoughtful touches to make your guests feel welcomed, such as fresh flowers, a welcome note, a bottle of water, or a small basket of snacks. Consider providing a clock and a full-length mirror for convenience whilst guests are staying. Mirrors always make your small guest room look much bigger and bounce light around the space.

10. Scented candles or reed diffusers can add ambience

Consider adding fragrance to the room to make it feel homely and welcoming. Jasmin, Lavender and Rose scents are lightweight scents that relax a guest. Avoid heavy incense or strong woody fragrances which can evoke the senses and interfere with relaxation.

11. Bedroom Cleanliness

Keep the guest room clean and well-maintained, with fresh linens and regular cleaning. Empty the trash regularly and provide cleaning supplies, such as a broom or a vacuum cleaner, for your guests to use if needed.

12. Information and Instructions

Provide written instructions for any appliances or devices in the guest room, such as the TV remote, thermostat, or coffee maker. Also, provide information about local attractions, transportation options, and emergency contacts for your guests’ convenience.

13. Personalizing your guest room

Consider adding personal touches to the guest room that reflect your home’s style or your guests’ preferences, such as artwork, books, or decorative items. However, keep the decor neutral to appeal to different guests’ tastes.

By carefully considering the above small guest room design ideas, you can create a comfortable, welcoming, and convenient space for your guests, ensuring they have a  pleasant stay during their visit and a comfortable night’s sleep. By planning ahead with the features and layout of a guest room, including adding a zip and link mattress, you can better serve your guests.

It also creates a wonderful spare bedroom that even you may fancy spending a luxurious night in every now and then!

What colour schemes are best for guest rooms?

When it comes to choosing a colour scheme for a guest room, it’s important to consider the overall ambiance and style you want to create, as well as the preferences of your guests. Here are some popular colour schemes that can work well for guest bedrooms:

Soft Neutrals

Neutral colours like white, beige, grey, or taupe can create a serene and calming atmosphere in a guest room. They provide a versatile and timeless backdrop that can easily blend with various decor styles and allow you to play with other accent colours.

Warm and Cosy Tones

Colours like warm earthy tones (such as soft browns, warm greys, or muted oranges) or warm jewel tones (such as deep blues, rich greens, or burgundy) can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere in a guest room. These colours can add warmth and depth to the space, making it feel welcoming and comfortable.

Soft Pastels

Light and soothing pastel colours like light blues, soft greens, blush pinks, or pale yellows can create a fresh and airy atmosphere in a guest room. These colours can add a touch of femininity and a sense of tranquillity, making the space feel relaxing and inviting.

Classic Blues and Grays

Shades of blue and grey are popular choices for guest rooms as they are versatile and timeless. They can create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, especially when paired with crisp white or soft neutrals. Navy blue or slate grey can add a touch of elegance and depth to the space.

Monochromatic Schemes

Using various shades of a single colour can create a cohesive and sophisticated look in a guest room. For example, using different shades of grey or beige can create a monochromatic colour scheme that feels modern and sophisticated, while still being neutral and versatile.

Light and Bright Colours

Using light and bright colours like soft yellows, light greens, or pale blues can create a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere in a guest room. These colours can make the space feel fresh, vibrant, and welcoming, especially in rooms with ample natural light.

Ultimately, the best colour scheme for your guest room will depend on your personal style, the overall aesthetic of your home, and the preferences of your guests. It’s always a good idea to consider the overall ambiance you want to create and choose colours that make the space feel welcoming, comfortable, and visually appealing.

Problems to avoid when creating a guest room

Here are some common problems that can arise with guest rooms:

1. Lack of Privacy: Guest rooms may be located in areas of the home that lack privacy, such as an open loft or a room without a dedicated bathroom. This can make guests feel uncomfortable or inconvenienced, especially if they have limited privacy for personal tasks like changing, using the restroom, or getting ready.
2. Insufficient Comfort: If the guest room lacks comfortable bedding, appropriate temperature control, or adequate lighting, it can impact the comfort of your guests. An uncomfortable mattress, a room that’s too hot or too cold, or insufficient lighting can lead to poor sleep quality and an overall unpleasant experience for your guests.
3. Lack of Storage Space: Insufficient storage space in the guest room can be inconvenient for guests who need to store their belongings. A lack of hangers, drawers, or closet space can make it challenging for guests to keep their belongings organised and easily accessible.
4. Inadequate Amenities: Guest rooms may not be equipped with basic amenities, such as towels, toiletries, or Wi-Fi access, which can make guests feel inconvenienced. Guests may have to rely on the host or go without essential amenities, which can negatively impact their stay.
5. Lack of Cleanliness: Maintaining cleanliness in a guest room can be challenging, especially if it’s not used regularly. Dust, dirt, and stale odours can accumulate, leading to an unclean environment for guests. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure a clean and pleasant stay for guests.
6. Mismatched Decor or Style: If the guest room decor or style does not align with the rest of the home or the preferences of your guests, it may not create a welcoming ambiance. Mismatched decor or style can make guests feel uncomfortable or out of place.
7. Lack of Information or Instructions: Guests may face challenges if there is a lack of information or instructions in the guest room. For example, not providing instructions for operating appliances, Wi-Fi access, or local information can leave guests feeling confused or inconvenienced.
8. Lack of Flexibility: Guest rooms that lack flexibility in terms of bedding arrangements or customisation options may not meet the needs of all guests. For example, if the bed configuration cannot be adjusted to accommodate different sleeping preferences or group sizes, it can limit the comfort and convenience of guests.

To overcome these problems, it’s important to address each issue proactively. Providing adequate privacy, comfort, amenities, cleanliness, and information, as well as ensuring the decor and style of the guest room align with the preferences of your guests, can help create a positive experience for your guests and make their stay enjoyable and memorable. Regular maintenance, updates, and communication with guests can help to address any issues and ensure a comfortable and welcoming guest room experience.