Need Advice: Extra Bedroom Configuration

[DeweyBeach]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

[thelegges]

Not sure any of us can actually answer the question on your lifestyle. That said we have four bedrooms, two primary suite have king beds, two guest bedrooms, have queen beds.

All bedrooms have standard bedroom furniture we have a comfortable chair in the Queen bedrooms, and 2 chair sitting area in both primary. Room if we chose to put a TV in them. However we also have a 65” in the lanai.

We also have a large laundry room that has a desk and cabinets on the entire wall. A small TV could go there since it’s away from all of the living space.

You could have a wall bed with desk and storage, room for a comfortable chair and TV

[retiredguy123]

Make sure that whatever furniture you plan to put into the bedroom will have a path to the door, especially a sofa bed. I had to switch from a queen size to a standard bed size because neither one would go around the corner to the door. The standard size had to be tilted on it's end and it just barely fit under the door frame. The queen size would have been too long to fit through the door.

[oldtimes]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

We have a murphy bed in our 3rd bedroom, a wall mounted TV and an expanding buffet table, it is pretty versatile. A murphy bed uses a real mattress so it is pretty comfortable.

[pokeefe45@aol.com]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

I think your instincts are correct in telling you that you should 'flex' the third bedroom and make it a 'desk/TV/Pullout sofa' area. In the absence of local family, we have only needed to pull out that sofabed in our third bedroom once in the past 18 months of living here full time. Yet-it remains a 'retreat' room for either myself of my wife, when you just want to get away-talk to old friends in a more secluded space-or just have some 'alone' time, which all of us need. I'd follow your instincts. Or you'll find yourself with a third bed, that you'll only need to make only very occasionally (if at all)!

[rjm1cc]

Murphy bed maybe. Pull out sofa ok. Full bed and not being able to use the room day to day is a no.

[DeweyBeach]

All great perspectives and helpful. On the occasion someone needs to visit, I love the idea of sleeping on a murphy bed verus a traditional flipout sleeper or a chaise foldout (aka "futon") however the room will be too small for the murphy to also accommodate a sofa, desk and a t.v.

[patfla06]

I would furnish it to suit yourselves. Guests usually stay for just a few
days. The murphy bed suggestion is a good one.

We bought a 4 bedroom, with 2 guest rooms that have queens,
4th bedroom made into a Study/t.v. Room.

[Stu from NYC]

Our third bedroom became my office.

Last year when our youngest grandkids visited the smaller one had her portacrib put into the office. Down the road when she gets older it will be replaced with air mattress.

[retiredguy123]

All great perspectives and helpful. On the occasion someone needs to visit, I love the idea of sleeping on a murphy bed verus a traditional flipout sleeper or a chaise foldout (aka "futon") however the room will be too small for the murphy to also accommodate a sofa, desk and a t.v.
If you have a sofa bed, you can upgrade the mattress with a memory foam mattress from Amazon.

[JMintzer]

We just got one of these. Takes up minimal space when closed...

[wisbad1]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB
Don’t make it too comfortable they won’t leave.

[DeweyBeach]

Yes! I was thinking the same thing today. Thanks!

[DeweyBeach]

We just got one of these. Takes up minimal space when closed...

Well done and thanks for the referral.

[DeweyBeach]

If you have a sofa bed, you can upgrade the mattress with a memory foam mattress from Amazon.

Great suggestion, thanks! The pullouts have the bars that stick in your back and the foldouts have gaps. Can just stash a good quality topper in the closet.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We have a futon in our living room, and a tall folding screen so when visitors come they have some privacy at bedtime. Our second bedroom is our office, where we have our desks, the cat condo, and an antique vanity and bench. If we had three bedrooms we'd definitely still use one as an office space.

Rather than a fold-out couch though I do recommend a futon on a sturdy frame. They're much more comfortable to sleep on and they make excellent couches. Don't get a 10" futon. Way too thick and heavy. Get an 8" thick full size, which will fit 1 person with TONS of stretching room, or 2 people in relative comfort.

[ColtsFan]

I would definitely do the TV/Office room. You will use it every day----you will not have guests every day. Great when one of you wants to watch something different on TV.

[bowlingal]

get a trundle bed for that 3rd bedroom. Best ( and cheapest) solution

[crash]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

We have it setup as a den and use a 2 inch memory foam topper when the pull out couch is used. It makes it actually comfortable.

[Viv&Steve]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB
We put in a wall bed. It’s our tv room and when needed a real queen size bed for guests. We love it.

[Dgodin]

Friends of ours installed a murphy bed in their third bedroom as part of a wall unit that included a desk.
The rooms primary use was as an office.

[thevillager1988]

Our 3rd bedroom has a murphy bed, that is a convertible desk (bought it on Wayfair). It works for our needs (a guest gets a good bed and my hubby gets an office). But it won't work if you want to use the room for watching TV too. In our up north condo, we have a day bed with a trundle. Load it up with pillows, and you can use it to watch TV. And guests have a comfy bed. I like twin beds for guests because they don't always want to sleep in the same bed. And if they are married, a few nights in separate beds shouldn't ruin the marriage.

[meachemjs]

We installed cabinets and a Murphy bed in our 3rd bedroom. It is now my craft room/office that I use almost daily. It has a TV mounted on the wall. When company comes, I close up the pull down table and pull down the bed and it works great. See pics.

[smcmahon2002]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

We put Twin XL beds in our 3rd bedroom. They work much better for adult guests.

Could always move the twin beds against the wall to put a simple desk between them.

[Mrs S]

We put a Murphy bed in Our 3rd room. Folds up when not in use.

[cjky2k]

All great perspectives and helpful. On the occasion someone needs to visit, I love the idea of sleeping on a murphy bed verus a traditional flipout sleeper or a chaise foldout (aka "futon") however the room will be too small for the murphy to also accommodate a sofa, desk and a t.v.

Not true oj too small. Plan week! We used our 3rd bedroom as an office with a wall bed. End wall is bed (uses regular mattress - much better than a sofa bed) with storage on both sides of the bed to fill the wall. We have a 4’x2’ computer desk in there with proper desk chair. Still room for a comfortable reading chair with small side table. When we need to use I’d for guests, we do have to move the big chair under the window near the head of the bed before opening it, but that’s it. And since adult children are the ones who sleep there; we let them do the work.

[airstreamingypsy]

Since I need storage, I have my master bedroom, a guest room with a queen bed and the third bedroom is my storage room. I use it like I would an attic. I did the same in my house in Connecticut. I would always buy a house with one more bedroom than I need, for storage.

[JRcorvette]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

Do a Murphy Wall Bed with a desk and TV area and some seating. That way you can use the room 99% of the time and still have a comfortable bed for the occasional guest. That is what we did.

[jarodrig]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

Seems to me that by the tone and content of your question, you already know the answer !! ;)

[asiebel]

We did the den with pullout sofa! I did buy a topper for the pullout! It has worked out perfectly for the past 12 years!

[asiebel]

We did the den with pullout sofa! I did buy a topper for the pullout! It has worked out perfectly for the past 12 years! We have twin beds in other bedroom!

[christine J Toft]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB

I put a Murphy bed in bedrooms 2 and 3. Comfortable mattresses and out of the way when not in use.

[Pat2015]

We set it up as a den with a pullout sofa. In the 8 years we’ve been here it’s been used 3 times. We like the flexibility of using it as a room to watch different tv shows and just to hang out sometimes for alone time.

[Lisanp@aol.com]

A Pullout with an office is the best solution for us. We used the bed only once in the past year. I bought a thick (4”) mattress topper to put under the mattress pad and the bed is quite comfortable for a night or two.

[nancyre]

Depends on how you live. If I was doing it again I would spend the $ for a murphy bed / sofa arrangements for the 3rd bedroom. With a built in desk area. Now it is my office & I have a double height blow up bed available.

[Arti$t2B$]

I have a wall bed in the room that is my office and art room which works great when family visit. It is a queen size and comfortable. In the guest room I have a Trundle bed which can be a king bed if you add the extra connection between the two twin beds or the Other option is two twins beds which the grandkids like. Works great and have room for my exercise mat. Remember, those extra rooms will be used 99% by you so make them meet your needs.

[SusanStCatherine]

We looked at Murphy beds and didn't like $8,000 price tag for fake wood and permanently nailing the bed to the wall and the floor after removing some of the baseboard.

[Villagesgal]

We went with a leather pullout sofa bed, desk against the wall and TV in a wall unit. We call it our TV room. Hubby can watch the game and I can watch my shows, works great for guests too. Open the sofa and lay down on it in the store to see how comfortable it is. Guests love ours, but some are uncomfortable.

[SusanStCatherine]

We ordered an expensive American Leather sleeper sofa from Baer's. The mattress was way too firm (even with a foam topper) for even me and my traveling daughter who can sleep on anything. We sent it back.

[TBezrutch]

We love our queen Murphy bed. At the same time, we had a computer desk placed. The bed is very comfortable.




UOTE=DeweyBeach;2255142]Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB[/QUOTE]

[SusanStCatherine]

Currently we are using a good tall blow up air mattress for occasional guests, which is pretty comfortable and when collapsed can easily be stored away.

[SusanStCatherine]

LoveSac is a great product and very versatile. We are considering arranging our many pieces to form a queen bed but only when having overnight guests. When we bought our very large sectional configuration, they gave us a queen sheet set and a feather bed for on top of the cushions. The cushions are extremely comfortable on the couch as I often fall asleep on them. The fabric we got is machine washable as well.

[Tdolecki]

Hello, we were thinking on a Murphy bed for our 3rd bedroom. Any suggestions on where to buy and what the costs are.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks

[dpdale]

We’ve had luck with pop up trundle beds. Hard to find, but very versatile. It takes up the space of a twin bed when it’s in the room but when the trundle is pulled out and “popped up” it can be two twins or a king size bed. I keep 2” foam toppers on the twins for comfort, and when making it into a king, turn them horizontally to minimize the separation of the twins. Of course, you have to have room for a king bed.

[SusanStCatherine]

Another sleeping option I have used is the LoveSac Pillow Sac. You can put on a queen size sheet and it is like sleeping on an enormous pillow. Mostly good for just one adult. Basically it is like a big beanbag chair. It is a big pillow (6' x 4'6"). You stand it on its side like a banana to sit in it. They used to sell a rocker you placed it on to make a love seat rocker which we used when our kids were teens. They don't sell the rocker anymore but you can find them elsewhere. We have two and may be selling one soon. Older adults might not do well with this option though. Visit a LoveSac store and have them show you sleeping options.

[Freeda]

All three of our bedrooms are furnished as bedrooms; the two extra bedrooms having queen size beds; the master has kingsize. All three bedrooms have TVs in them; one of the extra bedrooms has a big screen TV, and other approx a 50 inch. Would never change this. We are always ready for company; and sometimes two of our children want to visit at the same time, or we have room for grands etc; or if one of us wants to watch a different TV show, etc, we can always crash in one of the extra bedrooms and be comfortable anywhere.

For us, there is no need for a computer desk, as we both just use laptops and we use them wherever we want in the house. One of our extra bedrooms has a credenza that the bigscreen TV sits on, facing the bed, and on the end of the credenza we have our printer, so it's easily accessible - yet not intrusive in the bedroom atmosphere. Our internet modem is also on that credenza, behind the TV, and next to the printer. This arrangement has worked great for years. I even do my parttime law practice, and we have a homebased business, using this arrangement; with never a problem. Our lanai is available extra sitting area, if one of us wants to use it, has a guest or client, etc.

[ron32162]

I have 3 br's bed and tv's in each never need the 3rd br too much but its great when you need it.

[NavyVet]

We had a guest room in our previous house with a library wall bed. Then we moved to a Begonia where the front room is a 'den', no closet. We turned that into a 'man cave'/office. No spare bed for guests.
When my brother used to come visit, he brought his male dogs with him, not watch them, and they'd pee against my furniture, kitchen cabinets, etc. One time it even peed on a case of beer sitting against a wall.
So when we moved, sorry, no spare bed for company. You'll have to get a pet friendly reservation elsewhere. He doesn't visit anymore, but that's a whole other story. LOL

[asianthree]

We had a guest room in our previous house with a library wall bed. Then we moved to a Begonia where the front room is a 'den', no closet. We turned that into a 'man cave'/office. No spare bed for guests.
When my brother used to come visit, he brought his male dogs with him, not watch them, and they'd pee against my furniture, kitchen cabinets, etc. One time it even peed on a case of beer sitting against a wall.
So when we moved, sorry, no spare bed for company. You'll have to get a pet friendly reservation elsewhere. He doesn't visit anymore, but that's a whole other story. LOL

All of our friends, kids and grands have pets, not one would ever bring their pets with them. Sorry you have such an inconsiderate relation

[retiredguy123]

All of our friends, kids and grands have pets, not one would ever bring their pets with them. Sorry you have such an inconsiderate relation
Inconsiderate or not, the dogs would not be allowed in my house.

[DeweyBeach]

Our 3rd bedroom has a murphy bed, that is a convertible desk (bought it on Wayfair). It works for our needs (a guest gets a good bed and my hubby gets an office). But it won't work if you want to use the room for watching TV too. In our up north condo, we have a day bed with a trundle. Load it up with pillows, and you can use it to watch TV. And guests have a comfy bed. I like twin beds for guests because they don't always want to sleep in the same bed. And if they are married, a few nights in separate beds shouldn't ruin the marriage.

Thanks very much for affirming the space and configuration challenges for a murphy bed setup!

[gingersnap]

We purchased a Flex Steel sofa with a pull out which has an air mattress. We don’t have to use it often, but those that have slept on it say it is quite comfortable. 🤷🏼*♀️

[Sandy and Ed]

Your house. Make it comfortable for you. Our 3d b/r is our office/den. We limit ourselves to one guest bedroom. But the couch is available and I suppose a love seat that pulls out to a single bed would work. Again your house. Enjoy it

[kendi]

We have a cabinet bed from Babette’s. But you can find them other places as well. Queen size foam mattress is very comfortable. You can put a TV or other items on top even with the bed open so no shifting things around to open. And it’s very attractive.

[Pennyt]

Our 3rd bedroom is my office as I work from home. We turned our screened in porch into a sunroom and have a TV there where my husband can watch his sports. Works very well and gives us separation when needed. If we have more than one visitor at a time (which is very rare) we have an air mattress that we put in the office.

[Pixelpups]

We had a 2nd dedicated guest bedroom with a queen bed in our previous home and a big air mattress for kids. Realized that we had to keep cleaning a room that was used only 5% of the year for guests. When we moved here, we turned the third bedroom into a study. If we have more than 4 guests, then we pay for the Brownwood Hotel (at the Villagers' rate). It's a fun place to stay, our family gets some privacy at night, it's not too far away and it only happens about once a year these days. Lots cheaper than furnishing a rarely used bedroom. However, that said, we don't have a bunch of family dropping in all at once, so it obviously must meet your situation.

[Barborv]

When I bought my house it was furnished and we replaced most of the furniture. BUT my 3rd bedroom has two twin beds, a nite table and a chest of drawers with mirror. It's great when the grandkids come, and I even had room for a twin blow up. My problem is, do I replace with a murphy bed and desk system? Right now, I have my desk and my husband's desk in the bedroom, (it's large) which I'm not a fan of. We go on our computers daily. The kids once or twice a year. We usually go to them. It kills me to get rid of a very nice bedroom set though! But if it was empty, I'd go with the murphy, or if you are inclined to go into separate relaxing areas, the a pull out sofa.

[lynnschindel]

Hello Neighbors!
We're very excited to be settling this week on our 3br home in The Village of Newell! We're finalizing our furniture decisions but going back and forth over the 3rd bedroom configuration.

We can't decide whether to make it another bedroom (two twins or a full size) or have it be a den with pullout sofa, a desk and a t.v.

On the occasions we have extra guests, a real bed is certainly better than a pullout bed or flipout futon sofa, however, watching a separate t.v. show and/or working on the computer in that room (instead of the kitchen table or island) may be more comfortable.

Would love some opinions.
Thanks!
DB
We had a countertop and cabinets installed on one wall to accommodate both our computers. On th other wall we had a double-sized Murphy bed installed. That way we had a comfortable computer room setup, and a real bed for company. Cost about $5k, but it was worth it!

[Smalley]

Great suggestion, thanks! The pullouts have the bars that stick in your back and the foldouts have gaps. Can just stash a good quality topper in the closet.

There is a motorized wall bed called a Zoom bed. Videos are available on line. The store is in Oxford FL.....in or adjacent to TV....and I believe it's called The Wall Bed Store. We are still considering buying one. In the meantime, a queen bed and a small desk fit comfortably in our 3rd bedroom. We redid the closet and had it well lit so it functions as a combination closed and office storage space with shelves.