The classic bed is bulk, bounce, and boring. It’s expensive and hard to move, yet we seemed to have agreed to it as the status quo. Let’s invite creativity into our sleeping space and re-envision the standard bed with these mattress alternatives.
Are you adventurous? Are you in a precarious financial situation? Or are you interested in exhibiting an artistic expression of your sleep? Read on…
Couch
You don’t necessarily have to buy anything new–why not use what you already have? Pulling out your living room couch is an easy way to switch up where you sleep without breaking the bank. You could even keep it pulled out all the time and make it your personal lounging area.
Pros:
- If you already have a couch, all you need are sheets and a pillow to get started.
- Minimal effort needed.
- If you don’t have a couch, find a friend or neighbor!
Cons:
- High likelihood of waking up with random sores and pains.
- Difficult for two people to share.
Shikibuton
A shikibuton is a thin mattress filled with cotton or foam, usually placed on top of a tatami mat (a traditional Japanese floor mat). If you want to give this kind of sleeping setup a try but don’t have the necessary materials, there are stores that sell both.
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing.
- Quite comfortable.
- Will make you stronger in the long run since you have to get up from the floor.
Cons:
- Not a cheap option.
- Takes extra effort to make the bed.
- May be difficult to relax if you tend to have bugs on the floor of your home.
- Not very accessible to buy depending on where you live.
Lounge Futon
This type of futon has a removable frame and mattress that can be used as both seating and sleeping furniture during the day and night, respectively. It’s perfect if you want convenience without sacrificing comfort or style!
Pros:
- Elevates the multi-functionality of the standard futon even more.
- Maximizes on space (which is why they’re dubbed “Space Savers”)
Cons:
- May not feel that comfortable (all depends on the type and the wear)
- May take more effort than a bifold futon to fold in and out.
Bunk Bed Futon
Perfect if you love having overnight guests over but don’t have enough beds! Bunk bed futons look like regular bunk beds but come with foldable mattresses on either side so they can easily turn into couches during the day.
Pros:
- Excellent if you have guests that don’t want to sleep in the same bed.
- People will think you are really cool.
- The bunk bed will give you a whole different view of the room.
Cons:
- Very clunky, bulky furniture.
- May feel too inviting to have guests and then you’d let your friend move in and then you’d regret it.
Foldable Cushion
These cushions usually come in various shapes like rectangles, squares or circles and are great for camping trips or other activities where space is limited but comfort is still important. They usually come with straps so they can be easily attached to backpacks for easy transportation too!
Pros:
- Very minimal effort is required.
- Often come in cool designs.
- Saves space since it’s so compact, you can easily store it away.
Cons:
- Not everyone enjoys sleeping so close to the floor.
- The cushion may not offer enough support.
Fold Up Bed
Just like it sounds: foldable beds provide an instant sleeping solution wherever needed! They’re great if you’re tight on space since most models are designed to fit comfortably into closets or even under your bed when not in use.
Pros:
- May bring back memories of having to sleep on the fold-up bed at a Holiday Inn with your family.
- Easy to store away if you have space in your closet.
Cons:
- May bring back memories of having to sleep on the fold-up bed at a Holiday Inn with your family.
- Usually only comes in small size.
Air Mattress
Air mattresses are extremely lightweight and portable making them perfect for camping trips or traveling long distances without taking up too much space in your car/truck/van/etc.. Plus most models come with built-in pumps so inflating them takes no time at all!
Pros:
- Sleeps one or two people easily.
- Some people find it comfortable.
- Portable & affordable.
Cons:
- Some people find it uncomfortable.
- Product 100% depends on the ability to not deflate.
Cot or Camp Bed
Cot beds are essentially mini versions of regular beds- perfect for kids who need some extra support while sleeping (or adults who prefer lower profiles). Most cots also come with attached storage compartments underneath which makes them doubly useful!
Pros:
- Extremely affordable.
- You are likely to feel more reflective on your life.
Cons:
- Only sleeps one.
- May be tough if it’s too short or too narrow.
Recliner
A recliner is ideal if you want something more supportive than an air mattress but not as bulky as a full-size bed frame/mattress set combo; plus they often come with adjustable settings so they can fit anyone’s needs perfectly!
Pros:
- Offers medical benefits for people that may be having issues preventing them from laying flat.
- Versatile and saves a lot of space.
Cons:
- Might wake up feeling sore or stiff.
- May impair blood circulation.
Hammock
If you feel like going back to basics then why not try hanging one inside? It’ll make any room feel like summer camp (but cozier!) Sleeping Bag – Not only do these provide extra warmth; some models also come equipped with built-in pockets so storing small items like phones/wallets/keys etc becomes easier than ever before!
Pros:
- Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Can be hung in small spaces and save floor space.
- Provides a unique sleeping experience.
- Feels like a warm hug.
Cons:
- May not provide enough support for some people.
- May not be ideal for those with mobility issues.
On The Carpet
Not exactly recommended but sometimes it’s nice to just lay down directly onto carpeting instead of having anything else between yourself & Mother Nature’s embrace 😉
Pros:
- Super easy and requires no additional equipment.
- Highly economical.
- Space saver.
Cons:
- Not very comfortable.
- Possible body aches.
Portable Foam Mattress
These mattresses offer portability & comfort combined; plus many models come equipped with removable covers & built-in handles which make them even easier to transport from place to place
Pros:
- Offers the comfort of a traditional mattress.
- Portable and easy to transport.
Cons:
- Requires additional storage space when not in use.
- Prone to getting dirty and stained.
Murphy Bed
These types of beds are stored away within walls & cabinets when not being used; perfect if you live in tight quarters & don’t want any extra furniture cluttering up your space
Pros:
- Provides a comfortable sleeping solution without sacrificing space.
- Can be easily hidden away when not in use.
Cons:
- May require professional installation.
- Usually more expensive compared to other options.
- Can be costly.
- Limited design options compared to traditional beds.
Inflatable Camping Mattress
Great alternative if air mattresses aren’t quite providing enough cushioning yet still need portability In
Pros:
- Durable and can withstand outdoor elements.
- Usually come with a repair kit for emergencies.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than traditional air mattresses.
- May not provide enough support for some people.
- Some are frustrating
An Empty Bathtub
If outdoor temperature fluctuations bother ya then why not utilize something indoors? Plus baths always feel amazing afterward 🙂
Pros:
- Provides a familiar sleeping space.
- Minimal setup required.
- Close proximity to use the toilet.
- Can wake up and take a shower first thing in the morning.
Cons:
- Limited space for movement.
- Definitely will wake up with a crick in your neck.
Sleeping Bag
Not only do these provide extra warmth; some models also come equipped with built-in pockets so storing small items like phones/wallets/keys etc becomes easier
Pros:
- Can be used in multiple settings (camping, road trips, sleepovers).
- Feels nice and cozy.
Cons:
- Not that much support.
- Limited space to move around.
Conclusion
With all these options available, getting creative about how we sleep has never been easier! Whether it’s changing our environment completely by venturing outdoors or simply trying out something totally different from our usual routine- switching things up every once in awhile never hurts 🙂 And hey, who knows… maybe after sampling some of these alternatives we’ll realize our old faithful mattress was always meant for us after all… either way there’s no harm in experimenting every now & then 🙂