Synopsis: With many homeowners today needing more space but not having lots of cash for big renovation projects, one good idea is to work with space that already exists in a house. For those people wishing they had more guest space, one easy solution can be a fold-down bed, which can transform a family room or library into a guest room. Architect Lynn Hopkins outlines ideas for how to incorporate a fold-down bed into an existing space. Considerations include bed orientation, built-in details, and furniture arrangements. As part of this article, builder Gary Striegler shows how to build a fold-down bed in eight smooth steps, starting with building a case, then installing hardware, and finishing up by applying trim.

The economic downturn has forced many people to rethink the way they live in their homes. Many are opting to reconfigure their houses to be more flexible, instead of adding on or moving. A flexible home, one that can adapt to changing family dynamics or play host to extended stays from guests, has become paramount as the demands on our existing homes have increased. Incorporated into built-in cabinetry, a fold-down bed makes it possible for a room to do double duty. The room can have one function by day—an office or playroom, for instance—and serve as sleeping quarters by night. The beauty is in the bed’s concealment: It simply disappears when not in use. However, designing a fold-down bed so that it looks great and functions well is no easy task. Here, I’ll share my design process for integrating a fold-down bed into an existing room. In “8 tips to a smooth bed installation”, finish carpenter Gary Striegler will share his tips on how best to build the bed, install the necessary hardware, and ensure smooth operation for years to come.