This time of year the phone starts ringing with the same question: "My family is coming in two weeks and the spare room has no bed. What do I need?" Usually it's less than people think. Here's the checklist I walk people through, so the room is ready before anyone pulls into the driveway.
1. Measure the room before you shop
Grab a tape measure and write down the length and width of the room, plus where the door, closet, and window are. Try to leave about two feet of walking space on at least one side and the foot of the bed. A bed that technically fits but blocks the closet door gets old fast for your guests.
If you're not sure how big each size is, our mattress size guide has the dimensions side by side.
2. Pick the size for who actually stays over
| Who usually stays | Size that usually works | Set price |
|---|---|---|
| One adult, or the grandkids | Twin | $125 |
| One adult who wants room, or a small couple | Full | $140 |
| A couple, or parents visiting | Queen | $150 |
| A big room and you want the best guest setup | King | $275 |
All of those are brand new mattress sets. For most spare bedrooms I point people to a full or queen. A queen is the size most couples are used to at home, so visiting parents tend to sleep better on it. If the room is small or it's mostly kids, a twin keeps the floor open.
3. Sort out what goes under the mattress
This is the step people forget until the delivery shows up. Check what's already in the room:
- No frame at all: you'll want a bed frame. A mattress on the floor works for a night, but it's not great for a week-long visit.
- A metal frame with just side rails: usually needs a box spring or foundation on top.
- A platform frame or slats close together: often fine without one. Our post on whether you need a box spring explains how to tell.
We sell bed frames and box springs, so tell us what you have and we'll make sure the pieces match.
4. Pick a comfortable middle feel
You don't know exactly how every guest sleeps, so I steer guest rooms toward a medium feel. It's comfortable for side sleepers without feeling too soft for back sleepers. If you want the details, see firm vs. medium vs. plush.
5. Have the room basics ready
- A mattress protector, so a spilled drink doesn't ruin a new mattress.
- Two sets of sheets that fit the new size, so you can swap mid-visit.
- Two pillows per guest and an extra blanket in the closet.
- A lamp or nightlight by the bed, and somewhere to set a suitcase.
- A clear path to the bathroom at night.
6. Need a couch that works for overflow?
If more people are coming than you have beds, the living room picks up the slack. A big sectional gives a teenager or a cousin a decent spot to crash. Sectionals start at $500, sofas at $400, and loveseats at $300.
7. Book delivery early
We offer same-day delivery in Elk Grove on most in-stock mattresses if you call early in the day. We also deliver to Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Galt, Laguna, and Natomas. The weeks before a holiday get busy, so I'd schedule a few days ahead instead of the day before your guests land. We set the bed up, and we can haul away an old mattress while we're there. Curbside pickup works too. See the delivery page for details.
If the budget is tight this month
The holidays stretch everybody. Right now we're running a limited-time promotion: $20 down, pay it off in 90 days, no credit needed, and take it home today. Ask about it when you call, or read more on our payment plans page.
Come see it in person
We're family owned. I'm Brian, and Vik often helps out at the store at 9055 Locust St Suite C10 in Elk Grove. We speak Spanish too. Hours are weekdays 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM. Call or text (916) 585-3613 before you come, since I'm often out on deliveries, and I'll tell you what's on the floor today.
Common questions
What size mattress is best for a guest room?
For one guest or kids, a twin is usually enough. For a couple or a guest who likes room to spread out, a full or queen works better. Measure the room first and leave about two feet of walking space around the bed.
How much does a guest bed cost at Elk Grove Mattress & Furniture?
Brand new mattress sets start at $125 for a twin, $140 for a full, $150 for a queen, and $275 for a king. We also sell bed frames and box springs. Call or text (916) 585-3613 for what is on the floor today.
Can I get a guest mattress delivered the same day in Elk Grove?
Often yes. We offer same-day delivery in Elk Grove on most in-stock mattresses if you call early in the day. We also deliver to Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Galt, Laguna, and Natomas.
Do I need a box spring for a guest bed?
It depends on the frame. A platform frame or a frame with slats close together usually does not need one. A metal frame with only side rails usually does. Tell us what frame you have and we will tell you what fits.
Is there a payment option if the holidays are tight?
Right now we have a limited-time promotion: $20 down, pay it off in 90 days, no credit needed, and take it home today. Ask us about it when you call or stop by.
Can you haul away the old guest bed?
Yes. We can haul away an old mattress when we deliver the new one. Ask when you schedule delivery.
