Our study/guest room is too small for a standard sofa bed, leaving only enough space for an armless chair bed. Guests find futons low and uncomfortable, and we don't want a folding bed in foam. Can you suggest a comfortable, attractive alternative?
JP, Richmond, Surrey.

A substantial armless chair bed is the Shapiro (above) from Sofa Workshop,01798 345345, www.sofaworkshop.com. The dimensions are H91xW102xD91cm. I am sending you a picture that shows the piece as a chair and unfolded as a bed, which is well elevated from the floor. It is priced from £999, depending on the upholstery you choose. Another neat model is the Dizzy, £295, from John Lewis, 08456 049049, www.johnlewis.com, although the mattress is quite close to the floor when the chair converts to a bed, which you may find a drawback. Other chair beds that may be of interest are the Turin, £500, and Como, £400, by Slumberland, 0161 628 2898, www.slumberlandsofabeds.co.uk. If you are able to view them on the web, there is an “animate” option, which illustrates them opening and closing.

CELIA RUFEY