Marilyn Monroe transformed a 'last-resort' furnishing into a luxurious space-saving solution in her 1950s bedroom – it's inspiring to this day

Sofa beds have a bad reputation. They are generally associated with uncomfortable sleeping conditions, a creaky neck the next morning, and an inexpensive look. However, when chosen and designed correctly, bed-cum-sofas can be both stylish and space-saving.

Marilyn Monroe's apartment in the Beverly Carlton hotel proves it. An archival image from 1951 shows the actress reclining on the best sleeper sofa we've ever seen; it's plush and luxurious, covered in a shimmery silk duvet. Styled casually among her impressive collection of books, it feels at once elegant and relaxed.

Her space is an inspiration to ditch the misconception that sofa beds are categorically bad and embrace styling sleeper sofas to perfection, instead. When decorated correctly, a sofa bed can both save space and look expensive.

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Whinnie Williams, interior designer and creative director at Dreams, explains: 'Sofa beds can sometimes get a bad rep for being uncomfortable or a last resort – but I think they’re a stroke of genius! With the right setup, you can turn your spare room into a five-star guest suite – minus the mini bar of course! Your guests might never want to leave.'

To recreate Marilyn's effortlessly elevated look, start with a set of the best luxury bed sheets. Whinnie recommends: 'Adding a little bit of luxe to your bedding is a great way of encouraging sound sleep and comfort, while delivering that five-star feeling. Egyptian cotton or sateen sheets offer a premium experience, while weighted or chunky throws not only add style to sofas but add warmth and texture too.'

To maintain the atmosphere of a luxury hotel, as Marilyn has done, try to keep the design simple and pared back.

Whinnie explains: 'While it’s tempting to channel your inner hotel manager and cover your sofa bed in the best pillows, I’d recommend two sleeping pillows for night-long support, a maximum of one or two decorative pillows, and a small throw cushion for a bit of extra razzle-dazzle.'

'Too many pillows can be a hassle for guests to set up and tidy away – any decorative pillows you do add should enhance the comforting vibe and feel cohesive with the rest of the room,' she adds.

With an American icon of timeless style among its many fans, the sofa bed is sure to supersede its negative connotation. The right styling can transform any space.