The Ultimate Sofa Bed Buying Guide

The ultimate multi-functional household item, a sofa bed provides an elegant solution to the need for additional sleep space in your home. When all your beds are accounted for and if you don’t have the extra space for a permanent standard bed, a sleeper sofa allows you to easily accommodate more guests, ensuring your home is as welcoming as you are.

Adding a sofa bed to an office, bedroom, or living space provides a snug seating area and transforms the room into an extra sleeping area with just a few maneuvers. Our ultimate sofa bed buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these clever furniture items before making your purchase. Explore the different styles and mechanisms to help you make the perfect choice for your home.
 

Key Considerations

Although the aesthetic of a sofa bed is important, to make sure this flexible item of furniture blends in seamlessly with your interior design scheme, there are some practical factors to consider too.
 

How often will I use a sofa bed?

A sofa bed is an investment, so spend some time considering whether it’s the best option for your requirements. If you only need additional space on the rare occasion, you may prefer a lower-cost alternative, such as an airbed. However, if you love to host and often wish you had more places for visitors to lay their heads, enjoy browsing through options to suit your home. 
 

Do I have the space for a sofa bed? 

While a sofa bed is smaller than a guest bed, it is still larger than a standard sofa. Because most of the time, your sleeper bed will be configured as a sofa, you need to feel confident that it won't take up too much space. Furthermore, you need to check that your chosen room can accommodate when the sleeper bed is unfolded. Think about the logistics of any furniture you will need to move when the bed is laid out and be sure to measure the floor space before you make the purchase.
 

What is the sofa bed mattress size?

Looks can be deceiving with a sleeper bed. A large model in the seating position may not have a proportionally large mattress. Always research the unfolded mattress size to make sure you're getting the surface area you desire. Consider whether the sofa bed will be used by an individual or for a couple and be sure to keep their comfort in mind – especially if they'll be using the bed for several nights. 
 

Sofa Bed Types 

It will please you to know that you have plenty of options when it comes to types of sofa beds, allowing you to find a style that works for your space, sleeping needs, and décor considerations. If you’re limited on space and don’t require an overly large mattress, a two-seater sofa bed, a chair bed, or a footstool bed could provide a snug place to rest for one person.

A three-seater sofa bed is a great choice if you'd like plenty of extra seating in your room and a bed that can sleep up to two people. A corner sofa bed offers you the desirable L-shape seating aesthetic, and some models can hold a mattress up to a king-size for ultimate comfort.

Sofa Bed Mechanisms 

Not all sleeper beds function under the same mechanism. Understanding the engineering can help you choose a sofa bed you'll feel most confident operating. 

The click-clack mechanism has become very popular thanks to its space-saving design. You simply click the backrest into a flat position, in a move that is very easy to perform. With this in mind, remember that your sofa needs space to expand backwards. One of the less expensive options, be careful to choose a model with thick cushioning to elevate comfort. 

Fold-out sofa beds expand by laying the backrest flat and folding out the top seat cushions. Their basic mechanism tends to make them the budget-friendly option. Like the click-clack style, you'll be able to choose from contemporary shapes with a fold-out model. Again, remember that the sofa's cushioning will reflect how cosy the bed is. 

The pull-out bed is an enduringly popular design, and unlike the previous two, it contains a mattress that folds back into the bed when not in use. The supporting legs are folded down as the mattress is pulled out, creating a traditional-looking bed. 

Best Materials for a Sofa Bed

Did you know you can add a mattress to your click-clack and fold-out sofa beds and change the mattress within a pull-out bed as needed? In each case, a thinner mattress is best (between 10-14cm) for easy storage and neat folding into a pull-out bed. Memory foam or pocket spring mattresses are usually the most practical choice. 

The padding material used in manufacturing your prospective sleeper bed requires your consideration. Whether sitting or sleeping on the sofa, you want to feel supported. Foam-filled models are the norm, as they give the seating a good structure and make for a firm ‘mattress’ in clack-clack and fold-out beds. 

The sleeper bed's upholstery allows you to find a model you'll love for your home – but try to keep durability in mind too. If the sofa is going to get a lot of use, tougher materials such as leather and the so-called smart fabrics (made from synthetic fibers) work well. For sofa beds that will experience plenty of use as a bed, cotton is a soft, breathable material that makes a pleasant surface to sleep against. If your sofa will be tucked away in an office or guest bedroom, getting minimal use, you don't need to worry too much about wear and tear and can focus on a look that fills you with joy. 

Take a look at our stunning collection of sofa beds that works for you and your home.