Why Choose a Sofa Bed
Sofa beds are a practical choice for homes that need flexibility without giving up everyday comfort. They provide a comfortable place to sit during the day while offering a proper sleeping solution when needed, removing the need for a separate guest bed. Designed for multi-use spaces such as living rooms, spare rooms, or home offices, they help make better use of available space. Modern designs focus on ease of use, improved support, and reliable mechanisms, making them suitable for regular use rather than just occasional stays.
Types of Sofa Beds
Sofa beds come in a variety of designs, each suited to different spaces and ways of living. Understanding the main types helps you choose a model that fits your room layout, comfort needs, and how often it will be used. From compact options to larger family friendly designs, each type offers its own practical benefits. Here some of the sofa bed types:
- Pull out sofa beds: These feature a hidden mattress stored within the sofa frame that pulls out when needed. They often provide a more traditional bed feel, making them a good option for regular overnight use. This type usually requires more floor space when fully opened, so room measurements are important.
- Click clack sofa beds: Designed with a simple folding mechanism, these convert from sofa to bed by adjusting the backrest. They are easy to use and well suited to smaller spaces or occasional guests. While compact and budget friendly, comfort levels can vary depending on padding and support.
- Corner sofa beds: Ideal for larger living areas, corner sofa beds maximise seating while also offering a generous sleeping surface. Many designs include built in storage, which is useful for bedding and pillows. They work well in shared spaces where both seating capacity and sleeping space are important. Explore our Corner Sofa Beds guide, for more details.
- Ottoman sofa beds: Ottoman designs lift or pull out to reveal the sleeping area, often combined with hidden storage underneath. They are particularly useful when space is limited and extra storage is needed. This type balances practicality with a clean, uncluttered look.
- Day beds: Day beds sit somewhere between a sofa and a bed, often styled without a complex folding mechanism. They are best suited for occasional use or relaxed seating in guest rooms or home offices. While simple in design, they work well in spaces where ease and accessibility matter. For more detailed information, take a look at our Day Bed guide.
How to Choose the Right Size Sofa Bed
Choosing the right sofa bed starts with understanding how much space you actually have to work with. A sofa bed needs to fit comfortably in the room both when used as seating and when fully opened as a bed, without disrupting walkways or other furniture. Measuring the available floor space, wall clearance, and surrounding layout helps avoid issues later.
- Overall sofa dimensions: Check the width, depth, and height of the sofa in its closed position to ensure it fits neatly within your room. Consider arm style and back height, as these can affect how bulky the sofa feels in smaller spaces.
- Bed size when extended: Sofa beds can open into different sleeping sizes, such as single, small double, or double. Always measure how far the bed extends when open and make sure there is enough clearance for movement around it.
- Room layout and access: Think about how the sofa bed will open and close within your space. Placement near doors, radiators, or windows may affect usability, especially in tighter rooms.
- Seating needs: Choose between two seater, three seater, or corner designs based on how many people will use the sofa regularly. Larger seating options may offer more comfort but require more space.
- Storage and functionality: Some sofa beds include built in storage, which can reduce the need for additional furniture. This is particularly useful in smaller rooms where space is limited and organisation matters.
Practical Extras to Consider while purchasing a Sofa Bed
Small details can make a big difference to how a sofa bed fits into everyday life. Beyond size and style, certain features add extra convenience, improve comfort, and help the sofa bed work better over time. Considering these extras early can save you from compromises later.
- Built in storage: Many sofa beds include hidden storage compartments that are ideal for bedding, pillows, or spare throws. This helps reduce clutter and is especially useful in rooms where storage space is limited.
- Ease of operation: A smooth and simple opening mechanism makes a noticeable difference, particularly if the sofa bed will be used regularly. Look for designs that open and close without heavy lifting or awkward movements.
- Removable or washable covers: Sofa beds with removable covers are easier to keep clean and maintain, especially in busy households. This feature also helps extend the lifespan of the upholstery.
- Arm style and back support: The shape of the arms and back can affect both seating comfort and how much space the sofa bed takes up. Slim arms save space, while padded backs can add extra comfort when used as a sofa.
- Leg height and floor clearance: Raised legs can make a room feel more open and allow for easier cleaning underneath. Lower profiles may suit smaller spaces but can feel more compact.
Tips for Maintaining Sofa Beds
Looking after a sofa bed properly helps it stay comfortable, functional, and visually appealing for longer. Regular care not only protects the upholstery but also ensures the mechanism continues to work smoothly over time. Here are some tips for maintaining the longevity of your sofa bed:
- Clean the upholstery regularly: Vacuum the sofa bed frequently to remove dust, crumbs, and debris from both the seating and sleeping areas. Always follow the care instructions for your chosen material to avoid damage.
- Check the mechanism: Open and close the sofa bed occasionally, even if it is not used often. This helps prevent stiffness and allows you to spot any issues with the frame or moving parts early.
- Rotate cushions and mattresses: Rotating cushions and the mattress where possible helps reduce uneven wear. This is especially useful if the sofa bed is used regularly for sleeping.
- Deal with spills quickly: Blot spills as soon as they happen using a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this can push stains deeper into the fabric and affect the finish.
- Avoid overloading: Stick to the recommended weight limits for both seating and sleeping. Overloading can strain the frame and reduce the lifespan of the sofa bed.