Choosing a sofa bed requires careful consideration of your needs, lifestyle, and space. As a smart shopper, follow this comprehensive guide to select the perfect sofa bed for your home.
What is a Sofa Bed?
A sofa bed, also known as a sleeper sofa or pull-out couch, is a sofa that converts into a bed. It consists of a sofa frame with a stowaway bed inside that can be pulled out and expanded to become a temporary bed for sleeping. Sofa beds are a great space-saving solution for accommodating overnight guests in homes with limited square footage.
When not in use as a bed, the stowaway mattress folds up inside the sofa frame, allowing the piece to function as a regular couch. Sofa beds come in many styles, with different mechanisms for deploying the mattress and converting them into a bed.
Benefits of Owning a Sofa Bed
Here are some of the top benefits of having a sofa bed in your home:
- Space Saving – Sofa beds provide seating and spare sleeping space in one compact piece of furniture. This makes them ideal for smaller homes, apartments, offices, and multifunctional spaces.
- Serves Multiple Needs – A sofa bed fulfills dual roles, providing a couch for seating as well as a bed for overnight guests. This versatility enables you to get more use out of a single furniture investment.
- Affordable – Sofa beds are usually more affordable than purchasing both a couch and a guest bed separately. Their 2-in-1 functionality provides savings.
- Comfortable – Modern sofa bed mattresses are designed for comfort. Premium models have inner spring or memory foam mattresses much like regular beds.
- Convenient – Keeping a sofa bed ready for overnight guests and visitors is more convenient than setting up an air mattress or dragging out extra bedding.
- Stylish Options – Sofa beds come in many stylish forms like sectionals, futons, and sleek upholstered models. You can find options to suit your home’s décor.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sofa Bed
Several important factors should be evaluated when shopping for the ideal sofa bed. Keep these key considerations in mind:
Sofa Comfort and Style
Since the sofa bed will be used frequently as a couch, its seating comfort and style are very important. Test sofa beds in person to assess if the height, depth, and firmness are comfortable for sitting. Also, choose a style that fits your existing decor. Lean towards neutral colors and versatile design if planning to use it in multiple homes.
Mattress Comfort
The mattress is the key to the sofa bed’s sleep comfort. Test sofa bed mattresses in person by lying down on them. Check that it is thick enough, with at least 4-6 inches of padding. Press on the mattress to assess if it is firm enough to support sleepers without sagging. Also see if the mattress can be easily folded without creasing.
Bed Size
Standard sofa bed mattress sizes are full/double or queen size. Measure your space to determine the best size sofa bed to accommodate. Full size is best for smaller spaces, while queen size provides more generous sleeping room. Also check that the deployed bed size will fit in your intended space.
Easy to Operate
The mechanism of the sofa bed should make it easy to deploy and fold up. Test the sofa bed in person at full extension to see how easily the bed pulls out and folds back in. Complex mechanisms can get jammed or break more easily. Choose simple, smooth gliding rails and hinges for durability.
Sturdy Frame
The sofa frame must be well-constructed from durable wood or metal to support sleepers without sagging or creaking. Check reviews and test display models by applying pressure to the sofa arms, back, and extended bed frame. High-quality sofa beds use reinforced connecting brackets and crossbars.
Usage Frequency
Determine how frequently you will use the sofa bed for overnight sleeping. Occasional use calls for easier, lighter mechanisms. If planning to use it every night, invest in a heavy-duty sofa bed with a high-quality thick mattress for durability and better sleep comfort.
Different Types of Sofa Beds
There are several common mechanisms and designs for convertible sofa beds. Consider these main options:
Pull-Out Sofa Bed
This classic design has a mattress stored on a metal frame inside the sofa. Pull-out sofa beds have removable cushions and a handle to pull the mattress out horizontally and extend the bed frame. The mattress rests on metal mesh or slated frames. Sturdy crossbar supports are key.
Futon Sofa Bed
A futon has a flexible mattress that folds forward to become a sofa, and folds back to become a bed. The versatile Japanese-style futon sofa bed has a simple folding frame, usually with low profile arms. The thin mattress can feel less cushy.
Folding Foam Sofa Bed
Some sofa beds have a flexible foam mattress that folds up and down instead of pulling out. The foam mattress folds into the base of the sofa frame. This style lacks bars and rails for a modern, simple look. But the foam mattress can sag more over time.
Convertible Sectional Sofa
For more sleeping space, look for sectional sofa beds. Full-size sofa beds extend out from the chaise section of an L-shaped sectional couch. This style works well in larger rooms and provides seating for more guests.
Murphy Bed Sofa
Murphy bed sofa units conceal the bed vertically inside the sofa frame. The whole bed lifts up and down mechanically to move between sofa seating and bed positions. But the heavier mechanism requires cabinet depth.
Click-Clack Sofa
Click-clack sofas have an upholstered foam futon that simply clicks into place between upright and flat positions. The back cushion folds all the way down to become a sleeper surface. This style has easy operation but may not be as comfortable.
Choosing the Best Sofa Bed Mattress
Prioritize comfort by choosing the highest quality sofa bed mattress your budget allows. Here are some mattress considerations:
Coil Spring Mattresses
The most comfortable sofa bed mattresses contain inner steel coils like a traditional mattress. Look for individually encased coils for contouring support. Avoid sofa beds with fewer than 200 coils which can sag quickly.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam conforms closely to the body for cushioning comfort. Seek at least 2 inches of dense foam like high-density HR polyurethane foam. Gel-infused memory foam also helps prevent heat retention.
Polyester Fiberfill Mattresses
Cheaper sofa beds have lightweight mattresses stuffed with polyester fill or batting. These compress easily and don’t offer the best orthopedic support. But they can suffice for occasional or temporary use.
Mattress Topper
For better sleep, add a 1-3 inch mattress topper like memory foam or wool. The topper cushions pressure points and makes a thinner sofa bed mattress more comfortable. Just ensure the topper is foldable.
Shopping Tips for Finding the Best Quality Sofa Bed
Use these expert shopping tips to locate a well-made sofa bed with comfort, convenience, and durability:
- Check the sofa frame – Apply downward pressure on the sofa arms, back, and base to check for creaking, instability or loose joinery. Hardwood frames withstand more wear.
- Inspect mattress thickness – A 6-8 inch thick mattress ensures better sleep comfort. Thinner mattresses under 4 inches lack support.
- Test hinges – Fully extend the sofa bed and check all hinges or glides for smooth operation that allows easy conversions.
- Assess mattress firmness – A medium-firm sofa bed mattress prevents sagging. Test firmness by lying down and pressing into the mattress before purchasing.
- Review return policies – Given the moving parts, inspect the assembled sofa bed carefully before finalizing a purchase. Seek brands with 30-60 day returns.
- Compare warranties – Aim for at least 1 year coverage of the frame and mattress components. Longer warranties signal more durable construction quality.
- Watch demonstration videos – For online purchases, carefully watch how-to videos to evaluate the sofa bed mechanism and ease of conversion.
- Read online reviews – Check sofa bed reviews on independent retail sites for candid customer feedback on comfort, quality and durability.
Where to Buy a Sofa Bed
Sofa beds are sold through furniture stores, bedding specialty shops, and online retailers. Consider these sofa bed shopping options:
Furniture Stores
Test sofa beds in person at local or chain furniture stores. Sales associates can explain features and operate mechanisms so you can evaluate quality and comfort.
Mattress Stores
Many mattress stores also stock sofa bed options. Test mattress comfort by lying down. Their expertise focuses on sleep quality in sofa beds.
Online Retailers
Websites like Amazon, Walmart, and Wayfair have a wide selection of sofa beds across styles and budgets. Check return policies before purchasing online.
Used Furniture
Gently used sofa beds can be found at bargain prices on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and consignment shops. Inspect carefully before bringing one home secondhand.
Department Stores
Major retailers like Target and Ikea provide affordable sofa bed options starting at lower price points. Test their display models in person.
DIY Sofa Bed Conversion Tips
Looking to transform a standard sofa into a sofa bed? With some handy modifications, you can convert some regular couch frames into makeshift sofa beds.
- Sturdy hardwood frame couches with box cushions or skirts are best for adding a folding mattress. Avoid low-profile or lightweight couches lacking internal support.
- Measure inside the couch frame from arm to arm and front to back. This is the maximum mattress size the frame interior can hold.
- Purchase a 4-6 inch folding foam or spring sofa bed mattress designed to fit inside your sofa frame dimensions.
- Remove the sofa seat cushions. Install the folding mattress into the empty couch frame, secured on a muslin sheet.
- Reinforce the frame with added plywood strips or L-brackets to support the mattress. Add legs or casters for height.
- Make bed pillows with the former sofa back cushions for comfort. Store all cushions away when using as a bed.
With some handiwork and the right materials, transforming a regular couch into a DIY sofa bed helps maximize space and sleeping capacity.
Sofa Bed Safety Tips
Using a sofa bed safely means following these precautions:
- Open the sofa bed fully and ensure the bed frame is locked in place before putting weight on it. Partially extended beds can collapse.
- Use caution getting in and out of the sofa bed like you would with regular beds to avoid falls or instability.
- Do not allow more than one or two average-sized adults to sleep on a standard full- or queen-sized sofa bed mattress to avoid overloading.
- Place the sofa bed away from windows or balconies where occupants may fall against glass panels if they roll in their sleep.
- Do not allow young children under 6 years old to sleep alone on sofa beds unsupervised. Their smaller bodies can become trapped between the mattress and frame rails.
- Check that sofa beds meet standard furniture manufacturing safety standards. Avoid units with recalled models that present risks.
- Ensure the sofa bed is not blocking heaters, AC vents, or room exits that could represent safety hazards for occupants.
Sofa Bed Care and Maintenance Tips
With regular care and maintenance, sofa beds can provide many years of comfortable use. Follow these expert care tips:
- Rotate the sofa bed mattress every few months to minimize sagging and creasing in one spot.
- Vacuum the sofa bed mattress and frame areas weekly using the brush attachment to remove dust and debris.
- Steam clean or spot clean the sofa bed mattress cover every 2-3 months to remove odors, stains, and allergens.
- Check and tighten loose bolts, screws, and hinges on the frames and moving parts every 6 months.
- Avoid jumping, standing, or roughhousing on the sofa bed when extended to prevent damage.
- Open the sofa bed fully at regular intervals even without use to maintain the folding mechanism.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress before vacuuming to freshen the smell long-term. Spot clean stains immediately to avoid setting.
With frequent quality inspection and cleaning, sofa beds can deliver many years of reliable function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sofa Beds
Here are answers to some common sofa bed questions:
Are sofa beds comfortable to sleep on?
Quality sofa beds with thick coil, foam, or latex mattresses over 6 inches provide comfortable sleep for most people. The best sofa bed mattresses mimic standard bed mattress comfort and support.
How much weight can a sofa bed hold?
Many standard sofa beds have a weight capacity between 600-800 pounds, accommodating 2 average-sized adults. Heavy-duty models may support up to 1000 pounds for heavier individuals or more occupants. Always check recommended weight limits.
What is the average price of a sofa bed?
Expect to spend $300 to $600 for a mid-range sofa bed with a sturdy frame and comfortable quilted foam mattress. High-end designer sleepers cost up to $3000 while budget options start around $150.
Is it better to get a futon or sofa bed?
Futons double as both couches and beds but tend to feel firmer. Sofa beds offer more versatility in upholstered styles with thicker mattresses for added comfort. Choose futons for minimalism and sofa beds for luxurious comfort.
How do you make a sofa bed more comfortable?
Adding a plush memory foam, wool, or feather topper can make a thin sofa bed mattress feel more comfy. Also make sure to fully extend the hinges so there is no bar pressure. Finally, add a fitted sheet to avoid contact with a plastic mattress cover.
How long do sofa beds last?
With regular use, the average sofa bed lasts 5-7 years before showing signs of wear, sagging, or needing repairs. Investing in a well-made sofa bed can increase its lifespan to over 10 years.
Finding the right sofa bed requires careful shopping research and in-person testing. Focus on high-quality frames, thick comfortable mattresses, and easy, smooth opening mechanisms. With some savvy assessment of your needs and space parameters, you can decide on the ideal sofa bed for lounging, sleeping, and entertaining. Remember to carefully follow safety guidelines and perform preventative maintenance. Investing in a durable sofa bed from a trusted brand will provide many years of superb comfort and convenience.
