Sofa beds

Sofa beds: how to choose one

A sofa bed gives you somewhere to sit every day and a bed for guests when you need one. The best choice depends on your space, how often it will be used for sleeping, and how easy it is to open.

Types of sofa bed

Chair beds: These seat one person and suit small rooms or alcoves. Check the sleeping length, especially if a taller person may use it.

Two‑seater sofa beds: These seat two people and usually open into a small double sleeping area. Check the open width and length if two people will sleep on it.

Three-seater sofa beds: These give you more seating during the day and usually open into a double sleeping area. Measure the full footprint so you know how much space it needs.

Corner sofa beds: These give you more seating and include a chaise, which is a longer section for stretching out. Make sure the chaise side suits your room layout and leaves a clear route when the bed is open.

Pull-out sofa beds: A hidden frame pulls forward to create the bed. Some designs let the cushions stay in place. Check that you have enough clear space in front.

Clic-clac sofa beds: The back drops flat in one movement. This makes them quick to open and gives a firmer, flatter sleeping surface.

Fold-down cushion sofa beds: The seat sections fold or flip to create the bed. Check the level of padding if someone will sleep on it for more than one night.

Storage sofa beds: These include space for bedding. Check how the compartment opens and how much it can hold.

Choose by how you will use it

For occasional overnight stays: Look for a design that is quick to open and close. Clic-clac and pull-out styles usually take fewer steps.

For stays of several nights: Focus on comfort and support. Check the mattress or padding details and, if you can, try lying on it when it is open.

For everyday seating: Prioritise sitting comfort first. Compare seat depth, firmness, back height and arm support.

For small spaces: Chair beds and compact two-seaters can work well. Check that the bed will not block doors, storage, radiators, heaters, vents or walkways when open.

If storage is limited: A sofa bed with built-in storage can help keep bedding close by. Check whether it will hold pillows as well as a folded duvet.

A few more things to consider

Comfort versus switching effort:

• If it is used for overnight stays often, support matters more than a single step switch. Thicker padding or a built‑in mattress can help.

Footprint versus seating:

• Smaller sofas and chair beds help keep routes clear. Larger sizes give more daytime seating but need careful open length checks.

Storage versus weight and size:

• Built‑in storage saves cupboard space. It can add bulk, so confirm it still passes through doorways and around stairs.

Fabric look versus upkeep:

• Everyday weaves hide marks and clean more easily. Plush fabrics show marks and need gentler care.

What to measure before you buy

Room space and access:

• Measure the sofa bed when it is closed and fully open
• Mark the open size on the floor with tape so you can test walkways and door swings
• Compare the packaged dimensions with your narrowest doorway, stair turn or lift

Opening space:

• Check how much room you need in front of the sofa bed
• If you want a simple setup, look for a design that opens in one movement
• If you are choosing a pull-out style, make sure the mechanism feels manageable to use

Sleeping area:

• Check whether the bed size suits the people who will use it
• Make sure it is long enough for the tallest person
• Compare different support types, such as foam, springs or hybrid designs, to see what feels best

The area around the bed:

• Make sure the open bed will not block lamps, sockets, radiators, heaters or vents
• If someone will charge a phone overnight, check that a plug socket stays within reach

Materials and care:

• Woven fabrics can suit frequent use and are often easier to maintain
• Velvet and other plush fabrics may need more careful cleaning
• Always follow the care instructions for the fabric

Keep bedding ready

If the sofa bed has built-in storage, keep a dedicated set of bedding there. If not, shallow storage boxes under the sofa bed can make changeovers easier.

Routine care

Vacuum the seams regularly, tighten any loose bolts and check the mechanism from time to time. Follow the fabric care guide for cleaning.