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What is the best sofa bed to buy


Best Sleeper Sofas 2023

The best sleeper sofas might look like regular sofas by day, but these shape-shifters conveniently transform into cozy beds by night. Sure, you could toss a pillow and down comforter onto a regular couch to serve as a makeshift bed, but the sleeper sofas are designed to help your guests get a good night’s rest. Plus, they’re one of the most versatile furniture items—and they’re veritable must-haves for most homeowners who are short on space but love to host overnight guests. Our top pick overall is the West Elm Shelter Queen Sofa, a stylish option that includes a memory foam mattress for optimal comfort and is available in a wide variety of fabric choices, but there are plenty of options on this list to suit every budget and style.

West Elm's Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa is a stylish, cocoon-like couch by day and can transform into ... [+] a queen size bed at night.

Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailer

Since sleeper sofas are a big-ticket furniture item and therefore somewhat expensive, you’ll want to keep a few factors in mind to make the shopping process less overwhelming. For starters, you’re going to want to consider your space and preferences—for example, the layout of your room and how much you’re willing to spend—so that you don’t end up browsing options that wouldn’t even work for you. You’ll also want to pick a fabric carefully taking your lifestyle and whether you have pets or children into consideration.

To help you determine the best sleeper sofas out there, we looked into top-rated picks, paying close attention to factors like durability and value. Ahead, find our favorite sleeper sofas for every style, space and budget.

MOST POPULAR

West Elm

West Elm Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa

Weight limit/capacity: N/A; Two sleepers | Materials: Hand-finished, gel-infused foam, solid oak, engineered hardwood | Size: 84. 5 x 38 x 30 inches

The Shelter Sofa is one of West Elm’s most popular items—and now, you can find it in a sleeper form. Like the beloved original, this particular sofa is a stylish, cocoon-like couch by day and can transform into a queen-sized bed at night. The pull-out mattress is made of two layers of memory foam including one that’s infused with gel for optimal comfort. The couch itself can be totally customized with 75 fabric types and shades from which to choose.

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West Elm

West Elm Monroe Sleeper Sofa

Weight limit/capacity: 500 pounds; One sleeper | Materials: Polystyrene, twill, performance fabrics, distressed velvet and more | Size: 56 x 29 x 25 inches

If you’re in the market for a sleeper sofa to place in a small living room or even dorm room, look no further than this simple option from West Elm. Swathed in durable fabrics—options include distressed velvet in mauve and dove-colored twill—and supported by a polystyrene frame, the Monroe will blend in seamlessly with just about any decor. To convert it into a bed, simply lift up the seat cushion to reveal a 6-inch mattress that can sleep one person or two if you don’t mind being close. Plus, the whole thing weighs less than 40 pounds, making this option easier than ever to move around.

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Frontgate

Frontgate Wendover Queen Sleeper Sofa

Weight limit/capacity: N/A; Two sleepers | Materials: Fabric, kiln-dried wood, metal | Size: 91 x 41 x 33 inches

With its rolled arms, diamond-tufted back and plush layer of feather and down cushions, you may choose to sleep on this Wendover Sleeper Sofa from Frontgate over your own bed. It pulls out to reveal a queen-sized 4-inch thick memory foam mattress, and the metal frame and kiln-dried wood base ensure that it’s sturdy and won’t warp, even with regular use. There are two upholstery options—natural linen and dove gray—that are available for quick ship, but if you don’t need it right away, there are 84 custom-order options, too.

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Wayfair

Joss & Main Kodie Upholstered Sleeper Sofa

Weight limit/capacity: 500 pounds; two sleepers | Materials: Fabric, foam, solid and manufactured wood | Size: 34 x 77 x 37 inches

This top-rated sleeper sofa is crafted from a mix of solid and manufactured wood, it’s sturdy enough to support two sleepers (up to 500 pounds) on its queen-sized mattress. It has a timeless, sophisticated look with piped detailing and neutral hues that make it a seamless addition to any aesthetic. To make it your own, choose from more than two dozen fabrics.

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La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy Mackenzie Queen Sleep Sofa

Weight limit/capacity: 500 pounds; Up to two sleepers | Materials: Fabric, wood, foam back, innerspring mattress | Size: 36.5 x 87 x 38 inches

The La-Z-Boy name is synonymous with comfort, and this Mackenzie Sleep Sofa proves that the retailer offers more than leather recliner chairs. The couch, which has a queen-sized innerspring mattress hidden inside, is constructed with ComfortCore cushions and a foam back with double-picked blown fiber fill that helps it maintain its shape. There are almost 500 upholstery options to choose from and you can upgrade to gel seat cushions for more comfort at an additional cost.

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Amazon

Lilola Home Lucca Reversible Sectional Sofa

Weight limit/Capacity: N/A; One sleeper | Materials: Fabric, wood| Size: 86 x 54 x 35 inches

Sectionals can, in fact, be sleeper sofas. The right side of this couch pulls out in line with the chaise, creating a twin-size sleeping area. Pro tip: Keep extra pillows and sheets in the built-in storage bin under the chaise so guests don’t have to go searching for the linen closet if they get cold in the middle of the night. Assembly couldn’t be easier, according to a number of reviews. While this couch comes in three colors—dark grey, green and yellow—the grey is currently unavailable.

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Birch Lane

Birch Lane Newton Upholstered Sleeper Sofa

Weight limit/capacity: 250 pounds; One sleeper | Materials: Solid and manufactured wood, cotton, polyester blend and more | Size: 57 x 40 x 31 inches

At just 57 inches wide, this USA-made loveseat is truly petite but smartly designed. Supported by a sturdy wood frame, the Newton pulls out into a twin-sized mattress than can easily two young children or one adult. This pick is also easy to clean, thanks to its removable and reversible foam-filled cushions. But the best part? It comes in 50-plus fabric and color options, one (or many) of which is sure to fit your overall décor scheme.

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Burrow

Burrow Slope Nomad Sofa

Weight limit/Capacity: N/A; One sleeper | Materials: Olefin fabric, metal or sustainably-harvested birch frame | Size: 85 x 35 x 33 inches

Burrow does things a little differently. Rather than a traditional pull-out sleeper sofa like the others on this list, this model comes with an add-on sleep kit for $295 that fits its modular, customizable Nomad Sofa (a popular style in itself). The sleep kit has everything you need—a memory foam topper, a custom sheet set, a blanket, a pillow and an eye mask—to turn it into a bed without moving any furniture around. And the fabric is scratch- and stain-resistant, so it holds up well to regular guests (including furry friends).

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Raymour & Flanigan

Raymour And Flanigan Harris King Sleeper

Weight limit/capacity: 500 pounds; Two sleepers | Materials: Fabric, hardwood, plywood, metal | Size: 86 x 39 x 37 inches

You don’t have to worry about your in-laws feeling cramped and uncomfortable on this 86-inch long sleeper sofa. The king-sized mattress offers plenty of room to stretch out, and according to buyers, the gel mattress makes for a great night’s sleep. There’s also a queen-sized option in the same style, if you think this one might dwarf your living room.

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Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Chesterfield Roll Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa

Weight limit/capacity: N/A; Two sleepers | Materials: Polyester, kiln-dried hardwood | Size: 89 x 41 x 31 inches

This pick from Pottery Barn proves you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. A traditional Chesterfield sofa with rolled arms, diamond tufting and tapered legs, you would never know that it doubles as a sleeper sofa—and a comfortable one at that. It hides a 5-inch thick gel-infused memory foam mattress that adapts to the sleeper without sagging. While there is a 10-week lead time for this made-to-order couch, it’s worth it: You get to choose from several different fabric types and more than two dozen color options.

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How We Chose The Best Sleeper Sofas

To choose the best sleeper sofas, we hunted down the most popular and bestselling items on the market. We then narrowed the field by analyzing reviews from real customers and relying on our editors’ expertise. The sleeper sofas that made the final cut offer up comfort, style and a good range of color and style options at a price that makes sense for what you’re getting.

What To Consider When Buying A Sleeper Sofa

A sleeper sofa, or sofa bed, is a large purchase, both literally and figuratively, so it’s wise to consider your needs and preferences ahead of shopping. Here are the factors worth keeping in mind as you shop.

Type

Just like every other type of large furniture, sleeper sofas come in all shapes and sizes. If you opt for a traditional design, it will feature a fold-out mattress, whereas sofa beds come with backs that folds down. There are also futons, which similarly fold flat, and daybeds, which are always ready for catching some z’s.

Material

When it comes to picking the best fabric, experts recommend considering your lifestyle and whether you have pets or children. “I tend to use a durable fabric, like a soft performance fabric that can be easily cleaned, because having a sectional just invites people to sit and stay,” Owens says. If you have kids or pets in your home, you might want to look into stain- and tear-resistant fabrics. But don’t worry: That doesn’t mean you have to opt for uninviting fabric or anything with a less-than-wonderful feel. “Leather is wonderful and velvet is surprisingly kid/pet-friendly,” says interior designer Emily Henderson.

Placement

You want to consider things like where you’ll stash couch cushions when the sleeper aspect is pulled out that’s easy for your guests to access. And, of course, you should measure out your space before making a purchase. “Make sure to measure how the piece fits in your space with the bed extended,” says Victoria Sass, founder and principal of the Minneapolis-based design firm Prospect Refuge Studio. “Then add—ideally—two feet all the way around for accessibility. If you have to move other furniture out of the way, plan ahead on where those pieces will go."

Capacity/Weight Limit

How many people will be using the sofa at the same time? If you want multiple houseguests to be able to sleep on the folded-out sofa at the same time (or you have larger friends and family members), make sure you select an option that can fully support their combined weight.

Can You Sleep On A Sleeper Sofa Every Night?

Yes, you technically can sleep on a sleeper sofa every night. Some sleeper sofas do hold actual mattresses—and often, they’re up to 5 inches thick. But not all do, and truthfully, for the best comfort and support, you should be sleeping on a high-quality mattress supported by a sturdy bed frame.

How Should You Measure A Sectional Sofa?

You’re going to want to take into account the height, width and depth of any sectional you’re eyeing (in that sense, this purchase is no different than the procurement of any other large piece of furniture or appliance). Figuring out where you’ll want to put your new sofa in your living room in advance of buying one can help you determine what size will work best. The last thing you’d want is to have a sectional sofa arrive and not have enough space for it—alternatively, you could order a sofa that’s too small for your space, and it might look like it’s swimming in all of that extra room.

In addition to the sizing of the sofa itself, consider the other furniture and décor you want to place in the same room as the sectional, advises Bria Hammel, creative director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors. “Make sure it allows for enough space in a room for other furniture pieces,” she says. “We typically design sectional sofas with walkways around them, paired with two accent chairs adjacent to the sofa or a single chair with an ottoman. ”

Interior designer Christina Cole, founder of Christina Cole & Co., offers up a few suggestions for spacing: “We usually allow approximately one foot 8 inches from the edge of the sofa to the edge of the coffee table. Two to three feet is a suitable distance for a footpath between and around furniture pieces.”

How Long Do Sleeper Sofas Last?

Depending on the construction and materials used, a quality sofa should last you a minimum of seven years and the same rule applies to sleeper sofas as well. The longevity of a sleeper sofa largely depends on two factors: its overall quality and how often it’s used as a bed. The mechanism that allows a sofa to open can wear out over time, but so long as it’s not subject to constant wear and tear, a sleeper sofa can last up to 15 years. Just note that you may need to replace the mattress before then.

What Makes A Sleeper Sofa Comfortable?

If you’re planning a space for anyone you truly care about, you are going to want to find a sleeper sofa with an actual mattress,” Sass says. Look for options with memory foam mattresses, and if you want a little extra comfort, you can always add a mattress topper.

What Is The Difference Between A Sofa Bed And Sleeper Bed?

It’s easy to assume that both sofa beds and sleeper sofas stand in for the exact same piece of furniture, but before you embark on your search for the best sleeper sofa, it’s important to know the difference between both. So while sleeper sofas appear to look like regular sofas by day, they sneakily hide a collapsible mattress underneath its cushions that unfurl to reveal a twin or a queen-size bed frame. On the other hand, sofa beds are simply single surfaces that have arms or backs that collapse to transform into a flat sleeping surface.

The 14 Best Sofa Beds to Offer Your Guests a Great Night's Sleep

Sofa beds are a simple way to transform any room into a sleeping space, making them a practical addition to virtually any home. "Versatile and functional, sofa beds and sleeper sofas are essential," says Jenon Bailie, merchandising and design director at Room & Board. " They're especially helpful in small spaces, like small apartments, and they're great for a room that serves a dual function, like a home office and guest room. "

And thanks to so many brands offering gorgeous modern takes on this classic staple, many sofa beds are now as stylish and comfortable as they are functional.

Whether you're looking for a space-saving sleeper for a small apartment or a king-sized sofa bed to offer optimal comfort for your overnight guests, these sofas are sure to elevate your space with style and comfort.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Sleeper Sofa

How you'll use the sofa

Everyone has different needs, which can affect what makes the right sofa bed for your space. For instance, if you have a larger space and frequently invite overnight guests over, an oversized sectional sofa bed with a king-size mattress might be a worthwhile investment.

However, a cozy futon might better fit your lifestyle and budget if you have a small space or don't frequently have overnight guests. "A futon is typically limited in comfort and support, so I usually only recommend them for occasional sleeping use," says Jenon Bailie.

Albany Sleeper Sofa

Mattress size and quality

The size and quality of your sleeper sofa's mattress is another important consideration. If you often have the same overnight guests stay the night, you may want to consider their needs. Maybe you often have couples over who might benefit from a king- or queen-size bed. Or perhaps you only have the occasional single guest, so a futon or twin bed might be fine.

"The sofa bed is ultimately designed to function as a guest bed, and the most important part of any bed is the quality of sleep it provides; thus, the mattress truly makes the piece."

In addition to size, it's a good idea to consider the mattress's firmness and general comfort level. Cameron Johnson states, "The sofa bed is ultimately designed to function as a guest bed, and the most important part of any bed is the quality of sleep it provides; thus, the mattress truly makes the piece. "

Generally speaking, memory foam mattresses tend to run firmer than innerspring mattresses, so it's helpful to consider whether your guests might want more or less support before committing to a mattress type.

Quality of construction and warranty

Of course, no one wants to invest in a great piece of furniture only to find that it doesn't last as long as they need it to. That's why it's always best to look at the quality and any warranties that come with a potential sofa bed.

"Like all sofas, investing in a quality piece will ensure you have many years of use," says Natasha Adams." A good quality hardwood frame or metal frame and mechanism will last for decades, and many come with a 10-year structural warranty."

How it converts into a bed

Sofa beds convert in various ways, depending on the type. For instance, some sofa beds feature pull-out bed systems with a hidden mattress that pops out, while others simply fold down, like futons, which turn the seat cushions and backrests into the mattress.

Pull-out sofa beds typically require more space than futons and other convertible sofas, but they also tend to be a bit more comfortable, thanks to a traditional mattress. So if you have a small space, a futon or convertible loveseat might be your best bet, while larger rooms might benefit more from a pull-out option.

Common types of sleeper sofas include:

The Best Sleeper Sofas and Sofa Beds on the Market in 2022

1. Albany Sleeper Sofa

Brand: Albany Park
Price: $1,305

Albany Park makes sofas that ship quickly. Its sofas arrive in boxes, convenient for manoeuvring through tight, compact spaces and are easy to put together. The Albany Sleeper Sofa effortlessly transforms into a super cozy sofa bed by extending the back legs from a hidden zipper and reclining the back to a sleeping position. It can work well in a living space that could welcome the occasional overnight guest or a spare room.

Reviews: Check out our Albany Park sofa reviews here

The Albany Sleeper Sof is made with a sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame and comes with your choice of stainless steel legs in polished gold finish or mid-century modern solid wood tapered legs. It's also available in a range of colors and materials: Grey Fabric, Charcoal, Olive Velvet, Rust Velvet, and Vegan Leather.

↦ Shop now at albanypark.com

2. Nomad Sleeper

Brand: Burrow
Price: $1,890 (plus free shipping)

Burrow's Nomad sleeper sofa offers a sleek silhouette and long tapered legs, giving it a mid-century modern flair that will look great in living rooms with any home decor style. It's also highly customizable, allowing you to choose from five different upholstery colors, six leg finishes, and four arm styles — Burrow's modular design system means the Nomad can adapt with you as your needs change.

No matter which style you choose, you can add a sleep kit, complete with a custom-cut memory foam mattress topper, fitted and flat sheets, a quilted blanket, and even an eye mask. In short, it's a stylish way to turn virtually any room into a luxurious sleeping space.

Our review: “I’m not a big fan of sofas that are too loungy and make you sink the moment you sit on them," says interior design expert Yoselin Castro. "That is most definitely not the case with the Nomad soda as it feels very durable and sturdy, yet plush enough to take a midday nap!” Read our full Nomad sofa review here.

↦ Shop now at burrow.com

3. Skinny Fat

Brand: BenchMade Modern
Price: $5,022

Ideal for small spaces, the small but mighty Skinny Fat Sofa Bed from BenchMade Modern comes with a hidden built-in mattress that's 83 inches long, so even your tallest overnight guests will feel comfortable. You can also choose from full, queen, and queen plus mattresses to find the right fit.

According to Edgar Blazona, "The Skinny Fat sofa bed is truly one of the most versatile pieces. Its hidden bed has three layers of high-quality foam designed by sleep experts—no springs or bars. You can customize it in size and nearly 100 different performance fabric and leather upholstery options, so it fits seamlessly into your space. It's so comfortable that your guests might never want to go home. "

Review: I would highly recommend this sofa to anyone looking for an investment piece of furniture," says Zoe Roscoe who reviewed the Skinny Fat sofa for Living Cozy. "The ordering process was a breeze and the delivery time is almost unheard of." Read the full review here.

↦ Shop now at benchmademodern.com

4. Melrose Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sofa

Brand: Apt2B
Price: $4,090

This sleeper sectional comes with a comfortable chaise ottoman that you can flip from side to side, allowing for left- and right-side lounger configurations. The seat cushions are made from 2.0 density foam, supported by a solid wood frame with a lifetime guarantee. And you can choose from over 55 upholstery options to find the perfect fit for your aesthetic.

Review: Check out our review of the Melrose Sectional here

Meanwhile, a hidden queen-size mattress can pull out instantly to offer plenty of space to anyone who spends the night. Depending on your comfort needs, you can choose between a deluxe innerspring mattress and a memory foam mattress.

↦ Shop now apt2b.com

5. Nordby

Brand: Article
Price: $1,499

The Nordby Sofa Bed is designed to be comfy all day and night. It's crafted on a sturdy steel frame and has solid wood legs with high-density foam seat cushions and a polyester fiber back cushion.

We shipped the Nordby Sofa bed to one of our contributors to review. Here's what they liked:

"Overall, for the price, quality, and versatility, I’d recommend the Article Nordby Sofa, particularly if you need a multi-tasking sleeper sofa for a small space," writes Heather Bein.

↦ Shop now article. com

6. Blumen

Brand: Medley
Price: $4,297

Infinitely modern, this beauty gives new meaning to "couch bed." You'd never guess from looking at it that it's hiding a soft, CertiPUR-US certified poly-foam mattress. Depending on your needs, you can also choose between a full- and queen-size bed.

Read more: Medley Offers Furniture That’s Better for Us and the Planet

The lounger's deep-seated design, complete with poly-foam seat cushions and down-filled backrests, also means that you don't even have to pull out of the bed to enjoy a long comfortable nap.

We recently shipped the Blumen Sofa to one of our writers, "With a deep seat, wide arms, and an angled back, the Blumen is incredibly comfortable," writes Shelby Golding. Check out the full Blumen Sofa review here.

↦ Shop now at medleyhome.com

7. Sloan

Brand: Interior Define
Price: $2,145

This cloud-like sofa bed is as comfortable as it is customizable. It comes in virtually every upholstery color and fabric imaginable, whether you're looking for a velvet sofa in a retro hue or a performance-fabric couch ideal for households with pets and kids.

Once you decide on the upholstery, you can choose from several leg finishes, with the option to add a chaise ottoman. You can customize the seat cushion fill, choosing from a standard down blend, double down blend, or down alternative. As if that's not enough, you also enjoy your choice of a standard innerspring mattress or a memory foam mattress, both of which are about the size of a full-size bed.

↦ Shop now at interiordefine.com

8. Diplomat Sleeper Sofa

Brand: Blu Dot
Price: $2,195

This plush sleeper sofa features a solid hardwood frame topped with a plain-sliced walnut or white oak veneer, depending on which upholstery color you choose. It comes in four neutral hues, ranging from charcoal and grey to navy and light grey, with the light grey option rocking a white oak veneer frame.

When it's time to go to bed, you can flip the sofa forward to reveal a queen-size sleeper. The sleeper comprises the sofa's high-resiliency foam seat cushions and backrests, which offer medium to firm softness.

↦ Shop now at bludot.com

9. Berin

Brand: Room & Board
Price: $4,199

This sleeper sofa bed from Room & Board offers angled back cushions to keep you comfortable when seated, while your choice of a twin, full, queen, or king mattress hidden underneath supports a restful night's sleep.

According to Jenon Bailie, "Berin is a great sleeper solution that offers our most comfortable sleep experience with a traditionally sized mattress that is soft yet supportive and is available in hundreds of fabrics. Berin can also be fully disassembled and reassembled to fit through tight doorways. This is an important element as sleeper sofas are known for being bulky and heavy. "

↦ Shop now at roomandboard.com

10. Nathan Velvet Sofa Bed

Brand: Castlery
Price: $799

Equal parts modern and affordable, this beauty folds out into a futon for easy comfort. It comes in two luxe upholstery options—Deep Teal Velvet and Midnight Blue Velvet—and it's supported by a solid wood frame that offers long-lasting comfort.

At about 82 inches wide, the futon sofa can fit in large and small spaces alike, and it rocks a firm seat softness ideal for anyone who likes their comfort with a side of support.

‍↦ Shop now at castlery.com

11. Bristol Sleeper Futon

Brand: Rove Concepts
Price: $1,912

Comfy futon meets sleek loveseat in this gorgeous sleeper sofa. Featuring a kiln-dried hardwood frame with dowelled joints and reinforced corner blocks, this futon offers long-lasting comfort.

It comes in various upholstery colors and fabric options, along with your choice of brass or steel legs, which add just the right amount of glamor to this timeless piece. And if you crave even more comfort, you can optionally add a mattress topper and sheets for an extra cozy feel.

" The Bristol Sleeper Futon transcends traditional futon design with its angular and modern design. With a unique mechanism that allows the Bristol to fold outwards, the collapsible backrest allows maximum space for guests to rest while maintaining the shape and minimum footprint," a Rove Concepts spokesperson told Living Cozy.

↦ Shop now at roveconcepts.com

12. Huxley Queen Sleeper Sofa

Brand: Raymour & Flanigan
Price: $1,074.95

At a cozy 80 inches wide, this loveseat three-seater sleeper is an excellent fit for small spaces. But it's plenty big on comfort due to a queen-size bed that easily folds out whenever you need it.

It only comes in one color—light grey—but it's an incredibly versatile hue that can slide seamlessly into many interior designs, transforming any room into an inviting sleeping space.

↦ Shop now at raymourandflanigan.com

13. Coniston

Brand: Lulu & Georgia
Price: $5,998

The best sleeper sofas combine stylish form with practical function, and this gem from Lulu & Georgia does just that and then some. The breathable linen upholstery comes in three neutral colors that look great with any color palette, while foam cushions keep you comfortable through even the longest Netflix binges.

The comfortable sofa also comes with a built-in pull-out queen- or king-size mattress, making it incredibly convenient if you ever have couples or families as overnight guests.

↦ Shop now at luluandgeorgia.com

14. York Upholstered Sleeper Sofa

Brand: AllModern
Price: $2,900

This versatile sleeper sofa's soft, curved edges give it a modern feel, while a solid wood frame made from kiln-dried hardwood offers plenty of durability.

Meanwhile, the foam backrests fold down in seconds to reveal a futon mattress that's just right for one person, thanks to its twin size. It also comes in two colors—a dark grey-brown and a lighter rust color, both of which can enhance various color schemes.

↦ Shop now at allmodern.com

How to choose a good sofa for daily use?

A sofa is one of the main and expensive interior items in every home. This is multifunctional furniture, which has a serious load on a daily basis. Choosing a high-quality, beautiful and practical sofa is not an easy task. After all, it is necessary to evaluate not only its appearance and dimensions, which should harmoniously complement the interior and correspond to the parameters of the room, but also the functional characteristics and reliability of the design. nine0005

  • Durability : For the sofa to last as long as possible, you should choose a model with a reliable and well-dried wood frame, as well as a high level of build quality. Only then will it please you for many years, retain its original appearance throughout its entire service life, and will not deform and begin to creak over time.
  • Convenience : choosing a good sofa that will be used as a sleeping place or as a place to relax in front of the TV and communicate with guests is a completely different task. But in any case, the model should be comfortable. If the sofa is too hard or too soft for you, you run the risk of a lot of problems: back pain, muscle discomfort, insomnia, etc. nine0012
  • Easy to use : some sofas fold out or have a drawer for linen: it's up to you to decide which one is better based on personal preferences, but before you buy your favorite model, test the mechanism. Does it work flawlessly and does not jam? Excellent! It will be convenient and easy for you to use it!
  • Functionality : when choosing a sofa, pay attention to additional options such as removable armrests, built-in bars, cushions included. Additional functionality, of course, is reflected in the price, but it makes upholstered furniture more convenient for daily use. nine0012

From history
At the beginning of the 20th century in Europe, the staff of the Abramson furniture company included the position of "sunbed". The duties of this employee included lying on sofas, determining the level of their comfort, testing their softness and other performance characteristics, and finding flaws in the design. Such work was paid no less than the work of other workers.

How to choose a quality sofa?

When deciding which sofa to choose for the living room, bedroom, nursery, kitchen, office and any other room, you must first evaluate the following characteristics:

Frame

This is the base of the sofa. From what material it is made, depends on the service life. The metal framework is reliable in operation and is very durable. Most often it is used to make high-tech sofas. No less reliable is furniture with a frame made of natural wood (oak, beech, mahogany, etc.). But such designs are not cheap. Chipboard frames are much more affordable - they hold their shape well and are completely safe. But in order for the sofa to last longer, you need to choose a model with a frame only from that chipboard, which is covered with a protective layer and has a bolted or “thorn-groove” connection of parts. nine0007

Filling

Manufacturers of sleeping and other types of sofas often choose artificial materials such as foam rubber as filling. Quite often, spring blocks are used. The main criterion for choosing a filler is the purpose of the sofa. If you buy it mainly for sleeping, it is better to stay on models with spring blocks. Such designs are not only comfortable, but very durable and have high orthopedic properties. Sofas with foam filler are hypoallergenic, they are soft and comfortable. But with daily use they wear out quickly. Those who want the sofa not to sag over time and at the same time retain softness should choose products with a “filling” of a material such as latex foam. Due to the many microcells, it "breathes", has an orthopedic effect and lasts for decades. nine0007

Important to know!
A good sofa filler "adjusts" to the contours of the body, but after you get up, it quickly returns to its previous position.

Upholstery

The most expensive upholstered furniture is leather. It has its own advantages: high resistance to abrasion, mechanical, chemical and UV influences, protection against moisture. No less practical, but much cheaper models with leatherette upholstery. But the most popular are fabrics such as chenille, jacquard and tapestry. It is they who are chosen as upholstery for a sofa for every day, since such materials reliably protect furniture and are practically not inferior in their strength and aesthetic characteristics to leather. The main thing is that the same material is used both on the front of the product and on the back, and all seams are even and neat. nine0007

Mechanism

Do you plan to unfold the sofa from time to time? Or will you sleep on it every night? When choosing a sofa for your home, be sure to pay maximum attention to how it unfolds. Modern manufacturers produce models equipped with several types of sliding mechanism: "Book", "Click-clack", "Dolphin". "Eurobook", "Clamshell", "Accordion", a sofa with folding sidewalls or with a roll-out bed. These are indispensable options in the limited space of a small apartment. All of them are reliable and withstand numerous addition-decomposition cycles. nine0007

Designer's advice

A sofa in any room should become its decoration and pride of the owners. If the interior of the room is made in modern or high-tech style, then it is better to choose a sofa in bright colors and with clear geometric lines. Is the room design classic? Suitable model rounded with upholstery in fabric in neutral tones.

Made a Scandinavian style living room and don't know which sofa to choose? With these interiors, only products of regular shapes with plain light upholstery are in harmony. But in rooms with a design in the Provence style, models with floral patterns of any classic or modern forms will look good. nine0007

Having trouble choosing a design? Choose a sofa that has a simple shape and solid color upholstery. You can always add brightness to it and fit it harmoniously into the interior by placing a beautiful coffee table next to it or adding pillows.

Which sofa to choose for the living room?

To quickly and correctly choose a sofa in the living room, decide whether it will serve as a main or extra bed and how often it will be used as such. If you are the owner of a small apartment and plan to sleep on it every night, models with unfolding transformation mechanisms will do. For example, Accordion. Such models are one of the most comfortable, because when they are unfolded, bumps or folds do not form. Check with the manufacturer if the sofa has an orthopedic base - special armor made of strong and elastic wood species. Thanks to them, you will feel very comfortable every night for many years. nine0007

Do you plan to lay out the sofa from time to time, receiving guests? Products with retractable transformation mechanisms will suit you:

  • "Dolphin";
  • Eurobook;
  • withdrawable models.

They fold out quickly to form a flat bed, but with visible seams.

Do you like to sit comfortably in front of the TV? Then in the living room it is better to choose folding sofas with mechanisms such as "Book" or "Click-clack". Models form a somewhat uneven surface, therefore they are not suitable for daily sleep (only if an additional mattress is used), but very comfortable as a place to relax. nine0007

For a living room with a small area, a practical option - linear models for 2-3 seats with a box for linen. Be sure to check its dimensions in the unfolded state before buying. It should not block access to the balcony or prevent movement around the room. If you like to communicate with your family or friendly companies often gather at your home, it is better to choose a right, left or universal corner sofa with 5-6 seats (which corner to make depends on the size and geometry of the room). nine0007

The intensity of use of furniture in the living room is high, so its upholstery should be made of durable material. It would be optimal to choose a sofa in the hall with a fabric such as flock, jacquard or leather.

Choosing a sofa for a nursery

The range of upholstered furniture for children's rooms is incredibly wide. Bright colors, various shapes, several types of fillers - how to choose the right sofa with such a variety? To do this, you need to take into account factors such as:0007

  • functionality — children's area is usually small. Installing large furniture in it is an irrational decision. It is better to take folding models. Find out what transformation mechanism they are equipped with. For a child, the Accordion, Dolphin and Eurobook models will be the most convenient for sleeping and relaxing. Other designs are quite difficult for children to lay out.
  • appearance - the sofa should fit well into the interior, but at the same time the child will like it. As practice shows, furniture of bright colors most of all pleases kids with its appearance. After first choosing the mechanism, invite the child to decide on the color of the upholstery of the sofa. nine0012
  • practicality — if there is a box for linen or toys in the sofa for the nursery, this is a definite plus, because it will save space in the room.
  • Safety - Children's furniture must be free of harmful chemicals. It is best if the upholstery for it is made of natural fabrics: linen, microfiber, cotton. Pay attention to the design too. There should be no wide gaps, sharp corners and decorative elements! All of these can cause serious injury. nine0012

Which sofa to choose for a small office?

A pleasant office environment is essential. What kind of sofa to choose so that it turns a strict and unfriendly reception into a comfortable living room for visitors and clients? Such a piece of furniture should be simple and solid. Therefore, a model with metal supports and armrests is perfect for the office: it looks beautiful and is very durable at the same time.

Determine how much space you have in your reception area before purchasing. This will allow you to choose the right size sofa. In offices, both angular models and straight ones (two-, three- or four-seater) look appropriate. If the installation of one large model does not leave enough space for passage, try purchasing two small sofas and placing them opposite each other. Do you have a lot of free space in the office, but the number of visitors does not exceed 10 people a day? Don't get a big sofa. Medium sized furniture will do much better. nine0007

Which color of office sofa to choose for daily use depends only on your personal preferences and the interior of the room. But products with plain upholstery look best. It can be neutral light or discreet dark shades. Faux or genuine leather is the best option for upholstery. These materials look beautiful and give the room a respectable look. But keep in mind that furniture with leather upholstery is quite expensive and requires constant care. A fabric office sofa is a more budget option, but it gets dirty and wears out much faster. nine0007

And remember that a sofa is a purchase that you make for a long time. Do not hurry! Check out all its features and compare several models that suit you. After all, the quality of your sleep, rest and comfort will depend on the decision you make.

How to choose the right sofa for daily use, expert advice

Author:

Anna

HomeMe Supervisor. Upholstered furniture expert. nine0007

What should be the sofa

Sofa - multifunctional furniture, which is purchased for the living room and bedroom, kitchen and nursery. It can be home or office. It is used for sleeping, guests are put on it. But regardless of which model you plan to purchase, it must meet several important criteria. This is:

  • convenience - of course, this criterion is subjective, because everyone determines for himself what is soft enough or too hard for him. But the sofa, of course, must be comfortable so that the one who sits or lies on it does not have a backache and insomnia does not develop; nine0012
  • functionality - it's good if the model that caught your attention has additional features, such as removable armrests, a built-in table and even a bar;
  • ease of use - it is important that the furniture is easy to unfold and assemble, its mechanism should not be confusing. The ideal option is described by the words: "Once - and it's ready!";
  • durability - good furniture serves its owners for years and decades without needing repair or replacement, does not creak or deform. nine0012

How to choose a sofa that is comfortable and easy to use, functional and durable?

Why do you need a sofa

In what room are you going to install the sofa? With the answer to this question, you should begin the search for a suitable model. The office sofa is fundamentally different from the one that is installed at home, if only because they usually do not sleep on it. Furniture for the living room must withstand a significant load, because it is used more often than the one in the bedroom. A small sofa for a child is not at all like a model that is installed in the kitchen. Each room has its own characteristics, which means that the answer to the question "How to choose the right sofa?" depends on why you need it. For different rooms - different sofas. nine0007

Office sofa: how it should be

For the office, most often choose models that look concise and at the same time solid. A good option is furniture upholstered in genuine leather or high-quality leatherette, complemented by metal supports and armrests. It is not only comfortable, strong and durable, but also practical and easy to care for. A sofa in an office is usually needed so that visitors can sit on it. Therefore, its dimensions are determined by various factors:

  • free space in the receiving area;
  • number of visitors;
  • room features.

If there are quite a lot of visitors, you can buy a large sofa, for example, a corner model. If large furniture blocks the passage, buy two smaller sofas and place them opposite each other.

Sofa for the living room: what to look for

How to choose the right sofa for the living room? Decide how often it will be used as a bed. It's one thing if you have a small apartment, and the living room also serves as a bedroom. In this case, it is worth giving preference to the Accordion transformation mechanism, due to which, after unfolding, a smooth, comfortable surface without wrinkles is formed. nine0007

A completely different option is if the sofa in this room is needed only in order to occasionally provide an overnight stay for a late guest. Roll-out models are suitable for you, as well as furniture equipped with the Dolphin or Eurobook mechanism. Such a sofa is easy to fold and unfold, but the joints are clearly visible on the bed.

It happens that the sofa is not used for sleeping at all. You, your relatives and friends will only sit on it, watch TV, read books, talk. Then you can buy furniture with a mechanism such as "Book" or "Click-clack". When unfolding such a model, a not very flat surface is formed, so it is advisable to supplement it with a mattress. But if you just sit on such a sofa, then everything is in order, everyone is comfortable, and mattresses are not required. nine0007

Prefer to sit on the couch? Make sure the model you want to buy has thick vertical pads. Do you like to watch TV or read lying down? Then options with soft seats are more suitable for you.

Bedroom sofa: how to choose

How to choose a sofa bed that will be a good alternative to a regular bed? Firstly, it is important that it is comfortable to sleep on it. And for this, the surface after unfolding must be perfectly flat. You can pay attention to the models of the "Accordion" type, which have already been mentioned above. They are equipped with a transformation mechanism, consisting of three parts and resembling an accordion. You just need to raise the seat, pull it towards you, and the back will lower and become part of the bed. nine0007

Secondly, it is important that the mechanism is not only simple and convenient, but also as reliable and durable as possible. After all, you will most likely use it every day: in the evening - decompose, in the morning - fold. One of the most practical options is a roll-out sofa. Even children can easily assemble / unfold it: just pull the seat towards you and lower the backrest to the vacant seat.

When choosing a sofa for the bedroom, special attention should be paid to the upholstery. It does not have to be leather, it needs a fabric, such as microfiber or chenille. It is also good if the bed is an orthopedic mattress, then the sofa will not only be comfortable, but also good for health. nine0007

Sofa for a nursery: what furniture is suitable for a child

If you are not sure how to choose the right sofa bed for a room where a girl or boy lives, use the tips from the previous section. Just keep in mind that the child is not an adult, so he needs a relatively small sofa that unfolds and folds not simply, but very simply.

Today there are many models of sofas designed for children on sale. One of their distinguishing features is their striking design. But it is worth focusing not only on design, but also on practicality. Make sure that the model you are interested in has a box for bed linen. It’s good if the sofa you like can be moved apart in length. In this case, he will "grow" with the child, and you will not have to buy new furniture for your son or daughter too often. nine0007

We select a sofa for the kitchen

As a rule, the kitchen sofa is not intended for sleeping. It turns into a sleeping place only in exceptional cases, and the rest of the time they sit on it. This means that when choosing furniture for the kitchen, you should pay attention to the quality of the pillows. They should be tight to support the back well.

Another criterion to consider before buying a sofa for the kitchen is practicality. In this room, pieces of food, splashes of water, milk and even oil can get on the upholstery. Therefore, the material must be not only durable, but also easy to clean. nine0007

Specifications

The quality of a sofa, as well as its reliability and durability, is largely determined by the materials from which it is made and how well the assembly is done. Therefore, before buying, it is advisable to inspect the furniture, understand what it is made of, touch it, figure out how the transformation mechanism works. Pay attention to the frame, filler and upholstery.

The basis of any sofa is a framework, or a frame. It is made from different materials. The most durable, durable models are assembled on a metal frame. Often metal is used to make high-tech furniture, which looks extremely modern, but, unfortunately, harmoniously fits only into the corresponding modern interior, decorated in the same style. nine0007

Another strong and durable material is natural wood. It is widely used for the manufacture of classic sofas. But models on a frame made of beech or oak are not cheap. Budget option - furniture on a frame made of chipboard (chipboard). This material is inferior in durability to both metal and solid wood. But if you choose a sofa on a chipboard frame, covered with a protective layer and assembled with bolts or with tongue and groove joints, then it is likely that it will last you for quite some time. nine0007

The most comfortable models are those with quality fillers. The most affordable option is foam rubber. The sofa filled with it has many advantages: it is soft, hypoallergenic, it is comfortable to sit and lie on it. But there is a serious drawback: such furniture wears out relatively quickly. You can pay a little more and buy furniture that uses latex foam as a filler. She:

  • provides a high level of comfort; nine0012
  • has a "breathing" effect due to the many micro-cells filled with air;
  • serves its owners for several decades.

Many modern sofas use spring mattresses. Blocks made of springs provide the perfect balance between softness and rigidity, which is necessary for sleeping in comfortable conditions: the bed takes the shape of the human body, but at the same time does not sag and has good orthopedic properties. If you need a sofa to sleep in, make sure that the model you are interested in has a spring mattress. However, keep in mind that spring units are usually installed in relatively large sofas. Upholstery is either leather or a variety of fabrics. Leather upholstery is considered the most practical and durable. They are easy to care for, durable, hard to scratch or tear, and fairly easy to repair if needed. But they have a lot of disadvantages:

  • firstly, they are much more expensive than fabric ones;
  • secondly, they are slippery, it is uncomfortable to sleep on them - the same applies to models upholstered with high-quality leatherette, which is cheaper than natural material.

A leather sofa can be purchased for the living room with the expectation that more people will sit on it than lie down. In all other cases, it is better to pay attention to models with fabric upholstery. On sale today you can find furniture covered with jacquard, flock, chenille, matting. Each of these materials has both pros and cons, so when choosing, you should consider what is especially important to you. For example, flock easily accumulates static electricity and thus attracts dust. Chenille and matting are attractive and soft, resistant to wear and tear, but are sensitive to snags, so if you have cats and other pets, this can be a problem. nine0007

Let's listen to designers

What do design experts tell us? They pay attention to the fact that the sofa should fit into the interior. This applies to both the style of the furniture and the color of the upholstery.

It is better to choose an office sofa in a laconic, discreet design. Well, if it is gray, brown, black - this not only sets you in a serious mood, but also simplifies upholstery care.

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