Whether you’re a homeowner who loves to host, or need to save on space in a cosy abode or apartment, sofa beds are a brilliant solution to keep your guests comfortable and your living space tidy. If you’re hunting for a stylish sofa bed that’s much easier to assemble than that temperamental air bed tucked away in the cupboard, then we’ve got a full guide to sizing, design, and assembly to help you find one that you’ll love.
A Complete Guide to Sofa Beds: How to choose the right size and style for you
What are the different types of sofa bed? Sofa beds are generally available with up to four seats. Typically, they work via a simple ‘pull out’ technique or via a ‘click clack’ mechanism, though some sofas operate with a bit of both. You can even get a sofa bed with hidden storage, just like our three-seater Tivoli sofa bed, with a generous compartment hidden beneath the seat of the chaise for storing blankets, cushions, or even children’s toys to keep clutter at bay. Our sofa beds also come in a range of colours – from neutral greys and browns, to bold blue or mustard – and a variety of shapes: the three-seater Vienna sofa bed has a classy L-shape which can break up the space in your room, or nestle neatly into a corner.
How do you unfold a sofa bed?
To move a ‘click-clack’ sofa bed into a sleep-ready position, stand behind the sofa and push the backrest of the sofa forwards until you hear a click. You can then lower the backrest down, and the sofa will be completely flat like a bed. To put it back into a seated position, repeat the process by lifting the backrest up and pushing it until it clicks again, indicating that it has joined up with the base of the sofa. For sofa beds with ‘pull out’ operation, simply pull the base of the sofa towards you and it will extend outwards. The video guides below give a visual demonstration on how to operate our sofa beds.
How big is a sofa bed?
The dimensions for our sofa beds can be found on their individual web pages. Sizing will vary depending on how many seats it has, and whether or not the sofa has any extra design features, such as an L-shape. When the bed is folded out, a single seater is akin to a single bed, with a two-seater close to a small double. A three seater or more will give you a little extra room, so think of this as more of a large double.
The benefits of a sofa bed
Sofa beds are a brilliant space saving solution, and also offer a comfortable space to sleep for guests. Ideal for family homes with visiting relatives, or even young professionals with limited room who want to host friends and loved-ones, a sofa bed is much cheaper than investing in another bed, and doesn’t require another bedroom – you can simply add one to your living room, office space, or an existing bedroom as an accent chair. Sofa beds are also incredibly easy to set up and are a much more reliable investment than an airbed, without the need for a pesky air pump.
Are sofa beds comfortable?
Yes! Modern sofa beds are incredibly comfortable to sleep on, as they are padded similarly to a regular mattress. Furniture Online sofa beds are made with a high-quality linen fabric, and are padded with a cushy foam that moulds to your shape, but still ensures postural support.
Are sofa beds healthy to sleep on?
Sofa beds are safe to sleep on. They are a much healthier alternative to simply sleeping on a regular couch, though it isn’t
recommended you sleep on one all the time. Sofa beds are designed for occasional to regular use, but not permanent. It is recommended that you sleep in a proper, full-size bed proportionate to your size to support your posture, but a sofa bed is a great option for occasional guests.
What mattress should I get for a sofa bed?
Most sofa beds do not require a mattress, as they have padding built-in. None of our sofa beds require a mattress, and offer
comfortable, breathable fabric to sleep on. If you would still like to put a mattress on top, you’ll want one with a smaller thickness compared to usual, however, it’s important to bear in mind the size of the mattress and the size of your sofa bed – they may not be a perfect fit.
What mattress should I get for a sofa bed?
Most sofa beds do not require a mattress, as they have padding built-in. None of our sofa beds require a mattress, and offer
comfortable, breathable fabric to sleep on. If you would still like to put a mattress on top, you’ll want one with a smaller thickness compared to usual, however, it’s important to bear in mind the size of the mattress and the size of your sofa bed – they may not be a perfect fit.
What material is a sofa bed made from?
Our sofa beds are all made with linen fabric. This material offers a much more breathable base compared to an airbed, and also feels cosy and soft in the colder months. They’re padded with a durable foam that you’ll sink right into for a restful night of sleep, and a metal chassis for stability. Furniture Online sofa beds come in a range of colours too, so you can find the perfect match for your room.
How long does a sofa bed last?
A sofa bed can have a lifetime between 10-15 years if well cared for. Sofa beds that are used on a more regular basis or are not cleaned as often may last a little shorter. Make sure you’re gentle when folding out the sofa bed, and keep the fabric clean to ensure it has a long life in your home. Find more tips in our ‘how to care for a sofa bed’ section below.
How much is a sofa bed?
Across the market, sofa beds can cost up to £3,000. Furniture Online offers competitive pricing on sofa beds, with our cheapest Harper one-seater sofa bed coming in below £200. For those with a middle-ground budget, the Newport three-seater chaise longue sofa bed might be the perfect fit for you, costing just £599.99. If you’re looking for something a little more luxury, the stunning four-seater Leon sofa bed has a modern and sleek design. It has head rests that can be folded up or down, hidden storage, a snug ‘C’ profile, and a spacious pull-out bed. Despite its hidden practical features, the Leon makes for an excellent centre-point in your living room.
Should I buy a sofa bed or trundle?
A trundle bed is ideal for a home for guests who stay over on a regular basis. They are a more permanent option and are slightly more expensive, while a sofa bed is more suited to those who host occasional visitors, or have limited room available within their home. Trundle beds are a little more discreet, and can be tucked away, whereas a sofa bed will typically remain in a room when not in use. We sell a range of trundle beds, and you can even buy the trundle separately.
Sofa beds for children
We recommend that your child should be at least four or over before they sleep on a sofa bed. Do not let children set up or put away the sofa bed themselves; it is important that an adult does this for them to prevent injury. Our Hudson single sofa bed is suitable for a child, and its arm rests offer a bit of protection for children who move in their sleep, but you may prefer to invest in a trundle or a bunk bed (please note children should be above the age of six to sleep in
the top bunk). Make sure you follow suitable health and safety guidance for the age of your child to ensure their
well-being. While sofa beds are a great temporary solution, a regular bed is
recommended for their long-term use.
How to care for a sofa bed
Be sure to take care when clicking the sofa bed into place for a night of sleep, as rigid force will damage the mechanisms and may cause injury. It is also important not to let children jump on a sofa bed, or to have any excessive weight placed on top of the bed. To keep the sofa bed clean, you can dust the fabric or clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For the best care, Furniture Online offers tailored care kits that work perfectly with our linen fabric, so you can keep your sofa bed in tip-top condition.
