Sofa beds

What are sofa beds?

A sofa bed is a sofa with a bed built in. You sit on it by day. At night it unfolds, slides or flattens into a sleeping surface.

Most sofa beds open into a Double-width bed. Some open into a Single or a Small Double. Corner sofa beds can open wider.

The open size is what matters for the room. A sofa that fits easily can need much more floor space once it is a bed. Measure both.

Sofa beds come in two-seater, three-seater and corner shapes. The seat size does not tell you the bed size, so check both.

Guest beds also include day beds and trundle beds. A day bed looks like a sofa but uses a normal Single mattress. A trundle is a second low bed that rolls out from underneath.

What types of sofa beds are there?

Click-clack sofa beds

The back folds down flat with a click to make a bed. The seat cushions become the mattress. They are compact and quick to open.

Pull-out sofa beds

A folded metal frame and a separate mattress pull out from under the seat. They need clear floor space in front of the sofa.

Fold-out (bi-fold or tri-fold) sofa beds

The mattress folds in two or three inside the sofa. The thickness of the mattress is limited so the frame can close.

Corner sofa beds

An L-shaped sofa with a pull-out bed section. Some include storage in the chaise end.

Futons

A flexible mattress on a wooden or metal frame that hinges flat. The mattress must be able to bend.

Day beds and trundle beds

A day bed is a Single bed that sits against a wall like a sofa. A trundle slides out from below for a second guest.

What are the pros and cons of sofa beds?

What sizes do sofa beds come in?

Sofa bed sleeping areas often follow UK names, such as Double 135 × 190 cm, but many differ. Read the actual sleeping width and length in centimetres.

Day beds and trundles usually take a Single mattress, 90 × 190 cm. Some guest decks use 90 × 200 cm.

Measure three things: the closed sofa, the open bed, and the clear walking space around it when open.

Frames and headboards can be bigger than the mattress. Ask for the outer size in centimetres.

What should you check before buying sofa beds?

• Open size: the full length and width when opened, in centimetres.
• Sleeping size: the actual mattress area, not the seat width.
• Use: ask whether the maker says it is suitable for everyday sleeping or occasional guests.
• Mattress: its depth, whether it is a real mattress or seat cushions, and whether a replacement is available.
• Mechanism: try opening and closing it, or ask for a demonstration.
• Delivery: the size of the largest part and whether legs or arms come off.
• Fabric: removable or washable covers, and a sample in your room’s light.
• Fire safety: upholstered furniture must meet the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. Check the label.

Will sofa beds fit your room?

In a small flat, a click-clack or a day bed often needs the least floor space when open. A pull-out needs space in front of the sofa.

Plan the room twice: as a lounge by day and as a bedroom at night. Mark the open footprint on the floor with tape.

Leave a route to the door when the bed is open. Check radiators, coffee tables and door swings.

Plan where cushions and bedding will go while the bed is open.

Plan it with the bed room planner.

Delivery and assembly

Some sofa beds come in parts, such as separate arms or a chaise section. Ask how many pieces there are before delivery day.

Sofa beds are often delivered in one piece. Measure doors, stair turns and landings against the largest part.

Ask whether legs or arms can be removed for delivery and who does this.

Ask whether the delivery team will place and unwrap the sofa bed in the room.

Check your doors, stairs and turns with the delivery fit checker.

How do you look after sofa beds?

Open the bed now and then even if guests are rare. It keeps the mechanism moving freely.

Follow the fabric care label. Vacuum regularly with a soft brush.

Open and close the mechanism as the instructions say. Keep the moving parts clear of toys and bags.

Air the mattress before guests arrive and use a protector.