---
title: "Sofa Bed"
description: "What a sofa bed is, how click-clack and pull-out mechanisms work, and how to check the open size."
url: "https://bedguide.co.uk/glossary/sofa-bed/"
category: "glossary"
primary_entity: "sofa bed"
date_published: 2026-10-21
date_modified: 2026-10-21
---

# Sofa Bed

> A sofa bed is a sofa that turns into a bed. Click-clack sofa beds fold the back down flat. Pull-out sofa beds unfold a hidden frame and thin mattress from under the seat. Mattress thickness is limited by the space inside the frame. Measure the room with the bed fully open.

**Definition.** A sofa bed is a sofa that folds or pulls out into a bed. Common types are click-clack and pull-out designs.

Also called: sofabed, click-clack sofa bed, pull-out sofa bed.

Sofa beds are usually made for occasional guests rather than nightly sleep.
Check what the maker says about daily use.

Upholstered sofa beds must meet the UK furniture fire safety rules.

Full guide: [sofa beds and guest bed
mechanisms](/beds/sofa-beds-and-guest-beds). Also: [sofa beds: types and where
to buy](/beds/sofa-beds).

---

Source: https://bedguide.co.uk/glossary/sofa-bed/ · BedGuide — independent UK bed guide; paid links are labelled (see /how-we-make-money/). Facts checked against official sources where possible; see https://bedguide.co.uk/editorial-policy. Report an error: https://bedguide.co.uk/corrections.