Best Sofa Beds

The key to finding the best sofa bed for your space is to choose a piece that finds the perfect balance between style and function. There are a variety of different styles of sofa beds to choose from that can match your home décor.

Futon

Futons are an affordable and convenient way to add extra sleeping space for guests. A futon consists of a mattress that is attached to the frame of the sofa. It forms the seat and the backrest.

Futons are ideal for occasional sleeping arrangements and feature a compact design that makes them an excellent choice for small apartments or guest rooms. They have a more casual look than other sofa beds, which can make itchallenging to coordinate them with your other living room furniture, so they are better suited to dens or recreation rooms.

Fold-Out Bed

Traditional fold-out sofa beds are the most discreet style as they have a rolled or folded mattress hidden inside the frame of the sofa. After removing the seat cushions, the mattress is pulled out and stabilized with metal legs. Modern fold-out sofas often feature a power opening mechanism for added convenience.

As a fold-out sofa looks identical to a standard sofa, you have a wide range of styles to choose from to complement your den. Choose a sofa with plush rolled arms and a rounded backrest for a traditional or country style home. Or try a sleek box or tuxedo sofa for a contemporary living area.

Pop-Up Sofa

A pop-up sofa eliminates the need for a traditional mattress as it can be reconfigured to create a comfortable sleeping space. Most pop-up sofas feature a pull-out or button mechanism for a quick and easy way to transform your living area or den for guests. Many pop-up sofas are available as a corner or sectional sofa and come in a wide variety of styles to blend effortlessly with your den décor.

Low-line button-tufted pop-up sofa beds are ideal for a mid-century modern living room, while a Lawson-style sectional with square arms and overstuffed back cushions is an excellent choice for a transitional home.

Daybed

If you are looking for a sofa bed that will primarily be used for sleeping rather than lounging, a daybed is your best choice. Most daybeds are twin size and feature a wooden or metal frame with loose, removable back cushions. Daybeds are an excellent choice for a den, child's room, or guest room.

The right sizesofa bedfor you depends on who will be sleeping on the sofa and the space you have available. Sofa beds are available in a full range of sizes, from twin to king. A larger sofa bed is preferable for better comfort for your guests, but if you are tight on space, a convertible loveseat or armchair can easily transform into an extra cot or single bed for guests.

Pop-up sofas and daybeds are the most compact option for small living areas, but they come in a wide range of sizes, so you need to ensure the length of the sofa is long enough to allow guests to stretch out comfortably while sleeping. Standard sofa length is 67"-83" with a sleeping space that measures 52"-55". Sofa beds with removable backrest cushions can add a few inches of sleeping space if necessary.

If you decide on a traditional fold-out bed, you need to allow for additional space in front of the sofa to allow for the mattress to unfold. A standard fold-out sofa extends to 72" long, but you need to add at least an additional foot of clearance around all sides of the bed so your guests can get in and out easily.

The mattress is the most important component of a sofa bed. It not only provides a supportive place for guests to sleep but also impacts the overall comfort of the sofa. There are two types of mattress to choose from:

• Innerspring

Most traditional mattresses are constructed from tight coils called innersprings. Innerspring mattresses adjust to your body as you move through the night; however, the coils deteriorate over time and can warp when folded inside a sofa bed. Non-folding sofa beds such as daybeds or pop-up sofas may feature innerspring mattresses, but they will need to be replaced more often than a memory foam mattress.

• Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are made from high-density visco-elastic foam rather than traditional springs. The biggest benefit to a memory foam mattress is that it offers consistent, even support by contouring to the shape of your body as you sleep. The foam bounces back into place when not in use. Memory foam is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it ideal for sensitive sleepers.

The key to buying a long-lasting memory foam mattress is to consider the maximum weight capacity. Aim for a mattress that can support 1.8 - 2.5 lbs. per cubic foot for a mattress that provides the best support and lasts as long as the sofa bed frame.

You also need a mattress with the correct depth to offer the right level of support and comfort without making the folded sofa appear bulky or misshapen. Look for mattresses between 4 - 5.5" thick.

Modern sofa beds come with a range of additional features to enhance their functionality to make them one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in your home. Look for some of the following features when shopping for a sofa bed.

• Storage

Many models of pop-up sofa beds and daybeds feature added storage underneath the seat cushions or inside the frame. This is the perfect solution for storing extra bed linen, pillows, and cushions to quickly and easily make up the bed when unexpected guests arrive.

If you are low on space, look for sofas with a storage chaise that has a hydraulic lift with internal storage. Alternatively, you can try a daybed with smooth-gliding drawers located underneath the frame.

• Built-in Shelves

Sofa beds that feature armrests with built-in shelves on the outside offer space for guests to store books, phones, and other essentials to keep them within easy reach during the night. They can also double as a stylish display space for accent pieces, lighting, and indoor plants.