If you often find that you need to accommodate more people than you have space for and you don’t have the luxury of a spare bedroom, a sofa bed is a great solution.
Sofa beds are generally split into two mechanisms: click-clack or fold-out. The former is often a simple design, where the backrest folds down to create a level sleeping platform. Fold-out beds are assembled by moving the cushions or seat to create the bed. Read on for a few tips on what to look for when buying a sofa bed, as well as a selection of our favourite models on the high street.
In need of more bedding? Treat your guests to a luxurious feather pillow for a comfy night's rest.
What to look for in a sofa bed
Lizzie Sladen, Partner and Upholstery Buyer at John Lewis & Partners, recommends that your first consideration should be how often it is likely to be slept on.
‘For very regular use, opt for a model with a fold-out, memory foam mattress or sprung cushions that will offer better support and comfort.’ If it will only be used occasionally, a foam mattress could be comfortable enough.
With options ranging from single chairs to large three-seaters and corner configurations, size and budget are also important factors.
Suzy McMahon, Buying Director at Sofology, says, ‘For rooms that moonlight as offices or living rooms, a multifunctional sofa bed will create a comfortable sleep solution that can easily return to its original function during the day. Don’t forget to measure the space around the sofa to ensure that it will fit in your chosen room when folded out and in use.’
When it comes to cost, a sofa bed with a sprung mattress is likely to cost considerably more than a simple chair design that folds out into a cushioned foam bed, so bear this in mind when budgeting. To avoid spills when used as a bed, add a mattress protector beneath the bedding, which will also soften the mattress.
The best sofa beds
DUSK Hudson Click Clack Sofa Bed
'DUSK is an online-only brand that’s best known for its luxury look bedding, so when we found out about their sofa offering, we were very intrigued.
While assembly was slightly tricky and we’ve noticed that slight issue with the buttons, the pros of purchasing this sofa outweigh the cons quite considerably, as there’s no guarantee you wouldn’t encounter these issues with a more expensive model.' - Thea Jeffreys, Digital Writer
Read Thea's full review of the DUSK Hudson Click Clack sofa bed
Swyft 3 Seater Double Sofa Bed
- Sofa dimensions: 94cm x 86cm x 208cm
- Sleeping area: 190cm x 135cm
- Delivery: 5 working days
- Upholstery: 9 linen and velvet options
Swyft offer an array of gorgeous sofa designs, and we're huge fans of their vine green velvet sofa bed. It would work perfectly in a living room as it's very much a sofa in its own right, rather than functioning as an office addition, and with enough room for three people it's ideal for movie marathons.
Swyft is another sofa in a box company, so if you're looking for a large sofa, but worried about a narrow doorway, the on-trend brand is well worth a look.
Enjoy a cosy night's sleep with a heated blanket, and read our review Dreamland Relaxwell heated throw.
Single Hideaway Bed, blush velvet
- From Cox & Cox, £750
- Chair dimensions: 42cm x 91cm x 63cm
- Sleeping area: 21cm x 92cm x 196cm
- Delivery: 6 - 8 weeks
- Upholstery: pink, grey and blue
This dreamy little pink number from Cox & Cox is perfect for small spaces. The single sofa bed features a fully pocket-sprung mattress that folds out, and there's a zip to keep all of the mattress sections together and securely in place. The back of the chair doubles as a delightful headboard, so this design looks just as lovely down as it does up.
Pair with fluffy cushions and rugs as shown for an enchanting feel.
Teddy 2 Seat Sofa Bed
- From Sofa.com,
£2,700£1,890
- Sofa dimensions: 95cm x 181cm
- Bed dimensions: 95cm x 113cm x 236cm
- Delivery: 4 - 6 weeks
- Upholstery: over 40 colours
This plump, inviting sofa bed is a charming choice. We love the subtlety of the hounds tooth print which is sure to match an array of colour schemes, and the deep seats and scatter cushion back make it a comfortable pick.
There are loads of colour and fabric designs to choose from. You can even select the size of your sofa, from compact love seats, to larger three seaters. So have a browse, and create your dream sofa bed.
This is a fold-out design. Why not leave the scatter cushions on the back and treat your visitors to the plushest of beds?
Frankie Double Sofa Bed
- From Marks & Spencer, £649
This sofa bed simply folds, or flops, out, making it minimal effort with no mechanisms or bars to worry about. Perfect for a boho-chic vibe, this sofa bed offers a chilled out, relaxed feel.
Save your party guests the hassle of getting a taxi, and offer up this lovely sofa bed for the night.
- Sofa dimensions: 57cm x 84cm x 135cm
- Bed dimensions: 84cm x 135cm x 208cm
- Delivery: 1 week
- Upholstery: grey, denim and natural chenille
Honeypot Viva sofa bed
- Sofa dimensions: 153cm x 99cm x 75cm
- Sleeping area: 194cm x 132 cm
- Delivery: 5 - 8 days
- Upholstery: Blue, grey and teal
If you lack storage in your home this sofa bed could kill two birds with one stone. Available in a variety of sizes, from a footstool to a three seater at a very reasonable price, its easy slide-out mechanism ensures it goes from sofa to bed in record time with no hassle. It comes in grey, which will fit in with most colour schemes, perfectly complementing a blue living room or pink bedroom.
The handy storage section also makes a great place to hide away the bedding when the sofa is in situ. A whopping 69 per cent of purchasers on Amazon have rated this popular slide-out option five stars, and it has a total average score of 4.5 stars.
Versatile two-seater chaise sofa bed
- From Furniture Village,
£1865£1295
- Sofa dimensions: 82cm x 219cm x 152cm
- Bed dimensions: 189cm x 122cm
- Delivery: 7 weeks
- Upholstery: 9 colour options
Going from sofa to double bed in six seconds flat, you can put guests up in a flash with this modern chaise option. It’s available in nine different fabrics, including Dumfries Lilac, shown here.
The storage underneath the chaise is particularly helpful - a great place for you to store spare blankets, or kids' toys.
Looking for a pillow to suit your favourite sleeping position? Check out the best pillows for side sleepers.
Mito Single Futon
- Chair dimensions: 75 x 76 x 85cm
- Bed dimensions: 195cm x 76cm
- Delivery: 8 days
- Upholstery: 12 colour options
A simple futon is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a fuss-free solution for an office or kid’s room. The solid pine frame folds out in a flash.
Home Detail Modern Fabric 3 Seat Sofa Bed
- From Amazon, £249.99
- Sofa dimensions: 180cm x 89cm x 84cm
- Bed dimensions: 180cm x 108cm x 42cm
- Upholstery: cream, charcoal and pink
This simple, stylish and modern, yet very affordable, sofa bed will enhance any space and look fabulous in a modern or retro home. It is available in a sophisticated cream, dramatic charcoal and a vibrant pink. Its simple design will make accommodating guests, expected or unexpected, a breeze.
This sofa bed has a firm foam cushioning and a strong wooden frame, and we love the glam chrome legs.
For more pink inspiration, browse our round-up of the best pink living room ideas.
Leo Upholstered Sofa Bed
- From Wayfair,
£859.99£779.99
- Sofa dimensions: 40cm x 188cm x 50cm
- Bed dimensions: 85cm x 188cm x 68cm
- Delivery: 16 days
If you're looking for a statement sofa bed to bring a plain white room to life, this fun design from Wayfair could be your winner. Offering a simple click-clack mechanism, and a chic, chequered design, it's got functionality and style covered.
Jack in a Box Double Bed in a Box
- From Sofa.com,
£1,155£808.50
- Bench dimensions: 46cm x 158cm x 75cm
- Bed dimensions: 46cm x 133cm 220cm
- Delivery: 4 - 6 weeks
- Upholstery: over 40 colour options
Although not a sofa as such, this comfortable bench offers useful extra seating and transforms into a super-comfy double bed for impromptu overnight guests.
Roma Small Double Velvet Chairbed
- From Argos, £370.00
- Chair dimensions: 82cm x 101cm x 92cm
- Sleeping area: 100cm x 190cm
- Delivery: Next day delivery (location dependent)
- Upholstery: charcoal, orange and teal
Add a seat and a guest bed in one go with this super-stylish design, which converts into a small double bed. Its sleek wooden feet and gorgeous, rich orange fabric are sure to liven up any room. This is an especially effortless pick as the chair cushion doubles as a pillow.
For more space-saving solutions, check out the best sofas for small spaces.