Best sofa beds for a comfy and relaxing sleep

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.

• 8 sofas you can have delivered before Christmas

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

Honeypot Viva sofa bed

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.

Features include;

• Soft polyester upholstery
• Foam-filled cushions
• Solid wood frame
• Storage

Versatile two-seater chaise sofa bed

• Buy now from Furniture Village
  

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.

Features include:

• Easy pull-out mechanism
• Storage beneath the chaise
• Supportive foam cushions
• Sofa: 82 x 219 x 152cm (including chaise); bed: 189 x 122cm

• Buy from Furniture Village

Anderson two-seater sofa bed in green woven wool

• Buy now from Cult Furniture
  

With deep, plump cushions for maximum comfort, this smart sofa bed sits or sleeps two. It has an easy-to-use pull-out mechanism, and is available in a wide range of colour options.

Features include:

• Choice of natural or walnut coloured legs and fabrics
• Removable seat and back cushion covers
• Sofa: 86 x 184 x 95cm; bed: 185 x 134cm

Buy from Cult Furniture

Mito Single Futon

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.

Features include:

• Fibre blend button design mattress
• FSC certified wood frame
• Nine colour options
• Chair: 75 x 76 x 85cm; bed: 195 x 76cm

Jasper sofa bed in ochre velvet

Ideal for last-minute overnight guests, this sofa transforms into a bed with minimum effort. The yellow ochre colourway gives real ‘wow’ factor, although there are other shades on offer, too.

• Four colour options
• Click-clack mechanism
• Free fabric samples available
• Sofa: 81 x 204 x 84cm; bed: 204 x 111cm

Home Detail Modern Fabric 3 Seat Sofa Bed

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, neutral brown, vivid blue and a vibrant pink. Its simple design will make accommodating guests, expected or unexpected, a breeze.

It has been awarded five stars by 61 per cent of Amazon purchasers and has an average score of 4.3 stars overall.

Features include:

• Firm foam cushioning
• A strong wooden frame
• Click clack system with upright, reclined or bed positions
• Chrome detail legs

Joules Cambridge three-seater Supreme Sofa Bed in pink combination

• Buy now from DFS

Why not add a splash of vibrant colour with this floral design? A dual-layer mattress and a memory foam top offers superior comfort and the mechanism is suitable for frequent use.

Features include:

• Fibre-filled cushions for a relaxed feel
• Choice of six stunning colours
• Scatter cushions sold separately
• Sofa: 88 x 193 x 98cm; bed: 230 x 193cm

Buy now from DFS

Jack in a Box Double Bed in a Box

• Buy now from Sofa.com

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.

• Simple, contemporary design
• Wide range of fabrics and colours
• Great for small spaces
• Bench: 46 x 158 x 75cm; bed: 220 x 133cm

Buy from Sofa.com

KIP Small Double sofa bed in Hope Burnt Orange

We love the simple design of this two-seater sofa bed. Moulding to the body for a supported sleep, the foam mattress springs back to its original shape when not in use.

Features include;

• Fold-out foam mattress
• Also available in Teal and Grey
• 15-year frame guarantee
• Sofa: 70 x 120 x 84cm; bed: 194 x 120cm

Hettie Single Sofa Bed in Marble Grey

• Buy now from Made.com

This comfy little number is a must if space is at a premium and we love the sophisticated subtle grey. The padded cushions unfold to create a supportive mattress for guests.

• Woven upholstery

• Padded cushions
• Five colours available
• Chair: 82 x 92 x 87cm; bed: 180 x 90cm

Buy from Made.com

Roma Small Double Velvet Chairbed

• Buy now from Argos

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.

Features include;

• Free fabric swatches available
• Foam fold-out mechanism
• Cushion doubles up as a pillow