As we continue planning for our office/ guest room combination renovation, we are considering sleeper sofa options.
When it comes to accommodating overnight guests or maximizing space in smaller living areas, sleeper sofas are a fantastic solution. As someone who appreciates both comfort and functionality, I have delved into the world of sleeper sofas to make sure the investment I make is worth the money.
Before I share the list of the seven best sleeper sofa options, let’s clear up some common questions and explore the key aspects to consider when choosing the perfect sleeper sofa.
The Difference between a Sleeper Sofa and a Sofa Bed
You may have heard the terms “sleeper sofa” and “sofa bed” used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference worth noting.
A sleeper sofa typically features a pull-out mechanism where the mattress is stored inside the sofa frame.
On the other hand, a sofa bed often refers to a piece of furniture that does not have a mattress inside it. Instead, its surface needs to be laid flat for sleeping.
Both options provide a convenient way to transform your sofa into a cozy bed, but the mechanism and ease of use can vary. I’ll use the term “sleeper sofa” in this post for both kinds of beds.
The Best Mattress for a Sleeper Sofa
Choosing the right mattress for your sleeper sofa is crucial to ensure a good night’s sleep for your guests. And I consider a quality bed a must-have for a office/ guest room combo.
First, memory foam mattresses are a popular choice due to their ability to contour to the body, providing excellent support and comfort. Look for a sleeper sofa with a high-density foam mattress that is at least four inches thick. This thickness will offer adequate cushioning while ensuring a comfortable sleeping surface.
Additionally, consider mattresses with hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant features to cater to different needs and enhance longevity.
The Downside of a Sleeper Sofa
While sleeper sofas are incredibly versatile and convenient, it’s important to be aware of their limitations.
One common drawback is that sleeper sofas may not offer the same level of comfort as traditional beds due to the thinner mattresses and the potential for feeling the support bars or mechanisms beneath.
Additionally, some sleeper sofas might be bulkier and heavier than standard sofas, making them a bit more challenging to move around.
Even with these drawbacks, with careful consideration and choosing the right model, these downsides can be mitigated.
The Most Important Things to Look for in a Sleeper Sofa
When searching for the perfect sleeper sofa, several key factors should guide your decision-making process:
- Frame and Mechanism: Go for a sleeper sofa with a sturdy frame made from durable materials like hardwood or metal. Ensure the mechanism for the pull-out bed is smooth and easy to operate, allowing for effortless conversion.
- Mattress Support: Look for a sleeper sofa with a solid foundation and a well-designed support system to prevent sagging and ensure proper spinal alignment.
- Fabric Quality: Consider fabrics that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. This will help maintain the sofa’s appearance and longevity over time.
- Size and Configuration: Assess the available space in your living area and choose a sleeper sofa that fits appropriately. Consider the sofa’s dimensions when both open and closed to ensure it suits your specific needs.
- Additional Features: Some sleeper sofas come with convenient features such as built-in storage compartments or adjustable headrests, providing extra functionality and versatility.
7 Sleeper Sofa Options with Best Reviews
First up is the UNA IVORY BOUCLE SLEEPER SOFA from CB2.
This option is just chic. The sofa transforms into an elegant bed featuring a luxurious ivory boucle upholstery.
During the day, it is a comfortable lounge for activities such as watching TV or reading. When night falls, simply fold the back all the way down, and behold! A remarkable platform bed emerges, complete with real pocketed coil mattress innersprings that provide a cozy sleeping space for two.
Another option that is also more “sofa bed” than “sleeper sofa” is also from CB2. The CLAREMONT DARK GREY SLEEPER SOFA QUEEN is a custom-made couch, crafted in a sophisticated charcoal grey fabric inspired by men’s fashion.
The description mentions that the piece effortlessly transitions from daytime to nighttime. By detaching the back cushions, lifting the seat, and extending the front legs concealed in zipper pockets beneath, the transformation occurs seamlessly. Simply slide the seat forward and fold down the back, eliminating the need to move the sofa away from the wall or unfurl a weighty mattress.
A clever attribute: The full-length arms serve as both the headboard and footboard. Think of it like a luxurious, sophisticated, grown-up futon, much like the option above.
The sofa comfortably accommodates two sleepers.
Next is the HÄRLANDA from Ikea. This convertible sofa features a resilient foam mattress measuring 4¾” in thickness, offering pleasant body support and a seamless sleeping surface that minimizes discomfort in your joints.
The bed slats collaborate with the mattress to provide enhanced flexibility and excellent sleep support.
Effortlessly and swiftly, this sofa transforms into a roomy bed by removing the back cushions and extending the underframe. Additionally, the sofa’s back cushions can be utilized to achieve comfortable back support while leaning against them in bed.
Maintaining the cleanliness of the mattress cover is a breeze, as it can be easily removed and machine washed.
It averages 4 out of 5 stars!
The next option is one I’ve slept on while staying at a vacation house. The FRIHETEN / KLAGSHAMN from Ikea was surprisingly comfortable for me, and quite spacious.
Another perk is that this couch effortlessly transforms into a roomy bed by simply detaching the back cushions and extending the underlying frame. Extending the bed is a breeze.
Another perk is how versatile this piece is: sofa, chaise, and double bed all in one.
The elongated cushion at the back provides added coziness. Uncover the mattress pad, unroll it for enhanced comfort while sleeping, and place it back in the cover to create a supportive cushion during the day.
I loved, loved, loved the ample storage space located beneath the chaise. The lid remains open, allowing for secure and convenient access to your belongings. This would be the best spot to stow bed linens, pillows, etc. for guests.
The polyester filling maintains its shape, delivering gentle support to your body.
You have the freedom to position the chaise section on either side of the sofa and switch it around whenever desired.
Right now, this is my pick for our office/ guest room combination.
I have also slept on the next sleeper sofa option from West Elm. We actually had this in a seating area in our last place. I loved this sofa so much, despite the flaws, which I will mention.
First, the positives.
The sofa is quite wide, which I like. It is a true sofa, coming in at 84″ wide.
The seating cushion is so comfortable. This is probably what I loved about this couch the most. Instead of multiple seat cushions, it has one long cushion, which made this couch so nice to nap on because of the bed-like mattress feel.
The fabric is sturdy, and is a performance yarn-dyed linen weave.
And the mattress is very comfortable. It is a great option for guests because you know they will have a great night’s rest. In short, it feels luxurious.
Now the cons.
The back rest is pretty much non-existent. If you are thinking the backrest seems low, you are right about that, and to make matters worse, the lumbar pillows are too puffy, so there is an odd feeling when wanting to sit back in the couch seat. We used to remove those back cushions altogether, and then the couch was very comfortable.
It is unbelievably heavy and requires 3+ people to move it.
Another option I’ve actually slept on is from Ikea, the KIVIK is a one seat sleeper chair that folds out to a twin size bed. We used to have 2 of these in a guest bedroom in our last place, and together, it was just about the size of a queen bed.
I was impressed with the comfort of this mattress, and according to the product details, while it is not memory foam, it is still comfy: “The seat cushions made of pocket springs, high-resilience foam and polyester fiber mold to your body and provide firm support and comfortable softness, both when sitting up and lying down”.
I can heartily attest that this is a comfortable seating and bedding option. My only complaint was that the bed is super low to the ground when it is extended, which may not be comfortable for some guests.
There are not many fabric options, either, but like most Ikea products, the covers are machine washable.
Last but not least is the Braxton Sleeper Sofa from Joybird.
Not only does this couch have many rave reviews, but there are plenty of reviews mentioning that the mattress is exceptionally cozy for a sleeper sofa.
Perhaps the comfort is from the Tempur-Response memory foam option available. In addition, the mattress is 5″ high, made of 3″ high density foam topped with 2″ memory foam.
The couch has plenty of color and fabric options, including pet friendly options. I was inspired by the dark green that I saw on Modern Day Moguls.
This couch is a bit less wide than some options I have here, but still a good size, at 79″ wide.
And there you have it! 7 quality sleeper sofa options with best reviews.
Which have you tried? Which do you love that I didn’t mention here? Let me know in the comments.