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If you're planning to have guests stay over frequently but don't have the space for a spare bed, a sofa bed can be a great space-saving solution. We'll guide you to find the best.
If you think sleeping on a sofa bed means a night of tossing and turning, and a sore back the following morning, fear not. Brands now offer a range of sofa bed solutions that are extremely comfortable. And there are many options on the market for different budgets and spaces, with brands responding to growing demand for multifunctional furniture.
Read on to find out what you need to consider before buying.
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The most common types of sofa beds are two-seaters. But you can find three-seater and corner sofa beds.
Corner sofa beds can be a great way to get use out of difficult areas. And they'll often include room for storage.
If you're pressed for space, consider a chair bed rather than a sofa bed.
Unsure about what type of bed to buy? Check out our guide to buying the best bed, including divan beds, storage beds and bedsteads
Sofa beds can have a variety of mechanisms, from simple fold-out to pull-out beds.
If you frequently have a couple sleeping over, you may want to consider a king-size bed, as that will offer most comfort.
If, on the other hand, you only have people stay over occasionally, an inflatable air bed might be better, as you can store it in a cupboard between uses. Check out the best air beds that are comfortable, easy to set up and – rather importantly – won't deflate in the middle of the night.
Most sofa beds will come with a mattress. If you need to choose a sofa bed mattress, you should choose one that's as thick as you can afford, so that your guests don't wake up in discomfort.
Typically the most comfortable mattresses are between 10 and 14 cm. Most mattresses are made from memory foam or pocket springs. Memory foam mattresses mould to your body, but some people find memory foam warm to sleep on.
You may not be able to use a regular mattress for your sofa bed, for a number of reasons. It may not be the right size, it may not sit comfortably or safely on the sofa bed structure, or you may void the mattress warranty by not placing it on a suitable bedframe.
And, of course, you'll need to find somewhere to store it when the sofa bed is folded up.
Need a mattress for a regular bed? Visit our best mattresses 2022 guide for our Best Buy recommendations and expert buying advice.
Just like any other sofa, fabric and fillings in a sofa bed will be important, especially if you have a click-clack, as you will be sleeping directly on it. Foam-filled sofas offer a firmer seat and look more structured.
Leather and cotton are the most common materials, but there is plenty of choice. If you will be using your sofa relatively often, consider opting for a hardwearing man-made fabric or leather, for extra durability, to keep it looking its best. If the sofa bed is going into a secondary room or is only likely to be used every so often, there are more fabric options available to you.
Remember you can order swatches to make sure your sofa bed matches your home perfectly.
One thing you need to look at is the frame as it provided support for the sitting as well as the bed. A solid frame in a sturdy material such as wood is preferable.
If you're looking into a sustainable way of shopping, see our tips for buying eco-friendly furniture.
As with other big purchases, check what you'll get from the guarantee.
Furniture Village and Sofology sofa beds come with a 20-year guarantee, whereas DFS offers a 15-year guarantee. Ikea and Next sofa beds typically have a 10-year guarantee.
Want to buy a new sofa, rather than a sofa bed, after all? Discover the best sofa retailers.