A corner sofa bed combines seating, a sleeping area and often extra storage. To make sure it remains practical in your living room, guest room or bedroom for years to come, don’t focus only on colour and shape. Room dimensions, the folding mechanism, cushioning and the actual orientation of the chaise are all important.
An L-shaped sofa bed needs more than just the space taken up by its basic shape. Depending on the design, extending it can take up extra room. You’ll also need to keep pathways, radiators, doors and windows clear.
Before you buy, it’s a good idea to mark out the sofa’s footprint with masking tape. Be sure to account for both the sofa’s dimensions and the extended sleeping area. For example, if a model measures 258.5 cm wide and 160 cm deep, check that the room layout still works when it’s made into a bed.
A corner sofa that can be assembled with the chaise on the left or right gives you more flexibility, but it often needs to be configured during assembly. With some models, you choose which side to fit the chaise on when putting the sofa together. Before buying, check:
Heavy furniture should always be moved by at least two people.
Corduroy and chenille sofas can look and feel quite different. Corduroy has a ribbed surface, while chenille usually has a softer, velvety texture. However, neither term tells you how hard-wearing a particular fabric is.
Check the details on the material, cleaning and, where available, abrasion resistance. A rating of more than 35,000 Martindale cycles, as listed for some POSO fabrics in the product details, indicates the fabric’s tested resistance to rubbing. It isn’t a promise of unlimited durability.
A sofa bed for the living room should offer a sleeping area that’s large enough for how you plan to use it. Available models vary considerably:
For everyday use, it’s also worth considering how easy the mechanism is to operate and whether the sleeping area is made up of several sections with noticeable joins.
Depending on its design, a sofa with a sprung core may feel different to sit on from a sofa made entirely with foam. Product details may include:
These terms describe the construction, but they don’t automatically tell you how comfortable the sofa will feel to you. You should also consider your height, the seat height and depth, and how firm you like your cushioning.
A corner sofa with storage is handy for keeping bedding, blankets or cushions. Check whether you can access the storage compartment by lifting the seat and whether the lid opens wide enough.
If the sofa will stand in the middle of a room, a fully upholstered back is important. The CARLOS and PRESTIGE models are described as having fabric-covered backs. For care, vacuum the sofa regularly and spot-clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent, unless the manufacturer’s instructions say otherwise. Prolonged exposure to strong, direct sunlight can cause fabrics to fade or change colour.
Why this product suits this buyer: Measuring 247 × 143 × 83 cm, with a 200 × 130 cm sleeping area and a reversible chaise, this model is well suited to small and medium-sized living spaces and occasional overnight stays.
The product details clearly state the dimensions, sleeping area, storage and the option to fit the chaise on the left or right. This makes it easier to plan how the sofa will fit and work in your home before you buy.
Sinuous springs and T30 foam; storage compartment, two back cushions and a 24-month guarantee, according to the product details.
Why this product suits this buyer: At 258.5 cm wide, this model is designed for households looking for generous seating and sleeping space, with a chenille cover.
Rather than leaving the cushioning unspecified, the product details list a pocket-spring core. They also give the overall dimensions and a sleeping area of 183.5 × 258.5 cm.
Pocket springs in the seat cushions, a chenille texture, three scatter cushions and no assembly required, according to the product details.
Why this product suits this buyer: With a storage compartment, reversible chaise and POSO cover with a stated abrasion-resistance rating, this sofa is a good fit for families and households that use it regularly.
The technical details list sinuous springs, T30 foam, a storage compartment and an assembly time of around one to two hours for two people. This makes it easier to plan for the time and effort involved.
200 × 130 cm sleeping area, POSO velvet fabric with a stated rating of more than 35,000 Martindale cycles, and a chaise that can be fitted on the left or right.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
As well as the sofa’s width and depth, you’ll need to allow for the extended sleeping area. Make sure there’s also enough clear space in front of the sofa to move around. Doors, radiators and sockets should remain accessible when the sofa is made into a bed.
It depends on the cushioning, sleeping area and mechanism. Models with pocket springs, sinuous springs, T30 foam or memory foam can offer different levels of support and comfort. For everyday use, also check whether the sofa is easy to convert and whether it creates a continuous sleeping surface.
Vacuum regularly using a suitable upholstery attachment. Treat stains as soon as possible, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first, and keep the sofa away from naked flames, harsh chemicals and prolonged direct sunlight.