A sofa bed needs to work as a place to sit during the day and a place to sleep at night. In small flats, studios, guest rooms and teenagers’ bedrooms, it often takes the place of two separate pieces of furniture. Models can vary considerably, though, in terms of sleeping area, upholstery, opening mechanism and storage.
If you focus only on appearance or a low price, it’s easy to overlook important details. These three common buying mistakes are particularly easy to make:
You can also find a suitable range of models in the sofa beds at Joybuy category.
Start by measuring the space where you plan to put the sofa. As well as the sofa’s width, depth and height, allow for:
A 2-seater sofa bed is often a good choice for smaller rooms. A model with a sleeping area around 180 to 200 cm long may work as a guest bed for one person or, depending on its width, for two. An L-shaped sofa bed, on the other hand, needs considerably more floor space, but usually offers more seating and a more generous sleeping area.
If you’re considering a model with a chaise longue, check whether the ottoman can be fitted on the left or right. A chaise longue that can be positioned on either side makes it easier to plan your room.
The sofa’s construction affects how it feels when you sit or lie on it. Options include:
Pay attention to the frame, too. Reinforced wood or metal frames may be worth considering if you’ll be converting the sofa frequently. The manufacturer’s load rating should be treated as a maximum static load, rather than a guarantee that the sofa is suitable for every type of use.
Corduroy, chenille, linen-look fabric and velvet all feel different and need different levels of care. For households with children or pets, cleaning instructions, abrasion ratings and stain removal are important things to consider. If provided, a Martindale rating indicates the fabric’s resistance to abrasion under a standardised test. However, it can’t tell you on its own how the fabric will hold up in everyday use.
Depending on the design, a sofa bed may pull out, fold out or convert by lowering the backrest. Check the following:
Compressed foam furniture may need to be left to settle after unpacking. Follow the instructions and allow the recommended time before using the sofa fully. Larger corner sofas may arrive in separate parcels, so check the number of parcels and what’s included.
Why it suits this profile: This 160 cm-wide lounge sofa is designed for small flats, studios or guest rooms. It can be used as a sofa, chaise longue or occasional guest bed.
Its compact design and stated sleeping area of 160 × 110 cm make it easier to work out how much space you’ll need. No assembly is required; allow up to 72 hours for it to expand after unpacking.
High-density foam, corduroy upholstery, a 48 cm seat height and pockets on the sides of the armrests.
Why it suits this profile: This corner sofa is designed for households looking for a spacious seating area with a bed function and a flexible layout.
The product details give the overall dimensions as 258,5 × 160 cm and the sleeping area as 183,5 × 258,5 cm. This makes it possible to check exactly how much room you’ll need before buying.
Pocket springs in the seat cushions, chenille upholstery, a movable ottoman and a 24-month warranty according to the product details.
Why it suits this profile: This daybed is ideal for teenagers’ bedrooms, guest rooms or small flats where you want to combine a bed, a surface for everyday items and storage.
The 90 × 200 cm sleeping area is clearly specified as a single bed. Hydraulic storage and product dimensions of 213 × 98 × 70,5 cm make planning easier.
Storage under the slatted base, a USB-C charging port and an integrated reading light; assembly is required and instructions are included.
Why it suits this profile: This compact 2-seater sofa bed combines seating, a sleeping function and an adjustable backrest, making it a practical choice for a flat or separate guest room.
The overall dimensions of 132 × 90 × 88 cm and sleeping area of 184 × 132 cm are clearly stated. It pulls out using a handle and concealed castors.
Backrest adjusts smoothly from 90 to 180 degrees, corduroy upholstery, side pockets and a stated load capacity of up to 360 kg.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
It depends on the model, the sleeping area and the upholstery. A sofa with a continuous, flat sleeping surface may be more practical for regular use than one with noticeable joins between the seat and backrest sections. Check whether the manufacturer describes the product as suitable for everyday or occasional sleeping.
As well as the sofa’s overall dimensions, you’ll need to allow for its full depth when extended and the sleeping area. Leave enough room to move around in front of the sofa, and check that drawers, doors and radiators will remain accessible. With a corner sofa, you’ll also need to consider which side the chaise longue is on.
Vacuum the upholstery regularly using a suitable attachment, and treat stains according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use harsh cleaning products unless they’re approved for the fabric. If the covers are removable, check whether they’re actually machine washable. This will help keep the fabric, colour and upholstery in good condition.