Buying a Sofa Bed: What to Consider When It Comes to Size, Features and Everyday Use

A sofa bed combines seating and a place to sleep in one piece of furniture. It’s especially practical for small flats, guest rooms, bedrooms for teenagers and households that occasionally have overnight guests. However, sofa beds, pull-out sofas and corner sofas with a bed function can differ considerably in sleeping area, mechanism, upholstery and the space they need.

If you focus only on colour or the lowest price, it’s easy to overlook important details. Here are three common problems to watch out for:

1. The sleeping area is smaller than expected. A wide seat doesn’t automatically make for a comfortable guest bed. The key is to check the dimensions when the sofa is unfolded.
2. Converting it is awkward in everyday use. Some models require you to move the entire seat or operate a heavy mechanism.
3. The sofa won’t fit through the door or stairwell. Package dimensions, the number of parcels and assembly requirements are often overlooked until after an order has been placed.

Check these measurements before you buy

For a sofa bed, you should check at least four sets of measurements:

• Overall dimensions: width, depth and height in its usual seating configuration
• Sleeping area: length and width when unfolded
• Pull-out clearance: extra space needed in front of the sofa
• Delivery dimensions: parcel size and number of parcels

A 2-seater sofa bed may be suitable for one person or occasional guests. For two people, a sleeping area of around 140 × 190 cm or larger is usually more practical. If you’re choosing a sofa bed for a small room, also check that doors, radiators, windows and walkways remain unobstructed.

A corner sofa with a bed function will usually take up more floor space day to day, but offers a larger seating and sleeping area. On L-shaped models, the position of the ottoman is also important. A reversible chaise can be fitted on either the left or right, making it easier to adapt the sofa to your room layout.

Compare upholstery, covers and mechanisms carefully

The upholstery affects both comfort and how well the sofa holds its shape. Common materials and constructions include foam, high-density foam, memory foam, sinuous springs and pocket springs. Choose a construction that suits how you plan to use the sofa:

• Occasional overnight stays: A basic pull-out sofa or a 3-in-1 sofa bed may be a practical choice.
• Regular sitting: A clearly described seat construction and adequate seat depth matter more than broad marketing claims such as ‘extra soft’.
• Frequent use: Depending on the design, pocket springs, sinuous springs or resilient foam may provide a suitable base. Check the manufacturer’s information on weight capacity and construction.

When it comes to the cover, consider the care instructions, abrasion ratings and the needs of your household. Chenille, corduroy and velvet all feel different and require different cleaning methods. If a Martindale rating is given, it describes the cover’s abrasion resistance based on a standardised test. According to the product information, the covers on certain CARLOS models withstand more than 35,000 Martindale cycles. This is a material rating, not a guarantee of a specific lifespan.

The sofa bed mechanism is also worth considering. A pull-out seat with wheels can make conversion easier. Folding backrests save on components, but need enough clearance from the wall. If you’re choosing a corner sofa with storage, check that you can still open the storage compartment fully with a rug or coffee table in place.

Our picks for different homes and needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers

A 2-Seater Sofa Bed with Wide Armrests, 2 Cushions, and High-Density Foam

Why this product suits this profile: This compact 2-seater sofa bed is designed for living rooms, studio flats or use as an occasional guest bed. According to the product description, it converts into a temporary double bed and is delivered without the need for tools.

How this product helps avoid a common pitfall

The product details specify both seating and sleeping functions, as well as a weight capacity of up to 250 kg for three people. Check the unfolded dimensions before buying.

Key benefits and features

High-density foam, two cushions, wide armrests and delivery without assembly, according to the product description.

Ideal for: Buyers looking for high quality

GTIMEX Corner Sofa with Spring Core, W: 258.5 cm

Why this product suits this profile: This large corner sofa with a bed function is designed for households looking for generous seating and a specified sleeping area of 183,5 × 258,5 cm.

How this product helps avoid a common pitfall

The product description gives specific details of the pocket springs, overall dimensions and sleeping area. This makes it easier to assess the upholstery construction and space requirements before buying.

Key benefits and features

258,5 cm wide, with a large ottoman, three scatter cushions and a 24-month guarantee, according to the product information.

Ideal for: Specific needs and frequent use

Joyic 2 Seater Sofa Bed, 3-in-1 Convertible Pull Out Sleeper Sofa

Why this product suits this profile: This 3-in-1 sofa bed combines sitting, reclining and pull-out functions. It’s suited to flats, guest rooms and spaces where flexibility is important.

How this product helps avoid a common pitfall

The product details specify a backrest that adjusts continuously from 90 to 180 degrees, as well as exact seat and bed dimensions. This makes it easier to plan how you’ll use it.

Key benefits and features

Pull-out mechanism with wheels, side pockets, corduroy cover and a stated weight capacity of up to 360 kg.

Ideal for: Teenagers’ rooms and homes with guests

URBAN MEUBLE Velvet Daybed 90 × 200 cm

Why this product suits this profile: This daybed is designed as a single bed, a place to sit and a sofa bed for guests, making it suitable for children, teenagers or smaller rooms. The storage space under the bed can hold bedding or accessories.

How this product helps avoid a common pitfall

The product description specifies the 90 × 200 cm sleeping area, overall dimensions of 213 × 98 × 70,5 cm and assembly requirements.

Key benefits and features

Hydraulic storage, an integrated reading light, a USB-C port and padded side panels, according to the product information.

Before you order: a quick checklist

• Will the overall dimensions, including the armrests and ottoman, fit in your room?
• Is the unfolded sleeping area large enough for the number of people who’ll use it?
• Does the sofa need assembling, and how many parcels will be delivered?
• Is the cover suitable for children, pets or frequent use?
• Does it have a storage compartment, and can it be opened fully?
• Do you need a mattress, or is the sleeping area integrated?
• Are the wall clearance, door width and stairwell sufficient?

Frequently asked questions about sofa beds

How much space does a sofa bed need when it’s pulled out?

As well as the sofa’s depth, you’ll need to leave space in front of it at least equal to the length of the pull-out section. With a corner sofa bed, you’ll also need to allow for the depth of the ottoman and any walkways. Use a tape measure to mark out the manufacturer’s exact dimensions on the floor.

Can a sofa bed be used as a permanent bed?

That depends on its construction, sleeping area and upholstery. Many models are intended for occasional overnight stays or temporary use, according to the product description. If you plan to sleep on it every night, look for a suitable sleeping construction, an adequate sleeping area and clear care instructions.

How do you care for a sofa bed?

You can usually remove dust and crumbs with an upholstery attachment. Treat stains individually, following the care instructions. Several product descriptions state that a damp cloth is suitable for certain covers; however, test any cleaning products on an inconspicuous area first. Make sure rugs or other objects don’t block the pull-out mechanism or hinges.