A sofa bed combines somewhere to sit with a place to sleep, all in one piece of furniture. It’s particularly practical for small flats, studios, guest rooms and living rooms with limited floor space. By day, it works as a sofa or a place to relax; at night, it can be used as a guest bed.
However, striking product images and general promises don’t automatically lead to the right buying decision. Before you buy, check how much space the furniture needs when unfolded, what maximum weight capacity is specified and whether the conversion really suits your everyday needs.
Many people focus only on the width of the sofa. With a sofa bed that unfolds, however, the extended depth matters too. A model with a sofa depth of around 84 cm may take up more than 100 cm of space when unfolded. Before you buy, consider not only the floor space it will occupy, but also walkways, radiators, doors and wardrobe fronts.
A sofa bed is often intended for guests, occasional overnight stays or a short rest. Its construction, cushioning and sleeping area may differ from those of a bed used every night. So check whether the model is suitable for one person, two people or occasional use only.
Velvet, bouclé, polyester and corduroy all look different and need different care. A velvet sofa bed may have a soft surface, but the manufacturer may recommend only careful vacuuming. Look for specific care instructions rather than relying on terms such as ‘easy-care’ or ‘hard-wearing’.
First, measure the space available:
For example, a three-seater sofa bed with a sleeping area 190 cm long needs different room planning from a compact lounge sofa measuring 160 cm in length. For smaller rooms, a space-saving sofa bed with a folding backrest may be a better choice than a wide model with a separate pull-out mechanism.
If you’re considering a sofa bed with an adjustable backrest, check how many positions it offers and whether it can be adjusted without too much effort. An individually adjustable backrest can provide sitting, reclining and sleeping positions. It’s also worth checking whether extra legs need to be unfolded and whether you can convert the sofa on your own.
The stated maximum weight capacity gives you an objective point of comparison. It should suit your intended use and, if two people regularly sit on the sofa, should take both of them into account.
Also look for:
For furniture that needs assembling, check how it will be delivered. Some models arrive fully assembled, while others need to be put together with another person.
Why this product suits this profile: At 160 cm wide, this lounge sofa is well suited to small flats, studios or individual living areas where a compact piece of furniture with an extra sleeping function is a good fit.
The product details give the unfolded measurements as 160 × 110 × 40 cm and the seat height as 48 cm. This makes it easier to plan the space you’ll need in advance.
High-density foam, wide armrests with side pockets, a cover that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and no assembly required according to the product description.
Why this product suits this profile: This model combines a three-position backrest with a stated maximum weight capacity of 240 kg, making it a good fit for living rooms where sitting and reclining functions will be used regularly.
The product details list the measurements as 191 × 84 × 83 cm, an extended depth of 108 cm and fold-down metal legs for use as a bed.
Bouclé cover, five wooden legs, two decorative cushions included and a two-year warranty stated by the manufacturer.
Why this product suits this profile: As a three-seater sofa bed with a velvet cover, this model is suited to households looking to combine generous seating space with a guest bed for regular use.
The product details give the sleeping area as 106 × 190 cm, an extended depth of 106 cm and a maximum weight capacity of 320 kg.
Velvet cover, metal legs with a gold finish, a backrest adjustable to three positions and a stated two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force in the EU.
Before ordering a sofa bed, it’s worth checking the following:
It depends on the construction, cushioning and sleeping area. Many models are designed as an extra place to sleep or as a guest bed. If you plan to sleep on it every day, pay particular attention to the length and width of the sleeping area, even cushioning and clear guidance from the manufacturer on how it should be used.
As well as the sofa’s standard measurements, you’ll need to allow for its depth when unfolded. The models featured here, for example, have extended depths of between 106 and 110 cm. You should also leave clear walkways and enough space around doors and furniture.
Care depends on the material. Some models should only be vacuumed gently; harsh cleaning products, washing or bleaching may not be suitable. Always read the care instructions provided before cleaning, and don’t try cleaning products without checking they’re suitable first.