Since we often get asked for our best sofa bed buying tips, we thought why not create a sofa bed buying guide which includes everything you need to know? So then, with so many styles, sizes, and features on the market, how do you make the right choice?

Looking to find the perfect sofa bed for your home? Explore our sofa beds collection, where you'll find a range of stylish and practical designs perfect for any room.

 

Our Top Tips For Sofa Bed Buying

Pick a sofa bed that looks like a sofa

A sofa bed should not only provide comfort but also look as stylish as any other sofa. Since it’s a big and expensive purchase, you need to love the look of the sofa bed as much as you would if you were choosing a sofa. It sounds simple but many customers tell us in the past they've had to settle for a design they don’t love because the sofa designs they love don't come as sofa beds.

To avoid this, we recommend exploring a wide range of sofa beds. After all, your sofa bed will be a centrepiece in your home, so it’s important that you feel you’ve made the right decision. 

Comfort is key

When buying a sofa bed, comfort is key, whether using it as a sofa or a bed. You shouldn’t have to compromise on either, so it’s important to pay close attention to the quality of the mechanism and mattress. 

Avoid designs that use trampoline-style mechanisms, as they tend to lack the necessary support for a good night's sleep. Instead, look for models with wooden slatted or webbed mechanisms, which offer far superior support and durability.

Equally important is the mattress itself. Opt for a sprung mattress or a proper memory foam mattress rather than a thin foam option, which many lower-quality sofa beds come with. Thinner mattresses often fail to provide adequate comfort, leading to restless nights for your guests. A high-quality mattress ensures that you / your guests can enjoy a restful sleep, and you'll benefit from greater comfort when using it as a sofa.

TL;DR: A wooden slatted and webbed mechanism and a high-quality mattress are non-negotiable!

Size Matters

When choosing a sofa bed, it’s important to carefully consider the size, as this will depend on how you plan to use it. 

Start by measuring the space where the sofa bed will sit. Make sure you account for the room needed to pull the bed out, as some sofa beds take up significantly more space when extended. If you’re working with a smaller room, a compact 2-seater sofa bed or corner sofa bed might be ideal.

On the other hand, if you have a larger living area or frequently host guests, a 3-seater sofa bed or larger L-shaped models can provide more than enough seating and sleeping space.

Choosing the Right Fabric

The fabric you choose for your sofa bed not only plays a crucial role in the look and feel of the sofa bed, but also in its durability and suitability for your home. Since a sofa bed serves a dual purpose - both as a sofa and as a bed - it’s quite important to select a fabric that can handle everyday use.

Start by considering how you will use the sofa bed. If it will be in a high-traffic area or frequently used by children or pets, opting for a more durable, easy-to-clean fabric like cotton blends (like our Linen Cotton fabrics) or stain-resistant options would be a very smart choice. Fabrics like velvets or Chenille can add a touch of class to your sofa but may require a bit more care and upkeep, especially in a family setting.

Selecting the right fabric also means considering comfort for you and/or your guests. Soft, breathable materials like cotton or linen are excellent choices for a comfortable sleeping experience. 

For more fabric options, check out our full collection of free fabric samples.

 

A Selection of Our Sofa Beds

To make your decision a tad bit easier, we’ve selected some of our top picks from our sofa bed collection:

The Somerton Sofa Bed

The Somerton is ideal for those who need a sofa bed that doesn’t take up too much space, but is still comfortable. Its compact design makes it a great choice for smaller living rooms, guest rooms, or home offices. With a supportive mattress and a quick, easy-to-use mechanism, this sofa bed is perfect for occasional guests or everyday use.

The Atworth Sofa Bed

Offering a traditional look, the Atworth sofa bed combines deep cushions and a range of fabric choices to suit any décor. Its classic design ensures that it fits into various styles of home interiors, from contemporary to more traditional spaces. 

The Foxcote Sofa Bed

With its plush cushioning and sturdy construction, the Foxcote sofa bed is built for those who may require frequent use, providing comfort both as a sofa and as a bed. Its refined appearance makes it a statement piece, perfect for larger living areas.

The Fyfield Sofa Bed

The Fyfield sofa bed represents the pinnacle of comfort and design, offering deep seating and high-quality upholstery. Designed for those with larger rooms and a preference for premium furniture, it provides ample space and superior comfort for both lounging and sleeping. Its robust build ensures it stands the test of time, making it a great long-term buy.

The Aldbourne Sofa Bed

Modern and stylish, the Aldbourne sofa bed features clean lines and luxurious detailing, making it a perfect fit for contemporary homes. Combining modern aesthetics with exceptional comfort, it offers a luxurious feel with the practicality of an easy-to-use sofa bed, ideal for those looking to blend style and function.

Final Thoughts

To summarise, when buying a sofa bed always make sure you can answer yes to the following:

  • Does the sofa bed offer me superb style when closed as a sofa?
  • Does the sofa bed have a high-quality sprung or memory foam mattress (not a thin foam one)?
  • Does the sofa bed have a wooden slatted and webbed mechanism?
  • Can I purchase a 2 or 3-seater sofa bed for around £1,500 or less? (Yes you really can purchase a super sofa bed with all of the above for around this price, our first 2 picks are an example of this!)

We hope these tips are helpful, however, if you need any further help then please don't hesitate to contact our friendly customer services team on 020 8939 3800 who will be more than happy to help.