Things to consider when choosing a sofa bed
There are many different types of sofa beds to choose from. The best sofa bed for you will fit your style and fit inside the room you need it for. It is important to consider what type of sofa bed you want, what mechanism you prefer, and several other factors to choose the best sofa bed. Read below to see the considerations we recommend making before you make a purchase.
Aesthetics
There are plenty of sofa beds on the market, so don’t settle for one that doesn’t perfectly match your decor. We found that greys and neutral colors are very trendy right now, as neutral colors are relaxing and compatible with a wide variety of styles and aesthetics.
Type
There are several types of sofa beds. The one you choose will depend on your stylistic preference and available space. These include chair beds, storage sofa beds, two-seater sofa beds or three-seater sofa beds, and futons.
- Chair beds: Chair beds are perfect for small guest rooms or in children’s rooms. You will always be ready for an overnight guest with a chair bed. A chair bed does not sacrifice much space and functions as a single bed when unfolded.
- Storage sofa bed: Depending on the model, a storage sofa bed has enough space to store sheets and perhaps even spare pillows. Although it might seem like less of a space saver than a chair bed, when you take into account the fact that this sofa bed will store bedding, as well as sleep two people, it may save you more space in the right circumstances.
- Two-seater and three-seater sofa beds: Choose a two-seater or three-seater sofa bed, depending on how much space you have. Always check the measurements of two and three sofa beds because there is no universal size for every manufacturer.
- Futon: Futons may not have the best reputation, but they are really functional pieces of furniture. Whether you’re looking for something inexpensive, compact, or more practical, a futon brings it all. Futons are very easy to assemble and can be transformed from a sofa to a bed in a matter of seconds.
Size
To make the right purchase, you must take correct measurements of the space available to you. When choosing your new sofa bed location, be sure not to block access to doorways, windows, or radiators. If you place a sofa bed in front of a radiator, it will not allow the heat to transfer out evenly into the room. In addition, this will also create an unnecessary fire hazard.
Sofa bed mechanisms
There are several sofa bed mechanisms in use right now. Most sofa beds will use either an A-frame, clic-clac, pull out and lift, or a 3-fold and roll-out mechanism.
- A-frame: The A-frame sofa bed works by pulling the front out and pushing the back of the sofa down flat. This type of mechanism is common in smaller sofa beds like chair beds and two-seater sofa beds.
- Clic-clac: Clic-clac sofa beds work by simply pushing the back of the sofa bed backward. Unlike an A-frame, pulling the base forward is not necessary. You will need to pull the sofa away from any walls to set it up as a bed. This type of bed often comes with inbuilt storage.
- Pull-out and lift up: The pull-out and lift-up sofa bed work by pulling the front of the sofa and lifting the folded bed up and out from the base- like pulling a “v” up to make it one flat piece. Unlike the A-frame or Clic-clack sofa bed, you do not need to push the back of the sofa back. This is useful as most people leave space in front of a sofa, rather than behind it anyway.
- 3-fold and roll-out: The 3-fold and roll-out mechanism work by removing the seating cushions and pulling out the bed from inside. This is usually a flat folded piece of padded material that acts as a mattress with metal frame legs that unfold.
Mattress quality
Ensure the mattress of the sofa bed is thick enough to be comfortable to sleep on. Also, ensure that it is not too soft or too hard. If you are in a situation to be able to test the sofa bed, do so. Alternatively, read customer reviews to judge how comfortable the majority of people find the sofa bed.
Ease of use
Try setting up the sofa bed before you purchase it if possible. This is especially important if you have any mobility issues, such as arthritis. If you can not set up the sofa bed easily, you won’t use it as one, and you are effectively just buying a new couch. If you cannot make it to a store, check online reviews and see how many customers, if any, had difficulty setting this product up as a bed.
Warranty
Sofa beds can be expensive but a good investment nonetheless. To minimize the risk of being stuck with a defective product, only buy a sofa bed with a lengthy warranty. A manufacturer or retailer should have enough faith in their product to offer this.
How we choose the best sofa beds
To choose the best sofa beds, we consider several factors. These include how comfortable the sofa bed is as a seat and a bed, available storage, its size, the quality of materials used, and how easy it is to set up. We also read many customer reviews to make sure we only suggest well-liked and popular products.
Sofa beds price range
A sofa bed can cost as little as $70 and as much as $2500. The cheapest sofa beds will support one person, not have storage, and probably not feel very comfortable sleeping on. The most expensive sofa beds are usually larger sofas with storage and a good quality mattress included.
Sofa Bed FAQ
Q: When is the best time to buy a sofa bed?
A: If you see a sofa bed you love, you might be better off waiting until September or January to buy them. This is the most common time for new designs to arrive in the store. In addition, retailers will often put the old stock on sale to make room for new stock.
Q: Is a sofa bed less comfortable than a regular sofa?
A: A sofa bed should feel comfortable to sit on. Do not settle for a sofa bed you do not find comfortable. However, a sofa bed will feel firmer than a regular sofa because the cushions are often placed on a metal or wooden frame instead of springs.
Q: Is a sofa bed comfortable to sleep on?
A: A sofa bed is always more comfortable to sleep on than a regular sofa. However, it will not feel as comfortable as a memory foam mattress on top of a bed frame. A good quality sofa bed will still provide a comfortable night’s sleep, but it certainly won’t be the most comfortable night’s sleep you’ve ever had.