A good sofa bed means you can put up guests without giving up a whole room to a spare bed. A bad one means stiff backs and polite smiles at breakfast. Here’s how to tell the difference.
The main types of sofa bed
Click clack sofa beds
The backrest folds flat with a satisfying click to make a bed. They’re quick to use, usually affordable and often fit smaller rooms. Many also recline part way, which is handy for lounging. The sleeping surface is the seat cushion itself, so comfort depends on the foam.
Pull-out sofa beds
A separate mattress and frame fold out from under the seat. Because the mattress is separate, they’re often more comfortable for regular guests, but they need more floor space when open.
Corner sofa beds
A corner sofa with a pull-out section or a chaise that converts into a bed. Many include a storage box in the chaise, which is perfect for keeping bedding tidy.
What makes a sofa bed comfortable to sleep on
- A decent foam depth or a proper mattress, not just thin cushions
- A flat surface with no big gaps between sections
- Enough length for an adult to stretch out, ideally around 180cm or more
- A sturdy frame that doesn’t creak when you turn over
Measure the open size, not just the sofa
Check the bed’s open length and make sure you can still walk round it. Allow room for the backrest to drop or the mattress to pull out, and check there’s no radiator or coffee table in the way.
Our sofa bed picks
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Bravich Sofa Bed Grey 3 Seater 188 x 122 cm
Original price was: £299.00.£258.49Current price is: £258.49. -
Yaheetech Convertible Click Clack Sofa Bed w/2 Bolster Pillows
£189.99 -
Xbro Sofa Bed 2 Seater Extendable Couch with Sleep Function
£199.99 -
COMHOMA Fabric Sofa Bed 3 Seater Upgraded Frame 5-Gear Back Angle
Original price was: £167.99.£139.99Current price is: £139.99.
Corner sofa beds with storage
Chesterfield style
If you want a sofa bed that doesn’t look like one, a chesterfield style keeps things smart.
Browse all our sofa beds, with sizes on every pick.
