How to buy a sofa bed

If you often host overnight guests but don’t have space for a spare bed, a sofa bed could be the perfect solution. 

There is a growing demand for multifunctional furniture, and brands are responding by developing sofa beds that are not only comfortable but also suitable for most budgets and space requirements. 

This is our step-by-step guide to the key factors you need to consider when buying a sofa bed. 

Be inspired to make home improvements. Sign up for our Home newsletter – it's free monthly

Is it worth getting a sofa bed?

There are a few key questions you should ask yourself before you buy a sofa bed:

• How often will it be used as a bed? If you often have guests to stay over, ensure the sofa bed is not just comfortable but also easy to convert. Remember to consider whether the sofa bed will fit in your room when folded out.
• Is the bed big enough? A large sofa doesn’t necessarily mean a large bed, so check the mattress size is large enough for your needs.
• Is the mattress comfortable? If you opt for a pull-out bed, make sure you check the mattress. They typically range from 10 to 14mm thick. Thicker mattresses tend to be more comfortable. 
• Would an air bed be a better option? If you only have people staying over occasionally, an inflatable air bed might be better, as you can store it in a cupboard between uses. See our pick of the best air beds.
• What material is it made of? Most sofa beds are made of fabric, because leather can get sweaty overnight. Natural fibres are a great luxury option, but don’t underestimate synthetics – they can be comfortable and durable

Sofa bed types

There is a huge range of sofa beds to suit any space and sleeping configuration.

Click through the gallery for some of the most common examples. 

Sofa bed mechanism types

As well as considering the type of sofa bed you want, you should also think about the mechanism by which it turns into a bed. There are three main types. 

Click-clack sofa bed

Perhaps the simplest sofa bed mechanism to operate, all you need to do is fold down the backrest. Your guest sleeps on the length of the sofa, with their head on either side. 

Pros: These are the easiest sofa beds to convert, and they are generally smaller and cheaper than sofas with other mechanisms. 

Cons: Designed to be a cost-effective option, these beds are a little thinner and less comfortable than the other types. As beds, they can be creaky and tend to shake when someone moves, making them uncomfortable for two sleepers. 

Fold-out sofa bed

It takes just two steps to turn one of these into a bed. First you fold down the backrest, and then the sofa seat folds out (typically with legs at the base to support it). 

Pros: These are generally a good midway point between click-clack and pull-out beds. They tend to be larger and more comfortable than the click-clack mechanism type, but cheaper than a pull-out. 

Cons: Fold-out beds can be expensive, and they are typically less comfortable than pull-out sofa beds. 

Pull-out sofa bed

Pull-out beds differ from the other types as they contain a separate mattress which is stored within the sofa. To set it up, you fold out the sofa seat. 

Pros: These are most similar to actual beds, providing your guests with a comfortable and stable sleeping space. 

Cons: Pull-out beds can be more expensive than other options. It is also very important to check the quality of the mattress before you buy – a thin mattress will result in an uncomfortable bed. 

Not sure where to buy a sofa? Discover the best sofa shops, as revealed by our customer survey

Most comfortable sofa beds

The comfort of your sofa bed will depend on two key features: the frame type, and the mattress type.

Pull-out sofa beds are generally the most comfortable frame type. They contain a whole separate mattress, so they are most similar to actual beds. 

As for mattress type, thicker will generally be better. Average mattress thickness is between 10 and 13cm, but you might find models with up to 15cm thick mattresses. 

You should also consider the material of the mattress. For example, some people love memory foam, but others find that it gets too hot. Mattresses with springs will most closely mimic a bed – some luxury brands make sofa beds with pocket-sprung mattresses. 

How can you make a sofa bed more comfortable?

Adding the right bedding is the key to making your sofa bed more comfortable – a good-quality mattress topper can make a big difference. You can choose between memory foam, gel-infused and quilted options depending on your preference. 

You can also opt for a proper pillow and duvet to make it feel more like a real bed. 

You should also consider whether the room itself is comfortable. Ensure it's a good temperature for sleep, and consider adding a blackout blind. 

Can you sleep on a sofa bed every night? 

Some companies claim you can sleep on their sofa bed every night, but you need to think carefully about whether this is the right choice for you.  

As sofa bed mattresses are thinner and less supportive than bed mattresses, you risk worsening any issues with your back and neck if you sleep on a sofa bed in the long term. 

Opt for a memory foam or pocket-sprung mattress, and ensure it is as thick as possible, to minimise this risk. 

Bear in mind that some of our Great Value mattresses cost as little as £90 – these may be a better option if cost is your main concern. 

Read more about body support in our guide to the best mattresses for back pain

What size sofa bed should I buy?

When choosing the size of your sofa bed, start by considering how many people will typically use it. A chair sofa bed might be sufficient for an occasional single guest, but if you plan to regularly host couples, you'll need at least a two-seater sofa bed. 

If you plan to use your sofa bed as your main sofa in the living room, consider how many people it will need to accommodate as seating. 

As well as the size of the bed, consider the dimensions of your space. You need to think about how the sofa bed will fit in the room when it's closed and open. Sofa beds can be larger than you think – the mechanisms create extra bulk. 

Finally, but crucially, you need to know that you can get the sofa bed into the room in which you plan to use it. Measure your doorways and hallways, and make sure you have enough room to manoeuvre it into place. 

What are typical sofa bed dimensions?

Sofa beds can range in size from a single footstool with a small mattress up to a huge corner sofa with a king-sized bed. 

The height of the sofa can also vary a lot based on its design. 

The dimensions for an average-sized bed are as follows: 

Want a proper bed instead? Get tips on how to buy the best bed frame

Where to buy a sofa bed

You can buy a sofa bed from most furniture stores, as well as online.

These are some of the most searched-for retailers that offer sofa beds. 

• Argos offers several affordable own-brand sofa beds (most priced under £750) and chair beds (from £200). Delivery starts at £40.
• Cocoon only makes sofa beds, some of which it claims are suitable for everyday use. Prices start at £1,125 for a chair bed and £1,649 for a two-seater. It costs £85 for delivery. 
• DFS stocks a variety of sofa beds of all sizes. Expect to pay around £1,200, except for its click-clack sofa beds, which cost around £600. Delivery starts at £99, or you can order and collect from select DFS stores if you live locally.
• Dunelm has a huge range of sofa beds and futons priced between £150 (for click-clack beds and futons) and £2,000 (for large corner sofa beds). Delivery starts at £9.95.
• Habitat also carries a large range of sofa beds, the majority of which cost between £500 and £1,000. Delivery and pick-up are fulfilled by Argos, so you can either collect your sofa in-store or have it delivered, which will cost upwards of £40.
• Ikea stocks a wide range of click-clack and fold-out sofa beds, typically costing £400-£900. Ikea offers free click and collect, or for an extra £40 you can have your large items delivered on a selected day. 
• John Lewis carries its own range of sofa beds, the majority costing £500-£1,500. You'll find options for each type of mechanism, but click-clack is the cheapest. It offers pick-up or free standard delivery on some products.
• Next offers budget-friendly click-clack sofa beds from Made for around £440. Delivery costs £15. 

Sofa bed guarantees and returns

We delve into the fine print to better understand the guarantees and returns offered by each sofa shop.

Most store policies specify that sofa beds must be returned in their original condition and packaging, with all labels still attached. Make sure to do a thorough damage check before removing the labels.

If you do find any damage, you can return it under guarantee. Typically, these policies cover 'manufacturing defects', which means that brands will replace, repair or refund your sofa if it develops a fault due to a manufacturing issue. 

However, if it gets damaged by normal wear and tear, this won't be covered. 

It's also worth noting that these policies typically only apply to the brand of sofa beds sold by the retailers, not any other brands they may sell – for example, if you purchased a Habitat sofa from John Lewis, the guarantee may be different. 

If you're buying one of the above types of sofa beds, be sure to check the specific refund and guarantee information before making a purchase. 

For more information about guarantees and when you can use them, check out our guide to warranties and guarantees