Shopping for a sofa bed?
You’ve come to the right place.
Sofa beds are great space savers. It provides a comfortable place for guests to sleep at night without you having to give up lounging space.
A good sofa bed is almost as comfortable as a bed, well made and good looking. After all, you’ll probably place in the living room.
It can be challenging to choose the right sofa bed from the myriad of styles, designs, and brands available online, not to mention the wildly varying prices.
In this in-depth buying guide, we review and compare popular and highly-rated sofa beds to help you find the best one for your needs.
If you’d rather get a regular Mattress, see our favorite online beds for top recommendations. You can even get a cheap foam mattress and lay it on the floor or box spring when there’s a guest.
Best Sofa Bed: Comparison Table
| Mattress | Why We Picked It | Mattress/Sleeper Size | Warranty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon | Best futon bed | 70.5”L x 43.5”W x 16”H | 1 year | $ | |
| FDW Sofa Bed | Best sectional sofa bed | Queen | Not specified | $$ | |
| Mechali Sofa Sleeper | Best convertible love seat | Twin & Full | Not specified | $$$ | |
| Ashley Furniture Zeb Sleeper Sofa | Best pullout for guest room | Full,Queen & Twin | 3 years for unfolding mechanism and mattress, 1 year for fabric and cushions | $$ | |
| Coaster Upholstered Bench | Best sleeper bench | Twin (38"W x 75"L) | 1 year | $ | |
| Ashley Furniture Larkinhurst Sleeper Sofa | Best faux leather sofa bed | Queen (60”W x 72”L) | 3 years for unfolding mechanism and mattress, 1 year for fabric and cushions | $$ | |
| Lucid Rollaway Folding Guest Bed | Best rollaway bed | Cot (31”x73”), twin (36”x73”) and twin XL (36”x78”) | 10 years for frame | $ | |
| Ashley Furniture Allenya Sleeper | Best sofa bed for a studio apartment | Queen | 3 years for unfolding mechanism and mattress, 1 year for fabric and cushions | $$ |
Best Sofa Bed: Reviews
BEST FUTON BED: Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon
The Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon is one of the cheapest sofa beds you’ll find. While it’s not exactly luxurious, it’s comfortable enough for occasional use by guests and daily use as a sofa.
If you are planning to use it as your daily bed, you may need to place a foam mattress on it to make it more comfortable or find a softer sofa bed.
Construction
The Novogratz Brittany has a wooden frame that provides stability and ensures the futon can hold the weight of one or two people.
The legs are also wooden.
The filling is a combination of polyester and foam, while the upholstery is made from linen.
As for style, the futon has a mid-century modern look, with the typical low height (which can be uncomfortable for taller people), bright colors, and curved edges.
The tufted and ribbed back adds to its style.
Most customers think it looks great. You can choose the color that best fits the room you plan to use it. Options include green, gray, orange, and navy blue.
You’ll need to assemble the futon, but that takes about 10-20 minutes. Everything you need – including the tools – is provided.
Quality and Comfort
The build quality is good. The futon feels sturdy, whether you are sitting and sleeping on it. The upholstery is also good quality; it doesn’t tear easily.
Comfort, on the other hand, is just what you’d expect from a futon of this price.
As I mentioned, it’s great if you are getting it just for occasional use. One or two nights sleeping on it is not too bad.
But if you plan to sleep on it frequently, the firm filling can get uncomfortable. The upholstery is also not the softest fabric.
If you still want to get it, consider placing a soft sheet and a foam mattress on it (you cannot replace the built-in mattress).
When unfolded, the futon bed sleeps one person. Two slim people can also fit, but it will be tight.
Warranty
The Novogratz Brittany futon comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty that covers repair and replacement of defective parts.
Pros
- Inexpensive.
- Great styling.
- Easy to assemble.
- Sturdy construction.
Cons
- The filling is a bit too firm.
- Uncomfortable for taller people to sit on because of the low height.
Bottom Line
The Novogratz Brittany sofa futon is a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish, affordable sofa bed for occasional use by guests.
BEST SECTIONAL SOFA BED: FDW Sofa Bed
The FDW sectional sofa looks more expensive than it is. It’s a good choice if you love furniture with a leather look.
The sectional expands into a large queen-sized bed, big enough for couples to sleep in. If most of your guests are couples, this sofa bed will come in handy.
Make sure you select the right type of sectional — there one where the chaise is on the right and another where it’s on the left.
Construction
The upholstery is PU leather. It gives the sofa a bold modern look accentuated by the all-black styling. It’s also easy to keep clean since you can just wipe off whatever spills on it.
The frame is solid wood, while the bed pullout mechanism is metal. The bed itself also sits on a metal frame.
The cushions consist of high-density foam and pocket coils.
The sofa comes mostly assembled. You only need to attach the legs and a couple of other parts.
Quality and Comfort
What we love most about this sleeper sectional is how much sleeping space it provides. The pullout bed expands the sleeping space to that of a queen size mattress. Individuals and couples will easily fit on it.
The PU leather upholstery and the bed cushioning are a bit uncomfortable. But a queen size foam topper or mattress should make the sofa almost as comfortable as a bed.
Warranty
The seller has not provided any warranty specifics.
Pros
- Good value for money.
- Large sleeping area.
- Beautiful modern styling.
- Easy to assemble.
- Easy to clean upholstery.
Cons
- The bed is a bit firm. You may need to place a topper or mattress on it.
Bottom Line
The FDW Sofa Bed is a great choice for anyone looking for a sectional sofa with a pullout bed. If you want a large seating and sleeping area, this sofa provides plenty of both.
BEST CONVERTIBLE LOVE SEAT: Mechali Products Furniture Sofa Sleeper
If you are looking for a sofa bed that can fit in a smaller space, we recommend this convertible love seat from Mechali.
It’s perfect as an addition to the living room. You can also use it to add sleeping space to a bedroom, a dorm room, or any other area.
The sleeper is available in two sizes: a twin and full size.
Construction
The manufacturer does not specify the materials used. But from the images, it likely has a metal frame.
It’ll hold you up without a problem, and you can expect it to last long.
The fabric seems to be a soft but durable polyester blend that’s easy to clean.
Style-wise, the sofa has a minimalist modern look that blends well into any room regardless of décor. If you think the gray is a bit too bland, you can add some colorful cushions.
Quality and Comfort
The seat is very sturdy – no shaking or squeaks. Just make sure you assemble it correctly.
The fabric is also of good quality. It doesn’t tear or fade easily.
One thing we love about the Mechali sleeper sofa is its versatility. You can use it as an ordinary love seat with enough space for a couple to sit.
You can also use it as a lounger or recline it entirely and use it as a bed.
To turn it into a bed, you pull out an extension from the front and then use the two cushions as pillows.
It’s fairly comfortable for most people.
However, if you are heavier, you might feel the support bar underneath. Some people also can feel the small gap between the sofa and the pull-out part.
If either of these issues bothers you, place a foam mattress, or topper on top of the sleeper.
Another issue is height. When converted to a bed, the sleeper is barely 5 feet long. A tall sleeper will not fit on it.
That’s why we recommend this sleeper for average height or shorter guests. It’s also great for kids.
Note: The two sizes – twin and full – take standard sheets.
Warranty
The manufacturer has not provided any warranty information. But it’s likely to be one year, which is the standard period for sofa beds like these.
Pros
- Comfortable for most people.
- Takes up less space than most sofa beds.
- Easy to assemble and pull out.
- Sturdy and durable.
Cons
- Not ideal for tall sleepers.
- May feel uncomfortable for heavier sleepers.
Bottom Line
The Mechali sofa sleeper is a great choice for anyone looking for a small but comfortable sofa bed.
BEST PULLOUT FOR GUEST ROOM: Ashley Furniture Zeb Sleeper Sofa
The Ashley Furniture Zeb Sleeper Sofa is one of the most comfortable sofa beds. That’s because it has an actual memory foam mattress rather than hard cushions that double up as the mattress.
The mattress easily pulls out when you have a guest and folds back in neatly out of sight in the morning.
You can get the pullout in a Queen, full or twin size depending on your needs and how much room you have.
As for style, the sofa has a minimalist modern design that’s available in charcoal, espresso, brown, or quartz.
Construction
The sofa has a sturdy steel frame. The mattress also sits on a steel frame when you pull it out. So it can take a lot of weight without buckling.
The foam cushions are wrapped in a durable polyester and nylon blend upholstery. They are a bit firm, as you would expect sofa cushions to be. Luckily, your guests don’t have to sleep on them.
The sofa has a recessed memory foam mattress that smoothly pulls out to form a complete bed.
Because the mattress is separate from the seat, you can easily replace it when it gets worn out.
When pulled out, the Queen and full-size mattresses are long enough for most adults, even the taller ones. But the twin is more suited to shorter sleepers or kids.
The bed is easy to assemble. All you need is an 8mm hex head socket. All other parts are provided.
Quality and Comfort
Pull out sofa beds are generally more comfortable than other types of sofa beds since you have a dedicated sleeping mattress.
The memory foam mattress on the Ashley Zeb sleeper is by no means a luxury mattress, but it’s comfortable enough for occasional guests.
It’s also comfortable for daily use, but you may need to replace it with a thicker and more supportive mattress.
The couch itself is very comfortable. The cushions are deep and just the right amount of firm.
As for build quality, we’ve not seen any major complaints from customers. The metal frame holds up well, and the fabric upholstery lasts long without tearing or fading.
Warranty
The folding/unfolding mechanism is covered with a 3-year warranty, as is the memory foam mattress. The upholstery and cushions are covered by a standard 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Good value for money.
- Easy to assemble.
- Comfortable sofa and mattress.
- Easy to pull out and fold back in.
Cons
- The mattress is a bit thin. Don’t expect it to last long.
Bottom Line
Ashley Furniture Zeb Sleeper Sofa is a great choice for anyone looking for good quality and affordable pull out sofa for the guest room or living room.
BEST SLEEPER BENCH: Coaster Upholstered Bench with Fold Out Sleeper
If you already have enough sofas, but you need a place for guests to crash, this sleeper bench is the perfect solution.
It takes up very little space while providing extra sitting space and, most importantly, extra sleeping space.
It’s also a great choice if you find traditional sofa beds to be too expensive. The Coaster sleeper bench costs less than most fold-out and pulls out sofas.
Construction
The frame is metal, so stability is not a problem.
The leather-like upholstering is vinyl. It doesn’t feel quite as good as leather or quality imitation leather, but it’ll do for a guest bed.
Of course, you can always plop down a foam pad on top of the pull out bed if you don’t like the upholstery.
The upside of using vinyl is that you don’t have to worry about stains or dirt. Everything wipes off the surface with ease.
One thoughtful addition I love is the caster wheels. They make it super easy to move the bench around.
I also love the styling. It blends well with most decors and has a modern yet warm style that most people will love.
Being a bench, you can use it for more than just sitting and sleeping. It also works perfectly as a coffee table. Thanks to the vinyl material, you don’t have to worry about spilled coffee.
Quality and Comfort
Despite the low price tag, the bench feels well built. It’s sturdy and likely to last for years. It can take up to 450lbs of weight, so don’t worry whether it’ll hold up if you weigh more than average.
It’s easy to pull out the sleeper part of the bench using the exposed strap on the side.
When fully unfolded, it measures about 75” long and 38” wide – about the size of a twin bed. It can comfortably sleep an adult or a child.
The sleeping surface is comfortable, though, depending on your weight, you may feel the support bar underneath.
Some customers got a foam pad to add some extra thickness and plushness to the sleeper.
Warranty
Coaster Home Furnishings provides a limited 1-year warranty that covers repair or replacement of the sleeper bench.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Comfortable.
- Long enough for most adults.
- Easy to assemble and operate.
- Great for small spaces.
Cons
- Upholstery material is not very comfortable.
- Not ideal for more than one sleeper.
Bottom Line
The Coaster sleeper bench is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable pull out sofa for their guests. It’s especially useful for small spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, and boats.
BEST FAUX LEATHER SOFA BED: Ashley Furniture Larkinhurst Sleeper Sofa
If you want the style and warmth of a leather sleeper sofa without the high price tag, we recommend the Larkinhurst pull out sofa from Ashley Furniture.
The sofa extends into a queen-sized bed complete with an innerspring mattress. There’s almost no difference between the pull out sofa and an actual bed.
If you want your guests to sleep in style and comfort, the Larkinhurst sleeper sofa is a great choice.
Construction
The couch has a hardwood frame while the pull out bed sits on a metal frame.
The foam cushions are wrapped in a leather-like fabric. The fabric is high-quality imitation leather. Unlike cheap leather-like fabric that feels like polyester or microfiber, this one is closer to the feel of real leather.
It even has a distressed appearance that makes leather so warm and inviting.
A nailhead trims down the rolled arms completes the traditional style of this sofa.
The pull out bed consists of a comfortable innerspring mattress. It has a nice bounce and sleeps cool, thanks to the ventilation-boosting effect of the springs.
The sofa arrives already assembled so you can enjoy it immediately it arrives. It’ll fit through any 32” or larger doorway.
Quality and Comfort
The Larkinhurst is not quite at the level of a high-end couch in terms of build quality and fine detailing. One way you can tell is that it’s much lighter than a traditional sofa.
That said, it feels very sturdy and is likely to last very long.
As for comfort, the Larkinhurst feels comfortable; however, you use it. Most customers loved that the seating height is high.
It makes it easy to sit and stand, especially for those with arthritis or mobility problems.
The cushions are firm and comfortable, as are the two decorative pillows that come with the sofa.
The innerspring mattress itself is also comfortable. It feels more luxurious than the basic memory foam mattresses you get with most pull out sofas.
But it is thin. Couples and heavier sleepers may find it more comfortable with a foam pad added.
Warranty
The manufacturer warrants the mechanism and mattress for three years, and the upholstery and cushions for one year.
Pros
- Good value for your money.
- Comfortable sofa and mattress.
- No assembly required.
- Warm and welcoming styling.
- Large enough for two adults.
Cons
- The mattress is thin –it may be uncomfortable for couples and heavier sleepers.
Bottom Line
The Ashley Furniture Larkinhurst sleeper sofa is a great choice for anyone looking for a traditional-style pull out sofa. The faux leather upholstery adds a warm touch to the room.
BEST ROLLAWAY BED: Lucid Rollaway Folding Guest Bed
If you don’t have space for a sofa or even a pull-out bench, a rollaway bed is the best choice.
It provides on-demand sleeping space for guests without taking up any space when not in use.
The Lucid rollaway bed consists of a memory foam mattress on a folding frame. When you don’t need it, just fold it together with the mattress and roll it away for easy storage.
The bed is available in three sizes: twin, twin XL, and cot.
Construction
Rollaway beds don’t have as complicated a design as pull out sofa beds. The Lucid folding guest bed consists of a simple metal frame and 4” mattress.
The frame is hinged at the center so that it folds into two for easy storage. When folded, you can push it along the floor using the coasters on the frame.
As for the mattress, it has two layers: a 1” memory foam layer and a 3” poly foam support layer.
The two layers are wrapped in a soft bamboo rayon cover.
The bed does require some assembly when it’s delivered, but it takes less than 10 minutes.
Quality and Comfort
Because the mattress is thicker than the one you get in pull out sofas, it’s more comfortable. It almost feels like sleeping on an actual bed.
Because it sits on a sprung deck rather than metal struts, you won’t feel any bars pressing on your body as you sleep.
The bamboo rayon cover helps keep the mattress cool and quickly wicks away sweat.
You can use the mattress with standard size sheets that correspond to the size you picked.
As for quality, the metal frame is sturdy and well made. It holds up well under your weight without any squeaking or shaking.
The twin and cot sizes are long enough for most adults. If you are tall, get the 78” long twin XL bed.
When you are done with the bed, it folds up easily. Thanks to its lightweight design, you can fold and roll it away on your own.
Warranty
The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty for the frame. They don’t specify any warranty for the mattress.
It’s a relatively thin memory foam mattress, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t have any. If you plan to use the bed daily, you’ll have to replace the mattress after a couple of years or so.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Space-saving folding and rollaway design.
- Comfortable mattress and sprung frame base.
- Breathable and moisture-wicking bamboo rayon cover.
Cons
- Don’t expect the mattress to last long.
- Maybe a bit too low for the elderly or someone with mobility problems.
Bottom Line
The Lucid rollaway bed is a great choice for anyone looking for a space-saving folding rollaway guest bed.
BEST SOFA BED FOR A STUDIO APARTMENT: Ashley Furniture Allenya Sleeper
This is another good quality – but affordable – sleeper sofa from Ashley Furniture.
We recommend the Allenya sleeper for studio apartments. It’s not too big, and the sofa blends in well with the modern décor of most studios.
If the charcoal gray style is not to your liking, there’s also a lighter-toned quartz alternative.
Construction
The sofa has a hardwood frame while the pull out innerspring mattress sits on a metal frame.
The upholstery is a blend of nylon and polyester. Though not as plush as luxury upholstery fabrics, it feels much better than the cheap microfiber fabrics used in some sofas.
The cushions are filled with foam, while the mattress is an innerspring design.
You’ll need to assemble the mattress, but it’s a quick process that doesn’t require a pro. All you need is an 8mm hex socket.
Quality and Comfort
If you are planning to use the sofa bed daily, the first thing you’ll want to do when you get it replaces the thin innerspring mattress with a memory foam mattress.
Alternatively, get a foam pad and place it on top of the mattress.
Beyond 1 or 2 nights, the innerspring mattress is uncomfortable to sleep on.
Some customers also suggest replacing the legs with higher legs to raise the sitting/sleeping height. This makes it easier to sit and stand.
The cushions are comfortable. You also get two decorative pillows that are comfortable to sleep on.
As for quality, the sofa feels very sturdy, even with two people sleeping on it.
Warranty
The warranty is similar to other Ashley Furniture sleeper sofas: 3 years on the mattress and pulls out the mechanism and one year on the upholstery and cushions.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Comfortable sofa.
- Large enough for two adults.
- Sturdy and durable.
Cons
- An innerspring mattress is uncomfortable for daily use. Use a topper or replace it with a memory foam mattress.
Bottom Line
The Ashley Furniture Allenya sleeper is a great choice for studio apartment dwellers looking for a space-saving and stylish pull out sofa.
When To Buy a Pullout / Sofa Bed
- When you need extra sleeping space for occasional guests. You can set up the sofa bed in the living room and turn it into a bed when there’s a guest.
- When you need a temporary sleeping solution, for example, if you’ve just moved into a new house or apartment.
- When you are short of space, if you have no dedicated bedroom space to put a bed, a pullout sofa provides both a sitting and sleeping area.
- If you own an RV or boat, one of the best space-saving techniques in an RV or boat is to get a sofa bed.
How To Select The Right Sofa Bed
Here’s what to consider when you are shopping for a sofa bed.
1. Sofa Bed Type
Futon
The simplest types of sofa beds. A futon consists of a cushion and upholstery over a wooden or metal frame. To turn it into a bed, you typically fold the back down. Some can also be reclined partially up to function as a lounger.
A futon is a great choice if you are looking for an inexpensive sofa bed that doesn’t take up much space. Most have a minimalist modern style that’s perfect for apartments.
Because the cushions are usually firm, sleeping on a futon can be uncomfortable.
Pull-out Sofa
A pull out sofa looks like a normal couch but has a mattress and frame recessed within. To turn it into a bed, you pull out the mattress and frame.
A pull out sofa is ideal if you want a comfortable full-size couch that also doubles up as a bed. It’s generally more comfortable than a futon since you have a dedicated mattress to sleep on.
Sleeper Chair
A sleeper chair is great if you just need extra sleeping space for one person.
A sleeper chair expands into a twin size bed, typically using a pull out mechanism. Most sleeper chairs are large enough to seat two people – that’s why the term ‘chair and a half’ is sometimes used – but can only sleep one person comfortably.
Daybed
Daybeds have no folding or pull out mechanism. You just use it as it is.
Daybeds are usually the same size as a cot or twin bed with a back to lean against (when used as a couch) and sidearms to rest your hands.
A daybed is handy if you don’t want to deal with any unfolding or pull out sofa beds. It’s also the best choice for someone elderly or disabled who may not be able to operate a normal sofa bed.
Motorized Sofa Bed
This is another good option if you don’t want or cannot fold down a futon or pull out the mattress from a sofa bed.
Sleeper Bench
If you don’t want a new sofa in your living room, try a sleeper bench. Sleeper benches are upholstered with a mattress recessed inside.
Just pull out the mattress and frame to turn the bench into a twin size bed.
A sleeper bench is ideal if you don’t have space for a full-size sofa.
2. Sofa Bed Construction
Make sure the sofa bed is well made and sturdy. Most sofa beds have a hardwood or metal frame. If it is a pull-out sofa, the mattress should have its metal frame for support.
Also, check the size and make sure you can use standard sheets with the sofa bed.
If it’s a pull-out sofa, the mattress should be replaceable. This allows you to replace the mattress with one that you find more comfortable or put in a new mattress when the current one wears out.
3. Operating Mechanism
If it is a futon, it should be easy to fold down and raise back up again. If it is a pull out sofa or bench, you should have no trouble pulling out the mattress.
If you or whoever will use the sofa bed has mobility problems, look for one with a motorized mechanism.
4. Mattress Type
Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are the best. They are plush and provide great support and pressure relief.
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are supportive, but some can be too firm for your comfort. If you plan to sleep on the sofa bed frequently, replace it with a memory foam mattress or lay a foam pad on it.
Fiber and polyester fill: Futons use a fiber and polyester fill to provide a relatively comfortable sleeping surface. It’s not as soft and comfortable as memory foam, but it’s good enough for occasional use by the guest. For daily use, consider laying a memory foam mattress on the futon.
Don’t forget to check the mattress thickness. Some sofa beds use an uncomfortable 2-3 inch mattress, meaning you have to add your own on top if you don’t want to feel the support bars underneath digging into your back.
Also, make sure the sofa bed can work with any mattress, not just specific mattresses from the manufacturer. This gives you the freedom to use whichever mattress you prefer.
5. Assembly & Setup
The sofa bed should be easy to set up with basic tools. Usually, it involves just attaching a few remaining parts like the arms and legs.
If you cannot manage to assemble the sofa bed yourself, look for a seller that offers in-home setup, though it may cost you more.
Alternatively, get a sofa bed that’s already assembled. Just make sure your door is wide enough to fit the fully assembled sofa.
6. Other Considerations
Mattress size: Mattresses in sofa beds range from cot size to queen size. A cot or twin size is ideal for kids or one adult. Taller adults should get a twin XL or full size. For couples, queen size is ideal.
Overall size: Check the overall size of the sofa bed both when it’s folded and unfolded to make sure it can fit where you want to set it up.
Warranty: The warranty period told you a lot about the build quality and expected durability of the sofa bed.
Sofa Beds: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a sofa bed more comfortable?
- Place a sheet on it. This can help if the upholstery is rough or cold. It’s also good for hygiene.
- Add a mattress topper. It helps prevent the support bar from digging into you. It also makes the bed softer and more comfortable.
- Add a mattress. Works the same as a topper but with better results.
Can I use a regular mattress on a sofa bed?
Yes, you can as long as you choose a corresponding size. If you have a queen sofa bed, use a queen mattress.
Note, however, that the support bar underneath most sofa beds can damage the mattress over time. You are better off getting a sofa bed replacement mattress. You can use one from another brand as long as it is the same size as the sofa bed sleeper.
What’s the best thickness for a sofa bed mattress?
Between 4 and 5 inches, this is the best thickness to ensure proper support and prevent the support bar from causing discomfort.
Our Bottom Line
A sofa bed offers an easy, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more sleeping – and sitting – space in your home.
Whether it’s for you, a roommate, or your guests, there are many options to choose from. Hopefully, our buying guide has helped you find the right one for your needs.
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