The Best Sofa Beds

Buying Guide

Sofa beds address many different needs; they are good to have as an extra bed for guests, can be the main bed in small homes and of course, are a comfortable place for one or more people to sit. Gone are the days when sofa beds had uncomfortable mattresses and cushions. Now, you can find high-quality sofa beds, futons and multi-functioning pieces that can do it all.

As with any piece of furniture, be sure to see how much room you have available before buying a sofa bed. Also, check the sofa bed’s dimensions before buying. Also note its size when the bed is pulled out, as this will be longer and may not fit in your space. Some modern sofa beds are more like futons, so their backs flatten out. Be sure to look for this as well.

If you already have a sofa bed but its mattress needs replacement, there are manufacturers who make mattresses just for sofa beds. Make sure to do your research on these, since you do not want to be stuck with the wrong-sized mattress. Measure your current sofa bed mattress; many are queen-sized.

Remember, you want your guests (or yourself) to be comfortable, so it makes sense to invest in a well-made, durable mattress. With so many options out there, it will also not be difficult to find a sofa bed that fits in with your décor. Lastly, remember to see how its mechanism works; the easier, the better.

• If you are only buying a sofa bed mattress, the sofa itself may not be included.
• Compare the product dimensions to the sleeping dimensions; the length is longer when the bed is opened.
• Sleeper sofas can be made with metal or wood frames. Some people prefer wood, especially kiln-dried. This kind of wood is less prone to warping and cracking over time.
• Older guests and those with back issues will appreciate better-quality mattresses.
• Some sofa bed mattresses are innerspring, while others have gel memory foam. Foam mattresses tend to be more expensive.