Cart
0
Running out of space is a problem most of us face at some point. You want to offer guests somewhere decent to sleep, but you haven't got a spare bedroom. Or maybe you're in a studio flat where every bit of floor space counts. That's when a sofa bed starts making sense.
But here is the thing - not all sofa beds are created equal. Some are brilliant, others are uncomfortable disasters that your guests will moan about for years. Let's look at what actually works.
Understanding the Different Types
Walk into a furniture shop and you will see several types of convertible sofa bed. Each one suits different situations.
Single Sofa Bed Chairs
A single sofa bed chair is basically an armchair that unfolds into a single bed. It is compact, fits in corners, and works perfectly if you occasionally have one person staying over. Students love them for studio flats. They are also good in a home office where you want a chair for working but need occasional guest space.
Classic Pull Out Sofa
The classic pull out sofa bed 3 seater looks like a normal three-seater sofa during the day. Pull the seat cushions off, grab the metal frame underneath, and pull it out to reveal a double or even king-size mattress. This is what most people picture when they think sofa beds.
Then you have got click-clack or clic-clac sofa beds. These split back designs let you adjust between sitting, lounging and fully flat positions. No pulling mechanisms - you just push the back down and it clicks into place. They are particularly popular as a 3 seater pull out sofa bed alternative because there's less faffing about.
Futons are technically convertible sofa beds too, though they work differently. The frame pivots and the mattress folds with it. They are low to the ground and have that minimalist Japanese-inspired look. Love them or hate them, but they're simple and reliable.
Single Sofa Bed Chairs: Small Space Champions
Single sofa bed chair
If space is tight, a single sofa bed chair might be exactly what you need. They typically need about the same floor space as a standard armchair when folded up.
The fold-out mechanism is usually straightforward. Most tip forward and fold down, or have sections that pull out to create a single bed length. Some are like a Z-shape when you unfold them. Takes about 30 seconds once you've done it a couple of times.
Comfort varies massively. The cheap ones feel like you're sleeping on thin foam over a wooden board. The decent ones have proper mattress padding and support. If someone's actually going to sleep on it regularly, spending a bit more makes a huge difference to how they feel the next morning.
Storage is limited compared to bigger sofa beds, but some single sofa bed chairs have a small compartment under the seat. Handy for keeping spare bedding so everything's in one place.
They work brilliantly in bedsits, home offices, teen bedrooms, or even caravans. Anywhere you need seating that can occasionally become a bed without eating up floor space.
The 3 Seater Pull Out Sofa Bed: The Guest Room Solution
When people talk about sofa beds, this is usually what they mean. A proper three-seater sofa that converts into a double bed.
The mechanism is surprisingly simple. The mattress folds in sections and sits on a metal frame underneath the sofa. You remove the seat cushions, pull a handle or strap, and the whole thing slides out. The legs fold down automatically as you pull. Takes maybe two minutes start to finish.
Sofa Bed Quality
Quality varies wildly though. Cheap pull out sofa bed 3 seater models have thin mattresses and flimsy frames. You feel every metal bar through the mattress. Your guests will be polite about it, but their backs won't thank you.
Better ones have proper sprung mattresses, sometimes 10-15cm thick. The metal frame is sturdy and well-supported. Someone can sleep on these for a week and feel fine. Yes, they cost more, but if you regularly have guests staying, it's worth it.
The main downside is they're heavy. Moving house with one is not fun. And you need clear space in front because they extend quite far when pulled out. Measure your room before you buy. A 3 seater pull out sofa bed fully extended can be 2 metres long plus the depth of the sofa base.
Convertible Sofa Beds: The Flexible Option
Convertible sofa bed designs that click between positions have become really popular. They're easier to use than traditional pull-outs and often more comfortable.
The back simply pushes down into different angles. Upright for sitting, slightly reclined for watching the TV, fully flat for sleeping. No lifting, pulling, or removing cushions. Your elderly mum can convert it herself without help.
The mattress is usually one continuous piece rather than folding sections. This means no uncomfortable gaps or ridges in the middle. You are sleeping on what feels more like an actual mattress.
They sit slightly higher than pull-out designs, which some people find easier for getting in and out of bed. Older guests particularly appreciate not having to get up from floor level. The compromise is they tend to stay in bed mode when someone's staying. You're not converting them back to a sofa each morning like you might with a pull-out. If that bothers you, stick with a traditional design.
What to Look for When Shopping
Mattress quality matters more than anything else. Sit on it, press it, and if possible, lie on it in the shop. Feels firm enough to support you? Or is it just foam padding over a hard surface? A decent mattress will have some spring or density to it.
Frame Construction
Frame construction determines how long it will last. Solid wood or steel frames are better than particleboard or plastic. Check reviews for mentions of frames breaking or mechanisms jamming. These are the most common failure points.
Upholstery needs to handle daily use as a sofa. Leather and faux leather are easy to wipe clean. Fabric feels softer but shows marks more easily. Removable covers are brilliant if you can find them, though they're not common on sofa beds.
Size matters for both sofa and bed mode. Will it fit through your doorways? Do you have space when it's extended? Can two people actually sleep on it comfortably, or is it really a small double that'll leave you both clinging to the edges?
Assembly and delivery
Assembly and delivery is worth asking about. These things are heavy and awkward. Some companies deliver flat-packed and you build it yourself. Others deliver assembled. For a big 3 seater pull out sofa bed, assembled delivery is worth paying for.
