Sofa Beds

What is a Sofa Bed?

A sofa bed is a piece of furniture that functions as a sofa during the day and converts into a sleeping surface when needed. It can provide an extra bed without requiring a separate bedroom or permanently taking up the space of a traditional bed.

Sofa beds use different mechanisms, including click-clack and fold-out designs, and are available in different sizes and styles. The right option depends on your available space, how often it will be used for sleeping and how much seating you need.

What Types of Sofa Beds are Available?

Sofa beds come in different sizes and opening mechanisms, so consider both the space available and how you intend to use the furniture.

Click-clack sofa beds

Click-clack sofa beds convert from a sofa into a bed by lowering or folding the backrest into a flat position. They can be a practical choice where you want a straightforward conversion mechanism and a compact design.

Fold-out sofa beds

Fold-out sofa beds use a mechanism that extends the sleeping surface from within the sofa. They can provide a more traditional sofa-to-bed conversion and are available in different sizes and designs.

Single sofa beds

A single sofa bed provides a sleeping space for one person and can be useful in smaller rooms, home offices or guest spaces where floor space is limited.

Small double sofa beds

A small double sofa bed provides more sleeping space than a single while remaining narrower than a standard double. It can be useful when you want accommodation for guests without dedicating a large amount of floor space to the sofa bed.

Double sofa beds

A double sofa bed provides a larger sleeping surface and can accommodate two people, depending on the individual product specifications. These can work particularly well in living rooms or guest rooms where couples may stay overnight.

Which Sofa Bed is Right for Me?

The right sofa bed depends on how much space you have, how many people need to sleep on it, how often it will be used and how much seating you want during the day.

Sofa bed for small spaces

If floor space is limited, consider a compact sofa bed that provides useful seating without overwhelming the room. A single or smaller 2 seater design can work well in a home office, box room, studio flat or compact guest space.

Sofa bed for couples

If two people will regularly sleep on the sofa bed, look for a model with a sleeping surface designed for two and check the individual product dimensions. Small double and double sofa beds can provide more sleeping space than single models.

Sofa bed for occasional guests

If the sofa bed will mainly be used when friends or family stay over, prioritise the sleeping surface, ease of conversion and available space. A versatile sofa bed can provide everyday seating while giving you an additional sleeping option when required.

Sofa bed for a home office

A sofa bed can allow a home office to double as a guest room without permanently dedicating the space to a bed. Choose a compact design that provides comfortable daytime seating and can be converted when guests stay.

What Sizes do Sofa Beds come in?

Sofa beds are available in different sizes, including single, small double and double sleeping configurations. The sofa's seating size, such as 2 seater or 3 seater, does not necessarily indicate the exact mattress size when converted into a bed, so always check the individual product dimensions.

If space is limited, compare the sofa's overall dimensions when closed with its sleeping dimensions when opened to make sure it works in your room.

What are the Benefits of a Sofa Bed?

The biggest benefit of a sofa bed is flexibility. It allows one room to serve multiple purposes without compromising on style or practicality.

A sofa bed can be a great choice if:

• You live in a smaller home or apartment
• You don’t have a dedicated guest bedroom
• You want a home office that can double as a spare room
• You regularly host friends or family overnight
• You want extra sleeping space without buying a separate bed

A compact 2 seater sofa bed can be ideal for smaller rooms, while a 3 seater sofa bed provides more space for relaxing during the day and sleeping guests at night.

Are Sofa Beds Comfortable?

Sofa bed comfort depends on the design, sleeping surface, mattress or cushioning, support and how often it is used. A well-designed sofa bed can provide a comfortable sleeping solution for guests, but sofa beds have to balance seating and sleeping functions in one piece of furniture.

If the sofa bed will be used regularly for sleeping, check the individual product specifications carefully and consider the sleeping surface, dimensions and construction rather than choosing based on appearance alone.

Are Sofa Beds Suitable for Everyday Sleeping?

Some sofa beds may be suitable for more frequent sleeping, but suitability depends on the individual design and its intended use. If you need a bed for nightly use, check the product specifications for information about the sleeping surface, construction and recommended usage.

For occasional guests, a sofa bed provides the additional benefit of functioning as seating when it isn't being used as a bed.

Are Sofa Beds Available with Storage?

Yes, some sofa beds include built-in storage, providing somewhere to keep bedding, cushions or other household items when they are not in use. A sofa bed with storage can be particularly useful in smaller homes or multifunctional rooms where storage space is limited.

Check the individual product specifications to see whether storage is included and where the storage compartment is located.

How Can I Make a Sofa Bed more Comfortable?

A few simple additions can make a sofa bed feel more inviting for overnight guests. Try:

• Adding a mattress topper: A topper can provide extra cushioning and help create a softer sleeping surface. Just make sure to align sizes for a good fit.
• Choosing the right bedding: A comfortable duvet and breathable sheets can make a big difference to your guest’s experience.
• Using supportive pillows: The right pillow can help your guest maintain a comfortable sleeping position.
• Keeping bedding easily accessible: Store spare bedding nearby so converting your sofa bed into a guest bed is quick and hassle-free.

Top tip: Storage sofa beds are a great option for regular overnight guests. Having a sofa bed with built in storage can also provide practical additional storage solutions in living spaces.

How do you Open a Sofa Bed?

The process for opening a sofa bed depends on its mechanism. Click-clack sofa beds generally convert by releasing and lowering the backrest into a flat position, while fold-out sofa beds use a pull-out mechanism to extend the sleeping surface.

The exact process varies between products, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific sofa bed you have purchased.

Sofa Bed FAQs

What is the difference between a 2 seater and 3 seater sofa bed?

The main difference is the amount of seating space available when the sofa bed is being used as a sofa. A 2 seater sofa bed is generally more compact and can suit smaller rooms, while a 3 seater sofa bed provides more seating space.

The sleeping size can vary between individual models, so check the product dimensions rather than assuming a 2 or 3 seater corresponds to a specific bed size.

Sofa beds in different colours and fabrics

Choose from a range of sofa bed colours and upholstery options to complement your existing décor. Consider the room's flooring, walls and other furniture when choosing a finish, and check the individual product listing for available colour options.

What is the difference between a click-clack and fold-out sofa bed?

The main difference is the mechanism used to convert the sofa into a bed. A click-clack sofa bed generally converts by lowering the backrest into a flat sleeping position. A fold-out sofa bed uses a mechanism that extends the sleeping surface from within the sofa. The exact operation varies by product, so check the manufacturer's instructions before use.

What size sofa bed should I buy?

The right sofa bed size depends on the available space, how many people need to sleep on it and how much seating you want during the day. Single sofa beds suit one sleeper, while small double and double sofa beds provide more sleeping space. Also check both the sofa's closed dimensions and its opened sleeping dimensions before choosing.

Is a 2 seater sofa bed suitable for a small room?

A 2 seater sofa bed can be suitable for a small room because it generally takes up less space as a sofa than a larger design. However, you also need enough room to convert it into a bed and move around it comfortably. Check the product's overall dimensions in both sofa and bed configurations before buying.

Are sofa beds suitable for everyday sleeping?

Some sofa beds may be suitable for more frequent or everyday sleeping, but this depends on the individual product's construction and intended use. If the sofa bed will be used as a main bed, check the manufacturer's specifications for information about the sleeping surface, support and recommended usage. For occasional guests, suitability will depend on your comfort requirements and the product design.

Can you put a mattress topper on a sofa bed?

A mattress topper may be suitable for some sofa beds, but compatibility depends on the design and available sleeping surface. Check the manufacturer's guidance before using one, particularly if the sofa bed folds or closes with the topper in place. If suitable, a topper can add cushioning and alter the feel of the sleeping surface without replacing the sofa bed itself.

Are sofa beds suitable for couples?

Some sofa beds are designed to provide a sleeping surface for two people, including certain small double and double models. Before choosing one for a couple, check the individual sleeping dimensions, maximum recommended usage and available space. If two people will use the sofa bed regularly, consider both the sleeping surface and how comfortably the sofa converts between its seating and sleeping configurations.

Do sofa beds have storage?

Some sofa beds include built-in storage, while others do not. Storage may provide useful space for bedding, cushions or other household items, which can be particularly helpful in smaller homes or multifunctional rooms. Check the individual product specifications to see whether storage is included, where it is located and how much space is available.

How much space do I need around a sofa bed?

You need enough space around a sofa bed for comfortable access when it is being used as a sofa and enough clear floor area for the sleeping surface when it is opened. The amount required varies by design, so check the product's closed and open dimensions. Also allow room for people to walk around the furniture and access doors or other furnishings.

How do I know if a sofa bed will fit through my doorway?

Check the sofa bed's packaged and assembled dimensions against the width and height of your doorways, hallways, stairways and other access points. Don't only measure the room where the sofa bed will be used. Consider tight corners, door frames and turns, and check the manufacturer's delivery information for any specific access requirements before ordering.

Find your Perfect Sofa Bed at Bensons for Beds

Whether you need a compact sofa bed for a smaller space or a spacious corner design complete with storage for regular guests, our collection offers practical solutions without compromising on style.

With a wide range of colours, fabrics and designs available, our bed experts can help you find the right sofa bed for your home.

Visit your local Bensons for Beds store or speak to our team for help choosing the perfect option for your space.