If you’re looking for multi-purpose furniture that saves space and makes your life easier at home, then a sofa bed is one of the most popular items you’ll find on the market. The versatile and clever combination of two kinds of furniture in one gives you an instant comfortable space to sleep.
If you’re living in a small apartment or studio flat, a sofa bed can be a great option for you. It can be easily converted into a bed while being chic and svelte as a sofa. Moreover, having a sofa bed in the living room makes perfect sense for families in larger homes as well, if you don’t want to sacrifice your space for a guest bedroom.
Sofa beds used to have a reputation for not being as comfortable as a sofa or bed. But this has changed with the help of new technology. Nowadays, it’s possible to find practical and comfortable solutions for every need and budget. Here’s all the information you need to know to find the best option for your space.
Decide on a Model
From futons to sofa beds and sleeper sofas, there is a range of sofa beds furniture models to choose from. Futons have a backrest that folds down forming a flat surface while sofa beds have seat cushions that can be unfolded into a makeshift mattress. Sleeper sofas, on the other hand, have a full mattress tucked inside the sofa that is mounted on a platform base that can be deployed by pulling on a handle.
Choose the Mattress Size
Most sleeper sofas will come with a twin- or queen-sized mattress hiding within them, but you can also find other options, including some models that break apart into two separate twin beds. In addition to the width, consider the length, too. Taller individuals may not find models that fold flat with an armrest at the head and foot of the bed comfortable to sleep on it.
Take Measurements Of Your Space
Full sofa beds furniture tend to be larger and heavier than standard sofas. If you tend to move often, this is something you should keep in mind. To make sure the sleeper sofa fits through your doorways, in any staircases or elevators and in the room itself, measure its dimensions when the mattress is folded. Also, consider taking measurements of the sleeper sofa when it’s unfolded. You’ll want to leave enough room around the mattress so you or your guests can get in and out of bed from either side.
Check the Mattress Quality
Most sofa beds will contain either polyfoam or innerspring mattress models, but you can also find latex and inflatable sofa bed mattresses. Expect the mattress in the sofa bed to be thinner than a standard mattress. You can achieve increased comfort with a mattress topper. You should also consider the mattress’ breathability, edge support, and firmness level when buying a sofa bed. If you plan on having two guests share the mattress, you might prefer a quieter memory foam model that isolates motion.
The Easiness to Open and Close the Mattress
Sofa beds usually contain a high-quality interior mechanism that makes maneuvering the weight of the mattress easy. Try opening and closing the bed a few times to see if everything goes smoothly. Look for metal bars that may be uncomfortable or present a sleeping hazard as well as protruding parts that might snag your sheets. You may also not want to have too large of a gap between the mattress and the structure of the sofa.
Choose the Frame Material
Sofa beds generally contain either a metal or wooden frame. Metal frames are durable and tend to be inexpensive. Wooden frames are designed to be resistant to warping and cracking but tend to have a higher weight capacity, which means it’s also heavier to transport. While you may have to pay a little more for a high-quality frame, it can be a better investment as it will last longer.
Test the Sofa Bed in Both Positions
A sofa bed should be comfortable when used as a sofa as well as when used as a bed. To ensure that, consider the depth of the seat, the height of the armrests, and the firmness of the cushions. Unfold the mattress and test it to find out how comfortable it feels.
Consider Design and Materials
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing your sofa bed. First, if you have pets or children, you’ll want to consider how durable and how easy the fabric is to clean. Removable covers are easier to clean, but there are also fabrics that are designed to resist stains. Aside from the basic features, you may also want to consider sleeper sofas that offer extra perks like padded feet, reclinable backrests or hidden storage spaces where you can keep pillows and blankets.
Read the Fine Print
Considering that a sofa bed is a fairly big purchase, it helps to have a trial period during which you may test it out before committing. The furniture should also come with a warranty that protects it against manufacturing and workmanship defects. If shopping online, look for free shipping and check whether the sofa bed requires you to assemble it or comes fully assembled. Remember that you may be online shopping makes it easier to browse a variety of sofa beds until you find one that suits your taste and needs.
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