Are you short on space but need an extra bed? If so, then a sleeper sofa might be your solution! These act as both a sofa and a bed and can be converted between the two with ease. They're a perfect choice for small dorm rooms or to accommodate guests.
Choosing the best sleeper sofa can be confusing considering the variety available. Luckily, we've done the research for you and picked the Tallulah Memory Foam Futon by Novogratz as our favorite sleeper sofa. It's easy to assemble, has a vintage look, and is firm and sturdy. We’ve also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
Quick List - Top Sleeper Sofas
Better Homes and Gardens
An Easy-to-Assemble Sleeper Sofa
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Before buying a sleeper sofa, there are a few points you should take into consideration, such as its material and opening mechanism. To help you with this, we’ve put together this handy buying guide!
Like any bed, a sleeper sofa is only as comfortable as the mattress. A thicker mattress isn’t always the best since the comfort actually depends on the quality and type of the materials. To select the ideal option, consider how often the sleeper sofa is going to be used.
Sofas with spring mattresses are made from a support structure of multiple tight wire coils. The coils are then encased in softer material, such as a polyurethane layer.
These mattresses are usually firm and springy, but low-quality springs can be creaky and poke into whoever sleeps on them. Springs are commonly used in dedicated mattresses, and this makes them a good choice for sleeper sofas that will get regular use.
Memory foam is a consistent and supportive material that conforms to the contours of your body. This makes it a good material for anyone that sleeps in odd positions or on their sides.
However, some memory foam doesn’t breathe very easily and can trap heat. It can also be very hard for the first few weeks of use. So if your sleeper sofa isn't used often, the foam won’t have a chance to soften and mold to your body. So, these are best if the sleeper sofa is going to be your primary bed.
Aircoil mattresses use a combination of spring coils and a layer of air. You can adjust exactly how much air is in the mattress to make it firmer or softer as needed.
These mattresses use coils to regulate the tension. So if the coils lose their effectiveness, they can stop being supportive and cause back problems. So, an aircoil mattress is a good choice for infrequent use.
Many sofas are made with foam cushions, and this is also the case for sleeper sofas. Foam is very comfortable, regardless of whether you are lying down or sitting.
However, foam sofas vary widely in quality and longevity. Although they can be purchased online, it may be better to test this style of mattress in person. If you’re only looking to use the sleeper part of the sleeper sofa on rare occasions, foam is a good option.
However, you can always get a mattress topper to make it more comfortable. These are thin mattresses, usually made of foam, that can be placed on top to add extra stability and softness.
Sleeper sofas can be converted from their sofa function to their bed function in several different ways. The most common way to convert a sleeper sofa is with the pull-out or lift and pull mechanism. This is popular because it’s simple to operate.
You simply lift the seat and frame and pull it out. As you pull, a pair of legs will come down to support the mattress. Although this mechanism is easy, it can sometimes be a little stiff to operate and might need a harsh shove to get back into place.
Another common mechanism is the easy open-sofa. This kind of sofa is opened from the back and doesn’t require any sofa cushions to be removed. You pull forward from the back cushion, and the mattress unfolds. This is a good option for sleeper sofas that will be in regular use.
The click-clack method might be the easiest. It has this name because of the sound the sleeper sofa makes as it is adjusted. You fold the back of the sofa forward as far as it will go and then push it back. The mattress will then be flat.
This type of sleeper sofa is compact and makes the best use of space, but it isn’t the most comfortable for long-term use.
It’s important to consider whether your sleeper sofa is going to be more sleeper or more sofa. Will it be primarily used to sit on or to lie on? If you live in a small apartment, then a sleeper sofa might be your primary bed. You should prioritize a sleeper-sofa that is comfortable to sleep on and easy to transform.
However, if the sleeper-sofa is only for guest use and its main function will be as a sofa, choose one that's comfortable to sit on. The opening mechanism is of less importance in this case.
The frame of any type of furniture is important, but a strong frame is even more essential with a sleeper sofa. Opening and closing the mattress will put extra strain and wear and tear on the frame, so you need a sturdy frame if the sleeper sofa is to last. Metal frames are very durable and stable, so they are a good option.
However, the strongest frames are made from kiln-dried hardwood. Engineered hardwood is also a good option, but lower-quality woods, such as MDF and particleboard, should be avoided. Kiln-dried hardwood is stronger than other woods because it has a lower moisture content and is less likely to warp over time.
When buying a sleeper sofa, you need to consider how much space you have available. You need space for the sofa, but you also need enough space for it to be unfolded! Make sure you have enough space around the mattress, as you’ll need room to open and close it, too.
If you’re lacking in space and won’t be using the sleeper sofa often, then you might need to put some furniture around it. But, make sure this furniture is lightweight and easy to move when you need to.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Novogratz Tallulah Memory Foam Futon | ![]() | Vintage-Style Sleeper Sofa Lined With Velvet | |
2 | Esright Convertible Chair Bed 3-in-1 | ![]() | A Stylish, Modern, and Firm Sofa | |
3 | Ikea Friheten Sleeper Sofa | ![]() | Comfortable Bed With Linen Storage | |
4 | Milemont Memory Foam Sleeper Daybed | ![]() | Stylish Leather Sleeper Sofa That's Flexible | |
5 | Better Homes and Gardens Porter Fabric Tufted Futon | ![]() | Currently unavailable | An Easy-to-Assemble Sleeper Sofa |
6 | Vonanda 4 in 1 Sofa Bed | ![]() | Multi-Function Sleeper Sofa That Folds Up Small | |
7 | Lilola Home Lucca Linen Reversible Sleeper | ![]() | Three-Seater Firm Sofa Sleeper for Small Spaces | |
8 | Serta Rane Collection Convertible Sofa|RNE-3S-CC-SET | ![]() | A Firm Sofa That's Easy to Put Together | |
9 | DHP Dillan Convertible Futon Couch Bed | ![]() | A Sturdy and Stylish Small Sleeper Sofa | |
10 | DHP Twin-Over-Futon Convertible Couch and Bed | ![]() | A Useful Bunk Bed and Sofa Combo |
This two-seater velvet sleeper sofa has a classy look, and it's available in several colors. Its frame and legs are made from wood, and it's upholstered with a mix of high-density foam and memory foam for better comfort and support. The back of the sofa can be pushed down to recline or lie flat.
Some reviewers comment that the color in the product photos did not match the color of the sofa they received. Otherwise, reviewers said this is a great choice if you prefer firmer beds. They noted that it's easy to assemble and quite sturdy, too. Reviewers also liked this sofa's vintage style.
You can easily convert this sofa into a bed by pulling the bottom out and slotting the mattress into place. The back can be dropped flat to complete the mattress or left at an angle to make a recliner. It is made with a steel frame, upholstered with high-density foam, and includes two back cushions.
Some reviewers report having difficulty assembling this sofa due to some of the holes not aligning correctly with the screws. Reviewers note that it's very firm and suggest using a mattress topper if you prefer a softer bed. Overall, reviewers are almost unanimous in their praise for its stylish modern aesthetic and easy conversion.
This sleeper sofa folds out into a double bed and has storage for pillows or linen underneath the seats. The frame is made from plywood, and the polyester fabric cover is not removable. Switching it from a sofa to a bed takes only a few seconds; the seat pulls out, and the back folds down.
Some reviewers say that the sofa is difficult to assemble, even for people that are used to assembling Ikea furniture. They also suggest using a mattress topper if you dislike firm beds. However, many said that it's comfortable to both sit and sleep on. They also appreciate its internal storage and clean aesthetic.
Lined in leather, this two-person sofa can be completely flattened into a double bed. When it's being used as a sofa, you have the option of raising the armrests or leaving them flat. It's made with a wooden frame, black-coated chrome legs, and a supportive memory foam mattress.
Some reviewers wish that the mattress was thicker, and they also note that this sofa is low to the ground. Otherwise, many reviewers say it's quick and easy to set-up. Many reviewers also love this sofa's stylish look and say it's comfortable to both sit and lie on.
The back of this sofa can be reclined or dropped flat to make a bed. The backs move independently, so one can be reclined while the other stays upright. The sofa has a wooden frame, and the cushions are made with encased coils to support you as you sit or sleep.
Some reviewers say that this sofa isn't comfortable to sleep on. There are also a few reports of cushions sagging or coils sticking into people. However, reviewers say that it is easy to assemble. They also like its firm cushions, vibrant color, and sturdiness.
This sleeper sofa is especially flexible and comes in a variety of colors. It can be arranged in four different ways, functioning as a chair, lounger, bed, and ottoman. It has a metal frame and sponge cushions with springs for better support.
As a bed, reviewers say it is very firm, and some struggled to pull the metal legs into place to make it sturdy. They also note that the fabric is thin. But, reviewers are pleased that the sofa doesn't need any assembly and can be used in so many different ways. They also like that it doesn't take much space but can convert into a bed quickly.
This easily seats three people, and one seat be is a chaise lounge. There is storage space underneath this seat that can be used to store pillows or linens. To convert the sofa into a double bed, pull out two seats to make the mattress, leaving the armrests and back in place.
A few reviewers say that assembling this sofa was difficult, and others note that it's too small for tall people to sit on comfortably. However, many reviewers like the firmness and chic style of this sofa. They also note that it's ideal for small spaces.
You can use this sleeper sofa for sitting, reclining, or sleeping. The sofa's back can be pushed down for both reclining and sleeping in a quick and easy motion. It's available in four different colors. Plus, it's lined in high-density foam and has a wooden frame.
There are a few reports of the frame breaking after only a few uses, and other reviewers had similar issues with the legs. However, reviewers love the design of the sofa and say it was easy to assemble. They also note that it's firm but comfortable to sit on.
The back of this sofa can be arranged into three configurations: upright, recline, and mattress. It is available in three different colors, all of which have a wooden frame and tapered legs. The vanilla-colored sofa is covered in faux-leather, whereas the other colors have microfiber upholstery.
Make sure you check the measurements, as several reviewers say this sleeper sofa is too small to be used comfortably as a bed. However, they like the firm cushions and straightforward assembly. Many reviewers also note that it's sturdy, stylish, and perfect for small spaces.
This product only includes the bunk bed frame, so you will have to purchase the mattresses separately. The top bunk is a regular single, but the bottom bunk converts from a sofa to a double futon. There are guardrails around the top bunk, and the bottom frame can be easily pushed flat or raised as required.
Some reviewers say that the top bunk can be squeaky. Others note that converting from sofa to bed and vice versa is stiff and awkward. However, other reviewers advise not to tighten the bolts until the assembly is completed. Overall, they that their kids love it! They also appreciate that it's sturdy and takes up little space.
Now that you have a comfortable sleeper sofa, you might be looking for some new bedding. Thankfully, we have some more recommendations for you!
No. 1: Novogratz|Tallulah Memory Foam Futon
No. 2: Esright|Convertible Chair Bed 3-in-1
No. 3: Ikea|Friheten Sleeper Sofa
No. 4: Milemont|Memory Foam Sleeper Daybed
No. 5: Better Homes and Gardens|Porter Fabric Tufted Futon
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