Finding the Best Sofa Cum Bed for Cosy Room Settings

What can you do if you’re living in a tinier-than-tiny one-bedroom apartment, but have guests over often? A sofa cum bed is a stylish and highly functional investment that you absolutely must have!  This brilliant invention is the perfect solution for the unexpected overnight guest. Or even for you, if you’re trying to save space!

Sofa cum beds, also known as futons or sleeper sofas, offer the versatility of transforming from a comfortable couch into a comfy bed. This makes them ideal for small apartments, studios, guest rooms, or even living rooms where you want to create a multifunctional space. Notch up points for both style and functionality, and make your small homework as hard as it possibly can!

If you’d like to explore this space-saving wonder further, read on! We tell you what to look for when you’re shopping for a sofa cum bed, and give you the lowdown on all the various types of space-saving beds available in the market. Read on to know more.

Benefits of Having a Sofa Cum Bed

• Space-saving: A sofa cum bed is a perfect solution for a small apartment, a studio flat, a guest room, or a living room where you want to free up the space for other activities. This multifunctional piece of furniture is a sofa in the daytime and easily transforms into a bed at night.
• Versatility: Sofa cum beds can be used as a couch or a guest bed—or even a bed for yourself, if you’re really short on space in your home! If you need an extra bed for a couple of guests in a pinch, they are lifesavers.
• Affordability: On a tight budget? Buying one piece of furniture instead of two can help save costs.
• Comfort: Look for a sofa cum bed that comes with a comfortable mattress that can provide a good night’s sleep. This is one piece of furniture that you shouldn’t buy online! Always be sure to try out the mattress to make sure it is comfortable for both sitting and sleeping. Is it easy to use? Will you end up getting a crick in your neck? Choose one that provides the level of comfort and functionality you need.
• Style: Sofa cum beds come in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so you can choose one that blends with your décor.
• Easy to Use: Most sofa cum beds are lightweight and incredibly easy to use, and can be converted from a sofa to a bed in just a few minutes.
• Extra Storage: Some of these come with built-in storage, where you can stow away bedding, pillows, or other items.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sofa Cum Bed

What are the factors you should key in before buying your sofa cum bed?

The size is important of course, and so are the style and design, but comfort should be a top priority. Here’s a little more about each of these factors.

1. Size and Dimensions

Your sofa might look just right for you in the showroom, but what if it overwhelms your room, or even worse, doesn’t get in through the front door? (Flashback to Ross Geller and his mammoth couch in Friends!) 

To avoid a furniture disaster, measure your living area to ensure the sofa cum bed fits comfortably in both sofa and bed positions. Consider leaving enough space for walking around and opening doors, even after it is pulled out into the bed position.

How many guests will you typically have? Choose a bed size that easily accommodates them —twin, full, queen, or even king sizes. Also think about how many people will be sitting on the sofa regularly.

2. Comfort

Think of your furniture as an investment in quality, and always look for the best quality that your money can buy. The mattress should be comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep. Try out different sofa cum beds to find one with a mattress firmness that suits you, whether it’s plush, innerspring, or memory foam.

Look for a smooth and easy-to-use conversion mechanism to avoid wrestling with the bed every time! The construction of the bed should be in such a way that the surface is completely level. If there’s a fold or a hump down the middle, you’ll end up with back pain!

As a sofa, it should be comfortable for lounging and socialising. Look at the seat depth, cushion firmness, and back support. A 2-seater sofa bed or a three-seater sofa bed are ideal for most spaces.

3. Style and Design

It goes without saying that you must choose a style that complements your décor theme. A traditional couch will look out of place in a contemporary home, while a modern sofa bed will stick out like a sore thumb in a classical-themed home!

Also, consider ease of maintenance. What is the sofa upholstery material? If you have pets or small children, make sure that the material is easily cleaned and will not stain. The type of fabric (microfibre, cotton linen, leatherette, or polyester blend) will also contribute to the aesthetics of your space. 

Think about how you’ll use the sofa cum bed. Do you need one with built-in storage or armrests that fold down? Should it have built-in storage ottomans for blankets or pillows? Does the design allow for multiple reclining positions as a sofa? All these are important considerations that will determine the functionality you will get.

Types of Space-Saving Sofa Beds:

So now that you know what you should look for, here are the various types of sofa beds available in the market for you to choose from!

1. Pull-Out Sofa Bed

A pull-out sofa bed is a classic and timeless design that comes with a hidden mattress underneath the sofa cushions. Simply pull the frame out to create a sleeping surface.; it’s as easy as that!

This type of sofa bed is often the most cost-effective one, so if you’re on a budget this design is probably what you should look for. It also comes in various convenient sizes.

Look out for this:

Do keep in mind that the mattress thickness will be limited, and it might not fulfil all your comfort requirements. The sleeping surface could also be uneven, so this isn’t the ideal choice if you are prone to a bad back.

2. Futon Sofa Bed

A futon is an ultra-stylish option that is designed with a foldable frame and a separate mattress. This Japanese-style model folds down flat to create a bed, and is often more comfortable for sleeping as it has a thicker mattress.

Some futons are built with storage compartments in the frame, which offers added functionality. This type of sleeper bed goes well with a modern, youthful and minimalist aesthetic. 

Look out for this:

Futon sofa beds might require more floor space when unfolded in bed mode, and could prove to be heavier to move around compared to other options.

3. Murphy Bed Sofa

Murphy beds are the ultimate game changer in a small apartment! Named after William Lawrence Murphy who patented his design in the 1900s, this bed folds vertically into the wall, creating a clear floor space when not in use.

It is the best choice for a very small studio or bedroom as it disappears completely when folded, and frees up the floor space for other activities. It comes in various sizes including single, Queen and King.

Look out for this:

A Murphy bed can be quite expensive, and requires professional installation as the hardware can be tricky. It should be designed well to blend seamlessly into the wall when folded up; poorly designed units can look clunky and messy.

4. Daybed with Trundle

A daybed with a trundle bed below is a framed bed with a separate mattress, that sits like a sofa during the day. The trundle is a separate, lower bed on wheels that slides underneath the daybed when not in use. The pull-out trundle below offers an extra sleeping space for your unexpected guests.

As it’s the same size as the daybed, it offers a standard mattress size for a more comfortable sleep experience. It could prove to be as comfortable as a regular bed, since it doesn’t come with folding mechanisms. 

 Look out for this:

This design does not look visually streamlined and can be quite bulky. It also might need more space than a compact fold-out sofa bed, so choose carefully.

5. Storage Sofa Bed

A storage sofa bed is a great space-saver in a compact apartment where you need to maximise every square inch. It combines the functionality of a sofa bed with the added benefit of built-in storage compartments—always useful in a smaller home! The storage compartments help you keep your space organised by tucking away blankets, pillows, linens or anything else that you need not access often.

Look out for this:

The additional structure for storage can make these sofa beds heavier and bulkier than their non-storage counterparts. Also, depending on the design, accessing some storage compartments might be inconvenient. 

6. Fold-Out Sofa Bed

A fold-out sofa bed features a hidden mattress underneath the sofa cushions. When you pull the base out, a flat sleeping surface unfolds. This versatile design is affordable and very easy to use and convert. It’s also available in various sizes and styles to complement your décor.

Look out for this:

The mattress could be thinner and less comfortable than a traditional bed. When the sofa is used roughly, the mattress might bunch up, which makes it less comfortable for use as a bed.

Let’s Wrap Up!

So, if you’ve decided a sofa cum bed is the answer to your space-saving woes, we hope we’ve armed you with enough information to make an informed choice! Need more buying guides? Keep reading our blogs, and get to know all there is to know about the world of interiors!

If you would like some hand holding while you do up your home interior, get in touch with HomeLane today. Talk to one of our talented designers, and allow us to help set up the perfect home for you!

FAQs

1. Is a sofa bed suitable for everyday use?

Sofa cum beds can be suitable for everyday use, depending on your priorities and the quality of the bed. Keep in mind:

• Frequency of Use: If you’ll be using it as a bed every night, prioritise comfort by choosing a thicker, higher-quality mattress. Occasional use, say for unexpected guests, is a lot more forgiving, and allows for a thinner mattress.
• Comfort Needs: If you have back problems or require a very supportive mattress, a sofa cum bed will definitely not be ideal for everyday sleep. However, for many younger people, they offer a comfortable sleeping solution.
• Durability: Make sure to carefully choose a well-made sofa cum bed with a sturdy frame and a good quality mattress that can withstand daily use. Ask for testimonials from people who have used the same model for a year or longer.

2. What are some additional considerations when purchasing a sofa cum bed?

Here are some more things to watch out for before you make your purchase! 

Mechanism: Look for a smooth and easy-to-use conversion mechanism to avoid struggling when you have to make up the bed at night.

Durability: A strong frame made from metal or solid wood is non-negotiable for long-lasting use.

Upholstery: Choose a material that’s easy to clean and maintain, considering your lifestyle, family and pets! 

Budget: Set a realistic budget and look for features that matter the most to you.

Style: Find a style that complements your existing décor.

3. How do I maintain and care for a sofa cum bed?

As with any item of furniture, the more you care for it, the better it will serve you!

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the upholstery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Vacuum dust and crumbs, and spot clean spills right away without letting them set into the cushions.
• Rotating the mattress: Prolonged use in a particular position will flatten out the cushions. If possible, rotate the mattress periodically to ensure even wear and tear.
• Maintaining the mechanism: You might need to lubricate the moving parts of the conversion mechanism to ensure that they continue to operate smoothly.
• Avoiding overuse: If you use it frequently as a bed, it’s a good idea to invest in a mattress topper for added comfort and to extend the lifespan of the mattress.

4. How do I determine the quality and durability of a sofa cum bed?

Here’s a checklist to help you determine how good the construction of your sofa bed is: 

• Frame material: The best sofa beds are those with metal or solid wood frames; they are generally more durable than those made from particleboard or plywood.
• Mattress quality: A mattress with good support and appropriate thickness will suit your comfort needs better. Innerspring, memory foam, or gel mattresses are common options.
• Warranty: If the manufacturers give you a longer warranty period, it usually indicates their own confidence in their product’s quality.
• Customer reviews: Read online reviews to see what other customers have experienced with the specific sofa cum bed you’re considering.
• Try before you buy: Whenever possible, try out the sofa cum bed in person to assess its comfort and functionality. If you shop from a catalogue without having ever seen the piece, you might just end up regretting your purchase!