How to Find a Comfortable Sleeper Sofa
You've come to the right place in search of an easy sleeper couch. We've compiled our top picks according to their quality, customizable options and (most importantly) comfort.
To come up with our list we talked to home testers as well as experts like Jennifer Stephan, owner at Muse Design Studio, Florida. We also looked at the dimensions of the bed when expanded, and how it was easy to change from couch mode to bed mode.
1. Comfortable Cushions
Most of us have had the pleasure of sleeping on a pullout sofa bed regardless of whether it was at an overnight sleepover as a kid or while snoozing at your friend's home. Unfortunately, a majority of these models are stiff, uncomfortable, or both. There are alternatives to this dreaded furniture. With a few simple tips you can have a sleeper sofa that's as comfortable to sit on as it is to lay down and sleep.
Look for a sofa with a mattress that is supportive. The mattress should be memory foam or springs and not a futon. These types of mattresses last longer and have a more traditional feel than a thin mattress that has a tendency to sag. Find cushions that aren't too firm, but they are comfortable and supportive. While a cushion that is firmer may appear more comfortable at first but it can eventually cause back pain.
You should also consider the color and materials of the cushions, as well as the ease of assembling and cleaning the sofa. You can also opt for the sectional that converts into a queen-sized bed which is a great option for those looking to maximize space in their living room.
If you're looking for a modern or midcentury design, the ideal sleeper sofa is available regardless of your style. It isn't easy to find the most comfortable one. We tested eight of the most comfortable sleeper sofas through PEOPLE TEST sleep tests, comparing comfort and durability, as well as ease of assembly and clean-up. We also spoke to industry experts to get their opinion on what makes a comfortable sofa sleeper.
Find out more about our top picks and prepare for the comforts of a warm night's sleep, and perhaps a few more visits from your family and friends in the near future.
2. Sturdy Frame
If you're planning to purchase a sofa that can be used for both purposes, you want to ensure that it can last. Castagna suggests looking for solid frames made of kiln-dried hardwoods or furniture-grade plywood. This helps ensure the sofa is able to stand up to many years of use and doesn't get damaged over time.
She also suggests paying particular attention to the mattress's quality and size when choosing sleeper sofas. While traditional sofa beds typically come with uncomfortable, thin mattresses, modern designs feature thicker and more comfortable foam mattresses that rival the traditional mattresses. Our runner-up option from Joybird provides a queen-sized bed that folds up from a sofa, making it easy to put up for guests staying overnight.
Think about a futon bed if space is an issue. It eliminates the necessity for mattresses by providing an even surface that is covered in sheets. It's important to measure rooms, entrances, and stairs before buying a futon sofa bed, so that it can fit in your home in a comfortable manner.
Another option to consider is a convertible sectional that typically has a chaise and features a queen-sized mattress that pulls out from underneath the seat. It may take more effort to convert the couch into a bed, but the result is worth it if you're planning to host a large gathering of friends or family members.
You may also want to think about a sleek and modern sleeper sofa that can be made to order. Numerous brands, such as Rove Concepts and Anthropologie offer custom options, such as colors and fabrics, a range of sizes and types of mattresses, and the option of wooden leg finishes. This lets you personalize your sofa to suit your preferences and budget.
The Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper is a good example. It comes in a number of upholstery colors and fabrics, ranging from velvet to pet-friendly twill, and boucle. It's also available in four different wooden leg widths and layers of fills and foams, which give you the ability to choose the level of comfort that meets your preferences. These modifications can increase the price and increase the time to delivery.
3. Easy to Assemble
A sofa-sleeper is an excellent option for a space that can be used for multiple purposes. It can to transform your space from a cozy sitting area to a welcoming guest bed at night. But, the problem could come when selecting a sofa sleeper that can fit in your space and fit through narrow doors or narrow hallways. There are plenty of options for sofa beds that can be put together and disassembled quickly to fit your space and fit through doors that are standard size.
The first step to becoming a comfortable sofa bed is to choose the best mattress. Take into consideration how often you use it and if you have any specific needs you have, like motion separation or back support. Most sleeper couches will come with spring or memory foam mattress. Spring mattresses are a great option for most people because they're durable and affordable. If you're looking to find a soft and more luxurious choice, opt for memory foam which adjusts to the shape of your body and promotes an ideal alignment of your spine.
When you have decided on your mattress, choose a sofa bed with an easy-to-pull-out mechanism that is simple to use. Find a sofa that features a simple, cloth handle on the back of the frame to help you lift and release the mattress. If you are able, also try the pull-out feature at a store to determine how it will work in your home.
The Avalon sleeper couch by Anthropologie is a chic option that comes with a wide selection of upholstery fabrics. It is able to be customized to suit your preferences. This stylish couch comes in a variety of upholstery materials and can be tailored according to your preferences. The Avalon features an under-the-bed platform that has a queen-sized mattress made of memory foam.
West Elm's Harmony Sleeper Sofa is a comfortable option. It has a queen-size Gel Foam Mattress and modular design. The sleeper sofa can be customized by adding different accessories. It also has seats that score 2 on our firmness rating. It comes in a variety of fabrics and colors, including the well-known Boucle.
4. Easy to Clean
A sleeper sofa can be a real workhorse in your home. It's a couch in the day and a bed by night, so it needs to be comfortable to sit on, and also have an adequate mattress to sleep on. It must be easy to switch between one mode and another. If it's difficult to change positions, then you won't be able to use the sleeper feature as much as you should.
It is important to clean the sleeper sofa on a regular basis, just like any other piece of furniture. Dust and debris can accumulate in corners, so it's recommended to use vacuum cleaners regularly to get rid of any debris that have settled there. It's also a good idea to wipe down any exposed surfaces on the frame of the sofa like the legs, using a cloth or sponge.
You might want to clean your sleeper sofa more often when you have pets or children. Food crumbs and pet fur can attract insects and mites that can be annoying for you and your guests. For this reason, Mehas suggests cleaning your sofa every week and shampooing it every two years.
It's also important to note that some fabrics, like leather, require a bit more care than other fabrics. Leather can look dull and dry if exposed to moisture for the course of a long time. It is recommended to limit the time you leave your leather sleeping bag in direct sunlight, and keep it out of any water sources.
If you're looking for a comfy sleeper sofa that is also easy to clean, consider choosing a customizable option, such as the Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper. This model lets you customize nearly every aspect of the sofa, which includes many different fabrics and four wood leg finishes and three mattress sizes. You can also choose from a variety of pillows and blankets that you can customize to create the perfect look in your living room. Modway Cagney Sofa Sleeper is an elegant design that is easy to clean, and comes in many color options.