How to Find a
Comfortable Sleeper SofaYou've come to right place in search of a comfortable sleeper couch. We've picked our top models, based on quality, customization options and (most important) the comfort.
For our list we spoke with home testers as well as experts such Jennifer Stephan, owner at Muse Design Studio, Florida. We also considered the size of the mattress when it's expanded and how easy it is to change between bed and couch mode.
1. Comfortable Cushions
From sleepovers in the childhood to snoozing in your friend's place, the majority of us have had the experience of sleeping on a sofa bed that pulls out. Unfortunately, a majority of these models are stiff, uncomfortable, or both. There are alternatives to this dreaded furniture. You can find furniture that is as comfortable to sit and sleep on as it is to lie down.
Find an item with a mattress that is supportive. The mattress should ideally be memory foam or springs not a futon. These types of mattresses last longer and offer a more traditional feel than a mattress that has a tendency to sag. Look for cushions that aren't too firm, but they are comfortable and supportive. A cushion that is firmer may be more comfortable initially however it could cause back pain.
You'll also want to consider the color and the material of the cushions as well as the ease of assembly and cleaning the sofa. You can even opt for an ottoman that can be transformed into a queen-size bed, which is ideal for those looking to maximize space in their living room.
If you're looking for a modern, midcentury, or rustic design, the ideal sleeper sofa is in the market whatever your preference. However, it can be difficult to track down the comfiest one. We put eight of the most comfortable sleeper sofas through the PEOPLE TEST sleep tests, comparing the comfort and durability and ease of assembly and cleaning. We also talked to experts from the industry for further insight on what makes the most comfortable sleeper sofa.
Discover our top picks and prepare to have a restful night's rest, and perhaps even a few visits from family and friends.
2. Sturdy Frame
If you are going to purchase a dual-use sofa, you want to ensure that it will last. Castagna suggests a sturdy frame made of kiln-dried hardwoods or furniture-grade plywood. This helps ensure the sofa is able to stand up to the rigors of daily use and won't be damaged over time.
She also advises paying attention to the mattress quality and size when choosing a sleeper sofa. While traditional sofa beds often come with uncomfortable, thin mattresses, modern designs offer thicker and more comfortable foam mattresses that can compete with the traditional mattresses. Our second-placed choice from Joybird provides a queen-sized bed that folds away from the sofa, making it easier to make for overnight guests.
Think about a futon bed if space is a concern. It eliminates the necessity for mattresses by providing a flat surface that is covered in sheets. Before buying a futon couch bed, it's important to take measurements of the rooms as well as the entrances and stairs.
Another option to consider is a convertible sectional that typically has an armchair and a queen-sized mattress that pulls out from under the seat. Although it might require a bit more effort to change from couch to bed, the end result is worth it when you're hosting a large group of family or friends.
You might also consider a modern and sleek sleeper sofa that is custom-made. Numerous brands, including Rove Concepts and Anthropologie offer a variety of customizable options, including fabric and color choices and a variety of mattress sizes and types and the option of wood leg finishes. This lets you personalize your sofa to suit your personal style and budget.
The Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa
Compact sleeper Settees is a good example. It comes with a range of upholstery colors and fabrics, ranging from pet-friendly twill to velvet and boucle. It is also available in four different widths of wooden legs and layers of fills and foams. This gives you the ability to select a level of comfort that meets your needs. These options, however, can increase the cost and can lead to longer delivery times.
3. Easy to Assemble
A sofa-sleeper can be a great choice for a multipurpose space. It lets you transform your room into a relaxing seating area by day and a welcoming bed for guests at night. The problem is finding the right sofa bed to fit within your space and can pass through narrow doorways or hallways. There are plenty of options for sofa beds that can be assembled and disassembled easily to accommodate your space and pass through doors of standard size.
The first step to becoming a comfortable sofa sleeper is choosing the correct mattress. You should consider the frequency you'll use it and if you have special sleeping needs, like back support or motion isolation. Most sleeper couches will include a memory foam or spring mattress. Spring mattresses are a good option for sleepers as they're durable and inexpensive. If you're looking to find a soft, more luxurious option go with memory foam which is shaped to fit your body and aids in maintaining proper spinal alignment.
When you have decided on your mattress type, you should pick a sofa bed with a pull-out mechanism that is simple to use. Look for an option that has a simple, fabric handle on the side of the frame that can help you lift and release the mattress. It's also a good idea to test the pull-out mechanism in-store before buying if you can to gain an idea of how smoothly and seamlessly it will function in your home.
If you're looking for a sofa that is like it's beautiful even when in sleep mode as it does when reclining and relaxing, look into Anthropologie's Avalon sleeper sofa. This sofa is a stylish option that comes with a wide selection of upholstery fabrics, and it can be customized to suit your preferences. The Avalon comes with an under-the-bed platform that has a Queen-size mattress made of memory foam.
Another comfortable choice is West Elm's Harmony sleeper sofa, which comes with a queen-sized gel foam mattress and modular design. The sleeper sofa can be customized with a variety of add-ons, and comes with the seat cushion, which has a rating of 2 on our firmness scale. It is available in a variety of colors and fabrics, including the popular Boucle.
4. Easy to Clean
A sleeper sofa is a true working horse in your home. It's a couch during the day and a bed at night, which is why it needs to be comfortable to sit on and have a good mattress to lay on. But it also needs to be easy to convert from one to the other. If it's difficult to switch modes, you won't use the sleeper feature as frequently as you could.
Like any other piece of furniture, it's crucial to clean your sleeper sofa on a regular basis to ensure it looks its best. Cleaning it regularly is a great way to remove dust and other debris that tends to build up in corners. It's also a good idea to wipe down any exposed surfaces on the sofa's frame, such as the legs, with a sponge or cloth.
If you have children or pets, you might want to shampoo your sleeper sofa more frequently. Snack crumbs, pet fur, and other unwelcome substances can attract insects and mites, which may be annoying to guests and you. This is why Mehas recommends vacuuming your sofa once a week and shampooing it about twice a year.
It's also important to note that certain fabrics, such as leather, require a bit more maintenance than others. Leather may lose its luster and look dry if it's exposed to moisture for long periods of time, so you should try to reduce the amount of time that your leather mattress is exposed to direct sunlight. You should also avoid keeping it near any water sources.