Opting for multifunctional furniture is a great space-saving solution for homes with limited floor space, and sofa beds are among the most popular options. They are stylish, functional and offer a very cost-effective way to have both a new bed and a sofa for the price of one.
But is a sofa bed comfortable enough to become a permanent sleeping solution? How do you choose the most suitable one to replace your current bed? Are there any accessories you can buy to increase the comfort of your sofa bed? We’ll try to answer these questions in the article below!
What Is a Sofa Bed?
A sofa bed, just as its name suggests, is a piece of furniture that combines the functions of a sofa and a bed. At first glance, it looks exactly like a standard sofa, but it can easily be converted into a full-size bed whenever necessary and often offers extra storage space under the seats.
Currently, there are various types of sofa beds available on the market, and depending on your needs and expectations, you can choose not only your preferred colour, size, and upholstery but also the type of opening mechanism and frame. Most sofa beds are designed to be used as an extra bed, e.g., to accommodate guests. This type is especially popular among homeowners who don’t have enough rooms or simply don’t want to spare valuable space for a rarely occupied guest room.
However, as modern homes are getting smaller and minimalism and spaciousness are becoming the most sought-after qualities in interior design, more and more people are showing their interest in using space-saving sofa beds for permanent sleeping.
Are Sofa Beds Comfortable?
Not all sofa beds are created equal, so there’s only one honest answer to the question posed above – a sofa bed can be comfortable if you pick the right one. Modern, high-quality sofa beds designed for everyday use can easily replace a regular bed without causing discomfort during sleep.
There are also ways to take the comfort of your sofa bed to the next level with a few accessories, such as soft feather pillows and high thread count sheets. Most sofa beds tend to have firmer and thinner mattresses, which isn’t ideal if you want to sleep on your sofa bed every night. Luckily, you can solve this issue with a comfortable mattress topper, e.g., made of memory foam.
It’s important to keep in mind that the quality of your sleep affects everything from your mood to productivity and health, so you definitely do not want to choose any old mattress to fall asleep on every night.
Things to Look For in a Sofa Bed
- Size and shape
Usually, when buying a sofa, we look for one with the required number of seats that will fit into the amount of space available in the room without making it feel too cramped. But this is not enough when it comes to a sofa bed for everyday use because it’s important to consider its size when it’s converted into a bed as well. It won’t be a very practical option if you have to move around or even take out of the room other pieces of furniture to make space to unfold your sofa bed.
What is the size of the lying surface? Finding the right mattress size is essential for your health and quality of sleep. After all, you don’t want to curl up in your bed every night just because it’s too small to let you stretch out comfortably. It’s always best to select bed dimensions based on the number and height of people who will be sleeping in it.
- Opening mechanism
From pull-out to click-clack sofa beds, there are several types of folding mechanisms to choose from. An opening mechanism that will be used daily needs to be durable enough to work repeatedly for a long time without breaking. It should also be easy to use so that your sofa bed can be quickly folded and unfolded without much effort.
- Sofa bed frame
Sofa beds for permanent sleeping must be able to support the weight of at least one person for several hours a day, every day. This means that, for your own safety and comfort, you need a sturdy frame that offers optimal spinal support for a healthy and comfortable sleeping position, e.g., a slatted frame. Most sofa bed frames are made of wood, but for everyday use, it’s best to focus on models made of hardwood.
- Upholstery fabric
There are a few things to look for when it comes to choosing your sofa bed upholstery. First of all, due to the frequency of use, high-quality fabrics with a high rub count are the best choice. It’ll also make your life easier if the type of upholstery you choose is easy to clean, stain-resistant, or removable with the option to wash in the washing machine. Using a mattress topper is a great way to protect the fabric from wear and tear during everyday use.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Sofa Bed for Permanent Sleeping?
- Extra space. With a sofa bed, you can save valuable space to make your room more spacious and cosy during the day without sacrificing the comfort of your sleep at night.
- Additional storage. Many sofa beds have a hidden storage compartment under the seats. It’s a great option for smaller flats with limited storage spaces, but it can also be used to store your mattress and sheets to keep the room tidy during the day.
- Style and functionality. Modern sofa beds are available in any style you can think of. From leather to all kinds of fabrics, with patterns or plain, in vibrant colours or neutral hues, you will easily find the perfect one for your interior design.
Is It Healthy to Sleep on a Sofa Bed?
If you want to sleep on a sofa bed every night, it’s essential to find one that can give you as much comfort and support as a traditional bed with a mattress. Otherwise, it can lead to back and neck pains, discomfort, and sleeping difficulties, which, in the long run, can significantly impact your quality of life.
Are Sofa Beds Safe for Children?
Finding the right balance between functionality, comfort, safety, and space is always a challenge when it comes to designing a child’s room. When your child outgrows a toddler bed, opting for a sofa bed instead of a bigger standard bed may be a good option. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the recommended mattress firmness for children and teenagers is medium-firm, as it can provide sufficient support for their growing bodies.
Can You Replace Your Bed With a Sofa Bed?
At this point, we can safely answer this question. Yes, it’s perfectly OK to replace a regular bed with a sofa bed for permanent sleeping as long as your chosen sofa is in the right size and equipped with a mattress comfortable enough to let you rest and maintain a proper sleeping position.
A Wide Selection of Sofa Beds for Everyday Use
Whether you’re considering sleeping on a sofa every night or buying a sofa bed for your overnight guests, take a look at our offer to find a wide selection of options! At SofaFox, we offer comfortable and beautiful sofa beds in a variety of sizes and colours to give all our customers a chance to find the best sofa bed for their needs and style of interior design. From small 2-seaters to large corner sofas, all our products are made of high-quality materials and fabrics to ensure their long-lasting visual appeal and durability.
Liam Goddard is a furniture expert with many years of experience in this industry. He knows the business inside out and is always keen on exploring new solutions and possibilities – that’s what makes him the best person to ask whether you’re interested in the newest trends on the market, furniture design, or manufacturing process.