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Design 101
Sleeper Sofa Guide: All You Need to Know
Sleeper sofas have become a staple in a lot of modern homes that need to optimize space and functionality. Whether you’re looking to accommodate guests or just enjoy some extra sleeping space, there will be a perfect option for your styles and needs.
This sleeper sofa guide will walk you through all the basics you need to know about sleeper sofas, ranging from selecting the right size to choosing the best type for your needs.
What Is a Sleeper Sofa?
A sleeper sofa is a specific kind of sofa that can be converted into a bed by folding out a built-in mattress that’s hidden inside the frame. Sleeper sofas transform what is usually a seating place into a comfy and cozy bed for your guests to spend the night in.
They come in several different sizes, styles, and configurations, fitting almost any room design and tailoring to your own personal preferences. Whether you’re after a compact, budget futon or a luxurious sectional, sleeper sofas offer comfort and convenience in one.
What Are the Benefits of a Sleeper Sofa?
Sleeper sofas are popular for their flexibility, functionality, and comfort. But there are some more in-depth benefits to keep in mind.
For example, sleeper sofas are space-saving pieces of furniture ideal for smaller homes and apartments. They allow you to blend a place to sit and sleep without requiring an extra room, making them perfect for multi-functional spaces.
Also, you just can’t skip on the guest-friendly aspect. Sleeper sofas are perfect for hosting the occasional overnight visitor without having to resort to less comfortable alternatives. No one really likes air mattresses after all, right?
Sleeper sofas are very cost-effective too — instead of investing in both a bed and a couch, you can just kill two birds with one stone. You could always go for more expensive and luxurious options. But most sleeper sofas won’t require you to break the bank.
Where To Use a Sleeper Sofa in Your Home
A sleeper sofa can go pretty much anywhere where you would place a standard sofa, provided you have enough space to fully unfold it. Here are some key ideas on where to put your new addition:
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Living room: Sleeper sofas allow you to keep your main living and relaxing space intact while providing an extra bed for your guests. A good sleeper sofa will look pretty much the same as a standard sofa.
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Home office: Placing a modest sleeper sofa in a home office allows you to double the space as a guest room.
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Playroom: A sleeper sofa can convert your den into an improvised guest room for those unexpected friends sleeping over. And you won’t sacrifice any space for it.
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Guest room: While a bit obvious, sleeper sofas are fantastic choices for guest rooms that don’t have all that much space. Or, if you’re used to hosting families, you can pair it with a bunk bed for maximum space efficiency.
The Different Types of Sleeper Sofas
There are several different types of sleeper sofas to fit every one of your personal needs and style preferences. Here are some of the main types to keep in mind:
Futons
Futons are lightweight, affordable sleeper sofas that don’t actually have a mattress hidden inside the frame. Instead, the couch itself transforms into a bed once you fold down the edges and back.
They are somewhat easier to use than most other sleeper sofas while also being less bulky. However, they may not be as comfortable as other options.
Daybeds
Daybeds are as straightforward as sleeper sofas get, and they don’t even need to be folded out or down. The whole couch is shaped like a bed, making it easy to transform it into a sleeping solution with just a comfy pillow and a set of bedding.
However, they mostly only come in twin bed sizes, so they may not be the best solution for each and every case.
Sectional Sleeper Sofas
Sectional sleepers, as their name states, combine the features of a sectional sofa with a sleeper bed. They come in different styles and offer different solutions for each case scenario. And some are as big as 10 pieces put together.
Sectional sleeper sofas are fantastic for larger rooms and families looking for ample seating space. However, they won’t be a good fit in smaller rooms.
Pull-Out Couch
And, last but not least, a pull-out couch is what most of us think of when picturing a sleeper sofa. It includes a foldable mattress inside the frame, which can be pulled out from under the seat cushions to convert the couch into a bed.
They come in several different sizes, styles, and formats, making them the most versatile choice for just about any space.
Size Considerations
Choosing the right size for your new sleeper sofa is essential for reaching maximum comfort and functionality. And it’s not just about the size of the room either. You should also take into account whether you’re looking to accommodate kids or adults, and how many of them.
Average Sleeper Sofa Sizes
Sleeper sofas can come in several different sizes, as they aren’t strictly restricted to the usual sizes of a bed. However, here are the most common mattress sizes you’ll find while shopping for sleeper sofas:
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Twin: 30–39 in., these are the best for children or adults who don’t mind sacrificing a bit of comfort.
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Full: 52–55 in., full-sized mattresses can comfortably accommodate one adult or even a couple in a pinch.
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Queen: 58–66 in., queen-sized sleeper sofas are the best choice for providing ample space for two adults at a time.
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King: 74–76 in., these are the best options for people who are willing to sacrifice quite a bit of space for maximum comfort.
Measuring Your Space for a Sleeper Sofa
As with any piece of furniture, you should always measure your space carefully before purchasing anything. No one wants to end up with something that won’t fit in their room — and even less so when it’s something as large as a sofa.
With a measuring tape, carefully consider the sofa’s dimensions not only when folded but also the extra room it will need when extended. Always leave enough clearance for moving around the unfolded sofa too.
And while it may not seem as important, try to also measure your doors while you’re at it. Sleeper sofas are complicated to move around, and keeping your doors’ size in mind can save you a few headaches down the road.
What Are the Average Prices of Sleeper Sofas?
Sleeper sofas range wildly in price as much as they vary in sizes, styles, and formats. Of course, the price will depend on things like materials, brand, and additional features — but something will fit your needs.
A budget, smaller sleeper sofa will probably go for anything between $200–$500. These are usually the basic futons, daybeds, and small-sized pull-out couches. If you’re looking to house one or two guests every once in a while, this is a great price range to look for.
Mid-range sleeper sofas will go up to anywhere in the range of $500–$2,000, and this is where you’ll find most options. From premium daybeds to affordable sectionals, most sofas in this price range will be more than enough to accommodate your guests.
But if you’re willing to go the extra mile, a high-end sleeper with premium materials is the way to go. This will probably cost you upward of $2,000, but the maximum comfort and extra built-in features are well worth your money.
Fitting a Sleeper Sofa Into Your Space
If you’ve already measured things correctly before buying, fitting your sleeper sofa into your room shouldn’t be all that difficult. It’s all a matter of blending it into the style of the room and leaving enough space to move around.
Sleeper Sofa Mattresses
A crucial factor when buying a sleeper sofa is which type of mattress it includes:
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Foam: Whether it’s gel memory, traditional memory, or polyurethane, foam mattresses combine comfort and durability. However, less expensive foam mattresses may not be enough to eliminate the feel of the sofa mechanism.
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Springs: Although not as common, standard coil mattresses also exist for sleeper sofas.
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Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of multiple materials, providing a balanced sleep experience. Featuring a blend of supportive innerspring coils with layers of latex or memory foam, hybrid mattresses deliver both firm support and adaptive comfort.
Shop nowHow To Make a Sleeper Sofa More Comfortable
To add some extra comfort to your sleeper sofa, consider things like mattress toppers, additional pillows, and cozy blankets. These small additions can significantly improve the sleep quality of your guests — even if they’re using a budget sleeper.
Where To Buy a Sleeper Sofa
Sleeper sofas are pretty much anywhere. Stores like IKEA, Ashley Furniture, or even Amazon all have great options at a wide range of prices.
However, here at furniture.com, we offer a comprehensive selection tailored to your own specific needs — with all the convenience of online shopping. From affordable budget picks to luxurious sofas, you can have the sleeper of your dreams delivered right to your doorstep.
Choose the Best Sleeper Sofa for Your Space With Furniture.com
Sleeper sofas are a smart choice for anyone needing a multi-functional, space-saving way to accommodate guests. But they can also work to add versatility to small spaces, or even transform a home office into a separate bedroom.
Remember to consider size, style, and comfort when choosing the perfect sleeper sofa for your space. When you’re ready to start shopping, browse our selection here at furniture.com for a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget
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