Sofa Beds

Why not choose a sofa that comes with something extra – one that’s a beautiful place to sit during the day and then converts quickly and easily into a comfortable bed at night?
We’re talking about sofa beds, of course. And these days, sofa beds don’t even look like sofa beds. Stylish, comfortable and with mechanisms that work so swiftly and smoothly, you may be surprised how effortlessly your sofa bed changes from sofa to bed and back again. And as sofa beds and chair beds come in all kinds of sizes and styles, and in all types of upholstery, we’re sure we’ll have the perfect one for your space.

Why choose a sofa bed?

A sofa bed is a multi-functional piece of furniture, and there are many reasons for choosing one. Think how much space you can save by having two items – sofa and guest bed – in one. Sofa beds are ideal in homes where space is a premium.
Your sofa bed might be just for occasional sleepovers, or it could be for more frequent use. Place it in the living room or keep it in the guest bedroom. Folded up as a sofa, your guest bedroom suddenly becomes a very useful space – home gym, home office, or teenage chill-out zone.
Choose a chair bed or corner sofa bed with built-in storage to really make the most of the sofa bed’s space-saving functionality.

How do sofa beds work?

There are several types of sofa bed, and each will transform from a sofa into a bed, and vice-versa, in its own specific way. The most well-known is the pull-out sofa bed. Here, you simply remove the top cushions from the sofa, then pull the metal frame outwards. A hidden mattress will unfold, with legs to support it underneath.
Often seen as the most affordable option are sofa chair beds with a ‘click-clack’ mechanism, so-called because of the sound made as the sofa unfolds to become the mattress, locking into place. This design is more like a folded-up bed that becomes a sofa, rather than a sofa with a mattress inside.

Types of sofa beds here at Furniture Village

The type of sofa bed or chair bed you go for will depend on your requirements, and also the space you have available. Remember to consider not just sofa itself, but the room around it that will be needed when everything has been unfolded and turned into a place to sleep.
For the smallest, simplest option, look to a chair bed or a 2-seater sofa bed. These sofas are neatly compact, so much so that your guests may be surprised when they see that a bed is inside. These sofa beds will work in a smaller room, or a bedroom where you would also like to make space for a home office, for example.
Moving up the scale, a 3-seater sofa bed offers more of more of the same. Here, you can seat an extra person, or enjoy spreading out when watching TV. Then, when it converts into a bed, two people can be accommodated easily, enjoying a blissful night’s sleep.
If you have space to spare or need extra storage space, look to a corner sofa bed. Positioned at the edge of a room, or perhaps in an open space to create a natural divide, these sofa beds allow you to sit on the sofa portion or spread out on the chaise. Often, with this design, one section converts into a large bed, while the other conveniently hides away blankets and pillows.
You’ll find more information about sofa beds and chair beds in our sofa and armchair buying guide.

Choosing the right material for your sofa bed

Your sofa chair bed can be upholstered in fabric or leather in a range of colours. The choice will depend on the style of the sofa bed itself, and whether you prefer a classic or contemporary look.
A leather sofa bed, for example, tends to be hardwearing and easy to clean. If you intend for your sofa bed to enjoy frequent use, as both a sofa and a bed, this might be a good option for you. Leather wears in over time, developing a characterful and authentic patina, and is a look which works well in many styles of room.
A fabric sofa bed may offer more colour and finish options, and therefore greater versatility. If you really like your guests, choose an ultra-soft fabric like velvet or chenille for your sofa bed for an even more luxurious night’s sleep.

Caring for your new sofa bed

Find out how to look after your new sofa bed or chair bed in our upholstery care guide. Whether you choose fabric or leather, you’ll find expert advice on cleaning and maintenance. After all, as a sofa bed is a big purchase, you’ll want to take good care of it.

The finishing touches

With a sofa bed, your home now has one extra sleeping place, so where should you hide away the bedding for it? If the chair bed is destined for the living room, you could consider a compact sideboard, or maybe a coffee table or storage footstool just so everything is to hand.
Then, if you actually want a sofa bed for a spare bedroom, you might find that a new wardrobe works well. If space is an issue, choose a sliding wardrobe with sliding doors rather than doors that swing outwards as these can take up valuable room space.
Chair beds can be accessorised too. How about covering one in your choice of cushions or a fluffy throw blanket? A small side table is useful for placing drinks or magazines on when seated on your sofa bed, but it’s also easy to remove to make way for a fold-out guest bed.