The Best Sofa Beds of 2021

Sofa beds are a perfect way to save room in a space, quickly accommodate a guest, or save money by buying fewer pieces. The market for sofa beds has expanded in recent years and there are so many high-quality options out there. In the past, sofa beds were usually considered temporary items to use in a tight spot. Nowadays, you can find pieces that serve as show-stopping home fixtures. 

Not all sofa beds are alike; they vary in function, style, and size. Some sport a mid-century modern look, while others look more cozy and traditional. Some are very large, while others come in the form of a loveseat. To get clear on your criteria, review our top picks for sofa beds below and find out what to look for when shopping for your own.

The Best Sofa Beds

• Best Budget –  Serta
• Best Luxury – Novogratz
• Most Functional – Best Choice Products
• Best Comfort – DHP

What is a Sofa Bed? 

A sofa bed is a sofa designed to lay out like a bed, where there is no traditional mattress. Because a sofa bed serves as seating, sleeping room is often limited to one person. They are great for conserving space and are perfect for apartments or for accommodating house guests without a formal guest room. 

Sofa Bed vs Futon

By design, a sofa bed functions as a couch by day and bed by night. One type of sofa bed is a futon. A traditional sofa bed mattress is hidden under the frame when used as a couch and has separate seat cushions, where it looks and feels just like a couch with thick, removable cushions and armrests. A futon however uses the same cushion for both sofa and bed positions. They are not always upholstered and don’t always have armrests.

Types of Sofa Beds

There are various types of sofa beds so it is important to understand the differences and what you need to be looking for based on your preferences. Use the following information to make the best decision on the right sofa bed for your home.

A sleeper sofa can easily fit two people and involves a mattress that offers greater comfort. Such a sofa bed is appropriate for long term use, as the pull-out mattress can be made out of comfortable memory foam with innerspring. This type of sofa is available in larger sizes that can accommodate a queen size mattress. They look just like a normal couch. 

A daybed offers a multifunctional look for a room already serving as an office or sitting room. It looks like a compact-sized couch, which is perfect to accommodate guests if you don’t have a guest room. The size of a twin bed, a daybed is good for a child or for short-term overnight use by guests. Some daybeds offer storage through built-in shelves. Whatever your style, make sure the daybed you choose coincides with the overall purpose of the room.

A pull-out couch is like a sleeper in that it has a mattress too. A pull-out couch is easily convertible with metal legs to support the mattress. However, the mattress is not as comfortable as with a sleeper sofa but can serve its purpose when you have to use it. 

A power open sofa bed is both easy and convenient to use as a comfortable sofa and bed in one. It includes a motorized mechanism that opens the sofa and converts it to a bed, where the power feature pulls the mattress out for you. Out of these sofa bed options, this choice is ideal for someone who needs more support, such as a person with chronic pain. Converting with a push of a button is also good for someone with limited mobility.

How to Find the Best Sofa Bed

It’s possible that you haven’t used a futon in a long time. Sofa beds have come a long way in recent years, which means more options. To find the hybrid that’s right for you, you’ll need to consider a few factors while you shop. Weave, fold, and style will help you find what you’re looking for.

Weave

Pay attention to the quality of weave in the fabric that makes up your sofa bed. You’ll be modifying this piece often, which means it will see a lot of wear. Make sure that the upholstery is strong so that it won’t rip or tear while in transition.

Fold

Many sofa beds function by a simple bi-fold; however, some feature bendable armrests. How a product folds and unfolds determines how many modifications you can make with it.

Style

The term, “sofa bed” is pretty broad. Some work as a futon for temporary use, while others can turn into a full-on bed. Read the fine print to see all that the product you’re interested in can really do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a sofa bed be comfortable? 

When it comes to comfort, it all comes down to the quality of the mattress. The ability to have a comfortable mattress can depend on what type of sofa bed you choose. For example, a sleeper sofa in general can offer a much more comfortable sofa bed mattress than a daybed or futon.

Is a sofa bed the same thing as a futon? 

A futon is a type of sofa bed. A futon looks a lot less like a traditional couch and is not recommended for long-term overnight use.

What’s the difference between a sofa bed and a settee?

A sofa bed typically takes the shape of a conventional couch that by definition, sits three people. A settee on the other hand, also known as a loveseat, is smaller and typically sits two people.

Can you sleep on a sofa bed every night?

It depends on the sofa bed type. A sleeper sofa is probably the only sofa bed type offering a mattress comfortable and supportive enough to sleep on long-term. Long-term overnight use of daybeds, futons, and pull-out couches is not recommended.

Summary

Here’s a recap of the best sofa beds we’ve listed for our top picks: 

Sofa Bed	Material	Best for	Rating
Serta	Fabric	Budget	4/5
Novogratz	Linen	Luxury	3.8/5
Best Choice Products	Faux Leather	Functionality	3.6/5
DHP	Fabric	Comfort	4.3/5

There are so many sofa bed or sleeper sofas to choose from. Before buying, figure out how you’ll be using this versatile piece the most. Refer to our top picks for best sofa beds if you need a little guidance.