Buying a Couch Bed

Sofa beds are multi-functional furniture that can be used in a variety of ways. Interior designer Annie Mueller recommends this budget-friendly twin sleeper from Pottery barn's teen collection. She suggests that the sofa seat cushion can be unfolded to create the foam mattress of 10" on the floor.

Comfort

Comfort is a key factor when you're buying a sofa bed. A lot of sleeper sofas have thin mattresses that leave users feeling as if they're sleeping on a platform frame instead of in a bed. To avoid this, you can add extra padding to the mattress of your sofa bed by purchasing a mattress topper such as the Linenspa Memory Foam mattress available on Amazon. This will prevent your guests from waking with back pain, or metal frames creaking or squeaking.

Another way to increase the comfort of your sofa bed is to select an extension chaise that gives more room for guests to relax and spread out. The color and material of your sofa bed will also determine how well it blends into the rest of the room. If you're not sure which fabric to pick, you can order free swatches of material online and test them at your home before making an investment.

This midcentury modern sofa from Anthropologie is a great option for those who want a sofa or bed that's comfortable in both versions. With a queen-sized innerspring mattress, this couch is ideal to host guests and seats two people comfortably. Plus, it's customizable with more than 70 fabrics and cushion configurations.

Although this sleeper sofa is more expensive than other choices on the list, it's very comfortable and comes with a memory foam mattress that's 13cm in thickness, making it the thickest in this roundup. The unique design of this sleeper sofa, which includes the mechanism that flips the backrest and seat to convert it into a mattress, is a major selling factor.

It requires assembly, but all the tools you need are included. It's well worth the effort considering that this sofa is universally loved by its customers due to its convenience and flexibility. It is able to comfortably seat two people, and it has a variety of customization options including 194 fabrics and 11 layouts. There are also five widths four depths, and six chaise lengths.

This model from West Elm is different from other sleeper sofas because it has a bed frame built into its structure. It makes the conversion process much simpler and more comfortable. The mattress is concealed under the cushions when not in couch mode. It takes just a few seconds to fold it out to make the bed. The mattress isn't thin or uncomfortable, and has a built-in compartment that can be used to store pillows and blankets.

Style

A couch bed comes in a variety of designs. The most common is a sleeper sofa that has the bed frame and mattress within its structure. They are more comfortable than traditional pull-out couches, since they have a more consistent mattress.

Click-clack-style sofa beds can be converted from a couch into a bed in one simple action. They require you to lift the under part of the structure and tilt it back before laying flat to prepare for the mattress, but they are incredibly easy to use.

A daybed is akin to a sofa bed, with a tall back and armrests. The type of sectional couch with storage comes with an upholstered mattress that is covered with a removable slipcover making it an ideal option for anyone who wants the benefits of a sofa bed but prefers a more traditional look. This kind of sofa offers the benefit of storage space since you can put the bedding away when it's not being used.

Durability

When you're looking for a sofa bed, you'll want one that'll be sturdy enough to stand up to the rigours of daily use. You should look for solid construction features like solid wooden frames, reinforced seams and armrests with padding that won't fall over time. You'll need a fabric that's easy to clean, able to handle spills, and can take on staining. If you're not sure which fabric is right for your needs take a look at material swatches from the brand prior to purchasing to see how it looks in your home.

This two-seater from Emma Sleep is a great example of comfort and durability in sleeper sofas. The mattress is 10 inches thick when laid flat, and is constructed of CentriPur foam that is designed to keep your sleep cool. It's also non-latex and reduces allergies. It was very comfortable to sleep on. The only issue is that it's not as easy to transform into a sofa like an air mattress.

The other great thing about this sleeper is the frame, which is constructed of birch wood to provide long-lasting strength. It's also upholstered with easy-to-clean polyester and includes a throw pillow for extra comfort. The chaise is a bonus that can also be used as a headrest when the couch is turned into a bed.

Another option for a comfortable and functional sofa bed is this three-seater from West Elm. The mattress is 13cm thick when folded and is a decent size and is much more comfortable than the thin sofa beds that a lot of sleeper couches velvet, home-page, have. The extra thickness makes it easy to take the bed out when guests arrive, without any struggling or falling.

Another feature that makes this black couch a standout is its simple mechanism to transform it into a bed. Contrary to some pull-out sofas which can be complicated to use and don't feel very secure, this sofa comes with a lever you push to open the bed and an arm that you can pull out to extend it. It's more expensive than other sleeper sofas however, it's well worth the cost for its comfort, quality and ease of use.

Stores

If you have limited space, a sofa bed that has built-in storage could be the ideal solution. This kind of sofa has a hidden compartment that you can use to store bedding and pillows. You can fold the bed down when you have guests over. This multifunctional furniture comes in a variety of upholstery fabrics that fit most standard mattresses.

Storing the Couch to allow air flow

Avoid stacking boxes against or on the top of your couch when storing it. This can cause damage to the frame and cushions and leave water behind, which could lead to mildew or mold. To allow airflow, it is important to keep the couch away from the wall of your self-storage unit.

Additionally, it is essential to wash the leather sectional couch with recliner thoroughly prior to putting it in storage. This means vacuuming the fabric and wiping the non-fabric areas, and also the sofa's feet. This will reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, as well as protect the fabric from pests.