Buying a Couch Bed

You might not have considered this kind of furniture, but sofa beds are a space-saving solution for many. Interior designer Annie Mueller recommends this budget-friendly twin sleeper from Pottery Barn's teen collection. The sofa seat cushion can be folded up to create a a 10" foam mattress that rests on the floor.

Comfort

When buying a sofa bed, comfort is the most important factor. Many sleeper couches have mattresses that are thin, which make the guests feel like they are sleeping on a platform instead of a bed. To prevent this from happening issue, you can add padding to the mattress of your sofa bed by investing in a mattress topper, such as the Linenspa Memory Foam one available on Amazon. This will prevent your guests from suffering from back pain, or metal frames creaking or squeaking.

A chaise extension allows guests to stretch out and relax more comfortably. The color and fabric of your sofa bed will also determine how well it blends into the rest of the room. Request free fabric swatches to take them to test in your home to determine the best fabric for you.

This modern couch midcentury sofa from Anthropologie is a great choice for those who want a sofa or bed that's comfortable in both shapes. With a queen-size innerspring mattress, this couch is ideal for entertaining guests and can seat two comfortably. It's also customizable with over 70 cushion and fabric combinations.

The sleeper sofa, though a bit more expensive than other options in this roundup, is incredibly comfortable and comes with an extra thick 13cm memory-foam mattress that is the most thick of all. Its unique design, which includes a pull-out mechanism that flips the backrest and seat to make it the bed, is an important selling feature.

This piece requires assembly but all the tools you need are included. It's worth it, since this small sofa couch is adored by all buyers for its comfort. It can comfortably accommodate two people, and it offers a range of customization options including 11 layouts and 194 fabrics. There are also five widths four depths, and six chaise lengths.

This model from West Elm differs from other sleeper sofas because it has a bed frame integrated into its structure. This makes the conversion process much simpler and more comfortable. When it is not in couch mode, the mattress can be concealed beneath the cushions and it takes just minutes to fold it out to form the bed. The mattress isn't slender or uncomfortable, and it even has a built-in compartment to keep pillows and blankets.

Style

A couch bed is available in a variety of designs. The most popular is a sleeper sofa, which features a bed frame and mattress inside its structure. These couches for small spaces are much more comfortable than air mattresses and traditional pull-out couches, since they offer a more stable mattress.

Click-clack sofa beds are another design that can transform a huge sectional couch into a bed with one action. They require you to lift the lower part of the structure and tilt it back before laying flat to prepare for a mattress, but they are incredibly easy to use.

A daybed is akin to a sofa bed except it has a high back and armrests. The type of leather recliner couch comes with mattresses that are covered by a removable slipcover, making it an ideal choice for someone who wants the functionality of a sofa bed but prefers a more traditional style. This kind of couch comes with the added benefit that you can store the bedding when it is not being used.

Durability

When looking for a sofa bed, you want one that will be sturdy enough to stand up to the rigours of daily use. Make sure you choose a sturdy design like solid wooden frames with reinforced seams, armrests with padding that won't fall over time. You'll want a fabric that's easy to clean, is able to take on spills and handle staining. If you're not sure which fabric is right for you take a look at material swatches from the manufacturer before you purchase to see how it appears in your home.

The two-seater sleeper sofa by Emma Sleep is an excellent example of durability and comfort in a sleeper sofa. Its mattress, which is comprised of CentriPur Foam, and designed to keep you cool when you sleep it is 10 inches thick. It's also non-latex to help reduce allergies. I found it very comfortable to sleep on and the only downside was that changing it back into a couch required a little bit of effort (it's not as easy to convert as an air mattress).

This sleeper's frame is made from birch wood for durability and strength. It's also upholstered in easy-to-clean polyester and comes with an additional throw pillow for comfort. The chaise is an added benefit that can also be used as a headrest when the couch transforms into a bed.

The three-seater sofa bed by West Elm is another great alternative for a functional and comfortable sofa bed. The mattress is 13cm thick when folded and is a decent size and much more comfy than the thin sofa beds that many sleeper couches come with. The extra thickness makes it easier to remove the mattress at times of guests' arrival without any struggle or falling.

Another great thing about this couch and ottoman is its simple mechanism for changing it into an actual bed. Unlike some pull-out sofas, that can be difficult to operate and do not feel secure, this couch comes with a lever that you press down to open the bed, and an extension bar that you pull out to extend it. It's more expensive than other sleeper sofas but it's a good value for its comfort, quality and user-friendliness.

Stores

A sofa bed with built-in storage is an excellent option for those with little space. This type of sofa comes with an enclosed compartment that you can use to store bedding and pillows. You can fold the bed in a matter of minutes when you're hosting guests. The furniture is multi-functional and comes in various upholstery fabrics that will fit on the majority of mattresses.

Storing the Couch to Allow Air Flow

Avoid stacking boxes on the top of your couch when storing it. This could damage the cushions and frame, and create moisture that can cause mold and mildew. It is also important to keep the couch at a suitable distance from the wall in your self storage unit to allow airflow.

Additionally, it is important to clean the couch thoroughly before putting it into storage. Vacuuming the fabric, wiping down non-fabric surfaces, and cleaning the sofa feet are all part of this. This can help minimize the chance of mildew and mold growth even when you're not using it, as well as make sure the fabric is protected from insects that could be looking for a snack.