How to Buy a Sofa Bed and Sofa Bed Types Guide

When space is limited in your home, choosing to buy a sofa bed is a great option. Not only can they be comfortable, stylish and add to your decor, but they’re also flexible and functional, allowing you to turn any room into a place for someone to sleep peacefully. 

There are many different types of sofa beds available, so it can be a little confusing navigating the market to choose the best one for your home and your needs. Luckily, we’re here to help and have put together this useful guide to help you learn the differences and offer our top tips for buying a sofa bed.

What to consider when choosing and buying a sofa bed

Buying a sofa bed is a big investment so you need to love the look of it and choose it in the same way as you would choose a sofa. Here are some of our top tips to ensure you buy the perfect sofa bed:

1. Measure up properly

The last thing you want is to buy a sofa bed only to realise it doesn't fit properly in the intended space. Before you start browsing, measure the area you picture the sofa bed going in and make sure you get the correct dimension for the sofa bed itself so you can be confident you get a perfect fit. Have a read of our complete sofa dimensions and measuring guide for more help and advice.

2. Comfort is key

One of the most important things to consider when buying a sofa bed is how comfortable it is. You’ll need to find a sofa bed that’s comfortable for both sleeping on and everyday use. And with so many options available, you and your guests shouldn’t have to compromise. Avoid any sofa beds that don’t use a high-quality mattress or bed mechanism, as these won’t offer good support and may do more harm than good. Ideally, you should test the sofa bed before buying, but if this isn’t possible make sure you do plenty of research and read customer reviews.

3. Look for good quality mechanisms

A good sofa bed will have high-quality mechanisms that will help you lift the bed up and out in a smooth motion. If the mechanisms squeak or stick it’s probably best to look elsewhere. You want to make sure the mechanisms are put together well and unlikely to break or come loose.

4. How many people will it sleep?

Another thing to consider is how many people you intend the sofa bed to sleep. If you only need it for one guest, then a chair bed will be ideal. But, if two people are sleeping round, you’ll need a sofa bed that’s at least a 4ft double so your guests can sleep comfortably. The dimensions of our Model 04 sofa bed is 1350 X 1900MM, meaning it’ll sleep two people easily. But, our Model 08, 2.5 seater is our largest sofa bed which comes with a king sized bed. 

5. Match your decor

As one of the bigger pieces of furniture, choosing the right style and colour of the sofa bed to match your decor can really enhance the aesthetic of the room. Pair your sofa bed with existing colours and patterns in the room to match and complement the style. Or, if you’re wanting to make a statement, go for contrasting colours and textures to make the sofa bed stand out.

What are the different types of sofa beds?

It’s also important to research the different types of sofa beds available to ensure you choose the right one for your space. Here are some of the most popular sofa bed styles:

Pull-out sofas

A pull-out sofa, much like our Model 04 or  Model 08, is a sofa-bed designed to look more like a sofa, and less like a sofa bed which suits many people's personal style and preference. Pull-out sofa beds typically have storage under the seats that hold a mattress and bedding that can then be unfolded to make a bed whenever needed.

Futons

A futon is similar to a pull-out sofa bed, the only difference being the futon uses the same cushions for both the sofa and the bed. Many of them also don’t have armrests, making them easy to fold out into a bed in seconds.

Daybeds

Daybeds are usually a twin-sized sofa bed usually found in home offices or spare rooms and are great for lounging, relaxing and sleeping on. These sofa-beds don’t fold out, they are static pieces that can be dressed up for being either a sofa or a bed.

Corner sofa beds

A corner sofa bed is a great option for utilising space and ideal for small living rooms. During the day, it’s a comfortable place to lounge and in the evening, it can be transformed into a comfortable, spacious bed for if any guests want to stay the night.

Chair beds

If you’re limited on space, then a chair bed could be the best option for you. These are the smallest type of sofa bed and work well in any room. They are very multi-functional, providing both a cosy seating area and a hidden bed when needed. You can also add a touch of personalisation by styling your sofa bed with cushions, throws and other accessories. For more detail, read our article all about the different sofa bed types.

Swyft Model 04 & Model 08 Sofa Beds

When it came to designing our sofa bed and chair bed range, comfort, versatility, and style were key. Boasting a double-layered, 7-inch thick foam mattress with over 300 pocket springs, this is a sofa bed you can truly enjoy. They’re also available in plush velvet and sleek linen fabrics to suit your style and needs.

Some of our fabrics use FibreGuard technology, making them stain and scratch-resistant as well as easy to clean. For non-stain resistant fabrics, we'd advice looking at Emmiera 5 year warranty which covers accidental spills. Available in a wide range of colours, from grey to mustard, you’ll find the sofa bed of dreams in no time.