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Sleeper sofas often get a bad rap. Many hosts—and their guests—associate them with sleepless nights and lower back pain. Sleeping on a sofa has long been considered the price to pay for visiting family and friends, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of sleeper sofas that make comfortable couches and beds, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
This guide details the available options and the features to consider when shopping for the best sleeper sofas. We’ve researched dozens of sleeper sofas for durability, comfort, and style to find the best models. Invest in one of our picks for the best sleeper sofas on the market, and give your overnight guests the ability to have a comfortable night’s sleep at your home.
- BEST OVERALL: Ebern Designs Lesley 87-Inch Square Arm Sofa Bed
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Perdue Velvet Square Arm Convertible Sleeper
- UPGRADE PICK: Pottery Barn Buchanan Roll Arm Sleeper Sofa
- BEST LEATHER: Ashley Morelos Queen Sofa Sleeper
- BEST SECTIONAL: Honbay Modern U-Shape Sectional Sofa Sleeper
- BEST TRUNDLE: Crate & Barrel Bedford Queen Trundle Sleeper Sofa
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: West Elm Henry Sleeper Sofa
- BEST WITH CHAISE: Kitsco Gunnar Wide Reversible Sleeper Sofa
Types of Sleeper Sofas
Shoppers can choose from two types of sleeper sofas, each with its own advantages. The best sleeper sofa complements the living space while providing maximum functionality and comfort.
Pullout
Unlike sectional sleeper sofas, pullout sofas have a real mattress. After removing the sofa cushions, users pull a handle that unfolds the bed and its metal frame from the sofa. However, to allow them to fold into the bed, the mattresses on pullout sofas are quite thin, making them less comfortable than standard mattresses. Some pullout sofa beds include an air mattress that blows up to a traditional mattress’s thickness to add comfort.
Pullout sofas are typically larger than other sleeper-sofa styles to accommodate the folding mechanism. And because they include a metal bed frame, pullout sofas usually are much heavier than standard sofas.
Sectional
While some sectional sleeper sofas use a foldout design, others feature a trundle-style bed that pulls out from the sofa’s front rail. After the bed is pulled out, a metal frame raises the trundle to the same level as the sofa cushions. It seamlessly fills the space within the L- or U-shape of the sectional sofa, creating a king- or queen-size bed. The best sectional sleeper-sofa options often feel like an average bed and may include storage for pillows and blankets.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Sleeper Sofa
Whether searching for the best leather sleeper sofa or sleeper sectional, shoppers may want to consider certain other factors such as available space, fabric, and style to help determine their choice.
Available Space
Space is an important criteria for choosing any piece of furniture. While there is a range of high-quality sleeper sofas that fit in typically sized spaces, excellent sleeper sofas are also available for small spaces.
Not only should there be enough room for the bed to pull out completely, but guests also need enough space to move comfortably around the room or store a suitcase. Some sleeper sofas have removable bulky seat cushions, back cushions, and throw pillows that require storage before the sofa can be used as a bed. Additional space must be available to store these added pieces when the bed is open.
Fabric and Materials
Because sleeper sofas are multipurpose pieces, they typically experience more wear and tear than standard sofas. Look for sleeper sofas made with durable upholstery fabric, such as Sunbrella, polyester, or leather.
Sleeper sofas also need a sturdy frame—often made from wood—to support a heavy metal-framed bed. A high-quality frame and infrastructure often adds to the overall weight of the sofa.
Style
Because they must make room for a mattress, some sleeper sofas aren’t known as the most attractive pieces of furniture. However, plenty of stylish designs are available.
For example, there are sleeper sofas with the sleek lines and a simple appearance typical of midcentury-modern design. A rolled-arm sleeper sofa with tufted cushions and rounded legs has a more traditional look.
Since it’s difficult to fit a bed inside a traditional-style sleeper sofa, shoppers who prefer minimalistic and modern designs may want to choose a fold-out style or futon.
Comfort
When considering comfort, remember that a sleeper sofa is really two pieces of furniture, a sofa and a bed, which can make it challenging to find a model that succeeds in both areas. The most comfortable sleeper sofa for seating may not be the most comfortable sleeper sofa for sleeping. The sofa cushions may be too hard or the mattress too thin.
A well-made sleeper sofa has cushions that hold their shape but are soft enough for comfort, a mattress firm enough to provide adequate support, and a bed frame that provides a flat sleeping surface.
Mattress
The mattresses on sleeper sofas have a reputation for being uncomfortable, conjuring images of sleepless nights and sore backs. With that in mind and to ensure overnight guests come again, make sure the sofa bed has a quality mattress.
Sleeper sofas have two mattress options: innerspring or memory foam. A standard sleeper mattress has an innerspring that’s thinner and provides a springy feel. High-end futons and sectional sofas feature thicker, more comfortable mattresses made of memory foam or memory-foam toppers that conform to the body. Some mattresses combine the two by using a memory-foam topper with a spring-coil mattress.
Our Top Picks
The following list includes sleek, modern sleeper sofas as well as luxury sleeper sofas with extra storage and seating space. These recommendations are stylish, can function as both sofas and beds, and are made with quality materials.
Best Overall
Ebern Designs Lesley 87-Inch Square Arm Sofa Bed
If a sleeper sofa is in a main living area, it must do more than just convert to a bed: It should look good as well. With a tailored design and clean lines, the Lesley sofa bed has a classic appearance that’s suitable for most living areas.
Its 87-inch length means it can accommodate most overnight guests, who also may appreciate the sofa bed’s queen-size mattress. With more than 90 fabric options, the Lesley can be customized to complement a variety of tastes. Fabric options include Sunbrella and Sustain materials, which allow the Lesley to hold up to the rigors of life as a sofa bed.
Product Specs
- Length: 87 inches
- Type: Pullout
- Bed size: Queen
Pros
- 90+ fabric options
- Clean lines and neutral color options
- Durable fabric options
Cons
- Mattress may be too firm for some
Get the Ebern Designs sleeper sofa on Wayfair.
Best Bang for the Buck
Perdue Velvet Square Arm Convertible Sleeper
Budget-priced sleeper sofas are often associated with uncomfortable cushions and sleepless nights. Not so with this futon-style sleeper from Perdue. The affordable sleeper sofa features beefy 23-inch-deep seat cushions that provide ample cushioning and support whether upright or laid flat. The tufted back and exposed wooden legs gives the sofa a vintage look that meshes well with modern or contemporary styles.
A split back gives the sofa versatility, allowing each side of the sofa to be set to an upright, reclined, or flat position. The bed is narrower than a standard pullout at 44 inches wide, which is in between a twin- and full-size mattress. Pads under the feet prevent the legs from scratching the floor.
Product Specs
- Length: 81.5 inches
- Type: Futon
- Bed size: Between twin and full
Pros
- Very thick seat cushions
- Attractive look suitable for a variety of styles
- Split back with 3 different positions
Cons
- Narrower than a full-size sleeper sofa
Get the Perdue sleeper sofa on Wayfair.
Upgrade Pick
Pottery Barn Buchanan Roll Arm Sleeper Sofa
Premium construction and materials—and dozens of fabrics from which to choose—make this sofa from Pottery Barn an attractive choice for those who can afford its steeper price tag. The Buchanan has a distinctive look with its rolled arms and exposed wood legs with dark finish.
While the mattress quality seems like an afterthought when it comes to some sleepers, the Buchanan’s is not. At 5 inches thick, the mattress consists of a layer of high-density foam and a layer of gel-infused memory foam. The first layer provides support and resists compression, while the second layer conforms to the body and includes a cooling gel that wicks away body heat. As with other Pottery Barn sofas, the Buchanan is available in a wide range of fabric styles, making this sofa suitable for many interior designs.
Product Specs
- Length: 87 inches
- Type: Pullout
- Bed size: Queen
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Memory- and gel-foam mattress with cool technology
- Numerous fabric choices
- Classic look
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Pottery Barn sleeper sofa at Pottery Barn.
Best Leather
Ashley Morelos Queen Sofa Sleeper
The Ashley Morelos sofa has a sophisticated, modern look with sleek track arms and exposed wood feet, and it offers large overstuffed cushions that one can sink into. Its 100 percent real-leather construction adds a luxurious feel. The Morelos, which comes in gray and chocolate, is also durable thanks to cushions that consist of high-resiliency foam wrapped in dense polyester fabric.
The Morelos pulls out into a queen-size bed equipped with a memory-foam mattress, making it more comfortable for overnight visitors than the average sleeper sofa. The pullout queen sleeper sofa bed features a platform foundation rather than the standard springs found in cheaper sofa beds, giving it better resistance to sagging. Attached back cushions serve as a built-in headrest when the sofa is in bed mode.
Product Specs
- Length: 85 inches
- Type: Pullout
- Bed size: Queen
Pros
- Genuine leather construction
- High-resilience foam cushions
- Sag-resistant platform foundation
- Memory-foam queen mattress for sleeper
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Ashely sleeper sofa at Ashley.
Best Sectional
Honbay Modern U-Shape Sectional Sofa Sleeper
This novel take on the sectional sofa consists of six individual modules that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of different configurations, including a sectional sofa of varying shapes, a standard sofa, lounge chairs, and a bed. Brackets hold all of the pieces together.
In addition to being versatile, this sofa is also well built thanks to a solid hardwood frame and high-density memory-foam cushions. Each piece also features a hidden storage compartment under the seat cushion. When the six pieces are assembled as a sleeper sectional, the bed is about 77 inches long by 51 inches wide. The Honbay sectional sleeper comes in gray, blue gray, and blue.
Product Specs
- Length: Up to 112.21 inches long; depends on configuration
- Type: Modular sofa does not transform
- Bed size: 77 inches long by 51 inches wide
Pros
- Can be configured into a wide variety of shapes
- Each piece has a storage compartment
- Durably constructed with hardwood frame
Cons
- Does not fit a standard bed size for sheets
Get the Honbay sleeper sofa on Amazon.
Best Trundle
Crate & Barrel Bedford Queen Trundle Sleeper Sofa
The Bedford isn’t just a smart-looking trundle sleeper sofa with its soft lines and tailored look; it’s also one of the more versatile models on the market because of its trundle design. The trundle pulls out from under the sofa and then rises up to the level of the seat cushion to create a queen-size bed. While this design makes for a large sleeping area, it’s important to note that the bed extends lengthwise along the width of the sofa, creating a seam in the middle of the bed.
High-density, high-resiliency foam cushions provide the support needed to serve as a comfortable, albeit firm, queen-size mattress. When functioning as a sofa, its curved arms, single-seat cushion design, and cushioned pillows make it suitable for a wide range of decor. As with other Crate & Barrel sofas, the Bedford is available in dozens of fabric options.
Product Specs
- Length: 93 inches
- Type: Trundle
- Bed size: Queen
Pros
- Easy to convert from sofa to bed
- High-quality construction
- Numerous upholstery options
- Quality construction
Cons
- Design creates seam in the middle of the bed
- Mattress may be too firm for some
Get the Crate & Barrel sleeper sofa at Crate & Barrel.
Best for Small Spaces
West Elm Henry Sleeper Sofa
Most sofa beds are designed to support queen-size mattresses and therefore tend to be space hogs. The Henry is an exception. This twin sleeper sofa is just 61 inches wide, making it suitable for smaller rooms.
With its simple upholstered arms and tailored back and seat cushions, the sofa has sleek lines that fit nicely in contemporary, modern, or transitional interior designs. The Henry also finds a nice balance with its seat cushions, which score a 3 on West Elm’s 1 to 5 scale of firmness. The sofa is built around a sturdy kiln-dried wood frame and sits atop solid hardwood legs. It comes in a basic model, which has a coil innerspring mattress, or a deluxe model with a memory-foam mattress and a platform-style support.
Product Specs
- Length: 61 inches
- Type: Pullout
- Bed size: Twin
Pros
- Many upholstery options
- Durably constructed
- Suits a variety of room designs
Cons
- Basic model only comes with spring mattress
Get the West Elm sleeper sofa at West Elm.
Best With Chaise
Kitsco Gunnar Wide Reversible Sleeper Sofa
With its chaise lounge and trundle-style pullout design, this sectional sofa converts to a very large and comfortable sleeper sofa. The trundle cushion rises to the same level as the sofa seat cushion and chaise once it’s pulled out from under the seat cushion. While the bed is the same width as a standard full-size bed, it’s significantly longer. This added length may suit taller guests, but it does make adding bedding to the sleeper a challenge.
The Gunnar features large tufted stitching, giving it a contemporary look with a vintage flare. The bed is also versatile. The chaise can be separated from the sofa to save space. Other notable features include extra storage under the chaise cushion.
Product Specs
- Length: 85 inches
- Type: Trundle
- Bed size: Extra-long full
Pros
- Easy to convert into sofa bed
- Sophisticated vintage look
- Chaise is detachable
Cons
- Odd sofa bed length makes it incompatible with full-size sheets
Get the Kitsco sleeper sofa on Wayfair.
Our Verdict
For its simple, modern look that suits a variety of styles, numerous upholstery options, and comfortable memory-foam mattress, the Ebern Designs sleeper sofa is a worthy choice. Those looking for an affordable yet comfortable sofa bed may prefer the Perdue sleeper sofa, with its futon design and 23-inch thick cushions.
How We Chose the Best Sleeper Sofas
In selecting our list of sleeper sofas, we researched more than 24 models from various top brands. Since sofa sleepers must endure wear and tear, we chose models that have durable hardwood frames and cushions made of resilient materials that resist compression.
For a sofa bed to be functional, it must also be comfortable, so we stuck mainly with models that ditch the springs and metal bars that make so many sofa beds uncomfortable in favor of memory-foam mattresses. To meet a variety of budgets, we selected a diverse range of models, including both affordable and high-end sofa beds. Our selections range from large sectionals to small love seat-size sofas.
FAQs
If you have concerns about sleeper sofas that haven’t been addressed, keep reading to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these sofas.
Q. What is the difference between a sleeper sofa and a sofa bed?
Sofa beds are similar to futons in that they lie flat using the existing seat and back cushions to create the bed. Sleeper sofas, on the other hand, use separate mattresses that are hidden in the frame of the sofa. The mattress pulls out to convert the sofa into a bed. Manufacturers often use these terms interchangeably, so don’t count on the name. Make sure to read their descriptions and look at the diagrams to distinguish between the two types.
Q. Can you sleep on a sleeper sofa every night?
You can sleep on a sleeper sofa bed every night, but it might not be as comfortable as a traditional bed. While today’s sleeper sofas are more comfortable than previous models, they do have thinner, lower-quality mattresses than standard beds, making them less appropriate for daily use. A sleeper-sofa mattress also wears out more quickly than a traditional mattress.
Q. How do you clean a sleeper sofa without a vacuum?
Use a clean, soft cloth to brush dirt and dust from the couch’s surface. Baking soda freshens your sofa and gets rid of odors. Sprinkle some baking soda on the couch, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then wipe off the baking soda with a clean cloth. A solution of baking soda and water also treats spills and stains.
