10 Reasons to Buy a Sofa Bed


Reasons to Buy a Sofa Bed

If you are looking to furnish your living room, a sofa is probably going to be your centerpiece. There are all kinds of styles to choose from when picking out the perfect sofa for your home. Choosing the right one is key to pulling your entire room together. Have you considered buying a sofa bed in place of a sofa? With a sofa bed, you get everything you need from a sofa with added functionality and conveniences. 

Sofa beds look and function just like regular sofas, but they can also be made into a bed for guests or a comfortable overnight stay in the living room. When you buy a sofa bed, you can rest easy knowing that you have two of the most important pieces of furniture all wrapped up in one package. Read on for a list of 10 reasons to buy a sofa bed. You might end up getting rid of your conventional sofas altogether.

Sofa Beds Offer Two-in-One Functionality

As their name suggests, sofa beds act as both sofas and beds. You would never know by looking at a sofa bed that it actually houses a mattress inside. From the outside, a sofa bed looks just like a regular sofa. That is because sofa beds are just like regular sofas. They are just as stylish and comfortable as any other sofa you can buy with the added bonus of multi-functionality.

You have a sofa all the time and you have a bed when you need it. You may be thinking that sofa beds are ugly or plain, but that is not the case. Modern sofa beds look and feel exactly like sofas. This means you can get a sofa bed to match your desired living room aesthetic. Your sofa is the highlight of your living room. You do not need to sacrifice looks to find a great sofa bed that fits your design needs. 

Just like sofas, sofa beds are available in all kinds of different materials:

  • Velvet
  • Leather
  • Woolen 
  • Linen
  • Woolen 
  • Bohemian

If you have been sofa shopping, you know that the options are endless. The same is true for sofa beds. The advantage that sofa beds have, though, is that they fold out into full-size beds. You can go from sitting comfortably on your sofa to lying down in a fully-made bed in just a few minutes. 

Futon-style sofa beds are popular because you do not have to have any other hardware or components to set them up. However, there are sofa beds with full pull-out frames for which you need to purchase separate mattresses. Sofa bed mattresses are inexpensive, but they require additional space to store. This is why futon sofa beds are so handy.

How Sofa Beds Work

There are a few different ways that sofa beds open up and turn into beds. This depends on the style of sofa bed you choose. Some fold out while others pull out. A third sofa bed type offers a slide-out bed method. Luckily, all of these options are easy to use.

  • Pull out sofa beds house a cushion or mattress inside. They have a spring-loaded metal frame inside that wraps around the mattress until you are ready to pull it out and use it. 
  • Fold-out sofa beds use the sofa cushions as the bed itself. In this case, the back of the sofa folds down flat to create a large area for you to lie on. The sofa’s cushions can be utilized for even more space.
  • Slide-out sofa beds literally slide out into a large sleeping surface. They have some kind of platform that the sofa sits on when the bed is not in use. When you need to turn the sofa into a bed, you simply pull the platform out and the sofa’s cushions then act as your mattress. 

The most popular and easy to maneuver style of sofa bed is the futon style. To turn a futon sofa bed into a bed, all you have to do is pull the bed away from any walls and push the backrest down flat. You now have a perfectly suitable place to sleep!

Sofa Beds Save Space

In the modern world, space is a commodity. It is not easy to purchase a home with enough bedrooms to give each room its own function. With a sofa bed, you can accommodate an overnight guest without sacrificing an entire room. 

Guest rooms take up a lot of valuable real estate. Many people work from home and require home offices. If your choice comes down to furnishing a home office or furnishing a guest bedroom, your office will likely take priority. 

Guest bedrooms take up a great deal of precious square footage and rarely get used. It is wiser to furnish your home with items that serve multiple functions instead of allowing an entire room to collect dust on the off chance it may be used a couple of times a year. 

  • Sofa beds can act as your main living room sofa. 
  • You can put a sofa bed in your home office.
  • Put a sofa bed in the kid’s room for sleepovers.

When you buy a sofa bed, you can remain prepared for guests at all times without sacrificing your family’s much-needed space.

Sofa Beds Are Perfect for Studios and Tiny Homes

In large cities, real estate grows ever more difficult to find. One-room studio apartments are the norm for many students, singles, young professionals, and couples. Sofa beds can satisfy two needs at once when furnishing a small studio apartment.

The same is true for tiny homes. Tiny homes are becoming more and more popular as people try to lessen their impact on the environment and consume less. As with studio apartments, a sofa bed can act as both the sofa during the day and fold out into the bed at night. In fact, sofa beds often feature more than just beds. Some sofa beds come with included drink holders or fold-out tables so you can skip the nightstand. 

These small living quarters can often feel cramped and difficult to navigate. With a sofa bed, however, you do not have to fit both a large bed and a large sofa in one small space. You can get everything you need out of both pieces of furniture by placing just one sofa bed in your home.

Sometimes when someone moves to a studio apartment or tiny home, they give up a great many of their belongings in order to conserve space. In doing so, it is easy to lose a sense of identity because many of the items that do not make the cut are sentimental or less functional in nature. By skipping the bed in your studio apartment or tiny home, you open up plenty of space to either fill with things you find interesting and special. 

Sofa Beds Are More Reliable Than Alternatives

Sofa beds are more comfortable and reliable than the alternative options. When a guest comes over and you do not have a guest room, you might find yourself offering them one of the following setups:

  • Air mattress
  • Pallet on the floor
  • Couch

None of these options are particularly comfortable, and your guest probably will not get a great night’s sleep on any one of them. If you are one of the generous hosts who gives up their own bed for guests, you will have a much better time on a sofa bed than on a couch, pallet, or air mattress.

Air mattresses require noisy, irritating air compressors. They take a long time to fill up and disturb everyone in the vicinity. Plus, they do not hold up well over time. 

Since they do not get used often, it is common to begin airing one up only to find that it has sprung an air leak during its time in the closet. A major air leak will have your guest ending up on the hard floor in the middle of the night. fill up. 

Many people are familiar with crashing on someone’s couch, but when that couch becomes a bed, the experience is much more pleasant. The main problem with sleeping on a sofa is that there is never enough room to stretch out and get comfortable. Sofa beds solve that problem. 

Unlike the alternatives, sofa beds will make your guest feel welcome and as though they have their own space. 

Many Sofa Beds Have Included Storage

When you buy a sofa bed, you have the option of buying one that includes internal storage. This storage usually comes in the form of drawers underneath or hidden compartments under the sofa’s cushions. This storage space can be filled with blankets, sheets, saving you room in your linen closet. 

Having everything combined in one area also makes it easier to set the sofa bed up for a night of sleep. You do not have to run around your house gathering blankets and pillows. Your guests have their own dedicated bed set and are free to customize it however they like. 

If you live in a very small space, you can also use your sofa bed storage for other items that do not normally have a home such as decorations or knick-knacks. There are plenty of ways to make your sofa bed work for you. 

Quality Sofa Beds Are Built to Last 

Because sofa beds are designed to be multifunctional, they are durable and will last a long time. This means you should not have to replace your sofa bed for several years. Unlike couches, sofa beds are meant to be pulled, pushed, and folded over and over again. It takes sturdy hardware and strong materials to be able to stand up to that kind of rough treatment. You can rest assured your sofa bed will not fall apart easily. 

Many sofa beds are used as daily sleepers. When you buy a sofa bed that is meant for daily use, you can feel secure that your sofa bed is made well with quality materials and a strong structure. 

Of course, it is possible to find budget sofa beds that will not have that same longevity. When investing in furniture, you should never skimp and choose the cheap option if you can help it. Furniture is incredibly important to your living space and, in turn, your overall comfort and wellbeing. Invest in good, reliable furniture. 

  • Baysitone Velvet Futon Sofa Bed: This sofa bed is stylish and low profile as a normal daily couch. It folds down to create a soft, pillowy twin-size surface for sleep. The armrests are removable so you can stretch out at any angle.
  • Lilola Home Reversible Sleeper Sofa: As a sectional, this bed offers more room as a daily sofa as well as a sofa bed. Internal storage allows pillows and blankets to be hidden away unless needed. This sofa bed includes USB ports so guests can charge their devices, as well.
  • Convertible Sectional Sofa Bed: Convertible sofa beds have an added layer of functionality. Pull this sofa apart to create two separate chairs, or the pieces push it together for a sofa. As with other futon sofa beds, the back folds down to create a comfortable sleeping space.
  • Autsca Futon Sofa Bed: Another futon-style sofa bed, this sofa can be folded in a few different ways to reach maximum comfort. Also included are two cup holders perfect for lounging on the sofa. The cup holder section can be folded up and out of the way when the bed is flat.
  • Vonanda Convertible 4-in-1 Sofa Bed Chair: This unique sofa bed can function as a large sofa chair, a day bed, a full bed, or a recliner, and can be compacted all the way down to the size of an ottoman. It is perfect for small spaces.

These sofa beds are affordable and durable, perfect for guests or the occasional living room hangout. Sofa beds can cost anywhere from $$$ to over $$$$. However, as long as you find one that is well built with strong materials, you do not have to spend an arm and a leg to get a sofa bed that will last. 

Sofa Beds Save the Day During Unexpected Visits

If you have a sofa bed at home, you are safe during unexpected visits. These days, random drop-ins are not as common as they used to be. Your friends and family have several ways to get in touch with you before they start heading your way. Still, you can be caught off guard by guests. If you have a sofa bed, you will know just where to put them overnight. Sofa beds come in handy during all kinds of unexpected events.

  • Partygoers may need a place to crash. 
  • Your kids may have friends stop by for an unplanned overnight stay.
  • Older family members may not feel comfortable driving home after dark.

Any of these scenarios can be remedied with a sofa bed. You can rest easy knowing you have somewhere comfortable and safe to offer your guests, no matter the reason. 

Sofa Beds Create Comfort in the Living Room

When you think of the most comfortable area in your home, you probably think of your bed. This is the way it should be. Still, why not go further and create a second comfort space in the living room?

With a sofa bed, you can plan movie nights in the living room. Watch movies with friends and loved ones with the sofa bed folded down for extra room and comfort. If you have lots of children or pets, everyone can smash together on the sofa bed for a fun night in.

Having a second bed option also comes in handy if someone in the household is sick or recovering from a surgery. Usually, people do not want to be disturbed during these unpleasant times. Your sofa bed can even come in handy if your partner is snoring a bit too loud one night.

Sofa Beds Save You Money

This one is a no-brainer. When you buy one piece of furniture that serves two purposes, you avoid buying additional furniture. If one sofa bed acts as your sofa and as a guest bed, you are saving a great deal of money on an expensive guest bedroom and all the furnishings. 

When you consider the amount of money you would spend to furnish an entire guest bedroom, the costs rack up quickly. 

  • Bedframe
  • Mattress
  • Pillows
  • Blankets, sheets, and pillowcases
  • Nightstand

These are just a few of the amenities guest bedrooms typically offer. In most cases, it is overkill. All of those items gather dust when not in use—literally. As mentioned above, a full guest room can waste so much precious space in your home. A sofa bed saves that space, and it saves you money. 

Sofa Beds Come in All Forms Sofas Do

Do you have a preferred style of sofa? This usually depends on the space you have available at home. If you have a large family, a sectional is a great choice because you get extra seating in one piece of furniture. If you live alone or in a small home, you might want a slimmer, sleeker design for your sofa. 

Luckily, sofa beds come in just as many shapes and sizes as sofas do. This means that whatever your sofa needs are, a sofa bed can meet them. Remember, you can use your sofa bed as your main, everyday sofa. In fact, this is a highly cost-effective and efficient route to take. 

  • Sectional sofas
  • Love seats
  • Two- and three-seater sofas

When you shop for a new sofa bed, do not assume you will be limited. Your choices are endless no matter what type of sofa you want. 

Sofa Beds Are As Stylish As Any Sofa

Similar to the point above, sofa beds are just as stylish as sofas as well. You have plenty of design freedom even when you decide to choose a sofa bed over a conventional sofa. Sofa beds can be just as fashionable as any normal sofa you would buy for your living room. 

If you have not seen a sofa bed in a while, it might be hard to imagine how far they have come in terms of style and fashion. Sofa beds of old were once large, boxy, utilitarian units. Now, your sofa bed can be as beautiful and trendy as you like. 

  • Sofa beds can be slim, sleek, and understated.
  • Sofa beds can be fluffy and plush.
  • Sofa beds can be modern and convertible.

If you can imagine your dream sofa, there is surely a sofa bed that fits that same aesthetic. Often you have to sacrifice style in favor of practicality and function. With sofa beds, that is not the case. 

Design Your Living Room Around Your Sofa Bed

If you plan to use a sofa bed as the main seating in your living room, there are some factors you should take into consideration. 

You will need to ensure the sofa bed you choose fits in the space. This does not just refer to the sofa bed in its sofa form. You have to be certain that the fully made bed portion of the sofa bed has plenty of space in the room as well. This might involve some quick rearranging, but that is okay.

If you purchase a futon-style sofa bed, a popular choice for many, you might find that your sofa bed does not include hidden storage like some other units might. This should not deter you away from the futon-style. You can buy ottomans that serve as storage units, too. Throw your sofa bed pillows and blankets in there. Pair your futon-style sofa bed with a storage ottoman and you have an entire bedroom set at the ready.

Are Sofa Beds As Comfortable As Sofas?

It is fair to wonder if your sofa bed will actually be comfortable. When you have guests, you want them to feel snug and at ease. If you use your sofa bed as your main sleeper, you definitely want comfort. Actually, sofa beds are just as comfortable as sofas. In fact, some folks swear that sofa beds are more comfortable than sofas. That is because sofa beds are designed to be slept on.

  • To keep your sofa bed comfortable as a place to sit, make sure you keep it clean. It is easy to lose a few items in the cushions of a sofa. Your overnight guests may even leave something behind. These can add weird lumps that you will inevitably feel when you try to sit on your sofa bed.
  • You also have the option of re-stuffing your sofa bed’s cushions if you find they are too firm to use as a sofa. People require different things from seating surfaces than they do from sleeping surfaces. If you prefer a soft place to sit but a firm place to sleep, you can add pillows and rearrange your cushions. 
  • Be sure to choose the right upholstery. This is true with any sofa, bed or not. If you find corduroy uncomfortable against your legs, make sure you do not choose a corduroy sofa bed. Stick with fabrics and materials you know you find comfortable both for sitting and for sleeping.

The sofa beds of today are incredibly comfortable. You also have the ultimate say in what accessories you add to or remove from your sofa bed to keep it as relaxing as you need it to be. Sound sleep requires comfort, and sofa beds have that in spades.

Are Sofa Beds As Comfortable As Beds?

Some even say their sofa bed is more comfortable than their regular bed. You may end up finding yourself sleeping in the living room more and more frequently. If you want to increase your sofa bed’s comfort further, consider adding a mattress topper. Also, be sure to dress your sofa bed with nice sheets and blankets to achieve optimum luxury.

Most people have slept on a not-so-comfortable couch at least once or twice. You wake up the next day with a crick in your neck and a sore back from sleeping in a weird position. That is if you were able to sleep at all. Sofas are not designed to function as beds. 

You can even increase your sofa bed’s comfort by adding fun items like soft throw pillows and down pillows. Your sofa bed can be as plush and soft as you like. If you require firmness to sleep, the sofa’s futon should suffice. Many sofa beds even include lumbar support and other features that aid in one’s sleep. 

Alex

Hi there! I’m Alex, the one behind this website. I ran and operated a Local Furniture Store in Southern California. The store opened in 2010, during the “Great Recession,” It is still thriving today; however, I have dedicated my time to helping our online customer base. My primary focus is to help you with all your furniture & mattress questions.

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