Sofa bed FAQs

Is it OK to sleep on a sofa bed every night?

Unfortunately with this one, the answer is, it depends. While many of mattresses included with sofa beds don’t provide buyers with ample back support, nowadays, brands like Swyft, Heal’s, Swoon and are offering consumers mattresses that just as plush and supportive as the ones you buy for your bed. See, for instance, the Swyft Model 04 sofa bed, which features a pocket sprung mattress.

What’s the difference between a sofa bed and a sofa sleeper?

The terms sleeper sofa and sofa bed are often used interchangeably, but there are differences – and knowing them can totally change your shopping agenda. While both transform from sofa to bed, a sleeper sofa has a hidden mattress and a pull-out frame, which pops up with legs to give you that proper ‘bed’ feel. In contrast, a sofa bed doesn’t have an internal mattress. Instead, its cushions fold out flat, like a futon.

Who makes the best quality sofas in the UK?

When it comes to sofa beds, a few classic names always come up. Among the best online furniture stores in the UK, brands like Dusk, Wayfair, and Dunelm are well-known for their wide sofa bed selections — and they certainly deserve a spot in this edit. However, our recommendations go beyond these to include tried-and-tested retailers such as Sofa.com, Swyft, Heal’s Emma, and Next. We’ve put their sofa beds to the test and can vouch for their quality, variety of styles, competitive pricing, and reliable customer service.

Is it worth getting a sofa bed? The verdict:

Naturally, the answer to this question will depend on your personal situation. For instance, if you live in a five-bed property with two rooms to spare then, chances are, you’re not as pressed when it comes to space for guests. That said, being able to utilise a spare bedroom as a study or second living space might be on your interiors wishlist. In such cases, single and double sofa beds can be a great addition and allow for more versatility in the home.

On the flip side, if you live in a one-bed apartment, a sofa bed will be crucial. Speaking from experience, being able to give my guests an actually comfy place to rest their heads when they stay has been paramount to my hosting through the years. Not to mention it’s meant I didn’t need a credit broker just to pay the rent that a two-bed would require of me.