Best sleeper sofas: the best sofa beds for multifunctional living

The best sleeper sofas offer comfortable lounging in their couch form and versatile extra sleep space when transformed into guest bedding. But with so many options to choose from, working out which sofa bed is going to offer both style and comfort can be a tough task.

In order to narrow down the search, we've used the Homes & Gardens team's expertise to round up the best sleeper sofas available.

From compact sofa beds that offer space-saving multifunctional design and are ideal for the occasional overnight guest, to spacious sectionals perfect for everyday use in the lounge and slimline daybeds that blend effortlessly into the home office; these are the best sleeper sofas to complement your home.

If you're looking for a standalone sofa make sure to browse our guide to the best couches you can shop, and for the essential rules on sofa and chair layouts, plus inspiration for the look you'd like to go for, browse our guide to living room seating ideas.

Best sleeper sofas

If your guests are used to sofa surfing then the Denver Trundle sleeper sofa from Anthropologie (opens in new tab) will offer some welcome extra legroom.

Its sleeping surface might not be huge, but if space is too restricted for a full extending sleeper sofa then the pull-out trundle section offers a much more comfortable night's sleep than the couch alone would do. It also offers the option to extend the couch into a comfortable chaise whenever you're in need of putting your feet up!

Available in a range of pretty linen and velvet shades, we think this is a good option for a guest room or teenager's bedroom, where the multifunctional seating and extra sleeping space is perfect for impromptu overnighters or accomodating extra guests.

One of the best sleeper sofas for everyday use in the lounge, the Mulholland Drive Sleeper Sectional from Apt2B (opens in new tab) offers spacious seating thanks to its roomy chaise longue module.

The solid wood base creates a contemporary look, whilst over fifty upholstery options allow plenty of color choices to make it your own.

Considering the sofa's generous width, we would have liked to see a queen-size mattress rather than a full-size mattress hidden in its depths, but, to cushion the blow, you can upgrade from the innerspring mattress to the memory foam alternative to treat your guests to a little luxury. And there is always the chaise section to offer taller visitors a little extra legroom.

If space-saving design is top of your wishlist, then the compact Kipton sleeper sofa from Arhaus (opens in new tab) could be just the ticket. 

The 84" design will fit into smaller spaces with ease, whilst the vast array of coordinating furniture means it's easy to sneak this sleeper sofa into a mix of sectionals and armchairs in a larger room.

We love the versatile design which has that elusive quality of blending perfectly into either a modern or classic interior, and the choice of upholstery options is second to none. 

And the best part? That compact design hides a generous queen-sized mattress, so guests will be just as happy with your furniture choice as you are. 

Custom made in Los Angeles, the Melrose chaise sleeper sofa (opens in new tab) offers a queen-size, deluxe 5.5" thick innerspring mattress, plus a handy reversible chaise section that can be swapped from left to right as suits your interior.

Available in 60 color options, including a range of neutrals as well as color-popping velvets, the design makes a versatile solution for the living room offering extra legroom for those who like to lounge. 

There's also a good selection of coordinating furniture if you want to blend the sleeper sofa in with a wider living room suite, including loveseat, ottoman, and plenty of straightforward sofa options.

The curvaceous design of the Monroe Drive sleeper sectional from Apt2B (opens in new tab) aims to bring some Hollywood glamor to the lounge. 

Available in over sixty fabric options, we especially like the velvet upholstery in pastel shades which adds a further softness to the rounded corner sofa configuration. 

Ideal for zoning a larger room, this large sectional design has the benefit of being constructed from separate smaller units – including two straight sections and the curved corner unit – which makes installing it into rooms with tricky access a much less daunting proposition. 

As with the previous Apt2B sleeper sofa, we would have preferred to see a queen-sized mattress on offer, but there is the option to upgrade from the innerspring mattress to a memory foam topper for some added luxury. 

This robust leather sleeper sofa manages to combine modern design with classic materials to create a timeless design that looks as at home in a contemporary loft apartment as it does in a traditional period property.

The Maxwell sofa bed from RH (opens in new tab)can be crafted in thirty premium types of leather, from the barely-there Pebble to rich Chestnut and dark Espresso, and there are also a wealth of woven fabrics to choose from including linens, velvet, and on-trend boucle.

Feather and fiber seat cushions ensure a comfortable sitting experience, whilst the cooling gel-topped mattress comes with the choice of a generous full, queen, king or extra-large king sleeping area.

What to consider before buying a sleeper sofa

Firstly, check your measurements. It may sound obvious, but if you are measuring up for a large piece of furniture yourself then check, check and check again!

As well as width, make sure to take into account the sleeper sofa's height, especially if it needs to fit under any existing architectural details like a windowsill or picture rail, and remember to also consider the sofa's depth, especially for a chaise or corner sofa bed, as you want to ensure there is still plenty of room to walk and move around the sofa.

Browse our guide to sofa scaling: how to choose the right sofa to get tips from the experts on the most successful ways to scale your furniture within a room.

You'll also need to check there is still plenty of space once the sofa bed mattress is extended. A good tip is to mark out the sofa dimensions on your floor with masking tape to get a feel for the floor space it will take up.

Next, consider access dimensions. If you have a narrow entranceway or awkwardly shaped hallway, or you want to position your sleeper sofa on the first floor and need to negotiate a staircase, then measuring up to ensure your sofa bed will fit through any tricky access points will save a lot of stress on delivery day. 

A sectional sleeper sofa that is built in several parts and can be configured in situ is a good option for homes with difficult access.

Which is the best sleeper sofa for you?

The best sleeper sofa for you will depend on a range of factors, including whether you want to use it for everyday or occasional seating and how many guests you need it to accommodate, plus how long they're likely to be staying.

If you're looking for a sofa for everyday use in the lounge - that can also double up as extra sleeping space when the house is full - then the comfort of the main sofa is going to be paramount. Look for a sofa that has all the makings of a regular sofa - like a solid wood frame, webbed backing, feather and fibre seat cushions and upholstery options you really love.

And, as with a regular sofa, consider how many people will be using the furniture on a daily basis. If you have a large family or regularly entertain - or just want space to sprawl! - a chaise, corner or sectional sleeper can be a good investment. 

If the sofa bed is only likely to get occasional use, and you just want to add extra functionality to a guest room or home office, then a more compact sofa bed, or even a daybed, might fulfil your requirements, and will offer a more budget solution to the odd overnight guest. 

What type of sleeper sofa mattress should you choose?

When it comes to the sleeping surface, all sleeper sofas are not created equal, and it's important to check the details to ensure your sofa bed is going to fulfil your requirements.

Size: Although many sofa beds are marketed as being equipped with a full-size mattress, by comparing to the average measurements for a standard mattress – see below – you will often find they come up a little shorter or narrower than you may be expecting. 

This isn't necessarily a problem if guests are only staying a night or two, but if you have friends or family staying for longer – or taller guests to accommodate – then this could be an issue, so it's well worth checking what size mattress your favorite sleeper sofa has as default, and if you can upgrade to a larger size.

Mattress sizes:

• Full: 54” x 75” 
• Queen: 60” x 80” 
• King: 76” x 80”
• Californian King: 72” x 84”

Construction: Just like a regular mattress, a sofa bed mattress can come in a range of different designs; from more comfortable memory foam and pocket-sprung mattresses at the top end of the market to the firmer foam-filled mattresses most commonly used in the most affordable sleeper sofas. 

The decision on which type of mattress you and your guests might prefer ultimately comes down to personal preference, but, as with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for, so if you want to offer guests a sleeping experience that will make them eager to return, then it can be wise to invest in the best sleeping surface your budget allows.