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Lifestyle
Korin Miller, Contributor

The Best Sleeper Sofas That Combine Function And Style

Sleeper sofas allow you to take some of the stress out of hosting overnight guests, whether they decided to stay over last minute or had a planned sleepover for weeks. Sure, you’ll still need to do all that hosting entails, like having their favorite snacks handy and piecing together matching towels, but the sleep surface? You’ve got it covered—even if you don’t have an extra bedroom at your place.

West Elm's Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa is a stylish, cocoon-like couch by day and can transform into a queen size bed at night West Elm

While standard sofa beds use a pull-out mattress mechanism, today’s sleeper sofas allow for a little more variety that doesn’t necessarily require as much muscle power. You can lie them flat, use fold-out cushions or simply pull out an extender, along with the more classic pull and fold out mattress technology.

You’ll want to consider a few different things when shopping for the best sleeper sofa for you, including what kind of space you have to work with (including when your sofa bed is extended), fabric, style and your budget.

Luckily, there’s a range of sleeper sofas on the market with plenty of options to choose from. To pick the best of the best, we analyzed some of the top-selling options out there and narrowed down the field by looking at things like features, durability and value for the money. Below, we rounded up the best sleeper sofas that are ready to turn any spot in your home into an instant bedroom.

Best Affordable Sleeper Sofa

A Sleeper Sofa That’s Pure Sophistication

Wayfair

Lark Manor Lourenco Square Arm Sofa Bed

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: 500 pounds; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Fabric, foam, solid and manufactured wood
  • Size: 34 x 77 x 37 inches

This top-rated sleeper sofa is a total steal. Crafted from a mix of solid and manufactured wood, it’s sturdy enough to support two sleepers (up to 500 pounds) on its queen size mattress. It has a timeless, sophisticated look with piped detailing and neutral hues that make it a seamless addition to any aesthetic. To make it your own, you can choose from more than two dozen fabrics.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Sleeps two

Cons:

  • Large footprint
  • Back cushions are not removable

Best Queen Size Sleeper Sofa

A Cushy Couch With A Huge Range Of Fabric Options

West Elm

West Elm Shelter Queen Sleeper Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Hand-finished, gel-infused foam, solid oak, engineered hardwood
  • Size: 84.5 x 38 x 30 inches

The Shelter Sofa is one of West Elm’s most popular items, and now you can get it in a sleeper sofa style. Like the original, this sofa bed is a stylish, cocoon-like couch by day and can transform into a queen size bed at night. The pull out mattress is made of two layers of memory foam including one that’s infused with gel for optimal comfort. The couch itself can be totally customized, too, with 75 different fabric types and shades to choose from.

Pros:

  • Customizable
  • Comfortable memory foam mattress

Cons:

  • Mattress sizing is slightly shorter than standard
  • Seats may not be firm enough for some

Best High-End Sleeper Sofa

A Sleeper Sofa With A 4-Inch Memory Foam Mattress Hidden Inside

Frontgate

Frontgate Wendover Sleeper Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Fabric, kiln-dried wood, metal
  • Size: 91 x 41 x 33 inches

With its rolled arms, diamond-tufted back and plush layer of feather and down cushions, you may choose to sleep on this Wendover Sleeper Sofa from Frontgate over your own bed. It pulls out to reveal a queen size 4-inch thick memory foam mattress, and the metal frame and kiln-dried wood base ensure that it’s sturdy and won’t warp, even with regular use. There are two upholstery options—natural linen and dove gray—that are available for quick ship, but if you don’t need it right away, there are 84 custom-order options to choose from.

Pros:

  • Sturdy sofa
  • Thick mattress

Cons:

  • Limited colors for quick shipping

Best Traditional Sleeper Sofa

A Cute Sofa That’s Completely Customizable

West Elm

West Elm Henry Sleeper Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; Up to two sleepers
  • Materials: Fabric, wood, foam
  • Size: 61 x 36 x 36 inches

Here’s a classic-yet-comfy option. The best-selling Henry Sleeper from West Elm has a simple silhouette and completely customizable options. Choose your favorite fabric, mattress size and whether you want the basic spring mattress or deluxe memory foam. The cushions are also reversible for easy flipping.

Pros:

  • Goes-with-everything silhouette
  • Customizable

Cons:

  • May be too small for some
  • Can get pricey with certain fabrics and sleep options

Most Comfortable Sleeper Sofa

La-Z-Boy Level Support In A Comfy Couch

La-Z-Boy

La-Z-Boy Mackenzie Queen Sleep Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: 500 pounds; Up to two sleepers
  • Materials: Fabric, wood, foam back, innerspring mattress
  • Size: 36.5 x 87 x 38 inches

The La-Z-Boy name is synonymous with comfort, and this Mackenzie Sleep Sofa proves that the retailer offers more than leather recliner chairs. The couch, which has a queen size innerspring mattress hidden inside, is constructed with ComfortCore cushions and a foam back with double-picked blown fiber fill that helps it maintain its shape. There are almost 500 upholstery options to choose from and you can upgrade to gel seat cushions for more comfort (at an additional cost).

Pros:

  • Hundreds of upholstery options
  • Comfortable seating

Cons:

  • Sofa back could be higher
  • Footprint may be too large for some

Best Sectional Sleeper Sofa

An Option With Genius Hidden Storage That Holds Your Linens

MOST POPULAR
Amazon

Lilola Home Lucca Reversible Sectional Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; One sleeper
  • Materials: Fabric, wood
  • Size: 86 x 54 x 35 inches

Sectionals can, in fact, be sleeper sofas. The right side of this couch pulls out in line with the chaise, creating a twin size sleeping area. Pro tip: Keep extra pillows and blankets in the built-in storage bin under the chaise so guests don’t have to go searching for the linen closet.

Pros:

  • Built-in storage
  • Sectional sleeper

Cons:

  • Firm cushions
  • Mattress is on the smaller side

Best Chaise Sleeper Sofa

The Ultimate Option In Sleeper Sofa Flexibility

Apt2B

Apt2B Catalina Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Hypoallergenic fabric, solid wood
  • Size: 81 x 63 x 27 inches

The Catalina reversible chaise sleeper sofa is cozy and functional, and the design is almost fully customizable. You can choose from 61 different fabric colors, two leg finishes and two queen mattress types—standard innerspring or 4.5-inch memory foam. The chaise lounge can also be positioned on either side of the couch to fit perfectly in your space.

Pros:

  • Customizable options
  • Thick mattress

Cons:

  • No base under cushions
  • Chaise cushion can’t be flipped

Best Small Sleeper Sofa

A Compact Sleeper That Fits Just About Everywhere

Wayfair

Wade Logan Lefkowitz Linen Square Arm Sofa Bed

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: 500 pounds; two (small) sleepers
  • Materials: Linen, solid wood
  • Size: 58 x 32 x 29 inches

At just 58 inches long, this sleeper sofa is definitely petite. But it’s smartly designed to fit at least two children or an adult on its easy-to-transform sleep surface. The Lefkowitz can serve as a love seat or bed, depending on what you’re after in any given moment. Just grab the front straps and give a gentle tug to unfold the couch to create a larger sleeping space. The sleek, modern look works well with most decor. Choose from a range of neutral colors, including dark gray (pictured), light gray, beige, blue and light brown.

Pros:

  • Compact
  • Modern look

Cons:

  • Small sleep surface
  • Cushions too firm for some

Best Sofa Bed

A Couch That Transforms Into A Bed Thanks To A Genius ‘Sleep Kit’

Burrow

Burrow Nomad Sofa + Sleep Kit

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; One sleeper
  • Materials: Olefin fabric, metal or sustainably-harvested birch frame
  • Size: 85 x 35 x 33 inches

Burrow does things a little differently. Rather than a traditional pull-out sleeper sofa like the others on this list, the brand offers an add-on sleep kit for $295 that fits its modular, customizable Nomad Sofa (a popular style in itself). The sleep kit comes with everything you need—a memory foam topper, a custom sheet set, a blanket, a pillow and an eye mask—to turn it into a bed without moving any furniture around. And the fabric is scratch- and stain-resistant so it holds up well to regular guests (including the furry kind).

Pros:

  • Easily converts into bed
  • Stain-resistant fabric

Cons:

  • May not be long enough for taller sleepers
  • Cushions may be too firm for some

Best Leather Sleeper Sofa

A Couch With Ample Room For Lounging And Sleeping

West Elm

West Elm Harris Leather 2-Piece Terminal Chaise Sleeper Sectional

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Leather or vegan leather, wood
  • Size: 33 x 111 x 88 inches

This leather couch is a total chameleon, allowing you to change the look and feel with throw pillows and blankets. A pine wood frame makes for a sturdy seat, while the cushions have fiber-wrapped, high-resiliency polyurethane foam cores for a firm-yet-comfortable feel. The sofa contains a queen size gel mattress so your guests can get a good night’s sleep, even away from home. Choose between top-grain leather or vegan leather in a range of colors for an overall look that fits your style.

Pros:

  • Roomy
  • Goes with everything

Cons:

  • Fabric isn’t pet friendly
  • Large footprint

Best Futon

A Statement-Making Futon That’s A Major Upgrade From Your College One

Wayfair

George Oliver Lamotte Armless Sleeper

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; One sleeper
  • Materials: Fabric, wood
  • Size: 33 x 73 x 34 inches

This futon is sleek, with an attention-grabbing patterned back cushion that’ll make this a total statement piece. A reclining backrest lets you recline at three different angles so you can kick back while you’re reading or lay it all the way flat for bedtime. The twin-size mattress is made of supportive foam for a cushy-yet-firm feel whether you’re seated or sleeping.

Pros:

  • Fun pattern
  • Reclining backrest

Cons:

  • Seating is firm
  • Small sleeping space

Best King Sleeper Sofa

A Couch With A Roomy Mattress For Guests That Like To Spread Out

Raymour & Flanigan

Raymour & Flanigan Harris King Sleeper

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: 500 pounds; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Fabric, hardwood, plywood, metal
  • Size: 86 x 39 x 37 inches

You don’t have to worry about your in-laws feeling cramped and uncomfortable on this 86-inch long sleeper sofa. The king size mattress will give them plenty of room to stretch out, and according to buyers, the gel mattress makes for a great night’s sleep. There’s also a queen size option in the same style, if you think this one might dwarf your living room.

Pros:

  • Huge sleep surface
  • Comfortable mattress

Cons:

  • One color option
  • Long shipment time

Best Chesterfield Sleeper Sofa

A Classy Couch That Easily Converts To A Sleeper

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Chesterfield Roll Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Polyester, kiln-dried hardwood
  • Size: 89 x 41 x 31 inches

This pick from Pottery Barn proves you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. A traditional Chesterfield sofa with rolled arms, diamond tufting and tapered legs, you would never know that it doubles as a sleeper sofa—and a comfortable one at that. It hides a 5-inch thick gel-infused memory foam mattress that adapts to the sleeper without sagging. While there is a 10-week lead time, it’s worth it: You get to choose from several different fabric types and more than two dozen color options.

Pros:

  • Thick mattress
  • Customizable

Cons:

  • Long shipping time
  • Back cushions aren’t removable

Best Goes-With-Everything Sleeper Sofa

An Approachable But Stylish Couch For Two

West Elm

West Elm Thornton Sleeper Sofa

  • Weight Limit/Capacity: N/A; Two sleepers
  • Materials: Deco weave, pine, engineered wood
  • Size: 85 x 40 x 35 inches

Whether you’re looking for a sleeper sofa in your home office, recreation room or living space, this versatile couch blends seamlessly with just about any decor. A solid pine and engineered wood frame is built to last while sinuous spring cushion support ensures plenty of seating comfort. The trundle pulls out from the sofa and easily lifts up with an elastic strap to fold out to a queen size bed for your guests to sleep in roomy comfort.

Pros:

  • Simple-yet-stylish silhouette
  • Sturdy frame

Cons:

  • Fabric can fade over time
  • Seat and back cushions are fixed

What To Consider When Buying A Sleeper Sofa

There are a few different things to keep in mind when buying a sleeper sofa.

  • Type: Not all sleeper sofas are created equal. You can get a more traditional sleeper sofa, which has a fold-out mattress; a sofa bed, with a back that folds down; a futon, which folds flat; and a daybed, which is essentially ready for sleeping 24/7.
  • Materials: It’s important to consider your lifestyle when choosing materials. If you have kids or pets, stain-resistant fabric is a must. If not, you may be able to get away with more delicate fabrics in lighter colors.
  • Capacity/Weight Limit: The biggest thing to factor in here is who will be sitting and sleeping on the sofa. If you have larger family members and friends, you’ll want to make sure you get a sofa that can support them.
  • Style: “Sofa beds come in all styles,” points out Victoria Sass, founder and principal of the Minneapolis-based design firm Prospect Refuge Studio. And, she adds, any kind “will do,” as long as it suits your tastes.
  • Placement: It’s crucial to think about space planning and “supporting pieces,” Sass says. “If you plan to have any kind of coffee table in front of this sleeper sofa, make sure it’s light and easily movable,” she says. “You are going to need to move it out of the way every time you set up the bed.” You’ll also want to consider things like where you’ll stash couch cushions when the sleeper aspect is pulled out that’s easy for your guests to access. And, of course, you’ll want to measure out your space carefully. “Make sure to measure how the piece fits in your space with the bed extended,” Sass says. “Then add—ideally—two feet all the way around for accessibility. If you have to move other furniture out of the way, plan ahead on where those pieces will go."


Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeper Sofas

Can You Sleep On A Sleeper Sofa Every Night?

Technically, yes. Many sleeper sofas contain actual mattresses—some up to 5 inches thick—and there’s no reason why you can’t sleep on it every night.

What Makes A Sleeper Sofa Comfortable?

A lot of this comes down to personal preference. “If you’re planning a space for anyone you truly care about, you are going to want to find a sleeper sofa with an actual mattress,” Sass says. Memory foam mattresses are often preferred and you can add a mattress topper for extra comfort.

How Long Does A Sofa Bed Last?

A lot of it comes down to quality and how often you use the bed feature. A sleeper sofa that opens up can last up to 15 years, as long as it’s not subject to constant wear and tear (the mechanism that allows the sofa to open can wear out over time). Note: You may need to replace the mattress before that.

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