Ask any of my friends and they'll tell you that I'm sofa bed obsessed. Since moving into a smaller flat, I've needed to make all my furniture work harder than ever. And the biggest grafter is my sofa bed: it's stylish enough to sit proudly in my lounge and practical enough to offer guests a good night's sleep.
The world of sofa beds has changed a lot since the lumpy pull outs from the '90s. The best sofa beds these days will transform your living room with their sleek, smart, and genuinely comfortable cushions. They're so good that the sofa beds I recommend could pass as your main bed or your main sofa. Yes, they really are that good.
When I started looking for sofa beds, I made my way through all the different brands. I visited showrooms, loaned sofas, and slept on friends' sofas for months and I've now narrowed it down to just three sofas. Between my recommendations, you’ll spot plenty of this year’s sofa trends: bouclé textures, low modern arms, and oak legs that make these pieces feel more like design statements than space-savers.
Before you fall for the look, though, it’s worth brushing up on common mistakes pepole make when buying a sofa. Think about how firm you like your mattress, how often you’ll use it for sleeping, and whether the mechanism feels easy enough to manage on your own. With the right choice, you’ll not only tick the box for overnight guests but also end up with a sofa you’ll love lounging on every day.
The best sofa beds, tested for comfort, style, and value
When I say that I've been round the houses testing sofa beds, I mean it. I have dedicated my weekends to showroom visits, I have had these in my home, I've visited friends with sofa beds, and I've asked the experts. After half a year of research, I've narrowed your choice down to just three sofa beds that I would actually recommend. Here's a quick guide to what they're like. I'll give you the details further down.
From looking at it, you wouldn't know this was a budget option. The Skandinavian, chic, minimalistic look translates to a very simple sofa bed. It's exceptional value for money, but certainly on the firm side. I'd keep a topper handy for sensitive sleepers.
With over 40 different colour and material options, this is the bed that can please anyone. The deep seats and plush cushions make this feel like a premium buy. It's the one I decided to put my money on. And I have no regrets.
This makes the slimmest bed of all three options, but it's the best. When you unfold the seat, you'll see that there's an actual pocket-sprung mattress miraculously tucked inside here. It's the cosiest sofa and most luxurious bed.
The best budget sofa bed
I usually don’t recommend skimping on sofa beds; comfort often comes at a price. The Next Casual Otis Sofa Bed is my rare exception. Costing under £500, it’s one of the best-value options I tested, yet its chic bouclé finish, curved edges, and oak feet look far more expensive. It’s a sofa bed that has won me plenty of compliments, and for good reason: it feels completely on-trend and refreshingly fuss-free.
The mechanism is as simple as it gets. Next’s clever clic-clac fold-down design means you just pull the backrest forward to release it, then drop it back flat to create a bed. I actually turned this into my “sick bed” one day when I wasn’t feeling well, and while I can’t recommend being ill, I can recommend the ease of this transition.
As a bed…
At first glance, you might assume the Otis is too slim for two, but it’s surprisingly roomy. My partner and I slept on it for a full week, and we found that it just about offered enough space to avoid disturbing one another. Standard double sheets and even a mattress topper fit neatly, which makes it a genuine double option.
The one caveat is firmness. Like many sofa beds, this errs on the firmer side, and while that won’t bother some sleepers, I’d suggest investing in a mattress topper if you want to make it truly comfortable for guests. Just make sure you’ve got somewhere to store it when not in use.
As a sofa…
If this were judged on looks alone, the Otis would be a clear winner. The bouclé fabric is not only stylish but also surprisingly low-maintenance, and the gently curved frame feels modern without being overly trendy. That said, the shallower seat and firmer feel make it less of a “curl-up” sofa compared with others on this list. Because the seat is shallower, I found myself perching on it with a coffee or when scrolling on my phone, rather than sprawling It’s better suited to a guest room, home office, or secondary living space rather than as your everyday main sofa.
Still, for under £500, the Otis proves you don’t have to compromise on style to get a budget-friendly sofa bed. It’s smart, functional, and elegant: the perfect option if you want a practical extra bed without breaking the bank.
The best double sofa bed
After testing plenty of sofa beds, the one I chose to keep in my own home is the Swyft Model 04 . And that should tell you everything you need to know. If I hadn’t experienced blissful nights’ sleep and countless cosy evenings curled up on it, I would have thought Swyft’s promises were too good to be true.
It’s beautifully designed, comes in a huge range of fabrics and colours (I’d recommend ordering samples, as some shades look slightly different in person), and arrives in cleverly compact boxes that are easy to manoeuvre through doorways and stairs. Swyft’s team assembled mine in record time, recycled the packaging, and I didn’t have to lift a finger. From the reviews, it seems this is standard service, not special treatment.
As a bed…
The Model 04 isn’t just “good for a sofa bed," it’s genuinely comfortable as a bed in its own right. It opens into a full UK double with a 300-pocket sprung mattress that rivals a standard bed. There’s also an optional mattress topper available if you want to make it even plusher, but I slept perfectly well without it.
The mechanism is simple to operate, and the arms can be removed if you need a little extra wiggle room and I've played with both. As a small person, I'm happy to keep the arms, but taller sleepers might need the extra space. My partner's parents even compared it to sleeping on a hotel bed.
As a sofa…
This clinched the deal in my day-to-day life. It's a sofa you’ll actually want in your main living room, not just tucked away in a guest room. It’s a proper three-seater, with foam cushions that hold their shape but still feel soft and supportive. The arms are low and modern, the silhouette is stylish without being faddy, and the overall design has that “investment piece” feel.
I’ve spent evenings sprawled out watching films, mornings with a coffee on it, and more than a few afternoons dozing off with a blanket. The Model 04 works hard as both sofa and bed, which is why it’s the one I kept.
The most comfortable sofa bed
Loaf has luxury slumbers finessed to dreamy levels. Handcrafted in the UK with a timber frame that’s glued and screwed the traditional way, it feels built to last and comes with a reassuring 10-year guarantee. You can choose from nearly 150 fabrics and colours (the widest choice of any brand I tested), paired with solid oak legs for a classic, timeless look.
Sitting in my bedroom window, the Jonesy became my dedicated reading chair. The feather-filled cushions are as soft and sink-in as they sound, but with a foam core that'll keep structure on your sofa, even after years of lounging. More than once, I’ve found myself drifting off mid-chapter. If money is no object and comfort is your priority, this feels like the crème de la crème of sofa beds.
As a bed…
I’ll admit, I didn’t believe there could be a proper mattress hidden inside the Jonesy, but there is. And it’s one of the best I’ve tested. The mattress is pocket sprung for proper support, made with breathable wool, cotton and polyester, and covered in a natural damask edged with Egyptian cotton ticking. Not only does it feel like a “real” bed, but it stays comfortably cool and keeps its shape night after night.
The mechanism is smooth and surprisingly easy once you know the knack: simply remove the cushions, pull the metal frame towards you, and unfold. There’s even space for two, though I’d call it a large single or a cosy small double.
As a sofa…
This is where Loaf really shines. The Jonesy looks like a design classic but feels like a cloud. The feather-filled back cushions are wonderfully plush, while the arms are low and supportive enough to lean into without making the sofa look boxy. It’s a loveseat size, so a little smaller than a standard sofa, but that only makes it more inviting to curl up with a blanket.
Every detail feels considered: from the handcrafted timber frame to the solid oak legs. And the overall effect is irresistibly luxurious. This isn’t just a sofa bed, it’s a sofa you’ll fall in love with first, and a bed that’s good enough to surprise you after.
The sofa beds that just missed the list
Whilst the Swyft, Next, and Loaf sofa beds really are my top three for day-to-night comfort and style, they're not the only ones that I liked. If I had to extend my list to offer some extra features, these are the three extra options that I'd offer. The Dusk storage sofa bed is particularly useful for small spaces, or those who want to maximise on what their sofa beds can do for them.
M&S aren't doing as much furniture as they once were, which is a shame, because my favourite sofa bed before this came from them. This surprisingly affordable chair is great for a spare room or nursery. It's simple, easy to unfold, and really comfortable to sleep on. It didn't make the cut, because I didn't feel it could hold its own in the lounge, especially not on style, in comparison to Next's Otis, for example.
Furl is sofa bed royalty and, if money was no object, I'd be tempted to go for this in my main room. I visited their showroom to take the Tokyo for a spin and it was sensationally soft (no surprises given the mattress is 18cm thick). There's a lot of choice when it comes to colours and textures and Furl stop at nothing when customising this for you. The only way in which struggles is on price. It's so expensive, I couldn't justify buying one for my living room.
Dusk combines storage and a sofa bed into one, elegantly timeless sofa with this. It's adjustable, so you can choose where you have your storage section and whether you opt for this as a loveseat, as well as which of four colours you want this in. If I had to add one more sofa to my top three, it would be this. It's really versatile.
The best places to buy sofa beds
- DFS: it's in the name- these are fantastic sofas for reasonable prices
- Dusk: luxury, timeless designs that are often on sale
- Dunelm: budget buys that are surprisingly nice
- Dreams: clic clac, life and pull, a frame, and storage options
- Habitat: a classic range of comfortable styles
- King Living: most luxurious models, which are design features as much as they are beds
- John Lewis: reliable and versatile, shop comfort and longevity here
- Furl: the deepest, most bed-like mattresses you can buy
- Loaf: exceptional quality, versatility, and range
- Next: surprisingly affordable and versatile
- Made: futons, singles, and doubles
- M&S: range is limited, but affordable
- Sofology: luxurious feel, versatile designs, and a reliable range
- Swyft: quick, compact, bed-in-a-box style luxury
How we test sofa beds
At woman&home, we don't do our research from afar. I had a personal investment in this, because I wanted to find the perfect sofa bed for myself, so I have dedicated months of research and sleep to finding the perfect one for my home. And I've picked up a lot along the way.
My sofa bed tests started with research. I asked sleep experts and scoured the internet to narrow my choices down to twelve brands. Then, I spent my weekends visiting their showrooms, or department stores where they could be found. I sat, curled up, squished, and tested each sofa as much as was socially appropriate. I was really surprised to find that I could discount at least half the brands just from sitting on the sofas. Most were too hard, some didn't look as good as their price tag, and others weren't good enough quality.
Once I narrowed my list down, I asked around. Some of my friends owned these sofa beds, so I went and slept on their sofas for a few nights. I'm particularly lucky that my brother has a Furl sofa bed, since these are some of the hardest to find. I made notes on what each sofa was like to sleep on (and tested four in my home - much to my partner's horror). I treated this element of testing like I would how we test mattresses. I needed these sofa beds to measure up against actual beds, because it's in half of their name.
Once I was happy that these were comfortable to sleep on, I set about testing them as sofas. I invited friends round, watched films, ate, read, and generally lounged on the sofas. I wanted to make sure that they were comfortable, as well as stylish and versatile.
I compared all the sofas to each other, so that I could get a good idea of value for money, who they would suit, and whether I think they fit a home's demands. Then, I narrowed it down to my top three. This was actually pretty easy, since the three that I've featured really stand out as ones that are sumptuously good.
If you still have questions about your sofa bed and which one suits you, don't hesitate to email me. I really am a sofa bed geek now. I need someone to help with this knowledge.
How to choose the right sofa bed for you
Choosing the right sofa bed for you is navigating the balance of comfort, style, and practicality. I'd always say that it's worth prioritising comfort, durability, and how easy these are to assemble and reassemble. I'll walk you through my tips on how to choose a sofa bed, but also think about what matters the most to you. so that you pick your perfect one. Here's what to consider:
- Frequency of use: if you will only use your sofa bed once a year, you'll approach comfort differently, as well as assembly and disassembly. A sofa bed that'll mostly be a sofa needs to be better as a sofa than as a bed, but if it's going to be slept on nightly, it's important that the bed is pocket-sprung, for example.
- Space and dimensions: it sounds obvious, but lots of people forget to check that their sofa bed can be fully extended into their room. Make sure to check your doorways and hallways
- Mechanisms and conversion: this feeds into how often you'll use your sofa bed. Some are really easy to click and pull into place, whilst others require more involved assembly. It's good to know about this before you make the investment.
- Mattress quality and comfort: sofa beds are famously hard or lumpy, but modern designs offer pocket springs, foam, and feathers. These tend to be the more expensive models, but it's really important to account for this when you're looking at sofa beds.
- Frame and durability: most sofa beds come with guarantees, so check this against the general built. Look for solid wood, metal, and good joints because these will last a lot longer than more frail materials.
- Upholstery and fabric options: some brands will offer a handful of colours, whilst others have hundreds. If the sofa bed is going in your main room, make sure to look at samples in person and choose a fabric that you like the look and feel of. It's an added bonus if yours is easy to clean (removable covers and stain resistant surfaces are great for this.)
- Style: You want your sofa to look good with your decor and other colour schemes in the room. You'll probably be looking at this daily, so you will want to be spot on here.
- Budget: cheaper sofa beds (under £500) might seem good in the moment, but if you haven't done your research, it might be flimsy or not very comfortable and you'll need to replace it sooner. However, you don't need to spend thousands to get a good sofa bed. Depending on what you need, there's always a model in budget.
- Extra features and storage: some sofa beds offer extra features and storage, from phone chargers to cup holders. Remember that these will come at extra costs, but if you think you'll use your extras often, they're worth the splurge.
FAQs
Which type of sofa bed is the most comfortable?
If your sofa bed will be used often, go for a sofa bed that pulls out to reveal a pocket-sprung or foam mattress. These will offer the best balance of support and softness for your joints and important alignments.
Are there actually comfortable sofa beds?
I asked this same question when I started looking at sofa beds and the short answer is yes. The better models will have pocket-sprung and foam mattresses. My key piece of advice is to stay away from really firm sofa beds, because these don't hold up as snuggly sofas for day-to-day use.
Who makes the highest quality sofa beds in the UK?
I've collated a list of the best places to buy sofa beds in the UK. There are lots of retailers offering great versatility, price, and comfort, so it's all about finding one that ticks your box.
How much should I spend on a good sofa bed?
I'd recommend spending between £600 and £3,000 depending on what you want from your sofa bed and how often you'll be using it. Don't forget about sofa sales. As with mattress deals, there are relatively regular sofa discounts available, especially around this time of year.
I've had sleepless and sleep-filled nights researching the perfect sofa bed for every home. These three are the ones that I could sleep on, curl up on, and live with without any complaints. The key to finding your perfect one is working out your priorities and then narrowing down your options from there. I've found mine and it's looking like a "sofa so good" situation, so now it's your turn.
