Best Sleeper Sofas

Sleeper sofas are a useful, multifunctional addition to both small apartments and large homes. In the past, combining a sofa and a bed often resulted in a clunky product that was both uncomfortable and unsightly. Sofa beds have gotten a facelift in recent years, and they’re now available in sleeker, sleeper-friendly designs that offer a twist on the standard pullout. 

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about sleeper sofas, including the best sleeper sofas of 2021 and a buyer’s guide that includes shopping tips, the pros and cons of sofa beds, and whether or not a sleeper sofa is right for your space.

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The Best Sleeper Sofas of 2021

• DHP Emily Futon Couch Bed – Editor’s Pick
• Serta RNE-3S-BK-SET Rane Collection Convertible Sofa –Best Value
• Signature Design by Ashley – Alenya Sleeper Sofa – Best Classic Design
• Signature Design by Ashley – Zeb Contemporary Sleeper Sofa – Best Queen-Size
• Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon – Most Elegant Design
• Joybird Eliot Sleeper Sectional – Best Sectional
• Classic Brands 4.5-Inch Cool Gel Memory Foam Replacement Mattress – Best Sofa Bed Mattress
• West Elm Queen Shelter Sleeper Sofa – Best Luxury

The DHP Emily Futon is Editor’s Pick because it checks all the boxes from functionality to style and affordability. When reclined, the resting area is slightly smaller than a full-size bed, so while it’s sturdy design can accommodate a wide range of weights, it’s best for guests under six-feet tall. We recommend this for shoppers who value style and want an attractive sleeper sofa at a reasonable price. The DHP is available in seven luxurious velvet colors and comes with free 2-day shipping from Wayfair.

This affordable convertible sofa currently retails for just $137 on Amazon.com but doesn’t sacrifice on quality. It easily converts between three positions (sitting, lounging, and sleeping) with a simple push or pull. It is relatively small as a sleeper and is best for a child’s room or small space. It comes in several parts but is easy to assemble. 

If you like a classic look that adds utility to your home, we recommend the Signature by Ashley. This sleeper sofa works in rooms with limited space and seats up to three people. The removable ottomans can be stacked on top of the seating area to preserve more space, used as added seating, or converted into a sleeper sofa. The Eugene Modular Loveseat comes in two solid colors. 

The understated look of the Sarah Sleeper won’t draw too much attention in a room, but it won’t detract from an aesthetic, either. It comes in a wide variety of color and fabric options, ranging from bright velvets to neutral polyesters. The fabric will impact the ultimate price of this sleeper sofa, but the average cost is roughly $600. This sleeper sofa arrives assembled.

This sleeper sofa is easy on the eyes. The tufted detailing, neutral fabric options, and rounded arms make it an appropriate option for elegant guest bedrooms and bonus rooms. The back of the Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon folds down flat to create a roomy, full-sized sleeping space with a weight capacity of 2,000 pounds. It comes with a one year warranty, retails for just under $300, and is available in nine colors.

Sectional sofas are a popular choice for many families thanks to their spacious construction and relaxed aesthetic. If you’re looking for a large, convertible couch for a spacious room, the Eliot Sleeper Sofa is a high-end piece that’s both beautiful and functional for guests. The sectional measures 113”W x 59”D x 34”H and comes with a 365-day trial and free returns. The Joybird Eliot costs a hair less than $3,500 and comes in more than 50 colors. You’ll also have the option to choose the wood stain on the legs and the orientation.

If you prefer the traditional design of pull-out sofas but want a more comfortable option than futons of the past, look to this Classic Brands mattress. This sofa bed easily folds in and out and is made with high-density materials that can support up to 500 pounds.  The mattress models measure 4.5” thick and have different features ranging from targeted pressure relief to temperature regulation. The mattress comes with a 3-year warranty and has medium-plush feel. 

Reviewers write that this luxe West Elm sleeper sofa feels like a cocoon thanks to the loose, reversible cushions on three sides of the upholstered frame. It unfolds into a roomy queen-size bed. The mattress itself features a two-layer construction of high-density foam and gel-infused memory foam that contours to the sleeper’s body and wicks away heat. Those who sit on it will find as much comfort like those who sleep on it, as the seat and back cushions feature fiber-wrapped polyurethane foam and polyester fiber. The West Elm Queen Shelter sofa comes in dozens of colors and retails for $2,599.

Picking the Right Sleeper Sofa for You

When selecting a new sleeper sofa, it’s important to weigh your needs against what’s available on the market. Here’s everything you need to know about sleeper sofas so that you can pick the best design and style for your home.

Types of Sleeper Sofas

The most common types of sofa beds are daybeds, convertible, and lift-and-pull.

• Convertible sleeper sofas fold down via the back to create a flat surface for sleep. Some models also have a 45-degree angle option that’s for lounging
• Lift-and-pull sleeper sofas are the most traditional, featuring a classic sofa style with pillows and a frame that pulls up and out of the sofa base.
• Daybeds are a simple design, similar to a twin-size bed that sits horizontally along a wall.

Considerations when Buying a Sleeper Sofa

• Size will determine how large the sofa is and who can sleep on it. Full- and queen-size sleeper sofas are most common, but twin- and king-size may be available.
• Construction is key, as it’s important that the sofa has a sturdy frame. The strongest frames will use furniture-grade plywood or solid wood.
• Comfort varies by mattress type and cushion fill. Innerspring mattresses are common in sleeper sofas, but they can be uncomfortable. Look for memory foam or latex options.
• Price is up to your budget. Do you host frequently, or is this a sofa that you’ll only use for a year or two in a temporary space, like a dorm room? We recommend investing more money if you plan to have guests stay the night regularly or want to have the piece for more than five years.

Pros of a Sleeper Sofa

Sleeper sofas are a popular choice for individuals and families because they’re a two-in-one. Here are the benefits of buying one:

• Extra sleeping space to host out-of-state friends and relatives
• Additional sleeping space for family members if a partner or child gets sick
• Maximize space in small apartments, living rooms, and bedrooms
• Updated models can transform into beds with relative ease

Cons of a Sleeper Sofa

Here are the cons of purchasing a sleeper sofa:

• Can feel uncomfortable, depending on the mattress and frame used
• Maintenance and cleaning can be challenging depending on the materials
• High-quality, attractive sleeper sofas can be costly
• Can look unattractive in sofa mode

Who is a Sleeper Sofa Best for?

The notion that sleeper sofas are only for college students and recent graduates with limited space and budgets is antiquated. Here’s how to determine whether a sleeper sofa is right for you:

• You have a large house but host over its sleeping capacity several times annually
• You have a long-term guest for several months but don’t have a guest room
• Your children like to have sleepovers and you need extra space to accommodate guests
• You live in a cramped apartment or dorm room and don’t mind transitioning the sofa into a bed every night

FAQ

Are sleeper sofas uncomfortable?

It depends on what you consider uncomfortable. Compared to a luxury mattress, a sleeper sofa may leave a lot to be desired. That said, sleeper sofas serve a very specific purpose, in that they function as a suitable place for sleep and discreetly double as a lovely piece of furniture when not being used as a bed.

We’ll say, compared to other temporary sleeping options, such as air mattresses, futons, and sleeping bags, sleeper sofas tend to most effectively provide the comfort of a normal mattress, especially when equipped with a foam mattress topper or other comfort accessories. 

Can you sleep on a sleeper sofa permanently?

Sleepers sofas can be slept on every night, but you may notice some pressure point pain after some time. If you intend to make your sleeper sofa a permanent place for sleep, we recommend outfitting it with accessories that make it as much like a regular mattress as possible.

Because these sofas, particularly ones with pull-out beds, tend to be on the firmer side, we recommend starting with a mattress topper. Head over to our best memory foam mattress toppers page for some of our favorite options. 

What size sheets does a sleeper sofa use?

It depends on the size of the sleeper sofa. The dimensions of sleeper sofas, be they futon-style, pull-out couches, loveseat sleeper sofas, or sectional sofa beds, tend to be different than those of standard mattresses. As such, you’ll likely need to purchase sheets made specifically for the type of sleeper sofa you purchase. 

Conclusion

As you consider the best sleeper sofa for your household, we hope this guide comes in handy. Use our top 10 sleeper sofa recommendations to get you started in your search and leverage the information in the buyer’s guide to educate yourself about what to look for in a sleeper sofa, what options are available for your budget, and whether a sleeper sofa is the right option for your home.

If you still need guidance in your mattress buying journey, check out our ultimate mattress buying guide here.