A sleeper sofa has two jobs, seating and sleeping, so check both before you buy.
Types of sleeper
- Pull-out sleepers hide a folding metal frame and mattress under the seat cushions; they are the most bed-like.
- Click-clack and futon styles fold the back flat to make the bed; simple and quick, but the sleeping surface is the seat itself.
- Pull-out chaise and storage sleepers extend the seat forward, often with storage under a chaise; good for occasional guests.
- Modular sleepers rearrange cushions into a bed; flexible, with firmness that depends on the cushions.
Measure it open, not just closed
Check the open length on the product page, which is often around 80–95 inches from the back of the sofa. Leave room to walk around the bed and to open doors.
Mattress and comfort
Memory foam and gel mattresses are usually more comfortable than thin innerspring ones. For regular use, look for a thicker mattress and a mechanism that does not leave a bar across the back.
Seating comfort
Sleeper sofas can sit firmer than standard sofas because the mechanism takes space from the seat. If most of the sofa’s life is seating, favour seat comfort.
Browse our sleeper sofas, and remember to measure your route in: how to measure for a sofa.