Next's Palma sofa bed has been one of the brand's bestselling overnight hosting solutions for a while now, and it's easy to see why.

Stylish, multifunctional, and reasonably priced, it's little wonder this fold-out bed gives many of the best sofa beds on the market a run for their money.

However, Next just upped the ante even further by adding *hidden storage* to this popular buy. To my mind, that makes this space-saving sofa bed even more of a game-changer for a small home.

The Palma sofa bed is already a great option if you want to host overnight guests but don't have much floor space.

It's a fold-out design, which means it concertinas up into a two-seater sofa in seat form, but, once extended, creates a double-bed-sized sleeping area. And the two-seater model's compact footprint means it works well in a small living room or home office.

However, when I bought my first sofa bed, the one thing I hadn't factored in was how much space the extra guest bedding would take up in my home.

Most sofa beds require a good mattress topper to make them more comfortable, and these can be bulky to store. Plus, there's the extra guest duvet, pillows, and bed linen that need to be stashed somewhere.

That's why the new Palma storage sofa bed is such a dream for a small home. Unlike the original Next Palma Sofa Bed, which has stylish wooden legs beneath the seat, this new version features a hidden storage drawer at its base.

This drawer provides the ideal storage space for all your guests' bedding – both whilst they're staying with you, and once they've gone home.

As of writing, this new launch comes in two colourways. A boucle fabric in a light 'natural' shade, and a deep 'forest green' colourway in a jumbo chenille cord.

Both make a stylish addition to any home and look set to follow in the popularity of the original Palma sofa bed, which gets rave reviews from Next shoppers.

'We moved into a two-bedroom flat, but the second bedroom is quite tiny,' shares one reviewer of the standard Palma sofa bed on the Next website. 'We didn't want a full bed to take up the entire space all the time, so got this Next sofa bed to roll out when we have guests. It looks really premium and lush!'

'Excellent quality product,' says a second reviewer. 'Looks lovely. Like all sofa beds... firm to sit on and firm to lie on, but it is still comfortable. Very impressed with how easy it was to construct (only needed to add the legs) and the speed of delivery. Well done Next!'

And that £599 price point is definitely another big tick in the new Palma storage sofa bed's favour.

Whilst it's still an investment, as someone who's spent the past five years testing the best sofa beds and best chair beds on the market, I can assure you it's actually a very reasonable price compared to similar options. I've included a few alternatives below so you can compare.

Shop alternatives

When it comes to small space hosting ideas, IKEA is having an absolutely storming year.

The brand already launched one of the best sofa beds I've seen hit the market this year in its PS 2026 sofa bed design, and now it's launched one of the best chair beds I've seen in a *long* time.

In fact, I think the uber contemporary Skiftebo Chair Bed is set to become a design icon of the future, and I can't believe this designer-look small-space solution is only £250.

The Ideal Home team first set eyes on the Skiftebo Chair Bed when our news writer, Kezia Reynolds, flew over to IKEA's design headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden, to cover the launch of the brand's new IKEA PS 2026 collection.

Designed around the central theme of 'playful functionality', the IKEA PS 2026 collection is fun, practical, and – like all of IKEA's range – incredibly well thought through in practical terms.

The collection is also jam-packed with small-space-friendly designs, of which the Skiftebo chair bed is certainly one.

Many of us don't have the space in our homes for a larger sofa bed, and for those of us living in smaller spaces who still want the ability to host a guest, I think a chair bed is the ideal solution.

A chair bed certainly feels a lot more 'intentional' than offering your guest a blow-up mattress, even if it is one of the best air beds on the market.

Plus, as designer of the Skiftebo chair bed, Matilda Lindstam Nilsson, shared with Kezia at the IKEA PS 2026 launch, a chair bed is designed to offer 'many functions in one'.

In the case of the Skiftebo, this means that by night it can be unfolded to become a spacious single sleeping space, whilst by day it doubles up as a very stylish and contemporary accent chair.

And its space-saving build was something Matilda factored in from the start of the design process. 'Of course, you can place it in the living room if you have a big house,' says Matilda, 'but my first thought was to design it for small spaces.'

That means this chair bed has a small footprint that makes it perfect for squeezing into a home office or kids' bedroom.

Although, to my mind at least, this chair bed is far too stylish to let the kids have all the fun!

After all, unlike a lot of chair beds that are on the market, IKEA's Skiftebo isn't just functional furniture. Instead, it features design details that really elevate it into a statement focal point in a room.

I think its design-led look makes it appear a *lot* more expensive than you'd expect from its very reasonable £250 price point.

'It has a lot of IKEA identity,' agrees Matilda, 'it's modern, and we worked a lot with the details to make it smart, functional, and playful.'

From the button detailing and the metal frame that supports the back cushions, to the removable and washable cover that makes for easy maintenance, it feels like every aspect of this chair bed's design has been well considered.

And it's that attention to detail, alongside its contemporary yet timeless design, that I think will make it an IKEA cult classic of the future.

That said, this isn't the only stylish and modern chair bed on the market. I've rounded up a few of my favourite alternatives below so you can compare what's out there and decide if IKEA's new Skiftebo launch is the one for you.

Shop alternatives

John Lewis has just launched a *very* stylish new sofa bed. In fact, I think this ingenious modular design could become a design icon of the future.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've sat on a lot of sofa beds in my time, but over the past five years testing the best sofa beds on the market, I've never seen anything like the brand's latest launch.

What's more, the John Lewis Innovation Living Cozy Pad Sofa Bed hides an emperor bed's worth of sleeping space. That's bigger than a super king bed, and a *lot* of space for overnight guests to stretch out!

Why is this sofa bed so unusual? Because it's a modular design. That means the back cushions and armrests can be detached, and the two layers of seating can be disassembled to create one *enormous* 200 x 200cm sleeping area, or two separate, equally generous single beds.

Or, you can also do a little rejigging of its LEGO-block-like pieces and create a daybed that's perfect for movie nights curled up under a duvet.

When it's in sofa form, the structure is held in place by a minimalist stainless steel frame. Pair those clean lines with the quilted olive green upholstery, and you get a multifunctional sofa bed that looks extremely high-end indeed.

Its modular design is a simple idea on the surface, but one that I haven't seen executed this well before, and the fact that it's designed by Danish brand Innovation Living explains why.

I already dubbed one of the brand's sleeper sofas the most stylish sofa bed on the market, and I think this new launch now gives that Scandi rattan number a run for its money.

Plus, the brand's clever Cubed 140 Sofa Bed was Ideal Home readers' most-shopped sofa bed last year. And little wonder. I've always found Innovation Living's designs to be stylish, practical, and brilliantly designed, so I have no doubt this new launch will be of the same great build quality.

And although in bed form it may look a little 'basic', I actually think that's one of its strengths. There can be a lot of problems with uneven sleeping areas, complicated mechanisms, and armrests that get in the way of sleeping with your average sofa bed.

In contrast, the Innovation Living Cozy Pad simply focuses on providing one giant, well-padded sleeping area.

And whilst this sofa bed certainly isn't 'cheap', its £1649 price tag is what I'd term 'mid-range' in the sofa bed world. When I first saw its distinctive designer look, I was actually expecting it to cost about double that amount, so I do think it's a reasonable price for the combination of stylish good looks, quality, versatility, and its game-changing take on what a sofa bed can be.

But, of course, there are more affordable options on the market, even though, in my opinion at least, they might not *quite* have the same design-icon status that I think the Innovation Living Cozy Pad Sofa Bed is likely to have in the coming years.

Shop alternatives

If, like me, you love the look of this contemporary modular sofa bed but can't quite justify its price tag, I've rounded up some of the most stylish budget-friendly alternatives below.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, it's my job to research and test the latest sleep-related products, including those that make hosting overnight guests a possibility.

This includes keeping track of all the best sofa beds on the market, and there's one sofa bed in particular that I think is especially worth shouting about right now.

That's DUSK's Hudson Sofa Bed, a three-seater sofa bed that retails for a surprisingly budget-friendly £339 and is steadily racking up a roster of 5-star reviews from impressed owners.

In fact, two of the Hudson's five upholstery options are already sold out, so if you're looking for an affordable overnight hosting solution, I think this is definitely a sofa bed to have on your radar sooner rather than later.

Why do I think the DUSK Hudson sofa bed is worth spotlighting? Firstly, because of that affordable price point. This is a large three-seater sofa bed that costs just £339, and whilst that certainly isn't pennies, it is *extremely* affordable compared to most sofa beds of this size.

For reference, the slightly larger Julien Sofa Bed from Habitat costs £850, and the three-seater Bromley Sofa Bed from Darlings of Chelsea retails at over £2000. You'll see why I think DUSK's Hudson is *very* affordable in comparison.

Second, the Hudson is stylish. At this price point, most sofa beds I've come across feel and most certainly *look* pretty basic. In comparison, the Hudson's modern silhouette and slim build make for some very stylish seating.

The upholstery options are on trend, too. The off-white boucle fabric and olive green colourway may be sold out, but, personally, I love the timeless striped upholstery and the rusty terracotta hue.

And third, this sofa bed gets *great* reviews from shoppers who've taken the plunge and invested. DUSK is an online-only retailer, so trying its furniture out in person can be tricky, and honest online reviews are extremely helpful. The number of 5-star reviews this sofa bed has amassed is very reassuring.

'Surprisingly high quality given the cost,' shares one happy owner, 'I love the way it looks and feels in our spare bedroom.'

'I’m thrilled with it,' says another 5-star reviewer. 'Easy to put together, comes in a box, so no issues getting through my difficult front door, great value, fab style and design. I don’t usually leave reviews, but feel the product deserves it.'

'Great value for money,' shares a third owner, 'looks lovely in our room and comfy. I wouldn’t want it as an everyday sofa, but it's perfect for occasional use.'

This echoes what the Ideal Home team felt upon testing the Hudson sofa bed. Our reviewer, Thea, who regularly hosts friends and family in her small apartment, agreed with pretty much all of the online reviews.

In her DUSK Hudson sofa bed review, Thea noted that she found the Hudson a little tricky to assemble by herself (in comparison, we found the Swyft Model 08 Sofa Bed *far* easier to assemble – plus there's the option of white glove delivery where the delivery team do it for you – but then the Swyft model is over four times the price of the Hudson).

Thea also agreed that as a sofa, the Hudson's seating is a little too firm for comfortable everyday use, but found it perfect as an occasional seat. And her 6'4" brother did struggle with the length of the sleeping area: the Hudson's armrests don't detach, so he was forced to sleep diagonally to find enough leg room. As one reviewer notes, 'great for sleeping on – as long as you’re not more than 5’7" tall.'

I'd also recommend factoring in adding one of the best mattress toppers to your purchase for some extra sleep comfort and to protect the sofa bed's upholstery, but this is the case with pretty much all sofa beds.

Overall, for £339, I think those little niggles are to be expected. And if they're things that you can live with, then, like so many of this sofa bed's 5-star reviewers, I think that the DUSK Hudson Sofa Bed is a great buy.

To show you what I mean, I've rounded up a few alternatives below so you can compare the Hudson with its main competition on the market.

Shop alternatives

When you compare prices, I certainly think that the £399 DUSK Hudson Sofa Bed ends up looking like a great deal. And the striped upholstery is actually currently reduced to just £271.

As one of its happy owners sums up, 'I wasn’t 100% sure about how this would work out given the low price, but I am delighted with this sofa, it is sturdy, looks fantastic, and is great value for money.' You can't say much more than that!

If you often (or occasionally) have friends and family stay the night at your home, you've probably explored the most common options for hosting them.

If you're blessed with a spare guest bedroom, this is easy enough, but if, like many of us, you have a small home where every square inch of space is already in use, then options can get a little trickier.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing out some of the best sofa beds and best chair beds on the market, and there are some great options. The one downside is that this multifunctional furniture generally tends to *look* multifunctional.

In most cases, you can usually tell a sofa bed isn't a real sofa the minute you walk into a room, and whilst there's nothing wrong with this, you might want a hosting solution that's a little more 'invisible' in your home. I think Loaf's Bed in a Button is exactly that.

Unlike a sofa bed, which is a sofa that hides a bed inside it, Loaf's Bed in a Button is a bed-in-a-box; that is, a guest bed hidden inside a 'box'. And, in this case, that 'box' is an extremely stylish Chesterfield ottoman.

Personally, I think this is one of the best-disguised guest beds I've ever come across. Once it's folded away, there's no way visitors to your home would know there's a mattress hidden inside it.

This hosting solution is also very visually compact, which is a real bonus in a small home, whether you're placing it in a small living room or a small bedroom.

It comes in two size options, a 'single' which hides a 72cm wide mattress and a 'double' which conceals a 112cm wide mattress. Both of which appear to take up a lot less space in a room than the equivalent-sized seating would due to their low profile.

Even better, this piece of furniture also benefits from Loaf's fantastic upholstery options. There are 32 colour options, most of which come in five different fabric options, including cotton, linen, and boucle materials.

For me, that Chesterfield button detailing is the cherry on the cake, adding a luxe touch that elevates this piece of furniture from practical to pretty in one fell swoop. It's a gorgeous seat when closed, then a pretty headboard when opened.

And it's not the only bed-in-a-box Loaf offers. The retailer has some of the best options on the market, and in my opinion, the brand is leading the way in the bed-in-a box revolution, a growing trend that I think will give the classic sofa bed a real run for its money in the coming years.

The one downside (there had to be one, right?), is the price. Whilst prices for Loaf's bed-in-a-box are more affordable than a sofa bed of comparable quality, they still aren't cheap. As such, I've rounded up a couple of alternative options below.

If you want a spare bed that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb in your home, I think these compact and clever bed-in-a-box options are all great solutions.

Habitat has just reduced the price of its bestselling sofa bed to under £180 in the sale, and I think this space-saving design is definitely worth snapping up whilst it's at such a low price.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing out some of the bestselling sofa beds on the market, and the Habitat Roma Chair Bed is right up there as one of the best value sofa beds I've come across.

And that was *before* the current 20% off discount was applied. Usually around £220, this popular chair bed is now under £180 in selected colourways.

The Habitat Roma is one of my top recommendations in both my guide to the best sofa beds and the best chair beds you can buy, and that's all down to its winning formula of compact, space-saving design (perfect for small homes), a wide range of stylish colourways, and its budget-friendly price tag

This chair bed usually retails for between £210 and £310, depending on the size and upholstery you choose. In the world of sofa beds, that's already very affordable, but thanks to Habitat's current 20% off sale, selected lines are now even more of a bargain.

The lowest-priced option is the Habitat Roma Single Fabric Chairbed in grey, which you can now snap up for just £168, but there are plenty of other great colourways with discounts too.

One of my favourites, the cream boucle fabric Roma chair bed, is currently out of stock, as is the vibrant cobalt blue Roma chair bed that caught my eye as soon as it launched. (Or at least, they're currently out of stock for delivery to my address: if you're based elsewhere in the country, you may be luckier, as stock availability can differ).

However, thankfully, plenty more of my favourite shades are both reduced *and* in-stock online.

Now it is worth noting that this chair bed is on the firmer side. In my opinion, it's definitely best used as an accent or occasional chair rather than everyday seating, and you will want to add one of the best mattress toppers for some extra cushioning when you transform it into a bed, but, as several 5-star reviewers on the Habitat website note, it's a great value option for the occasional overnight guest.

'We bought this for when our son comes home for the weekend,' says one happy owner. 'It will be ideal. Ordinary single bedding will fit perfectly. I will take the advice of another reviewer and get a mattress topper, as the base is quite firm. We bought it in green, and the colour is lovely, as is the fabric. It was very easy to convert to a bed, and back again to a chair... looks very modern and stylish. Would definitely recommend.'

'Really nice colour and it definitely looks more expensive than it is,' shares another 5-star owner.

And as one of the owners notes, 'price was fantastic compared to others we looked at. If you need a spare bed that won’t take up too much room, this is the one. I’m one very happy shopper.'

If you only need to sleep one overnight guest at a time, I think this affordable chair bed is a great buy. And if you need more space for your visitors? The good news is these more spacious Habitat sofa beds also have money off right now.

I feel like the Easter bank holiday often takes me by surprise, and this year is no exception. The four-day event falls on the first weekend of April in 2026, and as March seems to be flying past in the blink of an eye, that means Easter has crept up on me without my realising.

If you're in the same boat – and you've suddenly realised you have Easter guests to host – then you might be scrambling to sort out sleeping solutions for any overnight visitors.

That could mean you're frantically googling for the best air beds to host friends and family during the long weekend, or you're on the hunt for one of the best sofa beds to put relatives up in style.

If it's the latter, then what you might only now be realising is that many sofa beds come with long lead times. Not very helpful if that means your new sleeper sofa won't arrive before your Easter guests do.

But all is not lost. As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've tested dozens of sofa beds from dozens of stores, and I know there are still a few places you can score a top-rate sofa bed with delivery before Easter.

These are three of my top recommendations for where to shop sofa beds with both Next Day and 7-Day delivery options.

Swyft | 24-Hour Delivery

Swyft has some of the speediest sofa bed deliveries on the market, with many of its lines available with 24-hour delivery.

You'll need to check the availability of the particular model you have your eye on, as some upholstery options take longer to be delivered than others, but there's always a great range of quick delivery options.

In my experience – I'm the happy owner of the Swyft Model O8 Chair Bed, one of the best chair beds on the market, especially when it comes to fast arrival – the delivery process is also super smooth and easy, with great communication, friendly delivery teams that will build your new furniture in your room of choice, or very easy self-assembly if you prefer to slot your new sofa bed together with Swyft's no-tool technology yourself.

And even better, the sofa bed and chair bed designs are stylish and practical. They're not necessarily cheap, but I've found my chair bed an investment worth making.

John Lewis | 7-Day Delivery

Alternatively, John Lewis has a great range of sofa beds, and, even better, the John Lewis website has a filter that allows you to narrow down your selection to just those sofa beds that have 7-day delivery available.

You'll need to be quick, but that still gives time to ensure your sofa bed arrives before Good Friday and any Easter guests have a bed for the night.

I rate the Innovation Living Cubed Sofa Bed or Innovation Living Cane Sofa Bed as some of the best in the John Lewis range, and both are available with quick delivery, but there is also a good selection of other styles to choose from.

Habitat | 7-Day Delivery

Habitat's quick-delivery sofa beds are a little trickier to navigate, as delivery times can vary by postcode. However, there are options available with 7-day delivery – you may just need to add your preferred model to your basket to see the exact delivery dates available.

The payoff for a little faffing about to uncover each sofa bed's stock availability is that the brand's sofa beds are a *lot* more affordable than both Swyft and John Lewis. Below are three of my top Habitat picks.

Now all there is to worry about is making sure there's enough Easter eggs to go round!

In my opinion, there are lots of advantages to having a small home: less cleaning, lower heating bills, and far less furniture to buy. However, as we all know, there are also some downsides. For me, the main problem with my small house is the lack of space to host guests.

I spend my working life reviewing the best sofa beds, but can I fit one in my own home? No. For the most part, once they're extended, a sofa bed is too large to fit in my small living room or guest-bedroom-slash-home-office.

Thankfully, all is not lost. I've put a roster of the best chair beds through their paces, and am happy to report their smaller scale is perfect for those of us with limited floor space. The only problem is that chair beds tend to be a lot harder to find than sofa beds.

That's why I was so pleased to see DUSK's new Soho Chair Bed launch. At first glance, I wouldn't have had any clue it hid a single sleeping space under its seat, and even better, this multifunctional hosting solution is only £379.

There are some great chair beds on the market, but one of the common themes is that – at least at the more affordable end of the price spectrum – they tend to be very modern and more suitable as accent chairs rather than seating you can cosy up on.

DUSK's new Soho Chair Bed offers a much more classic design, and at a price that won't break the bank.

The armchair is designed in a similar style to the brand's bestselling Soho seating collection, and features generously proportioned seating, armrests, and padded back support.

It would look great styled with the rest of the furniture set in a larger home, but for me, it's the perfect solution for my small guest bedroom that also doubles as my home office.

This room gets swamped by a full-size single bed, but a chair bed is the perfect solution for hosting occasional guests, while allowing me more space to use the room for other purposes once it's folded away.

And by the looks of it, transforming this chair from sitting to sleeping is super easy. You simply pull out the lower trundle section to create the single sleeping space.

My colleague Thea has the DUSK Hudson Sofa Bed in her own home, and although she says it feels quite firm for sitting and sleeping, it's nothing a good mattress topper can't solve. At this price, I imagine the Soho Chair Bed will have a similar feel. And, like all of DUSK's furniture range, it offers very stylish design considering its budget-friendly price tag.

The only downside is that there are currently lead times for this product. The natural beige colourway is available from April, but the olive green and grey upholstered options aren't available in May. Perhaps not ideal if you have guests coming to stay this Easter.

I've rounded up some in-stock alternatives below, but if you're looking for an affordable chair bed that offers a classic 'traditional' armchair design, I think DUSK's new launch is well worth having on your radar.

Shop alternatives

Next has just launched a new colourway in its bestselling Palma sofa bed, and I think this gorgeous shade is exactly what 2026 calls for.

Whether it's bedding trends or colour trends, this year, earthy tones are in. As are deep reds, and the new Next Soft Twill Rust Brown Palma Double Sofa Bed combines the best of both with its beautiful rust-red upholstery.

Plus, this sculptural sofa bed with its eye-catching curved backrest is only £499, which, in terms of the best sofa beds on the market, is a bargain indeed.

I thought Next's Palma sofa bed was a great buy when it first launched, in a white boucle upholstery. However, I have to admit, white isn't the most practical choice for seating, let alone a piece of furniture guests will be sleeping on, so it's great to see it reimagined in a more practical colourway.

Luckily, this is one of those occasions where practicality doesn't mean any loss of style points, as this rust-red colour is big news in interiors this year, reflecting a return to shades that are inspired by nature.

It's perhaps no surprise then that this sofa bed has already amassed a fan club, with Next shoppers rating it an average of 5 out of 5 stars, and considering its mix of space-saving practicality, stylish good looks, and affordable price tag, it's easy to see why.

'Bought for spare room/office and very happy I chose this one,' says one 5-star reviewer of the Palma sofa bed on the Next website. 'It is so nice, lovely colour, very sturdy, and is quite chic looking. Very happy customer!'.

In fact, the Palma sofa bed now comes in a range of ten colourways, with easy-to-style, grey, navy, and olive green upholstery options, as well as more unusual black and white striped and even a faux fur cow print option!

Plus, this sofa bed isn't all about looks. Like most click-clack sofa beds, it will likely need the addition of one of the best mattress toppers to make it a more comfortable guest bed, but Next shoppers are still impressed by its build quality and functionality, as well as its compact space-saving design.

'Bought this for my son’s loft bedroom, so had to be compact to fit up the loft stairs,' shares one happy owner. 'Perfect size and great quality fabric. Easy to convert to a bed. Looks stylish. The bed is fine for occasional use.'

'Looks as good as in the photos,' says another 5-star reviewer. 'Really easy to put together, cleverly designed pocket to house the legs, which easily screwed in... very sturdy... very comfy.'

And also a very good price. I've rounded up three of my tried-and-tested alternative options below, but as you'll see, the Next Palma sofa bed gives them all a run for their money in terms of style, practicality, and affordablity.

Shop alternatives

All in all, I still think the Next Palma sofa bed is a great buy. And now it's available in this new on-trend colourway, there's even more reason to shop.

Habitat has just launched a new £299 sofa bed, and its retro vibes sum up a look that the brand says is going to be *big* this year.

Yep, it may be 2026, but as the modern world becomes an increasingly over-stimulating and unpredictable place, Habitat has picked up on a collective hankering for simpler times, and hip 1950's and 1960's styling is back.

The clean-lined Habitat Theo Fabric 3 Seater Clic Clac Sofa Bed, with its simple silhouette, smart buttoned back seating, and dark wood legs, encapsulates the look perfectly, and it's not the only retro-inspired piece in the new Habitat collection that's making an impact.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years testing out the best sofa beds on the market, and during that time Habitat has emerged as one of my go-to stores for stylish, practical, and *affordable* sofa bed designs.

Habitat's Kota Three-Seater Sofa Bed has been a bestseller for years thanks to its generous seating and *very* affordable price tag, and the new Theo sofa bed looks to draw inspiration from its build, whilst offering a much cleaner, sharper, and, in my opinion at least, a far higher-end designer appearance.

It offers seating for three and a simple clic-clac transformation that enables the backrest to fold down into two sections to create a sleeping area that's somewhere between a standard single bed and a small double.

Habitat isn't the only brand to have embraced Mid-Century styling in its sofa bed ranges; both the John Lewis G Plan Vintage The Fifty Four Sofa Bed and Swyft's Model 02 Sofa Bed look like they could have stepped straight out of a Mad Men episode, but Habitat's retro design is (by far) the most affordable option I've come across.

And the new Theo sofa bed isn't the only 1950's and 1960's inspired furniture Habitat has on offer. The brand also recently launched the Albers furniture collection, which, thanks to its super sleek chrome metal styling, couldn't get more retro if it tried.

Shop Habitat's 1950's inspired furniture collection

Personally, I'm loving this return to the hip vibes of the 1950's and and 60's, and Habitat's affordable price points mean you can invest in some cult classics of the future without breaking the bank.

This week, popular sofa and furniture brand Swyft announced that from next week, the brand’s going to increase its prices across all of its categories and products. The Swyft price increase comes into effect on Monday, 2nd February. That can only mean one thing – you have until Sunday, 1st February to take advantage of the current pricing.

If you’ve had your eye on anything from Swyft’s best sofas to its amazing sofa beds, as well as loads of other furniture the brand has on offer, now is the time to commit and invest. This is the first time the company has increased its pricing since 2022. And while the amount by which the prices are set to rise will vary from product to product, it’s all going to be under 5%.

‘We have kept our overall pricing the same since 2022 and not compromised on quality or service in that period,’ says Keiran Hewkin, co-founder and CEO of Swyft. ‘Unfortunately, as with every sector, inflation does impact our ability to continue to deliver everything our customers have come to expect. So we are going to put a small 3-4% increase through (1% per year annualised since 2022) to ensure we don’t ever compromise our product or our industry-leading next-day and nominated-day delivery.’

As Kieran mentions, Swyft is well-known and loved for its speedy 24-hour delivery service, as well as for its ‘sofas in a box’ which are easy to assemble and make it easy to fit them into any home, no matter how small.

I’m particularly fond of the brand for its best modular sofas, a popular category for Swyft and one that keeps growing as Swyft launched the Model 13 ‘cloud’ sofa at the end of last year.

Now that payday is here and we all actually have some money to spend, here are mine and our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood’s top Swyft picks we recommend shopping for before Monday, 2nd Feb. Now is a great time to buy, also because Swyft's winter sale is still on, but will end at the start of next week.

Top Swyft picks

Are you planning on taking advantage of Swyft’s current pricing before it goes up from next week?

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing sofa beds from multiple retailers, and during that time I've learnt three key lessons.

One, sofa beds are *expensive*. Two, most of them just aren't comfortable enough to use as everyday seating in the living room, no matter what the retailer might promise. And three, even the best sofa beds tend to lack the much-needed storage space to stash spare guest bedding.

That's why the IKEA FRIHETEN sofa bed is such a rare find. At only £599 for the chaise version, which comes with hidden storage space, this is a *very* affordable buy compared to the competition.

When I tested it in store, I found the £550 FRIHETEN Three-Seater Sofa Bed the most comfortable for everyday use. That's because it offers the most padded seating, but the fact that this sofa bed design is also available in a storage chaise *and* an even rarer corner sofa version is pretty unheard of.

However, despite its many plus points, I don't think the FRIHETEN is perfect. Obviously, whether you like the way a sofa bed looks comes down to personal preference, and whilst I do like the shape of this sofa bed, it's a little basic.

Plus, although they're pretty inoffensive, I certainly don't *love* the four upholstery options it comes in. As such, I've rounded up my three top IKEA FRIHETEN sofa bed alternatives below.

Now, my alternatives are more expensive than the FRIHETEN. We may as well get that out in the open straight off the bat. As I've said, it's very tricky to find a good sofa bed for a budget-friendly price. One of the main reasons IKEA sofa beds are definitely worth considering is that they're *so* affordable compared to alternatives.

However, if you're considering buying the sizeable FRIHETEN, my guess is you're looking for a sofa bed for use in your living room rather than one that will be tucked away, out of sight, in a home office or guest bedroom.

And if the sofa bed you choose is going to be on display in your main living space every day, then in my opinion, it can be worth investing a little more to get a sofa you *really* like the look of.

These are the three options I think are well worth weighing up as an IKEA FRIHETEN alternative.

Alternative 1: Habitat Julien Sofa Bed

Like the IKEA FRIHETEN, the Habitat Julien sofa bed is *spacious* and offers plenty of seating space.

The three-seater IKEA FRIHETEN measures 225cm in width, which the brand estimates will seat three comfortably. The Habitat Julien sofa bed is marketed as a four-seater. It measures 238cm in width, which means you get a lot of seating.

It's also another affordable option, especially right now, as it currently has 20% off in Habitat's winter sale. Plus, although it currently only comes in two colourways, in my opinion, both velvet upholstery options look far more expensive than their price tag suggests.

And, as the Habitat Julien sofa bed was only launched in 2025, I'm hoping there will be more upholstery options on their way in 2026.

Alternative 2: Heal's Oswald Sofa Bed

Heal's Oswald sofa bed is by far the most expensive alternative to the IKEA FRIHETEN, but it has a lot going for it.

Like the FRIHETEN, it's a three-seater sofa, measuring 222cm in width, and it's equally generous in bed form. The FRIHETEN offers an almost king-size sleeping area, measuring 144 x 199cm, whilst the Oswald offers a true king-size sleeping space, with 152 x 222cm worth of space for guests to stretch out. That's pretty unheard of in the world of sofa beds, where scrimping on sleeping space is the norm.

Again, upholstery options are limited to just four colourways, but having seen them in the flesh, the Oswald's fabric options are of high quality, and, in my opinion, are likely to wear better and last longer than the FRIHETEN's budget-friendly materials.

Its mechanisms for unfolding the bed were also far smoother and felt more robust than the FRIHETEN, and the Oswald also offers generous hidden storage space.

Alternative 3: Swyft Model 12 Chaise Sofa Bed

But what if you're on the hunt for a chaise sofa bed? Well, you could pull up an upholstered footstool to one of the options above, but if you want a true chaise, Swyft's Model 12 Chaise Sofa Bed is the one I'd put on your radar.

The Model 12 comes in a much wider selection of upholstery options than the IKEA FRIHETEN, and similar to IKEA's chaise, it offers hidden storage space in the chaise section, thanks to a lift-up top.

Plus, this sofa bed is delivered flat-packed, which makes it suitable for those of us with awkward delivery access, and it's super easy to assemble thanks to Swyft's no-tool locking system – far quicker than assembling an IKEA flatpack, in my experience.

Ultimately, whether you opt for the IKEA FRIHETEN or one of these IKEA FRIHETEN alternatives, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the sit-sleep space you invest in.

The January sales are full of great furniture deals, and if you're currently on the hunt for a way to host overnight guests, New Year discounts have just delivered the lowest price I've ever seen on Heal's bestselling sofa bed.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years testing and writing about sofa beds for our best sofa beds guide, and in that time, the Heal's Oswald sofa bed has remained one of the best I've lain on.

The one downside? It's definitely not cheap. However, the January sales have just provided the biggest discount I've ever seen Heal's offer on this sofa bed, so if you're ready to invest in a sleeper sofa that your guests will truly appreciate, now is the time to do it.

Why do I rate this sofa bed so highly? Because, thanks to what Heal's dubs 'hyper soft' foam layers and its pocket spring support, I found it super comfortable for both sitting *and* sleeping when I tested it in-store, and that's a rare mix in the world of sofa beds.

Plus, it also hides a king-size sleeping area. This is another real rarity when most sofa beds on the market offer less than a double-sized sleeping space.

And I'm not alone in thinking this sofa bed is something of a one-of-a-kind. Whilst the Innovation Living Cubed 140 sofa bed at John Lewis was Ideal Home readers' most popular sofa bed of 2025, those with the space to upsize from a double sleeping space to a king-size sleeping area shopped this Heal's bestseller.

Yep, the Heal's Oswald sofa bed was Ideal Home readers' runner-up for the most-shopped sofa bed last year.

However, unlike many sofa beds, which regularly go on sale, such as the Habitat Julien sofa bed, which I've seen discounted a couple of times in the past year, Heal's rarely offers discounts on its stock.

Usually, the Oswald sofa bed is only reduced during Heal's Black Friday deals and the brand's January sale. And in previous years, that discount has been 15% off.

This year is the first time I've seen this sofa bed with a 20% off discount, and whilst its price is definitely still at the premium end of the scale, a £560 discount is certainly very welcome.

If you've been searching for a sofa bed that's comfortable enough to use as your everyday sofa, this is it, and now is the time to shop.

Of course, this isn't the only sofa bed worth shopping right now, and it isn't the only sofa bed that has a hefty discount today.

This is one of the best times of year to buy a sofa bed, and the January sales are offering up plenty more savings on some of my top-rated sleeper sofas. I've rounded up three of my top alternative recommendations below.

Shop alternatives

When the Habitat Julien Sofa Bed launched earlier this year, to say our team was excited would be an understatement. A sofa bed that delivered both designer good looks and a comfortable sitting/sleeping experience for £850 was enough to impress us, but right now it is an even better deal in the Habitat winter sale at £650.

The original Julien sofa has been one of the top-rated models in our best sofa guide for a couple of years, so it was music to our Sleep and Room Decor Editors' ears when the Habitat Julien Sofa Bed launched back in August.

It almost immediately won a spot in the best sofa beds guide due to the level of comfort it delivered for both sitting and sleeping, which is almost unheard of for a sofa bed under £1000.

The four-seater sofa bed is one of those rare affordable sofa beds that is both comfortable and stylish enough that it can be used as a main sofa in a living room. Right now, with the discounted price, it is actually cheaper than the regular Julien four-seater sofa in green.

The sofa bed has a smart, boxy mid-century design and uses pocket-spring foam cushions that give the sofa a good amount of bounce. The backrest folds down easily to create a double bed-sized sleeping area.

What really impressed our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood, is that the sleeping area measures W137 x L191, which matches a full-sized double bed. This again is a rarity, with most sofa beds offering a much smaller sleeping space.

The downside is that the discount is only available on the natural colourway, rather than the striking green option. However, a natural coloured sofa bed is incredibly versatile and can be matched up with any colour scheme using cushions and colourful throws.

The sofa bed has mostly glowing reviews, with shoppers commenting on its comfort levels and how easy it is to convert into a sofa bed. However, one review does still recommend layering one of the best mattress toppers on the sleeping area to make the sofa bed more comfortable for guests.

The Julien sofa bed was the fourth most popular sofa bed with Ideal Home readers this year, so if you're in the market for a new sofa bed, I wouldn't let it linger in your shopping basket too long. It's already selling fast, and at this price, you don't want to miss out.

Complete the look

If you're currently thinking about buying a sofa bed, then the IKEA LYCKSELE LÖVÅS sofa bed could well be on your radar. This sofa bed has been one of the brand’s bestsellers for years now, and for good reason.

However, whilst its selling points can definitely give the best sofa beds on the market a run for their money, the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS does have some downsides. Plus, whilst IKEA sofa beds *are* worth the investment, the brand generally doesn't offer much in terms of Black Friday deals.

As Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor, I’ve spent the last four years visiting stores across the country putting sofa beds to the test, and in that time, I've come across three IKEA LYCKSELE LÖVÅS alternatives that I think are well worth considering. Even better, my three alternative suggestions all have hefty Black Friday discounts this week.

Now, don't get me wrong, the IKEA LYCKSELE LÖVÅS sofa bed does have a lot going for it. Firstly, you can pick up this sofa bed in store before Christmas, plus, it’s affordable (in sofa bed terms), it sleeps two, comes with a choice of three mattress types, and it comes with a removable cover that can be washed or replaced if you want to change its look.

However, in my opinion, it’s not the most stylish design. In some product imagery, IKEA shows it cleverly styled in a living room as the main living room seating, but in reality, I’m not sure that most of us would choose its fairly basic look to be the focal point of our home.

Plus, whenever I’ve tested it in store, or slept on it at a friend's house, I haven’t found it *that* comfortable. Certainly not so comfortable that I’d want to use it as my main living room seating.

Compared to other sofa beds I’ve unfurled, I also find the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS a little heavy and cumbersome to change from sitting to sleeping and back again.

And let’s not even get into the struggle of getting that cover back on the sofa singlehandedly. It may look simple to fit, but it’s most definitely a two-person job, and even then, I find it's a bit like trying to squeeze a wriggly and reluctant toddler into a winter coat.

So what are the options if you want to shop for an IKEA LYCKSELE LÖVÅS sofa bed alternative? Below are my top three recommendations.

Alternative 1: Habitat Fabric Chairbed

Now, admittedly, this £85 Habitat Fabric Chair Bed can only sit and sleep one, and it's aimed at kids, not adults. But I find the IKEA LYCKSELE LÖVÅS is most commonly used in kids' bedrooms or playrooms to accommodate sleepovers, and that generally means only one sleeper at a time.

Plus, considering the price point of this Habitat chair bed, you could buy two (or even three) of these Habitat chair beds for less than the price of the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS and push them together to make a sofa. This fabric chair bed is also far simpler to transform from chair to bed, so kids can do it themselves without any risk of trapped fingers.

The downsides are that you can't wash or replace the cover, and your guests will be sleeping closer to the floor. But depending on your needs, this could be a viable (and far more affordable) alternative to the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS.

And the best part? There's currently 20% off the Habitat Fabric Chair Bed using code FURN20 at checkout as part of Habitat's Black Friday deals. Plus, order soon, and Habitat promises it will be delivered in time for Christmas.

Alternative 2: Habitat Roma Sofa Bed

A more grown-up alternative to the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS is the Habitat Roma sofa bed. This is a 'click-clack' sofa bed where the backrest folds flat to form the sleeping area alongside the seat. Again, I found it much easier to transform from sofa to bed than the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS, and personally, I think it looks a lot more stylish than the IKEA option.

In terms of seat comfort, both make for acceptable occasional seating, and in bed form, both will benefit from the addition of a good mattress topper. There isn't that much in it, in terms of comfort.

The Roma is also cheaper. However, where Habitat's option does fall short is in sleeping space. The Roma comes in three size options, and the largest 'double' only offers a 121 x 190cm sleeping area compared to the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS's 140 x 188cm mattress. For reference, a regular double bed measures 135cm in width.

If you don't need to sleep two guests at a time, you can shop the Habitat Roma Sofa Bed with 20% off this Black Friday thanks to that FURN20 discount code, and if you *do* want to host two guests at a time, read on for my third LYCKSELE LÖVÅS alternative.

Alternative 3: Innovation Living Cubed Sofa Bed

Yes, this Innovation Living sofa bed is more expensive, but I found it a lot sturdier in person than IKEA's LYCKSELE LÖVÅS when I tested it in my local John Lewis store, and far easier to transform into a bed. Plus, it offers a generous 140 x 200cm sleeping area that rivals that of the 140 x 188cm LYCKSELE LÖVÅS.

That means you can easily sleep two guests at a time whilst still benefiting from the Cubed's small footprint thanks to its armless design. Tall guests will even get more leg room.

I also think the Cubed 140 looks a *lot* smarter than the LYCKSELE LÖVÅS. IKEA's option is great for a kids' room, but if you want a smart, grown-up sofa bed for a home office or spare guest bedroom, in my opinion, the Cubed looks a lot more refined.

And whilst it is definitely more of an investment than IKEA's sofa bed, if the Cubed ticks your boxes, then now is the time to shop. John Lewis' Black Friday sale is currently delivering a 20% discount on the Innovation Living Cubed 140 Sofa Bed in selected colourways.

Will you be snapping up one of these Black Friday deals instead of the IKEA LYCKSELE LÖVÅS?

In my opinion, there are two types of people in the world. Those who get Christmas planned, prepped, and sorted before October is even over. And those who begin to think about the festive season, say, about now.

I am firmly in the second camp, and whilst starting to think about the festive season in mid-November doesn't in any way qualify as 'last minute', it does throw up one problem if you have guests coming to stay this Christmas and you don't already have one of the best sofa beds in place.

Many sofa beds are made to order with long lead times. I've learnt during my time as Ideal Home's Sleep and Sofa Bed Editor, that by now (mid-November), we've passed the cut-off point for ordering a new sofa bed that will arrive before Christmas at many retailers. Luckily, there *are* still places you can shop for quick delivery sofas and sofa beds right now; you just need to know where to look.

At this time of year, my top recommendation for pre-Christmas delivery is always Swyft. The brand's sofa bed collection is stylish, practical, and its website handily sorts its range into Swyft sofa beds that are available with pre-Christmas delivery, and even Swyft sofa beds that have *next-day* delivery. Trust me, next-day delivery is pretty much unheard of in the world of sofa beds!

Swyft's website also makes it very clear exactly when the delivery of each upholstery option is available from, so you know exactly what you're getting before you shop.

This is in contrast to many retailers, where that info can be kept a little vague until *after* you've placed your order. And that's pre-Christmas stress no one needs.

However, Swyft isn't the only place you can score a sofa bed in time for Christmas. There's a useful 'In Time for Christmas' filter on John Lewis' sofa bed collection, with many options available with seven-day delivery times, and Habitat flags its sofa beds with quicker delivery times with an 'In time for xmas' badge.

I've rounded up three of my favourite styles below, but there are plenty more quick delivery options on all of these retailers' websites right now.

Sofa beds with pre-Christmas delivery

Aldi has just launched a £34.99 sofa bed, and although it does come with a catch, this bargain piece of furniture could make Christmas hosting *much* easier.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past four years putting the best sofa beds on the market to the test, and one thing I can tell you for sure is that I've never come across a sofa bed as cheap as this before.

Generally speaking, the most affordable sofa beds on the market start around £250, and a model with all the bells and whistles can cost upwards of £3000.

In comparison, Aldi's £34.99 sofa bed is a complete steal. The catch?... This sofa bed is inflatable! But here's why I think that could be a real plus point.

Available in stores from 20^th November, the Aldi Inflatable Pull Out Sofa may not be a permanent piece of furniture, but that could be a good thing.

The festive season sees all sorts of things occurring that don't take place the rest of the year, such as multiple friends and family descending on your home all on the same day.

Yes, a sofa bed can be a great solution, but if you don't use it for the rest of the year, that's a big piece of furniture taking up a lot of real estate in your home. An inflatable sofa bed can simply be deflated and packed away until next year.

Plus, as I've mentioned, 'real' sofa beds are expensive. If your Christmas gatherings involve lots of young children or teenagers, then you *might* not want them sprawled all over your brand new seating, or to be worrying about sticky fingers on your new upholstery.

Opting for this Aldi inflatable offers extra seating with the peace of mind that you can wipe it clean as many times as needed during the festivities, and just like one of the best air beds, it can be transformed into extra sleeping space that the littlest ones in your Xmas gathering will love. After all, what kid doesn't love a campout in the living room!

And although Aldi isn't the only place you can buy this sort of inflatable multifunctional furniture, it is the cheapest. Argos sells the Intex Flocked Inflatable Pull Out Camping Sofa for £75, and Amazon has the same Intex Inflatable Sofa Bed on sale for under £55, as of writing. At full RRP, that's nearly twice the price of this Aldi bargain.

That said, you don't have to go inflatable, of course. There are affordable sofa beds out there if you'd rather host your Christmas guests on something a little sturdier. I've included my top recommendations below for comparison.

Shop alternatives

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've learnt a *lot* about sofa beds over the past four years.

During that time, I've tested the best sofa beds on the market, and in doing so, I've been able to compare features and specifications to see what makes for a good sitting and sleeping experience, and what doesn't.

However, when I bought my first sofa bed over ten years ago, I didn't have any of the knowledge I do now, and as a result I made one big mistake in my purchase.

That mistake made my sofa bed a lot less useful than it should have been, and ultimately resulted in a lot of wasted money. This is what I wish I'd known before I invested in a sleeper sofa.

My big mistake

The sofa bed I bought way back when isn't available now, but it was a three-seater sofa bed that offered a really generous amount of sitting space. It was even *comfortable* – something I'd soon discovered definitely isn't guaranteed when it comes to sofa bed hunting.

What's more, when I tested its pull-out mattress in the store, the bed was pretty comfortable too. Certainly a lot more comfortable than the air bed I'd been asking friends and family to camp out on whenever they came to visit. It was this that convinced me to invest nearly £800 in buying it.

And to start with, my guests seemed to love my new sofa bed too. Over the next few weekends, I had a couple of different friends come to stay, and they both gave favourable reviews of their sleeping experience.

However, where things went a little pear-shaped was when I had my first two guests come to stay at the same time. I had tested the sofa bed in the store on my own, and when I lay on the bed in an unfamiliar environment, it *seemed* pretty big, and it was marketed as a sofa bed that slept two.

Add to that the generous size of the sofa, and I made the assumption that the pull-out mattress inside was the equivalent of a double mattress and would easily cater to a couple sharing a bed.

In practice, it soon became very clear that the pull-out mattress was *not* in fact a double, and my guests had a very cramped night's sleep that resulted in one of them opting to abandon ship and sleep on the floor during the night. Not exactly the hosting experience I had planned on delivering!

What I hadn't realised back then is that very few sofa beds offer a true double bed-sized sleeping space, and despite its deceptively generous seating, the sofa bed I'd invested in was particularly short on sleeping space.

This may not be an issue if you tend to host one guest at a time, but if, like me, you occasionally – or regularly – want to host a couple of guests at a time, it's a factor that can make-or-break your guests' comfort.

After four years of testing mattresses for our best mattress guide, I now know a lot more about standard mattress sizes. I've included a quick reference guide below.

Interestingly, you'll notice that you would need a super king-size mattress for each person to get the same individual sleeping space that a single mattress offers – definitely something to bear in mind when you're shopping for your next mattress – but, back to sofa beds.

I now know that despite often generous seating, the average sofa bed tends to offer only a *small* double bed's worth of sleeping space, that's just 120 x 190cm.

Frequently, I come across sofa beds billed as 'doubles' that offer even less sleeping space than that. When you check the measurements, a sleeping area that's the equivalent of somewhere between a single and a small double isn't uncommon.

And unless your guests enjoy getting particularly cosy or are very petite indeed, a couple probably aren't going to get the best night's kip on a sofa bed this size.

Having made that mistake once, I now make sure to check the measurements of the sleeping area on any sofa bed I review – and I highly recommend you do the same with any sofa bed you're considering purchasing.

Often, this isn't as easy as it might sound, and you need to dig into the technical specifications before you can find out those details. But I can attest to it being *well* worth the time and effort if you want a sofa bed that will really suit your needs and doesn't end up being a (big) waste of money.

Or, you could let me do the hard work for you. Of all the sofa beds I've tested over the past four years, these are three of my top recommendations that offer a true double bed sized sleeping area. Some even offer a king-size sleeping area.

Now that's something your guests will *really* thank you for!

Three solutions

Last Saturday, Swyft’s first physical store, named Store 01, opened in London’s Angel. I popped in on the launch day to see and experience this new shop of one of my favourite brands of sofas and furniture for myself. And I’m so glad this store now exists so you and I can see and try all of Swyft’s popular sofas and sofa beds in one place.

When I was doing research for Ideal Home’s best sofas and best modular sofas guides earlier this year, I had a hard time tracking down all the different Swyft sofa models that I wanted to try in person. Even though John Lewis stocks the majority of the styles, only a fraction is available to see and test out at the retailer’s physical stores, so I had to sift through all the various little stockists that have one or two models on show to track down the ones I wanted to see.

But with Swyft’s new Store 01 now on the scene, that’s a thing of the past for all Londoners, myself included.

The store spans two floors at Islington Square shopping centre - the full address is at Unit G17, Islington Square, 129F Upper Street, N1 1QP - which is a perfect location if you ask me as it offers a lot of space and the likes of Arlo & Jacob and The Lounge Co are Swyft’s new neighbours, with a Loaf store also in the neighbourhood just a five-minute walk away. So if you’re shopping for a new sofa or sofa bed, you can hit up multiple sofa stores in one go.

‘Store 01 - Angel marks a really exciting moment for Swyft,’ says Ben White, commercial director at Swyft. ‘It’s our first physical space and a true reflection of who we are as a brand. We wanted to create somewhere that feels welcoming, relaxed, and design-led; a place where customers can experience the quality, comfort, and craftsmanship of our furniture in person. Angel, and Islington Square specifically, felt like the perfect fit with its vibrant, creative community that mirrors our own values. The store is designed to feel like a home, not a showroom, giving customers the chance to see, touch, and imagine Swyft pieces in real life.’

Swyft is most known for its quick-delivery sofas and sofa beds which can be with you within 24 hours after you place your order which is pretty unheard of, since sofas famously come with long-lead delivery times of several weeks. Another great thing about Swyft’s best sofa beds and sofas is that they arrive flatpacked in a box but are also super easy and fast to assemble.

But as already mentioned, the one downside was the difficulty to try the products out IRL before purchasing. But that’s no longer the case as the store’s two floors showcase the brand’s sofa and sofa bed designs, as well as its beds, ottomans, coffee tables, dining furniture, cushions and rugs – even I didn’t know how many different rug designs Swyft sells, it might just be one of my new favourite places to buy rugs.

One wall is also dedicated to all the different fabrics you can get your sofa or sofa bed in, including Swyft’s collaboration with Morris & Co. that launched earlier this year.

Top Swyft picks

The store is now open every week from Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and from 10am to 5pm on weekends – are you planning a visit?

IKEA has just launched a new sofa bed, the GRUNNARP, and it offers a lot for its £650 price tag.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've tested hundreds of sofa beds to create our guide to the best sofa beds on the market, and I think IKEA's new launch is well worth having on your radar if you're on the hunt for an affordable way to host overnight guests.

Why? For a start, the IKEA GRUNNARP sofa bed offers great value for money. Admittedly, a £650 investment isn't cheap, but this is a three-seater sofa bed that transforms into a full-sized double bed, capable of sleeping two guests.

That's unusual in sofa beds in this price category. A standard double mattress measures 135 x 190cm, and most 'double' sofa beds offer a lot less sleeping space than this. In contrast, the GRUNNARP provides a generous 142 x 200cm sleeping area once it's fully extended.

Available in three colour options – grey, beige, and pink – the GRUNNARP also looks like a standard sofa, and a stylish one at that, so it's an option you can use in your main living space without anyone knowing it hides a bed inside.

For comparison, you could opt for Habitat's Kota 3-Seater Clic Clac Sofa Bed, which offers a similar amount of seating space for just £375. However, you don't get a double sleeping area, and its build is a little... basic. It's a useful budget-friendly option for a spare bedroom or home office, but you may not want it in your main living room.

The Habitat Julien Fabric 4 Seater Sofa Bed can seat four and features a double sleeping area, but it costs £850. That's £200 more than the new IKEA GRUNNARP. Every other double-bed-sized sofa bed I've tested and can recommend costs *far* more than that, with prices generally around the £1500 mark and above.

Plus, the GRUNNARP is also hiding another secret. There's roomy storage space hidden under its bench seating. That means if you have a small home that's short on cupboards, you have some much-needed extra room to stash the spare duvet, mattress topper, and bedding your overnight guests will need when they sleep over.

When it comes to how to store guest bedding, it's amazing how much space an extra set of bed linen can take up, even with the best bedding organisation. For that reason, the GRUNNARP's secret storage space is a real bonus.

Overall, this new IKEA launch offers stylish design – I love those rounded armrests –generous seating, a full-sized double sleeping area, *and* hidden storage, which I think makes it a great value buy.

Yes, this is IKEA, and that means you will need to assemble this piece of multifunctional furniture yourself. But if your home is anything like mine, with awkward delivery access, that could be another plus point. After all, it's far easier to get flat-packed furniture through a narrow hallway or awkward entryway.

I've included three tried-and-tested alternatives below so you can compare for yourself, but to my mind, the GRUNNARP looks like a great buy.

I never thought I’d be the kind of person to rave about a sofa bed. In my experience, they’ve always been the poor relation of a 'real' bed – fine for the odd overnight guest, but never something you’d look forward to sleeping on. So when I started hunting for one, my expectations weren’t exactly high.

Then I came across the Swyft Model 08 sofa bed. I chose the two-seater version in the Indigo Velvet colourway, and from the moment it arrived, it felt like it was in a different league to even the best sofa beds I’d known prior.

It was delivered in easy-to-handle boxes and assembled in less than five minutes by the delivery team – no tools, no stress. The fabric is rich and elegant, the seat size feels generous without dominating the room, and best of all, it doesn't obviously look like a sofa bed.

At this point, I should confess something: my actual bed isn’t all that comfortable. I’ve tried to make it better with not one, but two mattress toppers (they're both excellent, but the mattress my rental came with does need them both. For reference, I use the Woolroom Deluxe and the Rise and Fall versions) and it still doesn’t compare.

To give the sofa bed an extra boost, I bought Swyft’s own double mattress topper, and the result is so comfortable that I’d happily sleep on it every night. The only minor gripe is that the topper has to be stored separately, as the sofa can’t fold away with it on, so it's you're short on storage space this is something worth bearing in mind.

The biggest surprise, is what happens when you unfold the Swyft Model 08. I’ll admit, I assumed it would be more of a small double – fine for one, but a bit too much of a squeeze for two people to feel comfortable.

However, once you take off the side cushions, you’re left with a genuinely spacious bed. As a result, everyone I've had to stay on it (couples included) have raved about the quality of sleep they got.

And honestly, neither can I. I bought the Model 08 to make life easier for having visitors, but now, more than once, I’ve been tempted to swap it for my main bed altogether.

So would I recommend it? Without hesitation. The Swyft Model 08 sofa bed is comfortable, practical, and stylish all at once. It’s rare to find a piece of furniture that ticks all three boxes, but this one does. I bought it for guests, but I’ve ended up using it myself, so don’t be surprised if you end up fighting your guests for the chance to sleep on it.

Alternative sofa beds

So, tell me, am I the only one who's ever come across a sofa bed better than their real bed?!

If you’re looking for ways to host guests without a dedicated guest bedroom in your home, a sofa bed is a great investment.

However, if you have an awkwardly shaped house – whether that’s because you live in a Victorian terrace with a narrow hallway, an apartment that doesn’t have an internal lift, or a tightly twisting staircase – getting one of the best sofa beds into your home and to your room of choice can be easier said than done.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution: the flatpack sofa bed. And whilst there are a growing number of retailers who offer flatpack sofa beds, it's Swyft's flatpack sofa beds that stand out for me.

Two members of the Ideal Home own Swyft sofa beds, and not only have they both been impressed by the flatpack delivery, but they've also reported back that they're very easy to self-assemble.

As Ideal Home's Editor in Chief, Heather, explains in her Swyft Model 04 sofa bed review, 'my Swyft sofa bed came delivered in four (large) boxes, which easily fitted through a tight hallway.'

'My husband and I had the Model 04 put together in under 30 minutes, with no tools required. I definitely could have managed it solo, although due to the sofa bed's weight, it was easier to manoeuvre it into position with two people.'

This is a sentiment echoed by plenty of other Swyft customers. 'Bought due to wanting a sofa bed in my office and no sofa could fit up my stairs,' shares one reviewer. 'Arrived as planned and so easy to put together. No one believes it came in a box.'

'I spent hours and hours and hours looking for a sofa bed,' says another. 'It needed to look good, be comfortable, and get through the door of my flat. This sofa is all of these things. It arrives in boxes and is super easy to put together. I did it on my own, which was a bit tricky but doable. It would have been a 10-minute job if there were two pairs of hands. I am really happy with it.'

'So very happy with our new sofa bed,' shares a third owner. 'We were really struggling to find a new sofa for our small Victorian terraced home due to narrow doorways and the associated issues of getting anything in. The Swyft range is brilliant as it comes in boxes and is easy to put together.'

Plus, if you're in any doubt about having the necessary DIY skills to put this flatpack furniture together, then, as Ideal Home's Content Editor, Thea, discovered, Swyft also offers a 'white glove' delivery service. Paying a little extra for this service means your sofa bed can be assembled in situ by the delivery team on delivery day.

'When the sofa bed arrived with two delivery men, I assumed they'd be there for ages putting it together,' says Thea. 'I'd barely offered them a cup of tea before they were done! They said the sofa beds are always so quick and easy to assemble, and it will be super simple for me to do myself if I ever need to move it.'

Which brings me on to another great bonus of a flat pack sofa bed. If you're planning on moving house in the near or distant future, a flat pack design is far easier to disassemble and then reassemble in your new home than pre-assembled furniture.

Plus, Swyft sofa beds have another unique selling point, and that's the speed with which they can be delivered. You can order a variety of Swyft sofa beds at John Lewis with fairly speedy delivery, but if you order directly from Swyft itself, there are options for 24-hour delivery.

Swyft flatpack sofa beds

In my experience, that flatpack delivery, no-tools assembly, and super speedy delivery options mean Swyft pips its competitors to the post when it comes to offering the best flatpack sofa beds.

However, there are also other options on the market. I've rounded up three alternative options below.

Alternative flatpack sofa beds

Judging by the storm currently raging outside my office window, summer is officially over and autumn has begun. And, as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I know that this change in seasons means that the savvy amongst us are already prepping and planning for the festive hosting season ahead.

In particular, that means considering how our homes are going to sleep the extra friends and family that may visit over the Christmas period. And this year, it seems that Next shoppers are leading the way in their organisational efforts. Why? Because Next customers are busy snapping up the brand's Palma sofa bed. And at just £475 for this stylish seating that doubles as a sleeping space for two, it's easy to see why.

The Palma sofa bed comes in two designs. There's the two-seater Palma sofa bed that starts at £475 and offers a double-bed-sized sleeping area, or the single-seater Palma chair bed that costs £350 and provides a sleeping space for one.

Both are similar in design to two other hosting solutions that I regularly recommend in Ideal Home's guide to the best sofa beds and best chair beds, namely the Habitat Roma Sofa Bed and MADE's Haru Sofa Bed.

All feature a 'click-clack' style of design where the seat and backrest unfold and lay flat to become the sleeping area, and come in a good range of upholstery options, including on-trend boucle and luxurious-looking velvets.

The Palma sofa bed's main point of difference is its curved backrest, which, in my opinion, gives it some extra style points compared to its competition.

The two-seater Palma sofa bed also offers a good-sized sleeping area. Although Habitat's Roma sofa bed is the more affordable option, with prices for the Habitat Roma Double Sofa Bed starting at £300 compared to the Palma sofa bed's £475 price tag, the Roma maxes out at a 121cm width.

That's smaller than your average double bed, which measures 135cm in width. In comparison, the Next Palma sofa bed is bang on 136cm wide. If you're hosting a couple, that's 15cm extra wiggle room they'll definitely appreciate.

Alternatively, the MADE Haru Large Sofa Bed does offer even more space with a 143cm width, but it also costs more, coming in at £550 for the larger size.

To my mind, that makes the Palma sofa bed great value for the money, as well as being a space-saving and stylish addition to the home. And it seems I'm not alone in thinking so.

'The sofa is comfortable, conveniently space-saving, easy to open out into a bed and to fold back up again,' shares one 5-star reviewer of the Palma on the Next website. 'Fabulous,' says another. 'I want another one when funds allow.'

Plus, according to Next shoppers, the Palma is the ideal solution for last-minute hosting.

'I am really pleased with this sofa bed,' says one reviewer. 'It looks like a stylish sofa and folds out to a normal side double bed. Really pleased we invested in this. Will suit my family when they stay at Christmas.'

'Researched in a hurry due to sudden additional guests arriving over Xmas,' says another reviewer who bought the sofa bed last year. 'I am so glad that I was persuaded by reading all the good reviews. No regrets at all. Converting it from a sofa to a bed is very straightforward and quick. It looks great too!'

'Brilliant design,' says a third. 'I was looking for a spare single fold-out bed which could serve as an attractive seat, on short notice of a family visit, and this is perfect. It’s also very well made and comfortable as a seat. Ordered mid-week and delivered on the following Monday. Family arriving this afternoon!'

In fact, the only negatives I can see are related to the sofa bed's comfort in bed form. A few reviewers note that the sofa bed is quite firm for sleeping on, which is similar to how I found the Habitat Roma and MADE Haru when I tested them in store. However, thankfully, that's nothing that the addition of a good mattress topper can't solve.

'You will need a good mattress topper, but other than that, it fits the bill perfectly,' shares one reviewer. 'The sofa is comfy to sit on, but when converted to a bed, it is a little firm for my liking,' says another. 'As a result, I purchased a mattress topper.'

That does mean you'll need to factor the cost of a mattress topper into your purchase, but I've rounded up three of the best value mattress toppers I've tested below. And even with the addition of some extra cushioning, I still think the Palma sofa bed's under £500 price tag makes it a great value buy.

Loaf has launched a new range of sofa beds, and if you're currently in the market for a living room sofa that can also transform into a bed for guests, you will definitely want this swoon-worthy seating on your radar.

Over the past four years, as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor I've tested numerous sleeper sofas to put together my round-up of the best sofa beds on the market, and in that time, I've sat on so many sofa beds that *look* stylish and comfortable, only to find that they're so uncomfortable to sit and lie on, they're just a complete waste of money.

Loaf is a completely different experience. The brand is known for its super plump and well-cushioned sofas that are designed with comfortable lounging in mind. And when I went into my nearest Loaf store to test them, I found the brand's sofa beds to be the same.

What's more, unless you're told, I don't think anyone would ever guess these stylish sofas hide a pull-out mattress inside. So if you want a sofa bed in disguise, this is it.

In recent years, the brand's sofa bed range seemed to have seriously dwindled. Every time I checked, I found various lines appeared to have sold out and didn't seem to be getting restocked. Sad news indeed. But, as it turns out, that's because Loaf was beavering away behind the scenes, creating three brand new sofa bed designs, all of which feature the furniture retailer's quirky naming conventions.

There's the Queenie (for sitting pretty on, presumably), the Brioche (with plump cushions that do look a little like freshly risen bread), and the Slow Riser (no explanation required there).

The Queenie Sofa Bed is the most affordable sofa bed in the new range and, perhaps, the most traditional looking, with scroll arms and classic bun feet. It starts from £1995, and comes in two size options, a 178cm and a 238cm width, which offer a double or king-sized pull-out mattress respectively.

The Slow Riser Sofa Bed is a larger and more modern option. Again, there are two size options, a 193cm and a 233cm width, with prices starting from £2295.

The Brioche Flat Packed Sofa Bed is my favourite and (of course) it's also the most expensive of the bunch. However, it's also the most versatile, because – as its name will give away – this sofa bed is a flat-packed design.

The dimensions of Loaf's seating tend to be (very) generous – and with a 208cm or 238cm width, the Brioche sofa bed is no exception – so this is a real bonus if you have awkward delivery access. Loaf's delivery team will then assemble the sofa bed in your room of your choice.

The Brioche sofa bed also comes with a great range of matching furniture. There's a standard sofa, an armchair, and a footstool, which means you can turn the Brioche sofa bed into a chaise if you like to put your feet up and really get comfy.

All three designs feature 13cm deep pocket-sprung mattresses tucked away inside the frame, and based on the similar designs I tested in store, they're some of the closest pull-out mattresses I've found to the 'real thing'.

That 13cm depth is far deeper than most pull-out sofa beds offer, and that makes a real difference in terms of sleep comfort.

The other massive bonus that comes with buying a Loaf sofa bed is the incredible fabric choice that's on offer. More affordable sofa beds usually offer five or six colourways, but buy any of these Loaf options and you have 150 colourways to choose from.

The fabric samples 'bar' in a Loaf store is like a sweet shop with a whole host of sumptious shades and textures available to peruse. My favourites are always the velvets which add a sculptural quality to Loaf furniture's signature curves, but there are plenty more upholstery options to choose from.

Personally, I'm super excited to see Loaf back in the sofa bed game. I think this collection offers a genuine solution for those of us seeking a sofa bed that looks and feels nice enough to use as our primary sofa in the living room.

However, we can't ignore the fact that Loaf furniture isn't cheap. I do think you get what you pay for – when I tested the range in store, I definitely felt Loaf sofas and sofa beds were worth their price tag. But if the budget won't stretch, it won't stretch.

So if you have your heart set on a Loaf sofa bed but the maths isn't mathing, these are the three budget-friendly alternatives I'd suggest instead. They can't quite compete in terms of comfort or quality, but they will help you to host guests without breaking the bank.

If you've been hunting the high street for a sofa bed worthy of floor space in your home recently, then you'll definitely want John Lewis' most recent launch on your radar.

Available online and in-store, the Innovation Living Cane Sofa Bed scores some serious style points, and, based on my testing of other sofa beds in the Innovation Living range, it promises to be comfortable too – something of a miracle in the world of sleeper sofas.

Designed by Danish furniture company Innovation Living, the Cane Sofa Bed is a riff on the brand's bestselling Cubed 140 Sofa Bed.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I first tested Innovation Living's sofa bed range four years ago, and I still rate the Cubed 140 as one of the best sofa beds you can buy.

My only gripe with the Cubed 140 – other than its price – is that it looks a little... functional. Perfect for a home office, but would I want it in prime position in my living room? Personally, not.

In comparison, the new Cane Sofa Bed has a similar seating set-up to the Cubed 140, but with oh-so-stylish cane side panels that elevate it into a sofa bed I'd be more than happy giving centrestage in my main living space.

I haven't yet tested the Cane Sofa Bed in person, but because that seating arrangement looks almost identical to the Cubed 140, I'm confident it's going to be equally comfortable.

It also mirrors another of the Cubed 140's great selling points; despite only taking up a modest H73 x W153 x D92cm of floor space, it transforms into a double bed-sized sleeping area. That's a rarity in the world of sofa beds, which tend to offer sleeping areas much smaller than standard bed sizes.

No wonder the Cane Sofa Bed is already scoring highly with John Lewis reviewers, with full marks given by all of its owners so far.

'We just assembled the sofa bed and are excited to actually use it. It's comfortable both as a sofa and a bed, which is rare,' says one 5-star reviewer. 'The bamboo detailing looks great and fits well with our interior.'

'Easy to assemble, excellent quality, looks and functions well as a sofa, and very easy to convert into a comfortable sofa bed,' shares another 5-star reviewer.

As someone who's spent four years testing out sofa beds, I can assure you that finding a stylish *and* comfortable sofa bed is no mean feat. I've tested numerous promising-looking sofa beds that felt as hard as bricks when I sat or lay down. So, although this sofa bed doesn't come cheap, if you're looking for a sofa bed that can double up as actual everyday seating, that price tag could well be worth it.

You might just need to move fast to bag one. As one reviewer says, 'when it comes into stock you have to be quick,' because whilst the 'Natural' colourway is available to shop, the Cane Sofa Bed in Avella Pine is currently sold out.

However, if your budget doesn't stretch to investing in the Cane Sofa Bed, all is not lost. I haven't found a sofa bed that offers quite such trend-setting design as those webbed side panels, but there are other options.

Looks-wise, the Dunelm Mila Rattan Sofa Bed is the closest alternative I've found, and at £449 it's considerably cheaper. But I can't vouch for its comfort as I haven't tested it, and it doesn't have great reviews online. (If you've sat or lain down on it, let me know how it fares in the comment section!).

Instead, although these options might lack that cane detailing, these are my top three alternative recommendations for combining style, comfort, *and* affordability.

If you're looking to invest in a solution for hosting overnight guests, you may well be wondering if IKEA sofa beds are worth it.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past four years testing sofa beds from multiple retailers, and one thing I've learnt is that the best sofa beds are *expensive*.

In contrast to options that can set you back well over £2000, IKEA sofa beds are refreshingly affordable, with some great options starting from £450. There's also the convenience of multiple IKEA stores across the country, allowing you to view products in person and flatpack delivery, which is a bonus for those of us with awkward delivery access.

But are IKEA sofa beds worth the money in terms of comfort and performance? I've now tested multiple IKEA sofa beds, and in my opinion, yes, IKEA sofa beds are worth it. In fact, IKEA's newest launch, the IKEA TORNSBORG sofa bed, is the one I would buy for my own home.

However, I do think the IKEA sofa bed range differs in comfort and suitability, so it's well worth knowing which are the gems and which are the duds before you shop. I recently went into store to test out the current IKEA range and this is my pick of the three best IKEA sofa beds to shop.

1. IKEA TORNSBORG sofa bed

Although at first glance it may look a little simple and functional, in person, I found the TORNSBORG's solid pine frame a lot sturdier and more attractive than I expected. If you like clean minimalist lines, I think it fits the Scandi aesthetic perfectly.

I also found it surprisingly comfortable for both sitting and lying down. Its cushions are on the firmer side, so as a sofa you sit 'on' it rather than sinking 'into' it, but it has more give and bounce than most comparable sofa beds at this price point.

I found the seat depth great for lounging, and the back cushions supportive. The skinny armrests were also far more comfortable than I expected, and at just the right height once I was seated. I'd be happy to use this sofa as my main everyday seating if necessary.

It's also very easy to turn it from a sofa into a bed. You simply remove the back cushions, pull up on the fabric tabs, and a wheeled base does the rest. I managed the transformation with one hand. The backrest then swivels to lay flat and complete a generous double bed-sized sleeping area.

In bed form, the sleeping surface is firm but comfortable. I would want to add a mattress topper for extra cushioning – and to protect the sofa's upholstery – but this is the case with pretty much every sofa bed I've tested, other than a few (extremely expensive) models.

2. IKEA FRIHETEN 3-seat sofa-bed

If you're looking for a sofa bed that looks more like a classic sofa and can be used as your main living room seating, then the FRIHETEN 3-seat sofa-bed would be my top recommendation. There's also a FRIHETEN corner sofa bed if you want even more seating, although I prefer the three-seater for ease of use.

You might be tempted to opt for the trad-look IKEA VRETSTORP 3-seat sofa-bed, which has been a part of the IKEA range for a long time. But I find the slightly more modern-looking FRIHETEN far more comfortable to sit on.

The FRIHETEN feels very similar to the TORNSBORG above. In sofa form, you sit 'on' it rather than sinking 'into' it, but I found it comfortable enough that I'd be happy using it as my main sofa. It may lack some squish-factor, but you can add cushions, and it has enough give that it doesn't feel like sitting on a giant brick like so many sofa beds I've tested.

It also offers just shy of a king-size sleeping space which should be more than enough room for guests. Because it's bigger than the TORNSBORG – this is a three-seater rather than a two-seater – I found it slightly heavier to pull out the trundle section, but it was still easy to convert from a sofa to a bed.

Similar to the TORNSBORG, the sleeping area is comfortable but firm, so you'll definitely want to add a mattress topper for extra cushioning and to protect the upholstery. The bonus of this sofa bed is that it offers ample storage space for extra bedding hidden beneath the seating.

3. IKEA SKÖNABÄCK 2-seat sofa-bed

As long as you only want to sleep one guest at a time, the £350 SKÖNABÄCK 2-seat sofa-bed or £450 IKEA LINDÅKRA 2-seat sofa-bed are two of the brand's most versatile options.

The SKÖNABÄCK is a compact two-seater sofa with hidden storage and a clever pull out base that utilises one of the armrests to form the sleeping area.

Whereas the LINDÅKRA's multifunctional design offers seating for two with a detachable semi-circular pouffe that can be added to the end of the sofa to seat three, pulled around in front of the sofa to transform it into a chaise and allow you to put your feet up, or used as a standalone seat or coffee table.

Both are simple ideas, but make for a very versatile pieces of furniture if you have a small living room and want to use this sofa bed as your main seating as well as an impromptu crash pad for guests.

And again, I found the seating on both to be more comfortable than it looks. Like the TORNSBORG and FRIHETEN, they're firm, but not so firm as to feel *hard* like so many sofa beds. And although they lack squish, I found them both comfortable enough that either could be used as your main seating.

Are IKEA sofa beds worth it?

In conclusion, do I think IKEA sofa beds are worth it? Definitely, as long as you opt for the right one. Having now tested all of IKEA's range, I think all three of the IKEA sofa beds above offer a great mix of style, comfort, and affordability.

The downside is that you do need to self-assemble these options. This is IKEA after all. Self-assembly isn't uncommon with sofa beds from other retailers either, but it's a factor worth bearing in mind before you order.

I built my IKEA SÖDERHAMN sofa with no problem, but it did take two people and a bit of heavy lifting and dexterity to achieve.

IKEA does team up with Taskrabbit in some areas to connect you with someone who can do the assembly for you, but if DIY is something you'd rather avoid altogether, an IKEA sofa bed may not be the right solution for you. In that case, I've listed three of my alternative suggestions below.

Alternatives

Who doesn’t love a bank holiday, and an added homeware sale makes the long weekend feel even better at Ideal Home HQ. I’ve spent this week looking for the best deals, and Dunelm’s Bank Holiday Sale is not one to miss - especially their discounted Beatrice Chair Bed.

Dunelm’s Beatrice collection is arguably the brand’s most popular print, and has garnered a cult following after the launch of the iconic Beatrice Snuggle Chair a few years ago, with its bold stripey design. Since then, the collection has expanded to everything from pet beds to lamp shades.

Dunelm’s bank holiday is on from now until 1 September. I’d recommend checking out the Beatrice Chair Bed on offer as it is currently reduced by £100, making it £499, a stylish and now much more affordable addition to your guest bedroom ideas.

The best sofa beds should be both comfortable and make the most of the available space. While I have not tested the Beatrice Chair Bed, I have sat on the original snuggle chair, which is on the firm side, it is comfortable enough to curl up with a book. The pull-out sofa mechanism has all the makings of a comfortable sofa bed with a dedicated mini mattress, and can always be improved with the best mattress topper.

However, the best part about this sofa bed is its looks. The stripes are one of those timeless trends, so you don’t have to worry about this chair ever going out of fashion.

I’m not the only one impressed, as reviews state the chair is high-quality and well-made, praising the gorgeous cream and green design.

‘These are great, beds are slightly thinner singles, but the seats are great snugglers. I bought 3. The chairs feel like good quality seats, material is easy to wipe, they look good and are fab functionally. They are heavy as expected but manageable with two average people. Easy to pull out and return. Great purchase,' said one.

Not only that, but the larger Beatrice Stripe Sofa Bed is also currently £100 off at £699 right now. This is an ideal choice over the chair bed if you are more likely to have couples come to stay.

If you still haven’t had your Beatrice fix, or perhaps you don’t need to invest in new furniture, I have rounded up a few of my favourite Beatrice pieces so you can introduce the gorgeous stripey pattern to your home.

What are you picking up in the Dunelm bank holiday sale?

I wish I had the space for a proper guest room where I can treat my guests to Meghan Markle-style hospitality. Unfortunately, I only have space for a small slimline sofa bed in a multi-purpose spare room, but two sets of £13 bed risers from Amazon has gone a long way in making my sofa bed feel more comfortable and welcoming for guests.

In my spare room, I have one of the best sofa beds for a small space, the Made.com Haru sofa bed. Like most of the more affordable, small space sofa beds on the market, when folded out into its bed form, it is essentially a futon that almost rests on the floor.

When people talk about making a sofa bed more comfortable, they often only think about the bedding on top of it. While that is important for a good night's sleep, it doesn't solve the discomfort that goes along with getting in and out of bed.

This was an issue I was very aware of when my almost 70-year-old Mother was due to stay. I invested in two packs of four bed risers from Amazon to help lift the sofa bed up to a more acceptable height.

My partner and I had previously bought a set for our bedroom to give us more storage space under the bed, so we were already converts to how effective they were.

They are sturdy, hollow black cubes with a spongy top that lift the furniture leg up. Both the versions I've tried from Amazon included a lip around the top to keep the leg safe and stable.

I bought a pack of 8 for my sofa bed (the ones I bought come in 4 and 8 sets). Depending on the size of the room, they can be a little faffy to position the first time, but once you've done it a couple of times, they're easy to slot into place. My top tip is to do one side and then the other.

They lift the sofa bed up to the height of a normal bed, so there is now no crawling down onto it. I had the ultimate seal of approval from my Mum, who was able to easily sit on the bed during her visit.

However, one benefit I hadn't expected was how much better it made the spare room look when the bed was pulled out. Previously, the low-rise bed made the room feel small, filling the floor with nowhere to store an overnight bag. Adding the raisers opened up the room, offering space under the sofa bed for bags, and gave the impression of more space to walk around the bed.

While the risers are not pretty to look at, they are usually hidden by the duvet and a throw to give the illusion of a proper bed. To complete the effect, I've left my old rattan headboard behind the sofa bed so it looks like a proper guest room when it's all folded out for friends and family to come stay.

These raisers work for any large piece of furniture, whether it's on a similar style sofa bed or you want to lift your bed to increase the amount of storage underneath.

Increase the comfort levels

Have you given them a try?

If you're currently looking to kit out your home with an affordable sofa bed, then now is definitely the right time to be shopping as IKEA has just launched a new sofa bed.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last four years testing the best sofa beds on the market, and in that time, I haven't seen that many new additions to the market. At least, not ones that challenge my shortlist to give my top-rated products a run for their money.

But this month, not only has Habitat launched the fantastic Julien three-seater sofa bed, which is a great budget-friendly option for larger spaces, but IKEA has just launched the new IKEA TORNSBORG sofa bed, a £450 two-seater sofa bed perfect for small spaces.

Alongside the two-seater option, there's also the even more affordable IKEA TORNSBORG chair bed. The smaller version costs £299, and most definitely gives the best chair beds a run for their money.

I visited my local IKEA to test both models and was seriously impressed by their comfort and ease of use, especially considering that low price tag.

Whilst £450 may not sound *that* cheap if you aren't familiar with the world of sofa beds, for comparison, one of the best sofa beds I've tested is the Darlings of Chelsea Bromley Sofa Bed. The loveseat option, which is similar in size to the larger IKEA TORNSBORG, starts from £2300. Ouch.

Admittedly, the TORNSBORG is more basic in design. But IKEA does what IKEA does best and makes that into a feature, with the solid pine frame designed to fit the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic perfectly.

And although it may look simple and functional, this sofa bed doesn't scrimp on comfort.

When I tested it in store, I found it really comfortable for both sitting and lying down. Its cushions are on the firmer side, so this is a sofa you sit 'on' rather than sink 'into', but it still had a good amount of give and bounce.

The seat depth felt great for lounging and the back cushions were supportive. Those skinny armrests were also far more comfortable than I expected, and at just the right height. As long as you don't mind a slightly firmer seat, I'd be happy to use this sofa as my main everyday seating if necessary.

It's also super easy to transform from a sofa into a bed, and vice versa. Simply whip off the back cushions, pull up on the fabric tabs and the ingenious wheeled base does most of the heavy lifting for you. Then the backrest rotates down flat.

I managed all of it with one hand and very minimal effort compared to most sofa beds I've tested.

In bed form, you get 140 x 190cm of sleeping space on the two-seater – that's a smidge more than the average double bed, which offers 135 x 190cm – and 70 x 190cm on the chair bed. That's a little smaller than the average single mattress, which is 90 x 190cm, but average for a chair bed's sleeping area.

Again, the sleep surface is firm but supportive. I'd add a mattress topper – such as the memory foam Panda Topper if you just want cushioning, or the Woolroom Deluxe Wool Mattress Topper if you also want to add breathability for a cooler sleep. But this is the case with most sofa beds, and you'll want to protect the upholstery anyway.

Having seen and tested the IKEA TORNSBORG in person, I think the larger two-seater model is definitely the sofa bed I'd be opting for if I were looking to buy one for my own small home.

Its compact 140cm width fits easily into most spaces, and its combination of comfort, ease of use, and affordability – plus that double-sized sleeping area – is pretty much unheard of at this price point.

You can get cheaper options, such as the Habitat Roma sofa bed below. But it's very tight on space, with the largest model of the Roma only offering a single bed sized sleeping area.

The armless Innovation Living Cubed 140 Sofa Bed is the other option I would have been eyeing up before this IKEA model launched. But, it's still wider, with a 147cm width, and in my small home every cm of floorspace counts! Plus, it's a *lot* more expensive.

If you're currently looking for solutions to host overnight guests in style – and comfort – you'll want to know about one of Habitat's latest launches: the Julien sofa bed.

Hot off the press, I think this sofa bed is a game-changer that easily gives the best sofa beds in the business a run for their money.

Why? Because, although it's not cheap – the four-seater Julien sofa bed costs £850 – that's still *very* affordable for a sofa bed that can also rival the best sofas on the market.

Although I haven't yet sit or sleep-tested the newly-launched Julien sofa bed in person, it looks to be the hardest-to-find furniture – a sofa bed that looks and feels comfortable enough to use as the main everyday sofa in a living room.

Such unicorns-of-the-sofa-bed-world do exist, but the few I've found are very expensive. For example, the Darlings of Chelsea Bromley Sofa Bed, one of the top sofa beds overall for sit-sleep comfort, costs over £2500 for a 2-seater model. Similarly, the Heals Oswald Sofa Bed, which I highly rate, costs from £2799.

In contrast, budget-friendly sofa beds, like the £230 Habitat Roma Sofa Bed, tend to be more suitable as accent chairs or seating used infrequently in a home office or spare room. These affordable choices tend to look less like a 'real' sofa and feel far too firm to curl up and get comfy on – something that's important to most of us if we're considering using the sofa bed for day-to-day purposes.

However, Habitat's Julien Sofa is one of the most comfortable budget sofas I've sat on, and the sofa bed looks to be constructed very similarly.

Like the Julien sofa, the Julien sofa bed features pocket-spring foam cushions that give the sofa a good amount of give and bounce. However, on the sofa bed version, the seat section of the sofa bed can be pulled forward and the backrest folded down to create a double bed-sized sleeping area.

That's another rarity in the sofa bed world. At W137 x L191 the sleeping area measurements do match that of a full-sized bed, whereas many sofa beds give you a *lot* less sleeping space.

You also get a whole lot of sitting space on this generous four-seater sofa. At 238cm wide, that's a lot of room to stretch out and get comfy, even without transforming it into a bed.

Currently the Julien sofa bed is only available in two colourways – a taupe polyvelvet and a dark green corduroy – but both are great shades, and if the Julien sofa is anything to go by, more upholstery options are likely to become available as the sofa bed's popularity increases.

The dark forest green upholstery hit the website first, and its first purchasers are already leaving this affordable designer-look sofa bed 5-star reviews.

'We've had the couch for a couple of weeks and it's great,' says one happy owner of the green Julien sofa bed. 'Comfortable, nice texture, easy to pull into a bed. Great quality for the cost.'

'A number of guests have now used this sofa bed since our purchase last month,' shares a second reviewer,' and all comment on how comfortable it is. It is easy to fold out and back again and can be done with one person (although even easier with two). It’s very solid. It's a beautiful colour and looks so nice in our spare room.'

'Does not look like a sofa bed,' raves another. Whilst a fourth says, 'it's gorgeous. Really comfy deep sofa with a good quality fabric. The arms are low, and it's good for lounging. The bed makes up very easily, it's big, firm, and comfortable. You can store bedding underneath when the sofa is up. Really pleased with it.'

All in all, it seems I'm not the only one to think the Julien sofa bed is a great purchase.

Not all sofa beds are created equal, so if you've been tempted by the sleek-looking DUSK Hudson click clack sofa bed, you're probably wondering how it measures up to the competition.

When it comes to choosing the best sofa bed for your home, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. One of these is the age-old debate of pull-out sofa bed versus click-clack sofa bed. 

At the time I was selecting one for myself I decided to opt for the latter, thanks to the lower price-point and more compact design. Here's how it performed.

DUSK sofa bed review - the Hudson Click Clack

Specifications

• Sofa width: 86.5cm
• Total sofa width when open: 110cm
• Sofa length: 206cm
• Material: Polyester
• Delivery: delivered in 3-7 days
• Assembly: arm, leg and subframe assembly required

How I tested

About the Hudson

I already have a great sofa in my living room, but was looking for another for my home office so that this room could double up as a guest bedroom. My flat has a slightly unusual layout, and the living room is also essentially the hallway between my bedroom and the rest of the apartment, so the narrow office space is the best option for hosting friends and family overnight.

Having done my measurements I worked out that the three-seater DUSK Hudson sofa bed would fit the room I wanted it in, and still allow me access to my desk.

However, I will confess: I made a rookie sofa bed buying mistake as my initial measurements didn't account for the size of the sofa unfolded into bed form, which meant I had to place it against a different wall than I'd planned - otherwise the door wouldn't open or close! The moral of the story; get someone else to sense check your measurements, or use Ideal Home's guide to getting sofa measurements right!

Despite this I've still had plenty of use out of the Hudson sofa bed over the past four months. As mentioned, I've sat and slept on it myself, and three different guests have used it to sleep on, too. Here's what we thought.

Delivery

One of the factors which drew me to the DUSK Hudson click clack sofa bed was its speed of delivery. I needed a quick delivery sofa bed as I had someone arriving for a long weekend in a fortnight, and DUSK promises the Hudson will arrive within 3-7 days.

The sofa arrived within the expected timeframe, and I was kept in the loop by the delivery company, so it was simple enough to arrange a day and time slot.

Upon arrival the two men carried the heavy box up the three winding flights of stairs to my flat and then placed it into the room of my choice. The box was slightly damaged on arrival, but nothing inside was affected.

Ease of assembly

I was slightly tentative about the prospect of having to assemble a sofa bed by myself as although I'm very crafty, I'm not the most practical person (some IKEA pieces have confounded me), but I set myself the challenge to complete it solo.

While it did take some time, just over an hour, I was able to assemble it. In fact, the most difficult part was the issue of firstly opening the large box (80 x 110 x 23 cm), then removing the sofa from within it and, finally, disposing of that cardboard (I had to call in the troops at that point).

The actual assembly was fairly straightforward. In the base of the sofa is a zipped compartment which held the armrests, throw pillows, legs and subframe as well as the screws, the instructions and an Allen key.

The instructions were easy to follow, however, it did require some elbow grease. And, as the sofa bed is quite heavy, you may well need someone with a bit of muscle to be involved.

While I was able to do this on my own, if you're good at DIY, or have another person helping to hold, for example, the armrests, while you tighten the screws, I imagine the task would have taken considerably less time.

Ease of transformation

Part of the allure of something like the DUSK Hudson click clack sofa bed is how easy it is to transform from sofa to bed. On the reverse of the backrest are two hidden zips, and inside each is a metal leg, which you unclip and secure straight outwards.

Next, you push the backrest forward until you hear a click and feel a slight release, which then allows the backrest to be folded all the way back until it's lying horizontally and the legs are on the floor. To transform it back into sofa form, you simply reverse the process.

Both directions take only a matter of seconds once you've had a bit of practise, so it really couldn't be much quicker to set up when guests arrive.

However, one of the downsides of a click clack is that it isn't an actual bed. This means it's tricky to put a sheet on, or secure a mattress topper. My workaround has been to place a topper on it and just accept the fact that it isn't fitted to the surface.

Comfort

A large part of the Hudson sofa bed's appeal is its price. Its full price is £387, but DUSK has frequent sales which usually reduce the price even more. That's an incredibly competitive price considering how much sofa beds usually cost, and extremely good value for a three seater sofa, so I was really interested to find out how comfortable it would be considering its affordable price tag. 

Overall, I found it comfortable enough to sit on. It's on the firmer side, but I think you could just about use it as your main sofa, and I've found the bed fairly comfortable to sleep on. However, there are two things to be aware of.

Firstly, there is a noticeable height difference between what was the seat and what was the backrest when the sofa bed is folded flat for sleeping. Although I fully accept that this may have been a user error in my putting it together.

This doesn't actually bother me, or the majority of my guests. Myself, my mum and my friend all found the backrest section particularly comfy to sleep on.

Secondly, this really isn't an option if you're tall. My 6'4" brother was set to sleep on it, but when I saw him in the morning he told me he gave up and slept on the floor instead. This is because the armrests aren't removable so he had to lie diagonally across the uneven middle section, which isn't ideal for anyone who struggles to get comfy in bed.

Verdict

Whilst I don't think this is an ideal choice for sleeping on every night, or for an extended period of time, for its price, I think the Hudson sofa bed is a great option for an occasional guest spending the odd night, and (as I can also attest) for naps! 

It looks stylish, and there are two colour options available. I opted for the bestselling neutral colourway in a cool-toned grey which is often sold out. However, the off-white bouclé is a good alternative for some extra style points (if perhaps a little higher maintenance).  

You will have to self-assemble it, but this is a fairly easy process with minimal DIY skills, and the fact its delivered flat-packed does mean its easier to get up awkward stairways.

However, once assembled, the armrests aren't removable, so it isn't a great option if you're expecting lots of taller guests.

That said, I still think the DUSK Hudson click clack sofa bed is a good, solid reliable option, especially for its incredible price. It's good-looking and comfortable enough to be used as a main sofa and easily fits three people sitting on it. Plus, there's 45cm clearance underneath which leaves plenty of extra storage space, too.

A sofa bed is such a handy piece of furniture. Great for those short on space, or who want a flexible space that can transform on demand. But you might be wondering whether you should spend a lot of money on a sofa bed.

The best sofa beds range in price enormously. And it’s understandable that before you buy a sofa bed, you’re getting something that’s good value and is going to last.

This guide will explain what might be affecting the price of your most-wanted sofa bed, and if it’s worth forking out the extra cash for a pricey sofa bed.

What is the price range for sofa beds?

As you can probably imagine, there’s a huge range in the price of sofa beds. Why that is, we’ll drill down into more a bit later in this article.

But sofa beds tend to start at around £200. The Mito Double Futon from Dunelm – which we reviewed in our sofa bed buying guide – weighs in at just £206. We loved this one for its affordability and the range of fabrics it comes in, but conceded that it is quite simple in design and really only suitable for one person.

Mid-range sofa beds tend to be around the £2,000 – which is quite a jump from Dunelm’s offering. Our best ever sofa bed is the Darlings of Chelsea Bromley sofa bed is £2,330. The only drawback we found to this comfortable and stylish sofa bed is that there’s not any matching furniture to go with it.

And at the top range, there’s the Heal’s Oswald sofa bed which carries a price tag of £2,799. For this you get a premium sofa bed though, with a kingsize pocket-sprung mattress, hidden storage and a good-sized seating area.

What can affect the difference in price between sofa beds?

1. Materials

The materials used across the sofa bed are going to have a big impact on the cost of your sofa bed. ‘A pocket sprung sofa bed will naturally be a more comfortable sleep due to the extra comfort layer, but this does have an impact on the price so you don’t tend to find this spring make up in entry models,’ says Megan Thompson, buyer at Benson for Beds.

‘Materials such as hardwood frames, high-density foam, and premium fabrics will increase the overall cost,’ agrees Jade Crooks, Commercial Director at DUSK.

2. Bespoke finishes

There are brands that will make your sofa bed to order, incorporating your every whim, size and fabric. But this is going to drive the price of your sofa up to pretty expensive. ‘Designer or custom-made sofa beds will also be much more expensive due to the unique design and amount of time needed to produce,’ says Jade from DUSK.

4. Mechanisms

Sofa beds require mechanisms to allow it to change from sofa to bed. These mechanisms can make or break a sofa bed – quite literally, sometimes. They can go from requiring simple human force – like a futon, which is a simple mechanism but can be very heavy to transform – to something spring-loaded and much slicker.

‘Click clack sofa beds tend to be priced at entry level due to their simple design and easy functionality, whereas other sofa-based options with pull-out mattresses tend to be more expensive due to the built-in extra mechanism and internal mattress,’ explains Megan from Bensons for Beds.

5. Size

As with regular sofas, sofa beds vary in size – and the price reflects this. There are simple armchair sofa beds such as the Habitat Roma – and these armchair sofa beds are normally noticeably more affordable. But if you stray into larger sofa beds, L-shape sofas and chaise lounge-style sofa beds, the price starts ticking up pretty fast.

‘The very nature of a sofa bed is that it should save you space

and maximise functionality, so take time to assess what you really need,’ advises Megan from Bensons for Beds. ‘Do you need a three-seater or will a two-seater do? And for smaller office rooms that you want to double up as a bedroom, you could even consider a single sofa bed, which is the ultimate in space saving.’

How do you know you’re buying a good-quality sofa bed?

The best way to check the quality of a sofa bed is to try before you buy. Pretty much every expert I spoke to about sofa beds has emphasised the need for hands-on testing.

‘I really would recommend trying the comfort level before you buy!’ says Megan from Bensons for Beds. ‘Make sure you fold out the bed, see how easy it is to use and also how comfortable it is to lie on.’

If you can’t get out to a showroom, do plenty of research – like reading Ideal Home’s extensive sofa-bed expertise. Yep, you’re in the right place.

‘A great way to know whether you’re purchasing a good-quality sofa bed is to read the customer reviews,’ says Jade at Dusk. ‘They will give you a clearer understanding of the comfort and durability of the sofa bed – which are important factors to consider.’

Another good litmus test for sofa-bed quality is the materials it’s made of. As we’ve explored above, high-quality materials are going to drive the price up – but it’s worth the investment.

‘To find a sofa bed that’s going to be up to the job, check that it has a solid beech frame that is held together with screws and dowels - not glued and stapled chipboard versions, which break easily and won’t last as long,’ says Nicky Line, Loaf’s Chief Product Officer. ‘You also want to ensure that sofa beds… have sturdy mechanisms and that the designs are easy to manoeuvre.’

‘Make sure the bed you’re buying has a frame made of wood or metal, avoiding any that are made of particleboard or plastic,’ agrees Jade from Dusk.

Can a ‘value’ sofa bed ever be a good buy?

‘Yes, a value sofa bed can be a good buy, especially if you have a limited budget and need a functional piece of furniture without premium features,’ says Jade from Dusk.

‘A sofa bed is a great buy if you need a space-saving solution for a smaller room or living area, that will only be used occasionally when you have guests. What’s more, opting for a lower-cost sofa bed doesn’t mean you are compromising on comfort,’ continues Jade.

Can you fake a more expensive sofa bed for less?

There are a number of ways to fake a more expensive sofa bed. You might want to make your sofa bed more comfortable by adding high-end duvets, pillows and mattress toppers.

As for the aesthetics, you might want to layer on some final touches. ‘Simple details such as a scalloped-edge or fleece cover can really elevate sofa beds from a purely functional to aesthetic piece. You could also use throws or blankets to make it even cosier and more comfortable to lounge on in sofa form,’ says Jade from Dusk.

Final verdict - What should you pay for a sofa bed

As with anything, you should only ever pay what you’re able to afford. More-expensive sofa beds are undoubtedly made from higher-end materials, have more durable mechanisms and might even be more comfortable. But that doesn’t mean more affordable sofa beds are not worthy of consideration. As well as materials and mechanisms, think about the space you’ve got for it, and whether it’s a once-a-year bed for family over the festive period, or something that will be used more regularly. That should help you to decide how much to pay, too.

Having said all that, you can expect to pay anything from £200 to around £3,000 for a sofa bed – and there are plenty of sofa beds between those price points.

If you want to host friends or family but don’t have the space or the money to buy a full-sized bed, you may have been weighing up whether to buy an air bed or a sofa bed. So, which one should you choose? By the end of this air bed vs sofa bed debate, you should have your answer.

At Ideal Home, we’re well-versed in all things sleep, and we know that the best sofa beds and the best air mattresses can provide a welcome sleeping space for your guests. But we also know they’re very different products with different advantages and disadvantages, ultimately suiting different homes and budgets.

That’s why we’ve decided to weigh up these two options in terms of size, comfort, functionality, and affordability to see which one comes out on top. This way, you can make an informed decision and spend your hard-earned money on something that your guests will truly love. So, here goes the air bed vs sofa bed debate…

Air bed vs sofa bed: Sizes

In today’s day and age, air beds and sofa beds come in many different sizes - allowing you to find a size that works for your guests, whether you’re hosting a solo family member or a couple. And while most people traditionally opt for double air beds or sofa beds, you can pick and choose.

If you’re leaning more towards a sofa bed but want to give your guests even more space to get comfy, the Oswald Sofa Bed from Heal’s pulls out to become a king-size bed. Not only that, but some sofa beds also give you options - like the Cory Fabric Scatter Back Sofa Bed from Furniture Village, which comes in either a two-seater, three-seater or a hard-to-find chaise sofa bed.

Of course, if you are working with a smaller space, you also have the option of the best chair beds. But you might still want to weigh up the sofa bed vs chair bed debate to ensure a chair bed is the right option for you.

But if you’re leaning more towards an air bed, you (and your guests) can also rest easy knowing that air beds come in countless different sizes, from the Intex Queen Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Air Bed from Argos to the OlarHike Inflatable Air Mattress from Amazon which comes in single, double, queen, and king sizes.

So, if you want a range of sizes, both an air bed and a sofa bed will suit you. But if size is an issue in regards to the space available in your home, it’s safe to say that air beds do win this round. After all, air beds can be deflated and packed away as if they were never there, while sofa beds will only ever be as small as the sofa - which is often much bigger than a typical sofa.

Megan Holloway, Founder and Creative Director of Maro Home explains, ‘There are some practical considerations to keep in mind when choosing a sofa bed. For example, the mechanism that allows a sofa to convert into a bed typically adds extra depth to the furniture, which can be an issue in homes with tight access points. Ensuring that the sofa bed can be easily manoeuvred into place is crucial, especially in compact spaces.’

Comfort

You probably don’t need us to tell you that neither air beds nor sofa beds will provide the same level of comfort as a proper bed with one of the best mattresses. In fact, experts warn that you should avoid sleeping on a sofa bed every night - and the same goes for air beds.

But is one more comfortable than the other? Well, this largely depends on your likes and dislikes regarding your sleeping space, as some people prefer the softer feel of a pumped-up air mattress than the harder surface of a sofa bed.

Typically, though, experts agree that sofa beds are more comfortable. Rob Cole, Bedframes and Sofa Beds Buyer at Dreams, says, ‘Air beds are quick to set up and often provide customisable firmness, but they may lack the support and durability of a sofa bed, which typically offers a more consistent and comfortable sleep experience.’

This is something that our Ideal Home reviewer, Millie Fender, found when she tried out the Alice Sofa Bed from Cocoon. She said, ‘The parts of my body that required the most support were well cushioned by the sofa bed's pocket-sprung surface.’

But that’s not to say you won’t feel supported by a high-quality air bed. Although many people worry that air beds will deflate as the night progresses (which is a very common problem if you opt for a cheaper option), you can find extremely comfortable options out there.

Our Deputy Digital Editor, Rebecca Knight, has slept on both a poor-quality air bed at a festival and a high-quality air bed while staying at her sister’s house, and she found the high-quality air bed - similar to this Blissful Double Air Bed from Vango - allowed her to have a very comfortable night’s sleep.

She said, ‘It had a built-in air pump, which was on constantly so it didn’t deflate (a problem I had with the festival one). It also inflated so it was the same height as a proper bed, so it was quite comfy.’

However, she also acknowledged that air beds aren’t perfect. Rebecca added, ‘The big plus is they all collapse down much smaller than a sofa bed, but if they deflate or the pump malfunctions, it's game over.’

So, from a comfort standpoint, we will say that sofa beds win this round - although it is worth noting that both air beds and sofa beds can be made more comfortable by adding one of the best mattress toppers.

Functionality

From a functional standpoint, air and sofa beds both have their perks and drawbacks. Although air beds are relatively easy to store and move out of the way when you don’t have guests (which is ideal if you have limited floor space), they can be a hassle to inflate if you have a fiddly pump.

Sofa beds, on the other hand, are a little more complicated as there are typically two options to choose from. First is the pull-out sofa beds that hide a concertina bedframe and folded mattress underneath the cushions. Then, there are the click-clack sofa beds where the sofa seat and backrest fold flat and lock into position.

Both options require a bit of manual labour, which may be difficult for those with dexterity issues. But if you have space, sofa beds definitely function better than sofa beds.

As Monika Puccio, Head Buyer at Sofa Club, explains, ‘A sofa bed offers the ultimate in practicality by serving as both a comfortable sofa and a cosy bed, giving you two essential pieces of furniture in one versatile design. It seamlessly transitions from daytime seating to nighttime sleeping, making it an ideal solution for any living space.’

This is ideal for those who don’t have a dedicated guest room for visitors, and Megan echoes this sentiment. She says, ‘They will work twice as hard in spaces like kids' playrooms, snugs, home offices or living rooms in homes where extra bedroom space for guests is a premium - they can easily transition from a comfy seating area to the cosiest sleeping spot.’

Because of this, sofa beds win this round if you have the space. If you don’t, air beds will have to take the crown.

Affordability

Prices really do vary when it comes to the air bed vs sofa bed debate, largely because both options can be both affordable and expensive at the same time.

For example, you can buy the Eurohike Double Airbed with Flocked Finish from Amazon for just £38 when it’s not on sale for less. But it’s important to note that an air bed at this price point is generally tailored towards temporary use - like at a festival or on a camping holiday. So, just be warned that it may not be very comfortable.

At the other end of the spectrum, you have the Active Era Luxury King Size Air Bed from Amazon, which retails for £129.99. This air bed has been designed more for comfort than anything else, and it offers a built-in pump to prevent deflation, a built-in pillow, and a flocked top.

For sofa beds, the prices are also wide-ranging. If you’re after a single sofa bed, the Habitat Roma Sofa Bed from Argos has been crowned the ‘best budget smallest’ in our guide and will set you back £230. If you’re after a double sofa bed, the ‘best budget double’ is the Habitat Kota 3 Seater Fabric Clic Clac Sofa Bed from Argos, which retails for £399.

You could pay a lot more for a sofa bed, though. Dubbed the ‘best overall’ in our guide is the Darlings of Chelsea Bromley Sofa Bed - but it’s definitely not cheap. This sofa bed, while incredibly comfortable and stylish, will set you back at least £2481. And that’s for the smallest size.

So, an air bed will suit you best if you’re looking for cheap and cheerful. But if you’re looking for something to use regularly - or one that serves as your main sofa, too - then you should probably stretch to a sofa bed.

Final verdict: Which one should you choose?

Now we’ve reached the end of the air bed vs sofa bed debate; you might be a little confused. Both can serve as comfortable and functional additions to your home for guests, but there’s no doubt about the fact that both also have their downsides.

So, which one should you choose? Well, all of the experts we spoke to have said that if you can afford a sofa bed, it’s a much better option - especially or more long-term use.

Rob says, ‘If you frequently host guests, investing in a sofa bed might be a better choice than an air bed. While air beds are great for temporary or occasional use, sofa beds provide a more permanent and stylish option, serving as regular seating when not in use, though they do require more space.’

This is echoed by Megan, who adds, ‘With air beds, you generally get what you pay for, but they lack the long-term comfort and elegance that a sofa bed can provide, making them a less ideal option for regular use.’

And we must admit that we happen to agree, too. In our eyes, sofa beds will always be better than air beds. But if you need a temporary sleeping solution in a pinch, you shouldn’t discount an air bed.

FAQs

Can I sleep on an air mattress every night?

While air beds and air mattresses are ideal for short-term use, whether for a guest or for a camping trip, most experts would agree that you shouldn’t sleep on an air mattress every night.

This is largely because air mattresses do not offer the back support you need when sleeping, which may result in back pain. So, you can certainly sleep on an air mattress for a few nights, but you should avoid sleeping on it for any longer than that.

Why do airbeds go down overnight?

Airbeds can go down overnight for a few different reasons. It may be that it has been punctured or a seal has broken, or it may just be because air beds naturally deflate as the hours go by.

This is because air beds like to maintain a constant air temperature both inside and outside of the bed. And if the external air temperature is lower than the internal air temperature, it will lose pressure and start to deflate.

Many modern air beds now come with built-in pumps to counteract this, though, which means that they’ll stay inflated throughout the night.

So, will you be choosing an air bed or a sofa bed for your guests?

Sofa beds are a fantastic, practical choice for spare rooms, playrooms, home offices and homes that just need a flexible extra sleep space. However, they’re generally not known for being hugely comfortable to sleep on. We’re here to help with that.

The best sofa beds are going to provide you with a comfortable place to sit, look great in your home and convert easily into a supportive bed. It’s a lot to ask for, and not all sofa beds fulfill that criteria.

So to make sure your guest (or you) are having a great night’s sleep, what can you do to make your sofa bed the most comfortable it can be? Having tested 100s of sleep products including duvets, mattress toppers, pillows and, yes, mattresses – here are my top tips.

1. Buy a decent sofa bed

It sounds obvious, but you want the foundations of your sofa bed to be solid. If you want a sofa bed to be comfortable, you need to buy a decent one.

‘There should be no need to compromise one way or the other, both sofa and bed versions of the sofa bed should feel like they were made solely to serve the function they are performing,’ says Patricia Gibbons, Head of Design at sofa.com.

‘At Loaf, we’ve fine-tuned our designs to ensure we’re always delivering on comfort,’ says Nicky Line, Loaf’s Chief Product Officer. ‘We do this by adding extra foam around the timber frames, so every corner, side and arm has our signature softness throughout. Again, this creates a really lovely experience when a sofa bed is used, as every element has been considered to offer maximum comfort.’

Sofa bed mattresses aren’t all the same. Look for a thick mattress, and if you can spring to a pocket-sprung mattress then definitely go for it. Well-made mattresses are going to make all the difference.

2. Go big

Look for sofa beds with as large a sleep surface as you can – generally the bigger the mattress, the more comfortable it’s going to be. This is especially the case if you’re going to have two people sleeping on the sofa bed at all. Heal’s Oswald sofa bed for example offers a king-size mattress. At Furl you can even get super king size and go for pocket sprung or memory foam.

3. Get a mattress topper

‘If the mattress is only a slim model, buy a separate 2” or 5cm memory foam or latex foam topper pad to place on top that you can roll up and hide away when not in use,’ says Simon Williams of the National Bed Federation.

‘One of the easiest ways is to invest in a luxury mattress topper. A mattress topper will help to elevate the feeling of your sofa bed, providing you with support and comfort,’ agrees Jade Crooks, Commercial Director at DUSK.

The important thing here is that you’ve bought a sofa bed probably so it can fold away. Mattress toppers can be huge, and potentially don’t fold away. You don’t want to be landed with a compact sofa bed and a huge mattress topper. Make sure you find a topper that you can store away by being rolled up and tucked away, or popped in a vacuum-pack storage bag.

4. Invest in decent bedding

Don’t be tempted to scrimp on bedding for sofa beds. The best duvets, pillows and bed linen will make or break how comfortable the bed is.

‘It’s worth investing in these extra bedding essentials if you’re going to be sleeping on a sofa bed for a good few nights,’ says Megan Thompson, Buyer at Bensons For Beds.

‘Quality bed linen can help to provide more comfort,’ says Jade from DUSK. ‘Layering your sofa bed with a well-fitted sheet, some cosy pillows and a large duvet will help to make it feel more snug.’

‘Pay particular attention to your pillows, says Gisela Lancaster, Head of Buying at Sofology. ‘Depending on the type of mechanism and frame construction, you may need extras for support.’

Think about the fact your sofa bed will be probably be used at different times of the year. This means you should buy an all-seasons duvet. Then you can adjust the tog rating of the duvet depending on how mild it is at night. As overheating is one of the key factors affecting sleep, the right duvet is going to make a huge difference.

5. Set the scene

If you’ve got guest staying, you need to convert what might be your office by day into a comfortable oasis for their stay. After all, everyone sleeps better in a calm environment. Keeping your guests awake as your printer resets or your kids’ annoying electronic toys go off is less than ideal.

‘It’s not just the bed that makes for a comfortable stay so providing extras such as cosy throw and a small table for a bedside light and a glass of water will make your guest feel more comfortable,’ says Gisela Lancaster from Sofology. ‘A small storage basket is also perfect for stowing clothes and making the space feel calmer and more organised.

6. Keep things clean

A clean mattress equals a better night’s sleep, and this extends to your sofa bed mattress. Your body sheds skin cells and bodily fluids every night – grim but true. And these can cause a restless night, especially if the dust from dead skin has attracted dust mites. These allergens can ruin sleep for allergy sufferers. And that’s before we think how sleeping on a mattress with a less-than-fresh scent feels. Deep shudder.

A quick spruce of your sofa-bed mattress will keep things fresh, extend the lifespan of your mattress and help you (or your guests) get a better night’s sleep. If you’re wondering how to clean a mattress, it’s not as arduous as it sounds.

And after all that work, you’d be wise to use a mattress protector on your sofa-bed mattress in tip-top condition.

7. Keep on top of maintenance

It’s not just the sleep surface you need to think about when making your sofa bed more comfortable. The whole sofa bed needs to be given some TLC to keep it at its best.

Regularly oiling the legs and mechanisms will mean the bed is less likely to squeak as people move on top of it. A silent bed is what you’re after for a good night’s sleep. Check for loose bolts and screws too.

‘You can regularly rotate the cushions and mattress of your sofa bed to minimise the impact of everyday wear. This will help your sofa bed feel softer and last much longer,’ says Jade at DUSK.

FAQs

Why is my sofa bed so uncomfortable?

There are a few key reasons your sofa bed might be uncomfortable. If it’s uncomfortable to sleep on, your problem is probably the mattress. Many sofa beds come with thin mattresses to enable them to be folded up. If you suspect your mattress is letting you down, consider purchasing a mattress topper. You can also flip and rotate your mattress so it gets more evenly worn.

Sofa beds can often feel more firm to sit on than regular sofas. This is because of all the engineering going on under the cushions. Adding some scatter cushions and layering throws can help soften things up.

When buying your sofa bed spare a thought for who will be sleeping on it and make it as comfortable as possible for them.

Since I started working at Ideal Home, I've been lucky enough to test out some of the best sofa beds on the market for our buying guide, so I now know plenty about how to choose the right sofa bed for your needs, and the common sofa bed buying mistakes to avoid.

However, when I bought my first sofa bed, I knew very little about what to look for when I shopped, or what to expect from the sofa bed buying process.

As such, these are the top three pieces of advice I now offer to anyone looking to buy either a sofa bed, or a more compact chair bed, for their home.

1. Factor in lead times

One thing I didn’t consider before furnishing my first home was that a lot of furniture has a lead time attached. This means the length of time you’ll need to wait between ordering your brand new piece of furniture and when it’s delivered to your home.

As furniture is very bulky most retailers can’t stock many of each item in their warehouses, and so a lot of furniture is made to order. Our guide to quick delivery sofas and sofa beds has a list of retailers where delivery is almost immediate, but in most cases, made-to-order furniture can mean a significant wait.

This is especially true if you’re ordering a sofa or sofa bed with a lot of upholstery options – the retailer may have some stock ready-made in the most popular colourways, but if you want a more unusual pattern, colour, or print, then your order will often be made from scratch, which can mean a longer wait.

Lead times can vary from 1-2 weeks to up to 14-16 weeks, so if you’re ordering a sofa bed because you have guests coming to stay on a specific date then you’ll want to factor lead times into your purchase so that their bed arrives before they do!

2. Check measurements of the sleeping area

Unless your sofa bed purchase is for kid's sleepovers, if you're planning on hosting grown ups then I would recommend checking the measurements of the sofa bed sleeping area before you buy. This is especially important if you know you're likely to be hosting a couple of guests at a time.

Many sofa beds are marketed as doubles, and yet the dimensions of the sleeping area can be a lot smaller – in both width and length – than a standard double mattress. As Kelly Collins, Interior Designer and Head of Creative at furniture retailer Swyft Home confirms, 'check the size to ensure it accommodates your needs, as many sofa beds only fit about one person comfortably'.

Your guests might not mind the lack of a guest bedroom and be happy to get cosy for one night, but if they're staying for longer then a cramped sofa bed can end up being a very uncomfortable experience. And no one wants to wake up to grumpy guests in the morning!

Similarly, if you know your regular guests are tall then it's worth checking the length of the sofa bed. Unfortunately most are shorter than a standard mattress, but some are FAR shorter and could leave your guests with their feet hanging well off the edge!

3. Add a mattress topper into the equation

Whatever sofa bed you buy, in my opinion, you’re going to want to add a mattress topper to it.

What is a mattress topper? This is a cushioned layer that you can add to an overly firm mattress to soften it up, or, to a sofa bed. If you opt for a clic-clac sofa bed then most are firmer than a regular mattress, and if you opt for a pull-out sofa bed then most have thinner mattresses than your standard best mattress.

Adding a mattress topper to your sofa bed will increase its comfort levels considerably and protect your purchase from spills or stains. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you could just use a mattress protector to protect the sofa bed’s sleep surface, but this won’t add any cushioning, so in my view, a topper is a must.

Some sofa beds, like Swyft's Model 04 sofa bed, come with a bespoke mattress topper included, but most don't. I generally recommend Panda's Mattress Topper, as it comes in a wide range of size options, meaning you're more likely to find the right fit for a non-standard sleeping area size.

The only downside is that you will then need somewhere to store the topper when the sofa bed isn’t in use. If you’re short on storage space then a sofa bed with built-in storage can be a great option, as Gisela Lancaster, Head of Buying, at furniture retailer Sofology agrees.

'Sofa beds with hidden storage are a smart and practical choice. Perfect for storing extra bedding, they help free up space in the rest of the home. Alternatively, a complementary ottoman footstool will serve the same function and offer a perch for guests to sit whilst the sofa bed is out'.

And lastly, I'd add to this list that I think it's well worth considering whether a sofa bed is actually the right solution for you before you invest. After all, even the most affordable sofa beds don't come cheap.

I think a sofa bed can be a great option for a spare room or a home office where you want to ditch the guest bed to create more space, but still have somewhere you can host guests. Or for any room where you want to add occasional seating as well as creating a guest sleeping area.

However, if you're considering adding a sofa bed to your living room as your main seating, then after much testing experience, I might be tempted to look at an alternative solution.

That's because pretty much all sofa beds are going to feel firmer to sit on than one of the best sofas you can buy, especially if you're shopping on a budget. So, unless you can afford to invest in the crème de la crème of sofa beds, which tend to cost around the £2000+ mark, then personally, in a living room, I would be tempted to opt for a regular sofa as your main seating and a good old-fashioned air bed for hosting your visitors.

After all, indoor floor camping can still be fun... right?!

Cleaning a sofa bed can feel like a workout session if you want to do it properly. Fishing forgotten items trapped in the crevices – coins, crumbs, the remote you thought you'd lost months ago, a random sock – can require adopting some interesting yoga poses. As can attending to mechanisms buried deep within. And that's even before you've reached for the vacuum cleaner or flipped the mattress.

Then there are the stains, from the pizza you dropped on it last movie night to the red wine or Ribena spills. How do you remove the evidence, as it were, without potentially marking your sofa bed for good?

We've asked experts, including Henry Paterson at cleaning company Housekeep and Lynsey Crombie, AKA The Queen of Clean, for their advice on keeping a sofa bed spick, span and stylish for years to come.

How to clean a sofa bed

To keep your sofa bed looking fresh and presentable, regular cleaning is essential. Start by checking the care instructions specific to your fabric when you first get your sofa bed. Here are some top tips:

1. Start by clearing the crevices

Before you get into the physical cleaning of your sofa bed, first deal with anything that shouldn't be there. Remove and cushions, fold out the bed, and start mining for anything that may have been lost in the body of the sofa, from loose change to your kids' or pets' toys. That way you can be sure nothing precious will get lost as you complete the next task.

2. Get the vacuum out

Now that you've rescued any items that shouldn't be there, you can get the vacuum cleaner out and run it over your sofa bed's surfaces.

'Regularly vacuum the sofa bed surfaces but avoid vacuuming the mattress directly as this could disturb the fillings,' says Rob Cole. 'Instead, use a soft brush to gently remove any dust or debris from the mattress.'

3. Tackle any stains

'Stains are inevitable, however, prompt techniques can work to effectively remove them,' says Monika Puccio, head of buying at Sofa Club. 'Begin by blotting the stain gently with a clean cloth to absorb any excess liquid, and avoiding rubbing it, as it may spread the stain further.'

'Follow up by using a mild washing-up liquid or a specialised upholstery cleaner,' she says. 'Apply it to the stain and gently blot until the stain fades away – although remember to test the cleaner on a more hidden area of your sofa first to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage.'

But what about older stains? 'If there are any stains that have built up over time, spotting them with a fabric-appropriate cleaner, and blotting gently without rubbing, should do the trick of bringing the sofa bed back to its original look,' says Stephany Aubrey, brand specialist at Zinus.

If you've invested heavily in your sofa bed, and are worried about stains in general, it may well be worth purchasing a protection plan, such as the Dreams Bedcover Service Plan, which costs between £15 and £99 depending on the item. This will allow you to arrange professional cleaning in the event of accidental spillages, free of charge.

4. Deep clean the upholstery

How you clean your upholstery will depend on what it's made from, although Lynsey Crombie recommends bicarbonate of soda as a way of removing grime and embedded dirt in almost any sofa bed.

'Test the fabric first in an inconspicuous area, but bicarbonate of soda is safe for most types of upholstery,' she tells us. 'You will need a couple of cleaning cloths, a stiff brush, some bicarbonate of soda and your vacuum cleaner loaded with a small brush attachment.'

'Use the stiff brush (Lynsey recommends the Silverline hand brush, £5.60, Amazon) to brush away crumbs, dust, and other debris. Sprinkle the couch with bicarbonate of soda which you can also mix with an essential oil if you wish and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes,' she advises. 'Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to thoroughly remove the baking soda or mixture.'

Alternatively, Henry at Housekeep has differing methods for cleaning cotton and leather upholstery.

For leather upholstery:

• 'It's best to use a microfibre cloth and a leather cleaning spray, which you can usually find in the supermarket,' says Henry. 'It's normally just a case of spraying and wiping – but always worth double-checking the product instructions. You can also buy leather cleaning wipes specifically designed for leather upholstery.'
• 'Always check your cleaning products on a discreet area first (e.g. the back) to confirm there's no adverse reaction,' he adds.
• 'It's worth investing in a leather upholstery protection cream, too, which you can periodically apply to keep upholstery in good condition.' Try Furniture Clinic's leather protection cream, £14.99, Amazon.

For woven cotton upholstery:

• 'Beyond your usual vacuuming routine, you'll want to have an upholstery cleaning product for spot cleaning and stain/odour removal, or just the occasional clean,' says Henry.
• 'These often come with a soft brush attachment making them super simple to apply, for example, Simoniz Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner 400ml, £4.39, Toolstation.,' he adds.

'Linen sofas are more delicate,' adds Henry, 'so it's worth checking the care instruction or manufacturer's instructions for specific instructions on this.'

5. Tackle any mechanical parts

'To keep the mechanical parts of your sofa bed clean and prevent rust, start by regularly dusting and wiping down the components with a dry cloth to remove any debris,' advises Monika Puccio at Sofa Club. 'For more thorough cleaning, you can use washing up liquid alongside a soft cloth to gently clean the metal parts. Ensure to dry the components once washed to prevent any buildup of moisture which could damage the components.'

'Any multi-surface spray should work for the mechanical parts of your sofa bed,' adds Henry. 'Apply conservatively to a soft cloth and then wipe the mechanical parts. Buff dry with another clean cloth to ensure no residue or risk of rust.'

6. Freshen up the cushions and covers

'Regularly machine wash the cushion covers if they're detachable,' says Henry. 'You can check the care instructions on the label for more information. Consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaning team to do a deep clean (using hot water extraction) every 6-12 months. You can also hire a Rug Doctor or a similar carpet and do this yourself.'

'To keep your sofa bed smelling fresh, regular hoovering and use of a fabric freshener can be a quick and effective approach to maintain a fresh-smelling sofa,' adds Monika. 'For a deeper clean, sprinkle baking soda liberally over the sofa, let it sit for 15 minutes to neutralise odour, and then vacuum.'

'If your sofa has removable covers, I would recommend hand washing with a diluted upholstery cleaner in lukewarm water, allowing it to dry naturally,' she continues. 'Flipping and rotating your cushions periodically alongside plumping can keep your sofa looking as fresh as possible.'

FAQs

How often should you clean a sofa bed?

'The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use the sofa bed,' says Rob Cole, bedframes and sofa bed buyer at Dreams. 'But even if unused, sofas can gather dust quickly.'

Rob has given us a breakdown of his recommended daily and weekly sofa bed cleaning and care regime. On a daily basis, he suggests:

• Plumping your sofa bed’s cushions to help them keep their shape.
• Keeping the sofa bed away from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading.
• Treating any spillages immediately.

On a weekly basis, you should:

• Vacuum the sofa bed on and behind the cushions using a low setting.
• Use a soft brush to clean the mattress if your sofa bed has one.
• Consider steam cleaning for deeper stains, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean any used sheets after guests leave, and wash throw blankets about once a month to keep them fresh.

How do I remove pet hair from a sofa bed?

'If you have pets you'll want to vacuum your sofa – or sofa bed – more often than you'd otherwise need to,' says Henry. 'To keep you ticking over between deeper cleans, use a lint roller or order a specialist pet hair roller online – these are pretty inexpensive and designed specifically for removing pet hair.'

'To remove pet hair from a sofa bed, I would advise using an upholstery brush to buff away the hair, dirt and dust. This, alongside regular vacuuming, will prove highly effective,' agrees Monika.

'To prevent pet hair build-up on your sofa, consider using blankets or throws to protect against the hair and marks,' she adds. 'This approach can extend the lifespan of the sofa and simplify cleaning, as you can easily put the throws in the wash.'

If space or money is tight, you might be wondering if it’s possible to sleep on a sofa bed every night. While it’s probably not the ideal choice for you and your back long term, there are ways you can make this a possibility.

Even the best sofa beds aren’t really designed for every night use, year round. They’re built with occasional use in mind. But this doesn’t always mean once in a blue moon. ‘People use sofa beds as regularly as once or twice a week if they have kids coming to stay who don’t normally live with them, or for people who work different shift patterns and need to sleep undisturbed,’ says Megan Thompson, Buyer for Benson for Beds.

‘[Sofa beds] are also a great temporary solution for life change such as moving house and waiting for a new bed frame to arrive, or when you first have a baby and are taking it in turns to do the night feeds,’ say Megan. As someone who has tested more than 20 mattresses and plenty of other sleep products, I’m going to take you through the finer details of the pros and cons, as well as things to consider.

Are sofa beds good for long term use?

As with standard mattresses for beds, you’re going to have to do extensive research before taking the plunge on a sofa bed that’s worthy of sleeping on every night.

‘Sofa beds have amazing benefits when it comes to maximising space in a smaller home and giving you the option to host overnight guests,’ says Jade Crooks, Commercial Director at DUSK. ‘However, not all sofa beds are suitable for long-term use, so you should make sure to check individual product specifications when shopping around.’

‘Generally sofa beds are designed as a sofa with occasional use as a bed,’ says Simon Williams of the National Bed Federation. ‘That is because most sofa beds only contain a slim mattress that won’t provide sufficient support for long term use.’

OK, so perhaps not ideal but if you’re still keen on the idea of sleeping on a sofa bed every night, then what should we be looking for?

What should you look for in a sofa bed to sleep on it for a extended period of time?

‘Comfort is one of the main things you want to look for in a sofa bed. You need to make sure that it can fulfil both functions, allowing you to lounge on the sofa during the day and then get enough sleep support at night,’ says Jade from DUSK.

Comfort is going to come down to what the mattress is made from. As Simon Williams from National Bed Federation already pointed out, sofa bed mattresses are thinner so the mattress needs to do a lot of work here.

Generally pocket-sprung mattresses are going to be the ones to go for. The Oswald sofa bed from Heals is designed for everyday use and has a foam and pocket-sprung mattress. It also offers a king-size sleep surface, which is a rarity for sofa beds.

‘You also need to make sure that the mechanism on the sofa bed is sturdy,’ says Jade from Dusk. ‘That’s because, if you are regularly switching between sofa and bed, your mechanism will need to be robust to stand the test of time.’

Why should you not sleep on a sofa every night

1. Poor sleep quality

As sofa beds have thinner mattresses, they’re generally less supportive and comfortable. This will affect the quality of your sleep, and over a long period of time this can have a knock-on affect on your overall health.

This is because if you’re uncomfortable, you will wake more often and spend less time in deep sleep. Deep sleep is important because it strengthens your mental and physical health.

Initially you might not even be aware that you’re not getting good-quality sleep, as you might not fully wake up when you’re uncomfortable.

2. Could cause aches and pain

Again, the relative lack of support that sofa beds offer compared to standard bed mattresses is going to affect your body.

Ideally your spine should be aligned when you sleep. If your body isn’t properly supported it can cause hip, shoulder, neck and/or back pain. Generally speaking, sofa bed mattresses don’t offer decent support.

This will become exacerbated over time. The mattress will lose its support as it ages, and the more you use it the faster it wears out. Add to this that you’re constantly folding it in and out, this wear and tear really stacks up. This isn’t a spiral you want to put yourself in if you can avoid it.

3. Not great for allergies

Owing to all the nooks and crannies of a sofa bed, they are much more difficult to keep clean than regular mattresses.

Add to that, that people are using the sofa during the day – perhaps eating snacks, almost certainly wearing their clothes from outside while sat on it – and it’s just not going to be as clean as a standard bed.

Allergy sufferers especially are going to want a clean, hygienic sleep surface to keep allergens at bay. That’s going to be much harder on a sofa bed.

4. Shortens the life span of sofa bed

As sofa beds are generally designed for occasional use, if you sleep on one every night it’s going to dramatically reduce its lifespan. As we said earlier, while it might seem like a cheaper option than a bed, if you’re having to buy another one in a few years then it’s just a false economy.

FAQs

What is the maximum length of time you should sleep on a sofa bed?

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules here. You can make your own judgement on how long you want to sleep on a sofa bed for. It’s probably better to not think of a sofa bed as a permanent solution, but more of a stop gap as Megan from Bensons for Bed mentions above.

‘If the mattress is only a slim construction, it really won’t provide sufficiently robust support so anything more than a few nights would be more than enough,’ says Simon Williams from the National Bed Federation.

‘​​Sofa beds are perfect for short stays from a few days through to a couple of weeks. However, for long-term stays, nothing is as restorative as a full-size bed,’ says Patricia Gibbons, Head of Design at sofa.com.

How can you make a sofa bed more comfortable for everyday use?

‘Sofa beds are great when it comes to an occasional sleep solution. But if you’re looking for a more long-term versatile sleep solution, additional bedding products can help ensure your sofa bed continues to deliver a comfortable night’s

Sleep,’ says Megan Thompson from Bensons for Beds.

‘Blankets, mattress toppers and duvets can all help to enhance the comfort of a sofa bed,’ Megan says. ‘And don’t forget the importance of the right pillow for a good night’s sleep too. It’s worth investing in these extra bedding essentials if you’re going to be sleeping on a sofa bed for a good few nights.’

Sofa by day and bed by night, the sofa bed is one of the hardest working pieces of furniture around. But double the use also spells double the jeopardy when making a purchase. This is why the list of sofa bed buying mistakes is longer than most.

To ensure you don't have any regrets come delivery day (or the nights that follow) we've asked furniture experts how they would go about shopping for the best sofa beds. They've highlighted all the pitfalls that could turn that dream purchase into a nightmare, from not sizing up properly, to ignoring important features like durability, comfort and construction.

1. Getting the size wrong

One common mistake when purchasing a sofa bed is not considering its size relative to the room. 'A sofa bed that's too large can overwhelm a small space, making it feel cramped and unusable,' says Patricia Gibbons, head of design at Sofa.com. 'Conversely, a sofa bed that's too small might not provide adequate seating or sleeping space.'

'Measure both the room and the sofa bed in both its sofa and bed configurations,' advises Patricia. 'Ensure there's enough space to pull out the bed comfortably without obstructing walkways or other furniture, like coffee and side tables. This careful planning ensures that your sofa bed enhances the room rather than hindering its functionality.'

'To visualise how the sofa bed will sit within your space, I find that it's useful to lay out pieces of paper in the shape of the sofa when set to a bed,' says Caron Grant, brand manager at Bridgman. 'It's the easiest way to establish whether you can still comfortably move around the room.'

'Another size mistake is not accounting for how many people the sofa bed needs to accommodate,' adds Patricia. 'Some sofa beds are designed for single sleepers, while others can comfortably fit two.

'If you frequently have couples or multiple guests, opting for a larger, double sofa bed is essential. A sofa bed that's too small will lead to uncomfortable nights and unhappy guests. Ensure you choose a size that matches your typical guest scenario to provide a good night's sleep for everyone.'

2. Not measuring access points

We all remember Ross, Rachel and Chandler from Friends unsuccessfully trying to 'pivot' their hefty sofa up a staircase. So if you want to avoid the same slapstick fate, measuring up is crucial.

'Make sure you also consider any window heights and the measurements of doors or awkward spaces like hallways and stairwells you’ll have to get the sofa bed through,' Caron suggests.

3. Giving no thought to frequency of use

'When choosing a sofa bed, you need to evaluate how often you are going to use it. If you plan on purchasing a sofa bed for everyday use – for example, if you're living in a small studio apartment – or to handle the kids' last-minute sleepovers, then you might want something that will convert easily,' says Stephany Aubrey, brand specialist at Zinus.

'Click-clack sofa beds are generally the easiest type of mechanism to convert and are on the affordable side of the scale, too,' she says. 'They allow you to effortlessly have the best of both worlds, without compromising on comfort and style.'

However, Gisela Lancaster, head of buying at Sofology, recommends a hardwearing, high-end mechanism for a sofa bed that is going to be used as a bed regularly. ' When choosing a sofa bed it's always best to consider how often it will be used as some are designed for last-minute transformations for unexpected visitors, whilst others offer a higher level of comfort and maybe a better option for a dedicated guest room.'

It's also worth thinking about whether a full-time bed might be a better choice. If a guest bedroom doubles up as an office, a sofa bed makes sense. But if it's a modestly sized room that's only used for sleeping, a small double bed with the best mattress might be a better option than a sofa bed.

4. Prioritising price and looks over comfort

It goes without saying that anyone shopping for a sofa bed will first be drawn to a particular colour, style and price point. But imagine snuggling down for the night on your chosen furniture, only to realise it offers a sleep experience akin to a medieval torture device. Springs poking into you, lumpy cushions, a saggy mattress... it's the perfect recipe for insomnia. Even worse, your overnight guests might pretend it’s fine, but their stiff smiles the next morning say otherwise.

If you’re looking to prioritise comfort, and will be sleeping on the bed frequently, invest more in a pull-out sofa bed that conceals a mattress inside. These mattresses are usually pocket-sprung or foam, like a bed mattress, and are more comfortable compared to the padded cushions you will be sitting and sleeping on with a more affordable click-clack sofa bed.

'Not understanding the mechanism of your sofa bed can lead to frustration and inconvenience,' agrees Patricia. 'Click-clack mechanisms are often more affordable and easy to use, quickly converting the sofa into a bed with a simple movement. However, more technical mechanisms might offer greater durability and ease of use, particularly if the sofa bed will be used frequently. Evaluate how often you will convert the sofa to a bed and choose a mechanism that offers the right balance of cost, convenience, and durability.'

5. Opting for a sub-standard mattress

If your sofa bed will be serving as more of a bed than a sofa, you'll want to ensure that its mattress is up to scratch. Sofa beds tend to ship with a mattress that's thinner than standard, in order that it can sit within the seat mechanism. However, they can be constructed from coils, pocket springs, reflex foam or memory foam depending on your individual sleep needs.

'A critical error in sofa bed buying is overlooking the quality of the mattress. Not all sofa beds come with high-quality mattresses, and a poor mattress can lead to uncomfortable, restless nights,' says Patricia at Sofa.com. 'When evaluating sofa beds, consider the mattress type: sprung mattresses tend to offer better support and comfort compared to foam ones. Investing in a sofa bed with the best mattress possible ensures that your guests sleep well, making your home a welcoming place to stay.'

'Test the mattress on offer as part of the sofa bed to see if it's supportive and comfortable enough,' agrees Gisela at Sofology. If shows signs of being the wrong mattress for your needs, you may want to swap it out before you buy, and if that's not possible, research a replacement. 'Opt for natural fibres such as cotton and wool as this will be a sure way to offer all guests a great night’s sleep,' adds Gisela.

'The Hypnos mattress that comes with a range of Sofology sofa beds is made of sustainably sourced materials, offering cosy comfort that’s kind to the environment.'

6. Forgetting about storage

Storage can be a handy extra feature of a sofa bed – especially one that deals with last-minute guests. A storage compartment that can be filled with sheets, a duvet and pillows will save you having to trek to other parts of the house to find them, and means you can keep your bedding made up and ready to go.

'Take a look at models that provide inbuilt storage for bedding and pillows, making it easy to go from stylish sofa to comfortable bed in minutes,' says Gisela.

7. Ignoring armrest preferences

'Whether or not to have arms on your sofa bed is another important consideration,' says Patricia. 'Sofa beds with arms can offer additional comfort and support when used as a sofa but might limit the sleeping area when used as a bed. On the other hand, armless sofa beds can provide more sleeping space and may be better suited for smaller rooms.'

You will find that many click-clack models won't have arm rests, whereas pull-out sofa beds tend to have them, but there are exceptions on both counts. 'Consider your primary use and personal preferences to make the right choice for your space and comfort needs,' adds Patricia.

8. Picking any old upholstery

Our final potential pitfall is also a common sofa buying mistake. 'Selecting the wrong materials and colours for your sofa bed can also be a significant mistake,' says Patricia. 'Some materials may not hold up well to the dual demands of being both a sofa and a bed. Opt for durable fabrics that can withstand regular use, and consider colours that will not show stains easily.' That may mean avoiding pale colours, unless in the form of an easy to wipe down fabric like leather, or if you choose a sofa bed with washable, removable slip covers.

'Additionally, think about the aesthetic of your room and choose a sofa bed that complements your existing decor. This ensures that your sofa bed remains both functional and stylish over time,' adds Patricia.

Vintique Upholstery's Sharon O'Connor warns against faux leather. 'It's a terrible option for sofas and sofa beds,' Sharon explains. 'It hates moisture, so you can't clean it easily, it doesn't like the changes in temperature that come with body heat – for example, if you're sitting on the sofa in shorts on a hot day – and it will peel very quickly. When I'm choosing sofa upholstery, I will only pick fabrics that have a very high rub count, to make sure they last.'

To understand whether you are getting an upholstery that will withstand the wear and tear of being sat on slept on and repositioned frequently, look for the rub count, also known as the Martindale rub count.

9. Not checking the warranty

You’ve found an amazing deal on a sofa bed, but a few months in, the mattress starts to sag, and the frame creaks ominously every time you sit on it. You realise there’s no warranty or returns policy. Congratulations, you’ve just bought a very expensive dog bed.

That's why you should always check the guarantee and returns policy before purchasing. It’s usually worth spending a little more for peace of mind. Returns can be a particular minefield, but you should typically have 30 days grace if you simply don't get on with the sofa bed – always check before you buy though. The exception may be if you've had a sofa bed made to order with a special fabric or dimensions. These can't usually be returned after purchase unless they're faulty.

A 10-year frame guarantee is typical on a sofa bed, and is offered by both John Lewis and Dunelm. Sofa.com offers a lifetime guarantee on all sofa beds with a solid beechwood frame. Sofology also offers a lifetime guarantee on its frames, springs and webbing, and a two-year guarantee on upholstery and stitching. DFS, on the other hand, has a 15-year warranty on its frames and springs.

Sofa beds you can't go wrong with

FAQs

What can I do to improve the performance of my sofa bed?

'If you already have a sofa bed in your home which you don’t feel is right, there are a few things you can do to help,' says Monika Puccio, Head of Buying at Sofa Club. 'If your issue is with the comfort of the mattress, you may be able to update this with a more luxurious option to add the support and comfort you expect from the sofa bed. Alternatively, opt for a mattress topper to improve comfort without the sometimes high price of buying a mattress.'

'Adding textiles such as cushions and pillows or more comfortable bedding can improve the look and feel of the sofa bed,' Monika adds. 'And if your issue is with the sofa bed mechanisms, this can sometimes be improved by adding some oil to the structure to help prevent any unnecessary squeaking and sticking.'

What can I do to prolong the life of my sofa bed?

'All sofa beds need a bit of TLC every now and again,' says Caron Grant at Bridgman. 'We recommend regularly moving and plumping loose cushions to redistribute the filling and keep the cushion shape. Upholstery should also be regularly brushed with a soft brush to prevent hair compression on the fabric surface, especially in the most frequently used places – that's arms, seat cushions and seat backs.'

Buying a sofa bed can be a tricky endeavour, but with a little foresight, you can avoid these common pitfalls. Measure your space, test for comfort, consider the style, check the assembly process, and ensure there’s a good warranty. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding a sofa bed that’s perfect for both sitting and sleeping—without the sitcom-worthy mishaps. Happy sofa bed hunting!

It's well worth doing your research to find the best sofa bed for you and your home, because, as I discovered when trying to find a suitable option for hosting overnight guests in my own home, all sofa beds are not created equal.

If you make the wrong choice, a sofa bed can combine the worst of both worlds. As sofas, they can be stiff, creaky and uncomfortable. As beds, they can often offer thin and unsupportive padding that leave you wondering if you'd have slept better on an inflatable mattress. And, sofa beds aren't cheap, so it's a purchase you want to get right first time.

I've got a very narrow spare room/office space, so after looking at numerous sofa beds that were too wide for the room, I got quite excited when I realised that the 160cm width Cocoon Alice Three-Seater Sofa Bed was a perfect fit for my room's width. As opposed to opting for one of the best chair beds on the market, it also offered me the space to host two guests at once thanks to its double bed-sized sleeping area.

Even better, it's a modular design, meaning it can be disassembled easily if you want to move it to a different room in your house, or if you move house altogether.

Because Cocoon's sofa beds are handmade to order, I wouldn't recommend buying this sofa bed as a quick fix. Mine took about six weeks to arrive, but I've had the chance to test it on a number of occasions since it first arrived – and yes, I've even slept on it myself. Here's how it held up.

Cocoon sofa bed review – the Alice Three-Seater

Specifications

• Sofa width: 160cm
• Bed width: 140cm
• Mattress: Pocket-sprung
• Fabric options: Micro-suede, micro-weave, micro-cloth, micro-velvet
• Colour options: 48
• Design: Modular, for easy delivery
• Delivery: Pre-assembled and in one piece

How I tested

Delivery

After much deliberation, I opted for Cocoon's Alice Three-Seater sofa bed in the shade Sky in the brand's 'micro-weave' upholstery. This feels similar to linen but a lot more durable.

Once the order was placed, the sofa bed took about a month to make, but if you're in a rush Cocoon does offer loan beds to tide you over until your order is ready, and you'll only be charged for the cost of delivery and repackaging. I think this is a reasonable workaround if you want to invest in a great sofa bed but are working to a specific deadline.

Having a large item of furniture delivered can always be a bit stressful, especially when you have to navigate stairs and narrow doorways. I was slightly concerned I might have made one of the cardinal sofa bed buying mistakes and measured up incorrectly, but luckily I needn't have worried. Cocoon sent two very amenable delivery men who got the sofa bed in and upstairs in a jiffy.

The delivery team made the process look very easy, but this is a heavy piece of furniture. Luckily, the back can be removed from the main unit, which is how they got it up my winding staircase, and the modular design means that I won't have any trouble disassembling it when I move out.

In this regard, the Cocoon sofa bed measured up to the flat-pack Swyft Model 04 sofa bed my colleague recently reviewed. That too can be easily disassembled and reassembled for easier delivery and house moves.

Ease of transformation

This sofa bed is designed so that the backrest folds down flat and you can use the sofa seat and the backrest to sleep on.

Cocoon has numerous videos on their site which make it look like you can pull this sofa bed into position with just one hand, and I was pretty surprised when I realised it really was that easy.

First, you need to remove your cushions. Then, you have to lift from the underside of the front panel of the sofa, which will extend towards you and expose the lower section which sits underneath this.

Unlike the top and bottom of the sofa bed, this middle section is white and is not covered in the same fabric. You then just need to pull the backrest towards you, and it will fold flat to create a sofa bed that's the same dimensions as a double mattress.

As you can see below, my spare room is immensely tight on space, so I did find it a bit fiddly to fit my sofa bed with a mattress topper and sheet ready for guests staying over.

However, it would be a lot easier for those without abnormally small rooms as there is a corner at each side of the bed you can attach an elasticated double mattress topper too, although I'd advise you buy a deep fitting option to avoid it slipping away during the night.

Comfort

There are two ways to evaluate the comfort of a sofa bed. In sofa form, the Alice Three-Seater isn't the squishiest sofa I've sat on, and is unlikely to give the best sofas on the market a run for their money. I couldn't picture myself using it in the place of my current sofa in our living room as I would find it too firm for everyday use. However, in our spare room, it's perfectly acceptable for perching on.

As a bed, this Cocoon sofa bed really excels. The first guests who slept on this sofa bed were my parents. They had slept on my old spare bed – an IKEA daybed with an actual mattress – numerous times, but they both commented that the Cocoon sofa bed was significantly more comfortable.

When I quizzed them about the three sections and whether it created any issues to sleep on the gaps between them, they both said they hadn't minded it in the slightest.

I then took a turn sleeping on the sofa bed, half expecting to desert back to my comfy mattress a few hours in. However, I was impressed to find that the Cocoon sofa bed offered really good support to my lower back, which can often get sore when I sleep in a new bed.

Like my parents, I also didn't mind the gaps between the sofa cushions, as they fell at points in my body where I don't exert much pressure like my knees and my neck.

The parts of my body that required the most support were well cushioned by the sofa bed's pocket-sprung surface. And if you do need more comfort, adding one of the best mattress toppers will give you more padding.

Verdict

The Cocoon Alice Three-Seater sofa bed isn't cheap. At the time of writing it's available for £1,550. However, that's comparable to other options I considered in my search.

In my opinion, it's also not the most stylish option on the market. It's a little basic and boxy for my tastes. If I'd had the space, I may have opted for the Cocoon Ashley Corner Sofa Bed, which has an almost-Scandi aesthetic that would have matched my interior style better.

However, sadly a corner sofa bed is a little beyond my spare bedroom's limits. I chose the Alice Three-Seater because of its main USP, which is that it offers a double-sized sleeping area in a relatively very narrow width sofa.

The only sofa bed we've come across that offers a comparable sleeping area with a narrower footprint is Innovation Living's Cubed 140 Sofa Bed. But, if your style is more classic than contemporary, you may prefer the looks of the Alice Three-Seater.

All in all, if you're looking for a full-size sofa bed but are working with a smaller space, then I think this Cocoon sofa bed is a brilliant choice.

It's the most comfortable sofa bed I've slept on by a country mile, so your guests will be thanking you at breakfast. And when they've left, it only takes around two minutes to transform it back into a sofa.

Plus, if you have an even smaller space to work with than mine, there's also the option of the Alice Chair Bed that sleeps one, or the Alice Two-Seater sofa bed that offers a small double bed's worth of sleeping space. Check out our guide to chair beds vs sofa beds if you're not sure which option is right for you.

Suffice to say, if my friends had this sofa bed, I'd be inviting myself over for sleepovers on a regular basis.

Comfortable sofa beds are not easy to find, especially for under £2000. However, the Emma Sofa Bed changed all that when it launched last May. Made by a dedicated mattress company it promised 'a sofa bed that actually feels like a bed' and earned an award in our Ideal Home bedroom awards.

However, the key sticking point with this sofa bed was always the price point of £1,999, but Emma has decided to discontinue its sofa bed and reduced the price by almost £600 to £1,399.30. The offer will only be available while stock lasts, so if you've been hunting for the best sofa bed for a guest room act fast.

Is the Emma sofa bed worth it?

Emma mattresses already have a brilliant reputation for comfort and affordability, claiming the title of 'best budget buy' in our best mattress guide with the Emma Original Mattress. They transferred this knowledge into the first Emma mattress sofa bed with an 18cm mattress. To compare, higher-end sofa beds usually only include a 12-14cm mattress, like our top-rated Darlings of Chelsea’s Bromley sofa bed, with a starting price of £2000. Most mattresses start at 25cm deep, so it does close the gap between the two.

The Emma sofa bed construction is the secret to how it can hide such a thick mattress. The sofa bed works similarly to a traditional trundle bed using two single mattresses. The single bed pulls up from underneath to make one or two single beds, or the slats can be attached to make a double bed. Both mattresses sit neatly in the under-sofa bed drawer when not in use.

Emma claims the bed is so easy to switch from lounging to sleeping that it can be set up in 10 seconds.

While the sleeping credentials are good, sofa beds must look good too when not in use, and the Emma sofa bed delivers basic good looks. The options are limited as it's only available in one size: 222cm wide and 92 cm deep; and one colour: grey. However, the versatile colour and simple modern design make it perfect for fitting into almost any design scheme. It also uses a water-repellent fabric to help keep your sofa bed in good condition for longer.

In keeping with Emma's mattress in a box USP the sofa bed arrives in two boxes, one including the structure of the sofa and the other with the two mattresses. While we have tried to put it together ourselves, Emma promises that these can constructed easily with no tools needed.

Alternative sofa beds

Saying all that while we do think this is a brilliant chance to snap up a versatile and comfortable sofa bed that your in-laws won't complain about, if you're budget is a little tighter these are three great alternatives that we highly rate.

Argos is currently having a 20% off sale across selected furniture that is only live until the end of today – and our top pick is the popular Habitat Kota sofa bed that has won our hearts at Ideal Home, in an all-new boucle option that is ever so luxe-looking.

The Habitat Kota sofa bed has earned a top spot in our pick of the best sofa beds on the market, offering you the most bang for your buck at £399 (but going for even less today). If you're after something larger that doesn't break the bank, this generous three-seater sofa that can so easily switch to a double bed will do just the job.

While there is a wider sale going on the site with Habitat's designer-style garden furniture also available with 20% off until 27th February, out of the many Argos deals currently available for today only, believe us when we say this is the one not to pass up on. 

• Habitat Kota 3 Seater Boucle Clic Clac Sofa Bed, was £399 now £319.20 at Argos using code FURN20 at checkout

There's a reason why the Habitat Kota sofa bed is such a popular option for shoppers. Not only do you get the benefits of snapping up one of the best sofas, as it's large enough to act as primary seating in a room but you've also got the option to host guests with it.

If you need a small living room sofa idea or want it as an addition to a home office as a 'just in case' piece of kit (you never know when guests will appear at your doorstep) that is still equally stylish, look no further.

The Habitat Kota sofa bed is big enough to seat three and sleep two, with a simple no-nonsense click-clack design that makes it easy to switch between the two. Its newest colourway, the cream boucle, is probably our favourite of the previously available options.

However, rest assured that the fabric and velvet upholstery options are still there too should this be your preference for your living room – better yet, they're pretty on-trend sofa colours of charcoal, teal, green, grey, and even orange.

The sale ends at midnight today, so if you've got your eyes on this sofa bed, we suggest acting fast. Remember to use code FURN20 at checkout. You can thank us later.

When I chose the Made Haru sofa bed a year ago I knew its firmness wouldn't suit all guests, so this Black Friday I'm snapping up Panda's bamboo mattress topper deal, which our in-house mattress expert says is the best mattress topper for a sofa bed.

The Made Haru sofa bed might look like one of the best sofa beds, but unfortunately, it's not something you'd want to sleep more than a night or two on. However, with my Mum visiting this December for her birthday I wanted to treat her to a comfier bed set up with the Panda Memory Foam mattress topper so she could get a good night's sleep before a couple of full days of celebrating.

Panda already has made entries into our best mattress round-ups, and when I mentioned my sofa bed predicament to Ideal Home's mattress expert, Ecommerce Editor Amy Lockwood, she instantly suggested Panda's mattress topper as the best mattress topper for the job. 

Even better, it's currently one of the best Black Friday deals we've seen, reduced from £139.95 to £118.96 for a double in the Panda Black Friday sale.

Choosing a mattress topper for a sofa bed, especially one like the Made Haru bed which is a small double can be tricky. However, what Amy likes best about the Panda mattress topper is that it comes in a huge range of sizes.

'Most sofa beds don't have the same sized sleeping areas as a standard mattress', explains Amy, 'That's why finding the best mattress topper for a sofa bed can be a little tricky. I always recommend the Panda Bamboo Mattress Topper as it comes in loads of different size options, from a UK Single through to EU Emperor, and everything inbetween!'

'It's also been rated 5 out of 5 stars by our review team. At 5cm deep, it may not be the thickest mattress topper out there, but it is made of pure memory foam which does a great job at adding cushioning comfort to a hard surface – like an uncomfortable sofa bed! – as well as masking lumps and bumps underneath. Plus, side sleepers especially will appreciate how pressure points like hips and shoulders sink into the topper for more cushioned support'.

So whether you have a Haru sofa bed like me or another unorthodox-size sofa bed, you are more likely to find a perfect fit with this mattress topper. 

But, what about the comfort factor? Panda says this mattress topper has been designed to give you that 'new mattress' feeling. It also features a 'gel-infused technology' that the brand says reacts to your body temperature and keeps you cool throughout the night. Our seasoned sleep testers definitely found it slept cooler than many memory foam mattresses – which bodes well for my guest's sleeping comfortably.

In fact, in our mattress topper buying guide, our sleep experts dubbed it the 'best memory foam mattress topper you can buy', due to the affordable price point and the number of five-star reviews it's racked up. The memory foam's improved breathability also means it ranks well in our guide to the best cooling mattress toppers.

The one challenge I am preparing to overcome is where to store the mattress topper when not in use. However, since it arrives rolled up in a box already, I'm hoping to transfer it to a breathable storage bag to store it in our spare bedding cupboard until guests arrive. 

While I'm hoping this Panda mattress topper finally stops any guest complaining about the firmness of the Made Haru sofa bed, Panda does offer a 30-day sleep trial. If after 30 days I'm not convinced or find I'm defeated by the storage situation I can send it back - sounds like a win-win to me!

We’ve always loved sofa beds for their multipurpose quality. But in recent years, their sleek designs really won us over. Sadly for our wallets, most of the best sofa beds (similarly to regular sofas) sell for upward of £1000. But Dunelm impressed us with its range of Mito sofa beds starting at only £175!

The range includes both three-seater sofas and a Dunelm futon chair bed, which happens to be one of the best chair beds on a budget we’ve seen on the market. Definitely one with the best price point. 

When first launched, the chair beds came in a range of soft solid colours (which are still available). But the Dunelm Mito Single Futon just got a patterned makeover and we’re loving the trendy striped variation which plays right into the deckchair stripe micro trend. We’re so here for it!

The new pattern raised the chair’s price slightly from the original £175 to £199. But it is still a bargain that’s giving us many space-saving living room ideas that will come in handy for potential overnight guests. And it’s a price we’re willing to pay for those summer-reminiscent stripes in two juicy pink tones that read more strawberry girl aesthetic than Barbiecore trend. 

Ideal Home’s Decor Editor, Amy Lockwood, shares her thoughts on the practicality of this chair bed, as well as its colour options and new patterns that just became available. 

'This simple futon chair bed may be fairly basic in design, but if you're after an affordable way to put up the occasional overnight guest then for under £200 it makes for a useful and budget-friendly extra sleeping space'. 

'You can opt for the minimal Japandi vibes of the classic natural upholstery, or make a statement with some of the quirky patterns and bold striped upholstery options on offer, like this super colourful watermelon-pink stripe.'

'Whilst guests might struggle to spend a whole week on this temporary bed – which may or may not be a good thing! – if you only need a guest bed for the occasional overnighter and want a cheap and cheerful option that's a little more permanent than a roll-up or inflatable mattress, this budget option could strike just the right balance,' Amy concludes.

We still can’t get over those cool stripes, so our minds are made up. We love it.

The Ideal Home-approved sofa in a box brand, Swyft has just launched a new sofa bed that we think is set to be the perfect addition to any small space in your home.

More often than not, people are more inclined to opt for the best sofa bed money can buy when they're looking for a multi-functional and versatile piece of furniture to fill a smaller space in a room – and if your living room or home office leans more on the spatially-challenged end of the spectrum, Swyft might have just created the ideal solution for you.

Swyft Model 08 sofa bed – our first impressions

The new Swyft Model 08 sofa bed claims to be the ultimate space-saving sofa bed, boasting a drama-free fold-out system and a sleek modern silhouette.

Designed with urban living in mind, the model 08 sofa bed looks to be a modern solution for those with a small living room looking to maximise their living space without sacrificing style or comfort.

We asked our Decor Editor and furniture expert, Amy Lockwood, for her first impressions on the sofa brand's new launch. 'The Swyft brand’s USP is that they’re one of the few sofa manufacturers that offer sofa and sofa bed delivery in under 24 hours of purchase – a real rarity in the world of sofas where lead times are often between 6-12 weeks from order to delivery – this is a huge plus point if you need to furnish a new home fast, or you have overnight guests threatening to descend!'

'The brand's latest launch, the Model 08 sofa bed introduces a more compact sofa bed into the range. Unlike the Swyft Model 04 Sofa Bed that has a width of 208cm, the newest launch comes in at a 158cm width making it a better solution for small space living. Another plus point – especially for those with the awkward hallway access of a Victorian terrace or apartment to contend with – is that all Swyft's furniture is delivered flat-packed,' Amy continues.

'That makes it far easier to get furniture upstairs or around tight corners. As our Swyft Model 04 sofa bed review demonstrates, the no-tool assembly really is as simple as the brand says, and the payoff is that your furniture is far easier to dismantle and rebuild when you come to move house, making it ideal for renters in particular.'

Our Editor in Chief, Heather Young, has the Swyft Model 04 sofa bed in her own busy family home – and she can safely say that she loves it and thinks it's a great investment.

Heather says: 'I've had the Swyft Model 04 sofa bed for a couple of years ago and everyone who has slept on it (including myself) has been so impressed with the comfort.'

'When we had overnight guests before, we used to give them our bed in the main bedroom to make sure they were as comfortable as they could be, but we don't need to worry about that now that we have the Swyft sofa bed in the guest room.'

The Model 08 is available in two sizes, including a 1-seater (perfect if you're after the best chair bed) and a 2-seater option, as well as a range of fabrics and 54 different colourways to choose from – so you'll never be left without an option to suit your living room colour scheme.

We're eager to get our hands on one to see whether its comfort levels truly fare with their claims, however, upon first impressions it could be an investment worth considering for smaller spaces.

Made.com's bestseller, the Haru sofa bed is finally back in stock at Next after a long and gruelling wait and it's safe to say that we're pretty pumped about it. You don't want to miss out this time around.

If you haven't been in the know, high street giant Next bought Made.com in November last year after the online furniture retailer went into administration. 

When Made.com initially stopped taking orders, one of the first worries that sprung to mind was whether we'd ever see the beloved Haru hit the shelves again, especially as it stood as our pick up of one the best sofa beds. As a pleasant surprise, that day has finally arrived.

Made.com's Haru sofa bed is back

Made.com is back in business on the Next website, having released a 'small selection of our favourite pieces' and to no surprise, the Haru has made a return as the 'seating style sensation we've all been waiting for.'

Many of our editors on the Ideal Home team were quick to flag the Haru's comeback, and for good reason – it's easily a favourite in many of our homes. The Haru Sofa Bed is available in a selection of different colours, ranging from £325 to £499 depending on whatever size you opt for.

Amy Lockwood, Ideal Home's Decor Editor, reviews sofas for a living and she'll be the first to vouch for the Haru sofa bed as a pretty solid addition to any room, especially if you're looking to fill an awkward space.

'Finding a sofa bed that looks good, is comfortable, and doesn't break the bank can be a tricky business. That’s why the Haru is such a popular option. It has a relatively low price point, and stylish luxe-look velvet upholstery, and whilst it may not be the very best sofa bed we’ve tested in terms of comfort, both the sitting and sleep experiences are perfectly acceptable,' she explains.

Amy adds, 'The Haru sofa bed's click-clack design also makes it a super simple task to transition this sofa bed from seating to sleeping, with hidden pockets disguised by the coordinating scatter cushions opening to reveal hinged legs, and the backrest and seat easily unfolding to create the sleeping surface.'

'The lack of arms and medium-firm cushioning mean it might not quite cut the mustard for everyday use, but as occasional seating, it makes a great accent chair.'

She thinks it would work particularly well as a sofa idea for small living rooms, as well as being a great solution for impromptu sleepovers in a kids' bedroom or playroom.

Alternatively, if you're after a more affordable alternative, we suggest having a look at Habitat's Roma sofabed as a Haru dupe as not only is it more budget-friendly but also sports a very similar look.

We love Habitat's Roma boucle sofabed in cream as it's bang on the money in keeping with the boucle furniture trend that was predicted to keep a top spot in this year's living room trends.

Overall, the Haru sofa bed is neat, stylish, and super practical. It ticks all the right boxes, going from accent chair hero to handy guest bed in no time.

Will you be finally getting your hands on one this time around?