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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

This week, Habitat shared with Ideal Home that the brand’s made-to-order sofa service is being paused until further notice. This means that popular Habitat sofas such as Hendricks and Fenner have been pulled from the site and made unavailable – and it’s not yet known when the situation will be resolved.

Habitat launched its made-to-order sofas last May. As part of the launch, the brand introduced new sofa styles and a number of Habitat's existing bestsellers became made-to-order, such as the aforementioned Hendricks, which used to be included in our guide to best sofas as our pick for the best value sofa. Habitat has paused the made-to-order sofa service because its furniture supplier entered administration this March.

All the affected customers who had placed orders for made-to-order sofas were contacted as soon as Habitat learned of the news. The brand reports that they’ve apologised to the customers, offering a refund alongside a gesture of goodwill.

Fortunately, Habitat also offers a range of ready-made sofas which are still available, and some of them are even more popular than the made-to-order styles. This includes one of our favourite sofas - and the best budget sofa from our guide - which is the bestselling Julien sofa.

But if you’ve had your eye on one of the Habitat made-to-order styles, I found the best ready-made alternatives you can invest in instead. And most of them are currently available with 20% off when you apply code FURN20 at checkout.

If you had your heart set on something made-to-order for your living room sofa ideas, we'll keep you up to date with the situation and any good value alternative we recommend on the high street.

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.

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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!

We all love IKEA for affordable yet stylish pieces of furniture and decor – but the one issue is that many IKEA pieces are instantly recognisable as exactly that, IKEA pieces. But you don’t have to worry about that when it comes to the newly released IKEA LILLESÄTER sofa. No one would ever guess that this stylish, modular, curved sofa is IKEA – or that it costs only £599, which is the price of the compact three-seater.

If I’m being honest, I’m not always the biggest fan of IKEA sofas. I love IKEA for a lot of its other furniture and home decor, but I find some of its sofas lacking in the comfort department - I’m looking at you KLIPPAN and SÖDERHAMN. The sofa that I regularly recommend as the best sofa from IKEA is the STOCKHOLM 2025 – is it a coincidence that it’s a modular sofa? Of course not! Modular sofas are always my go-to for versatility and longevity. But with the launch of the new LILLESÄTER sofa, which is also modular, my top IKEA sofa pick might be changing.

Full disclosure, I haven’t had the chance to try this sofa in person just yet. But already there are a few things that have impressed me about the LILLESÄTER sofa. Apart from its modular design, I also like the curved, organic shape, which is currently one of the biggest sofa trends.

The stain and spillage-resistant performance fabric, available in off-white and yellow, is another great feature – so even though the upholstery is fixed, it’s easy to just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. The affordability of the sofa is another plus – as already mentioned, prices start at £599 for the yellow three-seater and £650 for the off-white version. But a £799 or a £850 four-seater is also available, as well as large-scale five- and six-seaters.

The overall design is very reminiscent of King Living’s Aura modular sofa. I still prefer the King Living Aura sofa as I own a King Living sofa myself - specifically the King Living 1977 - and can attest to the high quality, innovation, comfort and style of the brand’s sofas, the award-winning Aura sofa included.

The Aura also comes with a 25-year steel frame warranty, while IKEA offers a more standard 10-year warranty, and the King Living design features removable covers so you can easily change the look of your sofa and choose from over 200 fabrics, colours and finishes.

But if King Living’s higher price point, starting at £3,002 for a two-seater currently on sale for £1,490, is not within your budget and you’re after something affordable that still looks stylish, then the IKEA LILLESÄTER sofa is a good alternative.

Alternatives with a similar look

There are hundreds of sofas currently available on the market, catering to different aesthetics and customer needs, with many of them ending up looking much the same. But once in a while, a sofa design that’s innovative and different from the rest comes along and manages to truly impress me – and that’s precisely the case with the just launched King Living Delta 5 storage sofa.

Storage sofas generally have a bad rep for two things – being bulky in order to accommodate the internal storage space and for being uncomfortable as usually high levels of comfort are sacrificed to the storage system during the design process. But the King Living Delta 5 is neither bulky nor uncomfortable – on the contrary! It feels as comfortable as any regular sofa, not too hard or too soft. And the off-the-ground design with tapered legs doesn’t give away the storage compartment that’s hiding within.

‘Storage is seamlessly integrated under the seats without adding bulk, while refined proportions, softened geometry, and high-quality suspension ensure exceptional comfort,’ explains Chris Cooke, head of design at King Living. ‘The under-seat storage compartment is deep and generous, fitting within the sofa's existing design. Instead of adding bulk, it uses space that's already there. Visually, the storage is hidden.’

And on top of everything, it’s also modular – and if you know me, you know I love a modular sofa. King Living and I go way back (well, about two years, really) as this is the brand that I’ve purchased my much-loved modular sofa from, the King Living 1977, which, just like the Delta 5 sofa, comes with removable covers. Yet another huge benefit! So, based on my personal experience with my own sofa and having tried over 100 different modular sofas, I can confidently say that King Living is among the best at making modular sofas.

The Delta 5 sofa design is based on the brand’s existing Delta sofa, one of King Living’s bestselling modular sofa designs which I’ve tried before at the brand’s London showroom, and based on this experience can also judge the comfort levels of the new Delta 5 since the structure stays the same as the previous version (which is still available and not going anywhere) – but it’s been given a few updates.

What’s the difference between the new and the old Delta sofa?

‘The original Delta, launched in 1998, established the modular philosophy that a sofa should be reconfigurable and adapt to the way people live. Delta 5 honours that foundation and builds on it significantly while evolving the aesthetic. Delta 5 introduces a softened, curved silhouette with new round chaises and curved corner modules, allowing configurations like an S-shape that weren't possible before,’ Chris at King Living says.

Curved sofas have been one of the biggest sofa trends of the last couple of years, and one that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. And since the original Delta features an angular, almost midcentury modern-inspired look, giving the Delta 5 a curvy makeover makes complete sense. And it makes the sofa look more contemporary. But what’s also great is that the new Delta 5 modules are fully compatible with the Delta sofa as well, so you can merge the two if you like.

The King Connect Bracket is another new addition which allows you to readjust the back cushions to either gain more back support or allow for a deeper, more loungy set up.

And lastly, a new accessory was added to the line-up – while the existing Delta sofa was already compatible with a few smart home features, including a wireless charging side table and a touchless gesture-control smart light, the new drop also introduced a bolster headrest for extra neck support.

As for the price point, it’s by no means cheap, starting at £3678 for essentially a three-seater; however, this is a sofa built to last, and it comes with a 25-year frame warranty. And King Living is currently running a sale which includes even the new sofa design – so instead of the said £3678, you can now pay only £1490.

The only downside is King Living’s delivery lead times. As the brand is based in Australia, its sofas are manufactured in Asia, and it can take up to three months from placing your order for your sofa to arrive. That’s how long it took for mine to be delivered. So bear that in mind when purchasing.

Storage sofa alternatives

In my job as Room Decor Editor here at Ideal Home, I look at and try so many different sofas day in, day out. So it’s difficult to impress me when it comes to sofas, as I’m sure my colleagues would confirm. But learning and writing about the King Living Delta 5 sofa felt like listing one amazing benefit after another – it’s like this sofa is too good to be true. And yet, it really is that good!

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.

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During her time in the I'm a Celebrity jungle at the end of last year, presenter and podcaster Vogue Williams made no secret of the fact that she missed her family terribly, along with the creature comforts of home, so the fact that she's combined both loves to create a new sofa collection with Sterling Home should come as no surprise.

Take a look at Vogue's Instagram account, and you'll soon see her keen eye for design and deep passion for interiors over the years, in the homes she has shared with her husband Made in Chelsea alumnus Spencer Matthews and their three young children.

'I've always loved interiors,' explains Vogue. 'It's where I get to be creative, there's no right or wrong - it’s just about what brings you joy,' she says. She has clearly relished the opportunity to get hands-on with the design aspect of this new collection with Scotland's biggest furniture store, Sterling Home: 'It's been so much fun blending striking looks with a collection made for everyday living,' she says. It has to work for you and your family, not just look gorgeous!'

The new 18-piece collection does just that - infusing her fresh and contemporary style with her love for comfort on family-friendly designs, ranging from the best sofas and armchairs laden with plush scatter cushions, with several coordinating footstools.

Each piece is named after a variety of well-known locations in London (where Vogue now lives) and her favourite places in Ireland, which she originally calls home, featuring a range of sturdy, yet super comfy pieces in a wide range of durable fabrics.

The showstopper is easily the sumptuous, contemporary-styled pillowtop Howth sofa range. Named after the seaside peninsula in the north-east of Dublin (Vogue's hometown), the Howth sofas come in a choice of up to 23 different fabrics from boucle to linen-look, including the signature wide stripe pattern in four colourways.

There are four sofa styles to choose from in the Howth range - a medium or large sofa, a large chaise sofa, and an extra-large sofa alongside a coordinating loveseat and a footstool, too.

Next up is the Bayswater sofa - with its relaxed, curved shape and slouchy armrests, it's the kind of design that you know will be one you'll sink into. Available in extra large, large and medium sizes, it too has a loveseat and footstool to match, all of which can be made in your pick of 19 fabrics from chenille and boucle to faux linen.

Then there's the Piccadilly swivel chair, which coordinates beautifully with both the Carnaby and Bayswater ranges, offering a structured, yet ever-so-slouchy look (thanks to all the throw cushions) for a statement armchair - it makes the perfect addition to a small living room, when you want an extra seat but don't have a whole lot of space for one.

Finally, the Carnaby sofa - a more structured design that taps into the high-end, quiet luxe look that has been dominating the high street recently. With its curved edges and back, this three-sized sofa range (medium, large and extra large) also features a curvy footstool, the aptly named Pebble. Again, this range comes in a great choice of fabrics - 19 neutrals in total - so you're bound to find a look that you love.

Working with Vogue to create the new collection was a no-brainer for Sterling Home, with the brand's director Euan Graham citing her 'passion, personality, and flair for design perfectly match what our customers love.'

The ranges are available to view in any of Sterling Home's nine stores in Scotland, but if you can't make it in person, they're all available to buy online now.

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.

Alongside her television appearances and radio shows, there’s no denying that Amanda Holden is known and loved for her glamorous style. Now, it’s easier than ever to bring some of that sparkle home, as the star has launched a new collection with DFS with several of the best sofas I've seen for that glam look.

The way we decorate and furnish our homes has an undeniable impact on our mood, so a living room refresh might help if the winter blues are starting to get on top of you. Amanda’s collection couldn’t have come at a better time, with bold colours and fun slogans for those who want to inject some dopamine decor, and tactile textures for more neutral living room ideas. It’s the perfect antidote to these grey days.

With a range of sofas, accent chairs and scatter cushions to choose from, there is something to suit all styles, needs and budgets. ‘I wanted to cover all bases,’ explains Amanda. ‘There are riskier elements alongside more formal elements, and splashy sofas alongside comfier, deeper sofas. So I do think there’s something for everybody here, and they’re all gorgeous.’

While the collection features an eclectic mix of designs and seating options, each one is personal to Amanda in their own way, as the range draws on her own interests and personal style. ‘Each sofa suits different aspects of me,’ she says. ‘I don’t have one defining thing about me – I’m all over the place!’

The collection’s first theme – Showstopper – is the most eye-catching in the range, drawing on Amanda’s love for musical theatre with its velour materials and dramatic colours. ‘The showstopper is my utter favourite and the name suits it so much,’ says Amanda.

Featuring a velvet teal sofa in four-seater, three-seater, or two-seater options, a tropical accent chair, fluffy pink pouffe, and statement scatter cushions, it’s the most maximalist look in the collection.

‘I’m really influenced by 60s and 70s colourways,’ says Amanda. ‘I love colour so much that I think teal and orange are neutrals! So colour-wise, the Showstopper sofa is my absolute favourite. And I’ve already found a place for the fluffy pink pouffe in my beauty room!’

If bold colours and maximalist motifs aren’t usually your style, don’t be put off. The Showstopper range has plenty of colourways to choose from. ‘If people do their research on the collection, they’ll see that everything is available in different colours and patterns,’ explains Amanda.

Continuing the musical theme, the collection’s second look – Olivier – pays homage to Laurence Olivier, namesake for the prestigious Olivier awards. Made up of a range of sofas, including corner, cuddler and four-seater options, and an arm chair, this look takes a more subtle approach to luxe, with toned down patterns or plain velvet fabrics.

‘I love leopards and have them all over my house, so we included a leopard option for the Olivier sofa,’ says Amanda. But the chic colourways of pale pearl and oyster, give it a luxe spin.

The final look – Luvvie – is the collection’s cosy counterpart, with a palette of cream and gold and a soft chenille finish. ‘The Art Deco style is prominent in my house, and I love the look of it so we incorporated that here,’ says Amanda. ‘Buying a sofa is a big ask,’ she adds, ‘so if you’re less brave than me and want neutrals, this style will sit comfortably with everybody.’

‘The whole process was so hands on. I went to the factory and even had a go at making a sofa,’ says Amanda. ‘So someone, somewhere has a sofa with a message from me stuck to the lining!’

The collection is available to shop in full online now, before dropping in-store on March 11th.

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?

Now, a sofa bed is a great piece of multifunctional furniture. However, if you've ever struggled to find a sofa bed you *truly* like enough to invest your hard-earned cash in, then I feel your pain.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the past five years testing hundreds of sofa beds for my guide to the best sofa beds on the market, and there *are* some great sofa beds out there. But, they're rare.

For every sofa bed I've tested that's been comfortable enough to sit *and* sleep on, plus looked stylish enough that I would be happy to give it floorspace in my home, there have been at least twenty that have felt rock hard to sit on and a little... functional... to look at.

Thankfully, I think 2026 is going to bring us a new option for hosting overnight guests, and it comes in the form of the daybed.

Now, daybeds in themselves are nothing new. In essence, they're a bench seat of sorts, usually topped with a single mattress that can be sat on during the day and slept on at night.

But what is new is that in 2026 I'm suddenly seeing a whole lot more options hit the market, and many of these options are *stylish*.

The main benefit of a daybed is that you can pack them with cushions during the day to turn them into a sofa of sorts – and arguably choosing your own cushions means you can tailor the look to your home far more than you can with a sofa bed – but, most importantly, they feature an *actual* mattress, which means they become a true bed at night.

That means there's none of the firm foam or lumpy pull-out mattress you often get with a sofa bed. Instead, with a daybed, your guests will be sleeping on a 'proper' mattress.

Whether you want to invest in one of the best mattresses on the market or the best budget mattress for your daybed is up to you, as most come without the mattress included, but to my mind, this makes a daybed a sofa bed alternative that's well worth considering.

There are also an increasing number of daybed options that feature two single mattresses stacked on top of each other during the day, and that can be transformed into a double bed at night.

Six of the best daybeds

Is a daybed something you'd consider incorporating into your guest bedroom ideas, or even your small living room ideas this year?

If I hadn't already kitted out my spare bedroom with one of the best chair beds, it's definitely an option I'd be considering.

Plus, a daybed would be the perfect place to store my ever-growing cushion collection – although I probably don't need any more excuses to buy new home decor!

In 2026, living rooms are set to become much more relaxed and comfortable compared to previous years, when some lounges were designed and decorated in a more put-together, formal way to receive guests. This shift is also reflected in sofa choices, and it’s given rise to the deep-seated sofa trend.

In previous years, sofas with shallower seats and higher back support that would make you sit more upright were generally the more popular, go-to styles. But the sofa trend of styles with more generous, deeper seats that started in 2025 is what’s going to define living rooms in 2026.

‘People want sofas you can truly relax on, for movie nights, socialising or working from home,’ says Monika Puccio, buying director at Sofa Club. ‘Comfort is no longer a compromise on style. From our own sales, we’ve definitely seen growing demand for deep, generous designs that feel luxurious but effortless.’

The January and winter sales are one of the best times to buy a new sofa, much like I did a couple of years ago. So if you are thinking of investing in your next best sofa, I’d recommend making it a super comfortable, generously sized one with deep seats – and experts do, too.

The benefits of deep-seat sofas

A relaxed feel is the overarching living room trend of 2026. Sofas are the biggest piece of furniture in most living spaces, so a deep-seat sofa is one of the best ways to create that vibe in your own lounge.

‘Sofas with extra-deep seats are gaining popularity for their luxurious, cocooning feel, offering a more laid-back, lounge-like experience that’s perfect for both unwinding and socialising in a relaxed setting,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. ‘Their generous proportions invite you to stretch out fully, making them ideal for lazy afternoons or cosy evenings in.’

Nicky Emlick, creative director at Sofa.com and founder of interior design studio N M Design, continues, ‘Comfort has overtaken minimalist aesthetics as a driving force in furniture design in recent years, deep, lounge-style sofas are a perfect fit for maximising relaxing with ease.’

They work especially well in larger living rooms, cinema rooms or as an open-plan living room idea, ‘Really great for open plan living, designed around function and everyday use. Often these sofas are modular, with adaptable configurations, allowing the consumer to build a seating area to accommodate their needs, allowing the sofa to grow as they move or acquire larger spaces. Deeper sofas can double up as cinema chairs, recliners and daybeds,’ Nicky adds.

My top picks of deep-seat sofas

How to fake a deep-seated sofa

Of course, the one downside of a deep-seated sofa is that it’s big and takes up more space than other styles of sofas. So if you don’t have the space or don’t want to buy a new sofa, there are a few ways to fake the deep-seated look, according to experts.

1. Add an ottoman

One way is to add a large ottoman to your sofa set-up. ‘We are seeing a rising trend in pairing standard-sized sofas with oversized upholstered footstools,’ says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS. ‘When coordinated with the main sofa, a footstool offers a place to rest your feet, or provides a coffee table, and effectively extends the seating area for extra guests. It delivers all the warmth and invitation of a larger lounge set-up, without requiring as much space.’

2. Opt for a low-profile, scatter-back sofa

Another option is to choose a sofa that has a lower profile and/or comes with scatter back cushions as these styles create the illusion of being larger and deeper than they actually are. ‘You can create the illusion of a deeper sofa by choosing low-profile designs with plush cushions and a relaxed shape,’ says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village. ‘Choose a sofa with a scatter back for that sink-in feeling without increasing the overall footprint of the sofa.’

3. Add cushions

And lastly, some experts recommend layering your existing sofa with scatter cushions to trick the eye into thinking there’s more space on the seats than there actually is. But you have to be careful with this one as going overboard can overcrowd the seats, which is, in turn, counterproductive.

‘A great way to fake a deep-seated sofa look is to use a couple of layers of cushions to dress it,’ says Jo Lane, interior designer and founder of online interior design service See Your Place. ‘This will make even smaller sofas feel generous and give the illusion of depth. Just be careful to choose smaller cushions so you don't overfill your seating space.’

Shelley at Furniture Village concludes with some final styling tips for incorporating a deep-seated sofa into your living room, ‘Balance is key. Deep-seated sofas are visually substantial, so it’s a good idea to pair these with larger furniture – substantially sized coffee tables and oversized lamps so that the sofa doesn’t look out of proportion. A large rug that extends beyond the sofa will also help anchor it within the room.’

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

Whenever people see my sofa for the first time - whether that’s guests coming over or just in a picture - I always get compliments about how cool it is. It’s definitely the standout piece of furniture in my home. But what most people don’t know is that I bought this very impressive sofa in the sale for almost half the price. And I want to help you do the same with my top pick of January 2026 sofa sales.

If you’re currently looking for the best sofa for your home, you’re in luck because the start of a new year is one of the best times to shop for sofas thanks to the many January and winter sales taking place. But not every sale is created equal.

That’s why I put together this shortlist of the sofa sales I’m most impressed with and that I would recommend even to my friends to take advantage of if looking for a new sofa. If I didn’t already own the sofa of my dreams - the 1977 modular sofa by King Living - I’d be looking through them myself right now.

1. King Living

A couple of years ago, I got my sofa for half of the original price in the King Living winter sale. And since the brand has that same sale on right now, offering up to 50% off selected styles, it seemed only fitting to start this list off with King Living.

The very same sofa that I own, the 1977 (specifically the Package 3 size and configuration), is available for a very similar price I got it for. There are, of course, other styles on offer, many of which are also some of the best modular sofas out there. But the 1977 has a special place in my heart and comes with several benefits – available for a very good price in the sale, it’s also modular, comes with removable covers, boasts a gently curved shape and a modern low profile.

Top pick

2. Heal’s

Heal’s is currently offering up to 20% off on both its own range of sofas, as well as other designer brands that the retailer stocks. Some of which are generally very difficult to find on sale. Some of the best sofa beds are also included in this sale, including the Heal’s Oswald sofa bed, our top-rated king-sized sofa bed style – and it’s currently the cheapest our Sleep Editor, Amy Lockwood has ever seen it.

But my top pick would be the Ligne Roset Togo sofa as it’s precisely one of those iconic design classics that are hard to find with a discount. But at Heal’s, you can currently snap it up with 15% off.

Top pick

3. Habitat

Habitat is one of my (and the country’s) go-to places to shop for a sofa as the brand’s styles blend good design with affordable pricing. And right now, Habitat is offering several different offers on its sofa range.

For one, you can get 30% off its made-to-measure sofas with the code SOFA30 applied at checkout, which includes Habitat’s most famous sofa design, the Hendricks. And this midcentury-style sofa would be one of my top picks from this sale.

But you can also save ⅓ of the original price on selected sofa styles, while on some it’s 20% off. But if you like Habitat’s Julien sofa, the best budget sofa in Ideal Home’s best sofas buying guide, then you’ll be happy to know that it’s currently available for the lowest price ever, going from £595 to just £400 for the two-seater size.

Top picks

4. Darlings of Chelsea

Darlings of Chelsea is one of the best sofa brands to go for due to the high quality design and materials used. But that quality comes at a price that sits on the higher end of the spectrum. But the brand is currently running a 35% off sale on all of its sofas until the end of January.

This includes some of our much-loved classics like the Bromley sofa bed - the top-rated sofa bed overall in our best sofa beds buying guide - or the Kingston sofa, which I rate as the best luxury modular sofa. But it also includes some of the newer additions to the Darlings of Chelsea offering like the modular Dalston sofa which is one of the few sofas that really impressed me this year.

Top pick

5. Furniture Village

Furniture Village has a wide range of sofa styles in its collection, including ones from great brands like The Lounge Co. And the retailer is currently running an Early Bird sale on sofas with up to 50% off selected styles.

This includes one of my favourite corner sofas I’ve ever sat on because it’s so comfortable – the Goliath sofa. Not only that it’s super comfy but it’s also one of the best storage sofa designs I’ve seen, equipped with pull-out drawers hidden in each arm. And right now, you can get £1000 off the original price.

Top pick

Even when it comes to sales like these, I recommend going in with a plan and having a wish list of a handful of sofas you like that you’d like to get for the best possible price. So which sofa do you have your eye on?

If you're looking for ways to host overnight guests in your home, then a sofa bed can be an extremely useful purchase. However, there's no denying that this piece of multifunctional furniture is an investment.

Even the most affordable sofa bed will set you back at least £300 or so, with some costing in the realms of £3,000. Ouch. That's why it pays to know when to buy a sofa bed to make the most of the lowest prices throughout the year.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've spent the last five years testing out sleeper sofas for my guide to the best sofa beds, and in that time, I've learnt a thing or two about when this piece of furniture is most likely to go on sale. This is when to snap up the cheapest prices.

Boxing Day and January sales

Yes, the good news is that we're currently smack in the midst of one of the best times of the year to buy a sofa bed. That's because most retailers participate in extended Boxing Day or January sales, which can result in significant discounts on sofa beds.

These are the best January sales to shop if you want to snap up a sofa bed for less, right now:

• Darlings of Chelsea: 35% off all sofa beds
• Dreams: 20% off selected sofa beds
• DUSK: 25% off with code JAN25
• Habitat: up to 30% off selected sofa beds
• Heal's: 20% off designer sofa beds
• John Lewis: discounts on selected sofa beds
• Loaf: 15% off all sofa beds
• Sofa.com: savings on sofa beds
• Swyft: up to 40% off sofa beds

I've also rounded up three of my favourite sofa beds in the sales. Tried and tested, these sofa beds are stylish, practical, and offer good value for money – even more so now they're on sale.

In particular, January is the time of year that retailers often discount older lines, or at the very least older upholstery options that they plan to replace with new spring/summer colourways in late February and early March.

This can mean that January sees some of the lowest prices of the year. If a retailer has decided to discontinue a particular model of sofa bed, they will usually offer big discounts to get it sold and stock cleared.

'The biggest savings usually pop up during our sale periods,' agrees Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at furniture retailer Furniture Village, 'especially our November Black Friday offers and our December and January Winter Sale, so if you’re looking for a bargain, that’s when I’d keep an eye out.'

And that leads me on to the next key time of year to shop for a sofa bed.

Black Friday discounts

The other key date to bag a bargain on a sofa bed is during the Black Friday sales in November.

Black Friday deals used to be a one-day affair on the last Friday in November, but in recent years, they've become a month-long event, with numerous sofa bed retailers offering some of the biggest discounts of the year throughout the month of November.

During Black Friday, many retailers also offer sitewide discounts, which means that even bestselling lines that are usually protected from discounting events can have their prices slashed. If you're lucky, you can snap up a real bargain at this time of year.

However, the caveat is that November is one of the peak times of the year for sofa bed purchases. Christmas is on the horizon, and many of us are beginning to plan for hosting overnight guests during the festivities. That means that sofa bed lead times can get longer.

Many retailers pull in extra stock to prepare for the pre-Christmas rush, but long lead times can still be common, and if you are prepping for Christmas hosting, you'll need to pay close attention to predicted delivery dates to ensure your guests will have somewhere to bed down in time.

Summer Bank Holiday sales

A less hectic time to shop is during the summer, and many retailers offer more discounts ahead of the main Bank Holidays of the year, such as Easter and the long weekends of the summer, when they know more of us are likely to have friends and family visiting and need hosting space.

However, in my experience, I've found that discounts at this time of year don't tend to be quite as big as during the Black Friday or Boxing Day and January sales.

This all said, as Michael Buckle, head of buying at sofa bed retailer Dreams, shares, a sofa bed is a big purchase, and it's always best to consider your individual needs and preferences rather than being swayed by sales events.

'Think about how and when you’ll be using the sofa bed,' advises Michael. 'For example, planning ahead in autumn can be ideal if you want your home to be guest-ready before the festive rush, while late spring is a great time to refresh a spare room ahead of summer visitors.'

'Shopping with your needs in mind can help you find the right sofa bed at the right time – regardless of the time of year.'

If you're looking to buy, choose wisely and make sure you weigh up the pros and cons between a chair bed and a sofa bed to make the right choice for your home and your guests.

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

Choosing and buying a sofa is a big investment for every one of us as they don’t only cost quite a lot of money, but a sofa is a long-term investment that should last you at least 10 years. That’s why when I recommend a sofa or a sofa brand to you, it’s because I really believe in it – and I thoroughly approve of the most popular sofa of 2025 that you, our readers, looked at and bought the most of, which is the John Lewis Draper II Medium 2 Seater Sofa.

Why? Because this sofa is the top-rated style in the Ideal Home best sofas buying guide that I’ve put together. And it means the world that you trust my judgment on sofas enough to base your purchase on it. I’m glad to see you like the John Lewis Draper sofa as much as I do because it’s a true all-rounder.

Most popular sofa 2025

The John Lewis Draper sofa might not be the most unique sofa design out there but perhaps that’s exactly why it’s so popular – it’s super versatile and a crown-pleaser. It simply ticks all the necessary boxes – it’s comfortable, sleek and stylish with narrow legs elevating it off the ground for an airy and light look which makes it the perfect small living room idea, it’s available in over 80 upholstery fabrics, while also not costing a fortune.

The price point starts at £1199 for the 2-seater size (which was the most popular one). The backrest is also decently high (but not too much) to provide enough support, while the seat and back cushions are removable for easy maintenance.

Runner-ups

But the John Lewis Draper sofa wasn’t the only sofa design you were loving this year – in fact, these are the two close runner-ups in your list of favourites

And as we’re heading into the New Year, I’m sure these picks will still hold up in 2026. So if you’ve had your eye on any of these sofa designs, this would be the best time to invest while the Boxing Day and Winter sales last.

The favoured styles of sofas don’t tend to change as frequently as some of the other interior trends, since sofas are large investment pieces that people should be buying only once every 10 years or so. But living room seating trends do still change and evolve with time – and there are some sofa trends going out of style in 2026.

Many of the most recent sofa trends - whether that’s of 2025 or the last couple of years - are still staying relevant. It’s largely sofa styles that have been popular for the past five years or even a decade that are set to fade in 2026, according to interiors and sofa experts.

‘After over a decade of British interior design being dominated by a cool, restrained elegance, we are pleased to see that 2026 will be all about adding a genuine sense of warmth and personality to our homes,’ says Rohan Blacker, founder of a new sofa brand Schplendid. ‘It’s not about removing fun elements of designs, but more about cultivating moments of joy with longevity.’

1. Cool grey and neutral upholstery

Cool-toned grey was the sofa colour going out of style in 2025 already. But since sofas are such investment pieces as already mentioned, phasing out a trend takes a while. However, grey and other cool neutrals are set to continue dropping in popularity.

‘Cool, minimalist interiors are losing traction,’ says Chris Cooke, head of design at sofa brand King Living. ‘Cool, mid-tone greys continue their decline. The shift from 52% of fabric sofa purchases in 2019 to just 10% in 2025 signals a broader move toward palettes that feel nurturing and expressive. Customers want emotional connection in their homes, and grey no longer delivers that.’

2. Sofas with harsh, angled design

Organic, curved shapes have been the favoured style of sofas and other furniture and decor for a few years now. And it’s a home decor trend that’s not going anywhere anytime soon. On the contrary, it’s growing in popularity and as a result, sofa designs with rigid, angled features are going out of style.

‘We’re moving away from anything overly structured or sharp,’ says Kelly Collins, Swyft’s head of creative. ‘Hard angles, tight foam-only seating and ultra-mid-century silhouettes will start to feel dated.’

Chris at King Living agrees, ‘Highly structured, rigid silhouettes are also fading. Clients are gravitating to designs with softened lines and a more relaxed posture. Sofas like Zaza and Aura perform well because they prioritise comfort, tactility and lived-in luxury rather than strict geometry.’

3. Loudly patterned styles

Certain sofa upholstery colours and styles can become on trend quite quickly but then also fade in popularity just as fast. That’s why I’m such a big fan of sofas with removable covers, much like my own sofa, the King Living 1977. That way you can embrace a sofa colour trend you like without changing the entire sofa.

But as we all want our homes and living rooms to be cosy and soothing spaces, loudly patterned sofas of dopamine decorating are dropping in popularity for 2026.

‘Bold, high-contrast pattern-on-pattern looks are losing momentum because they can overwhelm smaller spaces. As life gets busier, people want pieces that soften the room rather than dominate it; the opposite of those statement-led styles we’ve seen over the past few years,’ Kelly at Swyft says.

4. Bold primary-coloured upholstery

Similarly to loudly patterned sofas, styles in bold primary colours are also fading in popularity for the same reasons, making way for earthier tones like green, brown and terracotta.

‘High-saturation statement colours are also becoming less common as a primary sofa choice. People are investing in pieces for long-term living and gravitating toward grounded, natural tones that evolve effortlessly with the rest of the home,’ Chris at King Living explains.

Sofa styles I recommend instead

So if you’re planning on investing in a new sofa anytime soon, it’s best to avoid these styles. But if you’re not and your existing sofa colour or design are on the list it doesn’t mean you should get rid of it. Instead, you can update it with some clever styling.

At Ideal Home, we're always interested in what you (our readers) choose to give floorspace to in your homes, and 2025 has definitely been the year of multifunctional furniture, namely the sofa bed.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've tested out numerous sofa beds for our best sofa bed guide, but there's one sleeper sofa that's caught Ideal Home readers' attention more than any other this year.

And to be honest, I'm not surprised, because we know that our readers are always quick to spot a good thing when they see one.

Most popular sofa bed of 2025: John Lewis x Innovation Living Cubed 140 Sofa Bed

Yep, the sofa bed that proved itself to be by *far* the most popular with Ideal Home readers in 2025 is the Innovation Living Cubed 140 Sofa Bed available from John Lewis.

And it's easy to see why. Firstly, this sofa bed is *compact*, so whether you're trying to create hosting space in a small living room, a guest bedroom, or a home office, or you want to add sleepover space to a kids' bedroom, this armless design can be squeezed into the tightest of spaces.

Second, despite its compact footprint, once it's unfolded, it offers a generous double bed-sized sleeping area. That's pretty unheard of in the world of sofa beds – especially of this size – as no matter how wide the sofa itself is, sleeping areas tend to be a *lot* smaller than your average mattress size.

Third, it's delivered flatpacked. Yes, that does mean you need to assemble it yourself, but we know that our readers are a DIY-savvy bunch. The benefit is that it's much easier to get it upstairs and into a guest bedroom or home office than with many other options.

And lastly, it's well-made, modern, and stylish. Which proves another thing we already knew: that you're all savvy and stylish shoppers who are willing to invest in a good purchase.

The most popular sofa bed of 2025: runners up

However, the Innovation Living Cubed 140 Sofa Bed wasn't the only sofa bed that caught your eye in 2025. These are the three runners-up that *almost* made the top spot, and again, they're all about the union of functionality and style.

From our round-up of bestsellers, I think one thing is clear. Ideal Home readers continue to demand a lot from the furniture we choose to give space to in our homes.

These are big purchases, and furniture needs to be practical, stylish, and well-made so that our investments stand the test of time – and rightly so.

Retailers will need to continue to create furniture that nails the holy grail of style, practicality, and value for money in 2026, and as of right now, John Lewis, Habitat, and Heal's are the ones leading the way.

Swyft has launched a new modular sofa design, and as a big fan of modular sofas, my interest was piqued as soon as I heard the news. Dubbed the ‘cloud sofa’, the Swyft Model 13 promises to be the most comfortable sofa the brand has ever made.

Swyft has already been making some of the best modular sofas for some time, including the Model 03 (which has earned the title of the best quick delivery sofa in our best sofas buying guide) and Model 06. However, while both of these models are comfortable, they are on the firmer side. They offer more support rather than the soft, sink-in feeling that many people are after, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in the new Model 13.

‘The Model 13 came from a really simple idea: create the comfiest sofa we’ve ever made, without compromising on Swyft’s clean, modern aesthetic,’ says John O’Leary, Swyft’s design director. ‘We were inspired by those ‘sink-in’ cloud-like designs you see in high-end interiors with big, billowy cushions and relaxed proportions, but we wanted to engineer it in a way that still felt refined, practical and genuinely liveable. It’s that balance between luxury comfort and everyday usability that really shaped the whole design.’

And crucially, for much less than those high-end designs, prices start at £2398 for a 3-seater size that can be split into two, going up to £6945 for a large corner sofa with a matching ottoman, perfect for living rooms that are on the bigger side or even cinema rooms.

I haven’t tried the sofa myself in person as of yet, but from mid next week, the Model 13 is going to be on display at Swyft’s London showroom, which opened in October. I encourage you to go and test it out for yourself, then – I know I'm going to.

But if you’re wondering how Swyft achieved that super soft and cushiony feel, John at Swyft explains, ‘Our goal was to design a sofa that people immediately exhale into. The feather and hollow fibre cushioning gives you that instant, enveloping comfort, while the softer arm structure means you can lounge without bumping into hard edges. We wanted it to feel cocooning, generous and indulgent, but not sloppy.’

Whenever I test out a new sofa, I always check how the armrests feel. Armrests are intended for your arms and head to rest on, so an overly hard armrest is not going to deliver the comfort factor. Who wants a hard edge digging into their neck when trying to relax on the sofa?! That’s why I’m so impressed with this sofa’s soft and comfortable armrest design.

Much like the rest of Swyft’s offering, this sofa can also be yours within 24 hours, depending on the chosen upholstery option, thanks to Swyft’s quick delivery service. Given that most sofas take weeks and sometimes even months to arrive, this is something I really appreciate about the company.

Overall, this is one of the few sofa designs I was really impressed with this season. And I can’t wait to see and feel it IRL soon – I’m going to report back once I do so, watch this space…

This is one of the best times of the year to invest in a new sofa to give your living room a refresh and take advantage of the many sofa sales and deals that are on offer. But before you commit to a new sofa style, I recommend having a look at the biggest sofa trends of 2026 that are set to define the look of our living room seating for the foreseeable future.

As Ideal Home’s Room Decor Editor, I look at sofas almost daily, regularly try out new designs and write about sofas pretty much every week. While a sofa is, of course, an investment piece that should last you many years to come, it’s always good to know what’s new and hot in the world of the best sofas as it might inspire you and/or reveal a sofa style that you’ve never seen or heard of before but that’s actually what you need and are in fact after.

Admittedly, sofa trends don’t change as much and as drastically from one year to the next as say home decor trends, since they are large investment pieces of furniture. But they do still change to a degree so compared to last year’s sofa trends, you will see both some newcoming styles and some repeated favourites, all of which are going to be big in 2026 according to sofa experts – and I back every single one of them, too.

‘As we move into 2026 the sharp, architectural sofa silhouettes that defined much of the last decade have lost their popularity,’ say Liz and Sarah Hellmers, co-directors of interior design studio Lathams, about the overall shift in sofa trends. ‘The strict box arms and rectilinear forms increasingly feel at odds with the way people want to live today. Homes are becoming more sensorial, more layered, more personal and good sofa design is supporting that shift.’

1. Incorporate nature-inspired shades

In previous years, there used to always be the year-defining sofa colour. In 2025, it was all about brown. Before that, green was the go-to. In 2026, it’s not necessarily about one specific colour but rather a group of colours as nature-inspired shades - including those greens and browns - are going to be the most popular by far.

‘We have seen a rise in subtle earth pigments and deeper, nature led tones, shades with tactility and depth. Colours reminiscent of clay, sand, olive leaf and deep blue green waters bring a sense of connection and quiet luxury to a space. These hues work in harmony with textured fabrics, creating interiors that feel refined yet lived in,’ Liz and Sarah at Lathams say.

King Living’s sofa trend report also highlighted the popularity of neutral and green sofas and the decrease in grey sofas’ popularity. And according to Alinta Lim, King Living senior designer, this is set to continue into 2026.

‘Browns and greens are resonating globally because they ground us. It’s no longer about following a colour trend of the year, but curating palettes that feel human, expressive, and deeply personal.’

Top pick

2. Lounge on a deep-seated design

The focus on comfort and cosiness in our homes really came into force this year. But our living rooms are about to get a whole lot comfier and cosier with the living room trend of deep-seated sofas designed for lounging.

‘Sofas are becoming ever more inviting, with deep cushions designed for ultimate relaxation,’ says Martin Waller, founder of luxury sofa brand Andrew Martin. ‘The focus is on generous proportions and tactile fabrics that encourage lounging, creating a sense of sanctuary within the home. That irresistible sinking feeling - where you melt into the cushions - is key. Sofas with extra-deep seats are gaining popularity for their luxurious, cocooning feel, offering a more laid-back, lounge-like experience that’s perfect for both unwinding and socialising in a relaxed setting. Their generous proportions invite you to stretch out fully, making them ideal for lazy afternoons or cosy evenings in.’

Top pick

3. Opt for a versatile modular style

Modular sofas have been trending for the last couple of years. But at this point, it’s becoming a style of sofas that’s here to stay rather than being a passing trend.

‘Modular sofas offer exceptional flexibility, allowing homeowners to customise their seating arrangements to fit both their space and lifestyle,' Martin at Andrew Martin explains.

'These adaptable pieces are ideal for multifunctional living areas, seamlessly transforming from a cosy corner for lounging to a larger setup for entertaining. Their sectional design also makes them the perfect solution for homes with tight entrances or compact rooms, as individual sections can be easily manoeuvred and assembled in place. Balancing practicality with style, modular sofas cater to the ever-evolving needs of modern living.'

Top pick

4. Go classic with a brown leather sofa

A brown leather sofa is a classic that will never go out of style. But it’s a style embraced more and more frequently both in modern and traditional homes, perfect as a cosy living room idea.

‘A brown leather sofa is a true design classic, it’s evocative, tactile and only improves with age. Its rich patina and natural texture bring depth to a space, making it a timeless choice that transcends trends,' Martin at Andrew Martin says.

'It works beautifully in both contemporary and traditional settings - paired with vintage pieces and layered textiles for a more relaxed, eclectic feel, or styled with sleek lighting and bold art for a more industrial edge. The beauty of brown leather lies in its versatility and its ability to anchor a room with effortless warmth and luxury.'

Top pick

5. Embrace the curves

Curved furniture, including curved sofas, has been a major interior trend for a few years now. And it’s a style that’s not going anywhere anytime soon as more and more people are investing in the curved sofa trend.

‘In terms of design, curves are here to stay,’ says Rohan Blacker, founder of new sustainable sofa brand Schplendid. ‘Easy on the eye, these soothing elegant lines take some of the sharp edges out of a space, mirroring natural forms and making furniture blend organically, feeling softer, more approachable, and more comfortable in everyday use.’

Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology, continues to explain why curved furniture is a look we continue to love year after year, ‘Curvaceous furniture that speaks the same language as its architectural setting, constructs a relaxed and harmonious space that communicates impressive levels of design confidence. From the dramatic sweep of a stone staircase to the rounded finish of a beautifully shaped sofa, the reflective intention is to cocoon, cradle and soothe the senses by gently echoing the irregular forms and textures of nature.’

Top pick

6. Welcome an Art Deco-inspired design

The Pinterest Predicts trend report for 2026 is in and one of the named future home trends is Neo Deco, a modern twist on the Art Deco style. I’ve already seen sofa styles reflecting this aesthetic coming up throughout 2025, my favourite being the new John Lewis Pleat sofa. And that’s set to continue well into the new year.

‘Art Deco is set to evolve in 2026 into a sleeker, moodier interpretation – an update Pinterest has already coined Neo Deco in its latest trend announcement,’ says Daniel Smith, founder of furniture company Danetti. ‘Expect sofas upholstered in glamorous velvet and textured chenille, in rich, saturated hues. Chrome and brass detailing will add a refined yet expressive edge, bringing a subtle touch of eccentricity to this bold, contemporary style.’

Top pick

Kelly Collins, interior designer and Swyft’s head of creative, concludes, ‘In 2026, we’ll see a real shift towards softer, airier silhouettes and fabrics that feel cocooning without being heavy. I think Pantone naming Cloud Dancer as the colour of the year signals a broader move toward serenity, simplification and visual lightness. Expect rounded edges, deeper cushions and feather-filled comfort.’

I don’t know about you but I’ve always found stylish and comfortable storage sofas hard to come by. But since the idea of them is so handy and useful for anyone who could do with some extra storage space in their living room (which, let’s face it, is pretty much everybody), I made it my mission to find storage sofas that would tick all the necessary boxes – the hidden storage, of course, comfortable feel and an aesthetically pleasing design.

That’s how I’ve arrived at these 6 top picks of best sofas with built-in storage – each of which ticks all of the boxes. The lack of good storage sofas has always been especially annoying since whenever I ask experts about small living room storage ideas (a major paint point for many with a compact living space), investing in a storage sofa is always high on the list of recommendations.

‘Storage sofas are perfect for small living rooms where every inch of space counts,’ says John Darling, founder of Darlings of Chelsea. ‘Hidden sofa storage is a game changer for packing away anything from spare bedding to children’s toys and books.’

Laura Burnett, category lead of made to order upholstery at Loaf, agrees that storage sofas makes for a great family living room idea, ‘They’re popular in busy family living rooms, where toys and blankets can quickly take over, or in multi-purpose spaces that double as guest rooms, playrooms or home offices. Even minimalist interiors can benefit from hidden storage when there’s no appetite for extra cabinetry but a strong need to keep clutter out of sight.’

Top storage sofa picks

My quest for the best storage sofas in pictures

Why are good storage sofas hard to find?

The benefits of storage sofas are pretty clear. So why are there so few available on the market? Especially ones with great design, look and comfort level. In fact, it’s more common to come across built-in storage when looking at some of the best sofa beds. But there’s a very simple answer, according to industry experts.

‘Admittedly, choices can feel limited in this market, and the word “compromise” often seems to be the byword,’ explains Rohan Blacker, founder of Schplendid. ‘The need for dual function means that you will find a limited choice of model and a heavier product. Ultimately, there is always going to be some trade-off compared with a sofa built purely for relaxed lounging, but for certain homes, the clutter-free gain is absolutely worth the consideration.’

Laura at Loaf continues, ‘From a design perspective, storage and comfort are always competing for the same physical space. A plush sofa needs depth and layered cushioning, but storage eats into that interior cavity. Because the base has to accommodate a storage cavity, there’s simply less room for deep cushions, springs and proper suspension – all the things that create a truly comfortable, sink-in seat. The boxed-in structure also restricts the design.’

There definitely is a market for storage sofas that look and feel great, while also providing that much needed extra storage space. And since the 6 sofa designs included here nailed the brief, I feel optimistic that this is a sofa category that will just continue growing and getting better so that in the future, sofas like these won't be hard to find anymore.

It’s a well-known fact that sofas aren’t cheap. Which is exactly why it’s so beneficial to choose the time you invest in a new one wisely and strategically as many sofa and furniture brands offer sales during certain times of year – but when is the best time to buy a sofa then?

As a Room Decor Editor, I look at and write about some of the best sofas day in day out. So I see the fluctuating sofa prices first hand. So why not take advantage of price drops and big sale events like Black Friday? That way you can get your favourite sofa for a little less and save yourself some money.

It should be said that the key to getting the right sofa for you at the best price possible is to go into these sale events prepared – know exactly what sofa style, size, configuration and fabric you’re after, stick to it and look for the best price on that particular sofa.

‘Sofas are a long-term investment, so it’s important not to be swayed by a tempting discount alone,’ says Kellie Wyles, head of upholstery at DFS. ‘Before sales season hits, take time to consider exactly what you’re looking for – from size, material and colour to preferred shapes and styling details. Having a clear checklist means that when major sales events like Black Friday or the winter promotions arrive, you can act quickly and confidently, securing a sofa you truly love for less.’

Black Friday and Cyber Week sales

Even though today is technically Black Friday, Black Friday deals have been dropping all week long – and some early Black Friday offers could be spotted from mid November. And there are some great sofa deals available at the moment as we find ourselves in the midst of one of the best times to invest in a new sofa.

‘There are definitely better times of year to buy a sofa, both in terms of price and product availability,’ says Keiran Hewkin, Swyft founder and CEO. ‘Black Friday is a great moment because you’ll often see the biggest range of styles included in the sale, so you’re more likely to get the exact model and fabric you want at a saving.’

Best Cyber Week sofa deals

Boxing Day to January

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a new sofa this Black Friday, you will have another opportunity quite soon in the Boxing Day sales right after Christmas which tend to stretch into January sales – also sometimes referred to as the winter sale or start of the year sale.

‘The Boxing Day and January sales are another strong window. It’s when people naturally refresh their homes, so retailers prepare by offering attractive promotions. The benefit here is that many core pieces, like best-selling models or fabrics, are usually back in stock after the Christmas rush,’ Keiran at Swyft says.

End of summer

A lot of sale events take place just before the seasons are about to turn as retailers generally - not just when it comes to sofas - aim to sell old stock and make space for the new collection for next season. That’s why the end of summer is another prime time to be shopping for sofas.

‘The end of summer is an underrated time to buy. People start thinking ahead to cosy season, so it’s a great moment to upgrade your living room. You’ll often find good deals, and importantly, quicker delivery lead times before the peak autumn rush,’ Keiran at Swyft says.

But at the end of the day, since a sofa is such an investment piece, it’s important to know exactly what you want, even if you’re taking advantage of discounted prices. So if you’re still not sure by the time a big sale event comes around, don’t make any hasty decisions and don't give in to the pressure.

‘Your sofa is the centrepiece around which you will build your scheme, so it pays to invest time in finding the perfect match,’ concludes Julia Bilotta, creative stylist at Sofology.

Are you thinking of investing in a new sofa this Black Friday or in the coming sales?

Argos' bestselling sofa bed has just been reduced to only £99 in the brand's Black Friday sale.

Yep, the Argos Home Patsy Fabric 2 Seater ClicClac Sofa Bed is already a super affordable buy at the best of times, with a normal retail price of £189. But as of today, that price has been dropped to just £99.

And the even better news? You can still get it delivered in time to host Christmas guests.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've been keeping an eye on prices of the best sofa beds all month, and this is definitely the best Black Friday deal I've seen. In fact, it's the best sofa bed deal I've seen all year.

Now, I haven't been able to test the Patsy sofa bed in person, and admittedly, it does look a little basic compared to more expensive options. But one thing I know about Argos shoppers is that they're nothing if not brutally honest with their review feedback.

So the fact that this sofa bed has over 800 reviews, and more than 600 of those are 5-stars and nearly 800 are 4-star or above, convinces me this sofa bed is a worthwhile investment.

In general, this sofa bed is praised by owners for its comfort, sturdy build, and great value for money.

'This is a very solid, sturdy, comfortable couch,' says one 5-star reviewer, 'and it's a very comfy bed as well. Worth the money, wish I had room for another, they are amazing.'

'Really easy to put together, stylish and very comfortable,' shares another happy owner. 'Would recommend this to anyone who needs an occasional spare bed.'

'Cheap but surprisingly good,' sums up another 5-star reviewer. In fact, 'better than expected' seems to be the overall verdict on the Patsy sofa bed, which is great news for anyone in need of an affordable hosting solution before Christmas.

On the downside, owners do note that in bed form it's smaller than a small double bed, so although it can seat two in sofa form, this sofa bed can only sleep one guest comfortably at a time. Argos states that the sleeping area measures 108 x 179cm, whilst a standard small double bed measures 120 x 190cm, and a single bed measures 90 x 190cm.

Owners of the Patsy sofa bed also mention that it can feel firm and requires a mattress topper when used as a bed.

However, in my experience, this is par for the course with most sofa beds, especially ones of this price point, and it's nothing one of the best mattress toppers on the market can't solve. I recommend adding the memory foam Panda Topper for added cushioning.

I certainly think that at £99, this sofa bed is a fantastic buy, and there's a choice of either the Patsy Sofa Bed in Charcoal Fabric or the Patsy Sofa Bed in Faux Leather to opt for at this reduced price.

Alternatively, the Patsy Sofa Bed in Rust or the Patsy Sofa Bed in Green are still budget-friendly buys at their normal £189 price tag.

I've rounded up some of my tried-and-tested alternatives below, but as you'll see, there's nothing that can compete with this Argos Black Friday bargain price-wise!

Shop alternatives

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

Brands release new products all the time. But this autumn season, it feels like there has been a deluge of good sofa launches and new sofa companies launching in the UK. And many of those new sofa launches have seriously impressed me.

I’m notorious around the Ideal Home office and among my friends alike for always trying out new sofas in pursuit of finding the best of the best sofas available on the market. I’ve been in my element discovering, trying and testing out all these new sofa brands and fresh sofa designs over the last few months.

So without further ado, these are the latest sofa releases that I think should be on your radar – they’re certainly on mine.

1. Castlery

Originally a Singaporean brand, Castlery also has a huge presence in Australia, Asia and the US. And this September, the company officially launched in the UK, too, which I’m so excited about as it has some great innovative designs and some of the best modular sofas on offer I’ve seen – and a whole host of them as well.

It was the uniquely shaped Solari sofa that really caught my eye with a slightly different approach to the curved sofa trend inspired by the currently popular 70s look. It looks sculptural and it feels super comfortable which is largely down to the enveloping, extra-padded, ‘inflated’ armrests.

2. Schplendid

Schplendid is a brand new British sofa brand created by Rohan Blacker, the founder of Sofa.com and Pooky lighting as well. There are a few things that set this brand apart from other mid range-priced sofa companies but it all boils down to sustainability and good design.

Each of the six fairly priced sofas is made to last a lifetime, crafted from natural, plastic-free materials, including the likes of the foam that covers the super soft, padded armrests of the bestselling and modular Wee Bonnie and (deeper seated) Big Bonnie sofas that I had the pleasure of trying out earlier this week, as well as the super cool and contemporary Lionel sofa. Instead of going for synthetics, Schplendid opted for foam made of soy and castor oil making it fully biodegradable and recyclable.

But in terms of my comfort-level preferences, I was really attracted to the Vesper which has a slight bounce to it in addition to pillowy softness and chic loose-cover style.

3. Pottery Barn

We all know Pottery Barn thanks to the apothecary table featured in the Friends episode literally called 'The One with the Apothecary Table'. But Pottery Barn is a cult favourite homeware brand back in the US that finally landed in the UK this September.

If you’re local to London, you can see the company’s range, including a few of their sofas, in its new pop up on Tottenham Court Road, adjacent to the West Elm store. I was particularly impressed with the Westwood sofa (despite my odd facial expression in the photo above) which is a deep-seated sectional perfect for a cinema room.

4. Next Crosby sofa

I’m a big fan of modular sofas as they are flexible and easy to manoeuvre when moving into and out of city flats. But I also love storage sofas as they make for a great small living room storage idea. Or at least I like the idea of a storage sofa as they are rather hard to find, especially if you’re after one that also looks aesthetically pleasing and is comfy.

But Next’s new Crosby sofa ticks all the boxes. On top of it all, it’s also modular which is a huge plus and it’s reasonably priced. So it’s no wonder that I’ve been singing its praises since trying it out at the recent Next press preview.

5. Sofa.com Sloane sofa

I was already a fan of Sofa.com and several of its sofa designs, be it the modular Ren sofa which actually won in the Ideal Home Awards in 2024 in the best sofa category. And this autumn, Sofa.com expanded its existing modular sofa range - which also included the Long Island and Slim Long Island sofas - with the launch of the Sloane sofa.

The Sloane is the brand’s largest and most luxurious sofa yet – another great model for a sizable living room or a cinema room with the generous seat depth and that amazingly spacious corner section.

6. La Redoute

La Redoute is one of my favourite places where to buy rugs, bed linen and home decor in general. But its furniture range is also very strong – I’m actually planning on buying this side table from La Redoute for my living space. The one thing the brand was lacking was its own range of sofas, at least in the UK that is.

La Redoute is originally a French company and back in France, it offers a whole range of its own sofas. But as of last month, La Redoute is bringing its sofas to the UK, starting with the debut Pieta sofa. The quilted, retro-inspired design is a real statement. And there are two other styles set to drop very soon too, one of which I had the opportunity to try out at La Redoute’s press preview, called the Nuria. And I can’t wait for that one to become available, too.

7. Aurelo

Also launched this September (there were a lot of new releases during that month), Aurelo is a bit of an honorary mention as I haven’t actually had the opportunity to try out this new brand’s sofas in person yet. But I truly hope that I will be able to at some point as all of its four sofa styles look and sound great. They’re built to last, focusing on sculptural shapes and interesting textures.

My favourite is the Curve sofa which - as the name suggests - champions the curved sofa trend which is becoming less of a fleeting trend and more a look that’s here to stay. And apparently, existing customers agree as the Curve range has seen the most popularity, both online and in partner showrooms.

Which one is your favourite?

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

The festive season is rolling in fast, and if you need a budget-friendly way to host overnight guests this Christmas, I recommend getting John Lewis's most affordable sofa bed on your radar pronto.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've tested numerous sleeper sofas for our guide to the best sofa beds money can buy, and one thing I can tell you is this multifunctional furniture is *expensive*. It isn't uncommon for a top-of-the-range sofa bed to cost well over £2000.

In contrast, the John Lewis Clapton sofa bed costs a very welcome £349.

The Clapton sofa bed is a part of John Lewis's more affordable ANYDAY range, and having tested it in store, whilst it does look and feel a little basic compared to the brand's more expensive designs, it still feels like a solidly built option.

If you're looking for hosting solutions for a small guest bedroom or bijou home office, its compact footprint and armless design also make it a brilliant space-saver.

Another bonus is its angled backrest, which has two back positions so that it can be adjusted to suit upright sitting or lounging.

It comes in three colourways – including steel grey and a natural cream upholstery – but, like many of the sofa bed's 5-star reviewers, I loved the teal upholstered option. In person, this colourway is a far richer and deeper jewel tone than it looks online, and makes this look a much more expensive piece of furniture than its £349 price tag might suggest.

'Great quality product,' says one 5-star reviewer on the John Lewis website. 'Really like the fabric and sturdiness of the sofa bed. It's comfortable as a sofa, looks more expensive than it is, and converts easily into an almost double-sized bed.'

'Looks more expensive than the price tag,' agrees another happy owner. 'Perfect for me and for when my family stays over at Christmas.' 'Well-made and attractive,' shares a third owner, 'exceptional value for money.'

As a fellow 5-star reviewer sums up, 'I had researched sofa beds for ages, but so many had bad reviews. This one is good quality and a fair price. It's firm with a slight bounce to sit on and quite firm to lie on.'

In my testing experience, that firmness is standard for a sofa bed under £1000, and it's nothing some of our top tips for how to make a sofa bed more comfortable can't sort out.

As with any sofa bed, I recommend snapping up one of the best mattress toppers on the market in the upcoming Black Friday sales to use on top of it. That will also help to mask the join between the seat and backrest when this click-clack sofa bed is folded flat.

'The seat is lovely and firm, and conversion to a sofa bed is very easy,' says one final happy owner. 'The sofa is light enough for me to pull it away from the wall to convert. It will need a topper... for sleeping, as you can feel the join, but I expected this. It's a great size for a single occupant. I love the colour. This is exactly what I wanted, at a great price.'

However, if you're not convinced the Clapton sofa bed is the option for you, fear not, this isn't the only affordable sofa bed on the market. I've included two more of my tried-and-tested recommendations below for comparison.

Shop alternatives

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?

Last year, I bought my first ever sofa as after years of living in furnished rentals, I’d moved into my first unfurnished flat. I ended up choosing a modular sofa which started something of a love affair with all things modular sofas for me – seriously, I’m their biggest fan. Because once you go modular, I don’t think you can go back. But in truth, there are a few things I wish I knew before buying my modular sofa.

As part of my job as Room Decor Editor here at Ideal Home, since buying my sofa I have done a lot of extra research around the topic to further inform my guide to best modular sofas and to improve my knowledge and expertise on sofas in general. So in comparison to what I know now, I was pretty clueless back then and I feel like I almost just got lucky that I chose one of the best sofas on the market (at least in my opinion), the King Living 1977 modular sofa.

Modular sofas are a great investment because they future-proof your living room in a way. They are flexible and versatile and I’ve recently put mine to the test when I moved to a smaller flat with a smaller living area so instead of keeping the three modules joined as I’d done before, I separated the middle section and turned it to face the other two like a chair, as shown in the image below.

It’s safe to say that I love this sofa and couldn’t be happier with it. But knowing these 5 things that I know now would have definitely been useful. So before you rush into buying your modular sofa, read this first.

1. How many there are available on the market

Before investing in my King Living sofa, I’ve looked at and tried a few different modular sofas. But I had no idea how many different designs and brands there were to choose from. I wasn’t even aware that certain well-known sofa brands made modular sofa designs. But that’s exactly why I created my guide to the best modular sofas so that you know how much choice there is and where it’s best to shop for a sofa if you’re after a sectional.

At this point, I’ve tried over 80 modular sofas – but only a fraction of that testing was done before buying my current sofa. So my advice is to shop around, do your research and don’t settle – there’s no need as there is so much choice now and more and more brands are coming out with new modular sofa designs as it is a growing sofa trend that I believe is here to stay.

2. You might have to pay more – but it's worth it in the long run

Not every modular sofa is expensive – for example, DUSK has a few styles priced around the £1000 price point mark. But more often than not, they are slightly pricier compared to traditional sofas. This is largely due to the fact that they are designed to last longer and the innovative design means that you’ll be able to rearrange it or even add extra modules to it if you need to in the future. So even though you might be paying more initially, it will be worth it in the long run.

I was initially a little taken aback by the price of my sofa. But in all fairness, that’s also down to it being my first ever sofa in general so I’ve never had to pay this kind of money before. The biggest tip that I can give you is to wait for the sales as I have done, taking advantage of King Living’s winter sale at the beginning of the year. The original price of my sofa is around £3000 but I paid closer to £1700.

3. Go for one with removable covers

This is not a mistake I’ve made as my sofa in fact does have removable covers and I have since even got a set of new ones to switch out its look for the colder months. But I’m so glad that it does come with removable and washable covers, especially as one of the sections has a cream-coloured cover - yes, I went for a multicoloured look with each of my modules being a different but a complementary neutral colour - which I can see getting slightly faded or dirty on the seat area.

So if the covers were to be fixed, it would not be a great look. Plus it wouldn’t give me that aforementioned freedom to change things around and give my covers a proper wash whenever I want.

4. Low profile is not the most supportive

This is not necessarily to do with modular sofas in general but my sofa in particular, as well as any sofa with a low profile and a low backrest. As much as I like the sleek and modern look of the low-profile design of my sofa, it (obviously) doesn’t offer that much back and neck support and can be slightly uncomfortable for that reason so if I sit on it for an extended period of time - especially if I’m working - I tend to put some scatter cushions behind my upper back and neck. But it is super comfortable in every other aspect.

There is now a very similar version with a higher back called the King Living 1978 sofa (as seen below) which even won in the ‘best sofa’ category at this year’s Ideal Home Living Room Awards. Looks wise, I still prefer my 1977 sofa though.

5. Long lead delivery times

I bought my sofa last February and it arrived in May. So I had to wait three months for my sofa to arrive. Long lead delivery times are pretty common when it comes to sofas but some brands are better than others. As King Living is an Australian brand that manufactures in Asia, it takes especially long for their sofas to arrive here in the UK.

But this is, of course, not the case with all brands. Swyft, for example, can deliver one of my top-rated modular sofas called Model 03 in 24 hours .

Other modular sofas I rate highly

Are you tempted to invest in a modular sofa? Honestly, I couldn’t recommend getting one enough.

Loaf has just launched two new super-stylish sofa beds, and their flatpack builds are specifically designed to help those of us who struggle with awkward delivery access.

If you're currently searching for the best sofa bed for your home, I think you'll definitely want this multifunctional seating on your radar.

The two new sofa bed designs are based on two of Loaf's most-loved sofas – the fantastically named Squishmeister and Squisharoo.

These have always been my two favourite Loaf sofa designs, so it's brilliant to see the flatpack Squishmeister and Squisharoo sofa beds added to the three new Loaf sofa beds the brand launched this summer.

Loaf is known for its laidback designs, and when I was researching where to buy a sofa for Ideal Home's best sofa guide, I found the brand does mean that quite literally.

Most Loaf sofas have *very* deep seats, which means your body lies back rather than sitting upright. In contrast, the Squishmeister and Squisharoo sofas feature slightly shallower seats and more supportive backrests. I found this a much more comfortable sitting experience: there's still plenty of room to curl up, but it's also much easier to sit more upright if you want to.

The other bonus for those of us who need to think more carefully about small living room ideas is that the Squishmeister and Squisharoo have smaller footprints and take up less floor space than most of Loaf's range.

The new Squishmeister and Squisharoo sofa beds are identical in design to these sofas, and their flatpack design is another nod towards those of us who aren't blessed with wide hallways and commanding living rooms.

'It’s all to do with access,' explains Laura Burnett, category lead on made-to-order upholstery at Loaf. 'We introduced our flat-pack sofa bed designs in response to real customer feedback about access challenges.'

'Many homes, particularly in cities, are smaller apartments or have narrow hallways and tricky staircases – we wanted to ensure everyone could enjoy a seriously comfy sofa bed, no matter their space. The clever flat-pack design simply makes delivery smoother and stress-free.'

And, thankfully, the flat-packed designs don't mean you're left with any time-consuming DIY to do once the delivery team leaves.

'Our Room-Ready Delivery Service means customers don’t need to worry about any fiddly assembly,' says Laura. 'Our two-person team sets it up in the room of your choice and takes away all the packaging, so you can just put your feet up.'

If you don't need to take advantage of the flat-packed delivery, then both the Squishmeister and Squisharoo are available in non-flatpack options as well.

And whether you opt for flatpack or ready-built, both sofa beds feature sink-in cushions that make these two sofa beds that are *actually* comfortable enough for everyday use as a standard sofa.

Plus, both have 12cm deep pull-out mattresses hidden under those seat cushions. That makes them the thickest sofa bed mattresses on the market, and unlike standard foam options, the mattresses are handmade with proper pocket springs.

Shop flatpack sofa bed alternatives

Loaf's Squishmeister and Squisharoo aren't the only flat-packed sofa beds on the market – I've rounded up three alternative options below – but, in my opinion, they are two of the most comfortable *and* stylish options you could consider.

In comparison, with prices starting at £3295, Loaf's Squishmeister and Squisharoo sofa beds certainly aren't cheap.

However, they do come made-to-order in over 140 upholstery options, and if you're looking for a sofa bed that can take pride of place in your living room – rather than being hidden away in a home office – I think both the Squishmeister and Squisharoo are worth the investment.

I recently got a new rug for my new place – and as I was laying it down on the floor and subsequently positioning my sofa, I realised there is this one guideline that interior experts recommend time and time again whenever I speak to them about living room design. And that’s putting at least your sofa’s front legs on top of the rug, rather than leaving the rug to ‘float’ in front of the sofa.

Did I place the front legs of my best sofa on top of my rug? I sure did! And so should you, according to experts who recommend at least to be aware of it and make it your starting point, similarly to the widely respected 18-inch rug rule.

‘It’s one of those timeless interior “rules” that really does make sense,’ says Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swyft. ‘It’s less about strict design laws and more about creating harmony. I personally follow it often because it tends to work beautifully in most living rooms. It’s all about proportion, flow, and creating a sense of ease.’

Why should you position your sofa on top of the rug?

The idea behind this rule is largely focused on anchoring the seating area of your living room.

‘Rugs are one of those design elements that can completely transform a space,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi. ‘The ‘front legs on’ interior design rule is one of those timeless design tricks that really helps to anchor a space. By having the front legs of your sofa sitting on the rug, you’re creating a visual link between your furniture pieces. It makes the room feel more balanced, drawing the eye and giving the seating area that “pulled together” look.’

Lizzie Mosley, creative director at Hug Rug, continues to explain what a wrongly positioned or sized rug can do to the overall look and feel of your lounge, ‘Your living room is a place to relax and to socialise, and it's important that your furniture and decor feels balanced. When your rug sits beneath the front legs of your sofa, it stops it from feeling like your rug is floating in the room, and ensures your rug feels part of the scheme. This balance helps to create a restful and welcoming atmosphere in your space.’

There’s one more practical benefit of this design trick, ‘The weight of the sofa will also help prevent the rug from moving around,’ Lucy says.

This guideline works pretty much in any living room, but it’s especially a great small living room idea or an open-plan living room idea – by creating a dedicated area in a small lounge it will make the space appear bigger, while it will help to give an open-plan living space more structure.

‘A rug is one of the simplest ways to carve out a living space even when you don’t have a dedicated room,’ says Lisa Conway, marketing manager at Brintons. ‘By anchoring your sofa, chairs and coffee table onto it, the rug creates a clear boundary that visually separates the living area from everything else around it. The size matters here; choose a rug large enough that at least the front legs of your furniture sit on it. The idea is to create a space that feels intentional and pulled together.’

My favourite rugs to anchor a lounge with

I can’t recommend this easy and fool-proof interior design trick enough. It’s completely transformed my own living area in my studio flat.

Sitting on sofas, trying and testing them out has become something of my specialty. But having sat on over 200 sofas to date and counting, it means that I don’t get impressed by a sofa all that easily. But after coming across the new Next Crosby modular storage sofa at the brand’s autumn/winter 2025 press preview earlier this month, I was obsessed.

The choice of sofas on the market seems almost endless, but there are not that many unique and original designs out there. I’ve pretty much seen and sat on it all. But once in a while, there is a brand or a particular best sofa design that stands out, whether that’s the John Lewis Pleat sofa or the King Living Delta 5 which offers hidden storage and curved, modular design.

And the latest sofa that’s managed to grab my attention to the point that I’d consider investing in it myself if I didn’t already own my dream sofa is Next’s versatile Crosby sofa.

What impressed me was that it’s modular and it comes with hidden storage within, while also being super comfortable to sit and lounge on – it’s the combination of all of these features that sold me on this design which is now one of the best modular sofas I’ve come across. I’m not 100% sure why but most storage sofas and sofa beds I’ve tried in the past haven’t been particularly comfortable so I was very pleasantly surprised.

To access the storage, all you need to do is remove the seat cushion and lift the top of the base – there is a handle that allows you to do that very comfortably. And voila!

Prices start at £399 for a single armless module, while the matching footstool (which also comes with internal storage) starts at £275, depending on the upholstery option you decide to go for. There are only three to choose from at the moment - rust brown velvet and brushed weave in light olive green or a cream colourway called oyster - which is very limited but I’m hoping the upholstery choice will expand with time, especially if the sofa proves popular with customers.

But you can create configurations as small or large as your living space allows. And there is a multibuy discount, saving you 10% when buying two or more pieces priced at £150 or more – and that’s across several different selected sofas, rugs, chairs, beds, mattresses and other furniture.

And since opting for a high quality frame with a decent warranty (ideally at least 10 years) is a part of choosing a sofa that will last, I was also really glad to learn that this sofa comes with a 15-year structural guarantee.

This sofa just keeps on ticking all the right boxes! But if you can't fit a full storage sofa into your space, Next's new Clemmie storage armchair is also one I'd recommend.

As a Room Decor Editor, I talk to many different interior experts, from interior designers and stylists to sofa buyers and designers, on a regular basis. And there is one sofa positioning advice that comes up time and time again – and that’s moving the sofa away from the wall, even (or especially) in a small space.

Getting the best sofa is only one part of the equation when you’re looking to design your living room in a way that works and also looks and feels like an interior designer has done it. You then need to decorate and arrange the furniture, including the sofa, in a way that works best with your space.

And more often than not, moving the sofa away from the wall makes the space look more considered and larger at the same time, as it creates a sense of depth. It’s not necessarily a definite living room layout rule, but it is a principle that pros often follow.

Why should you move the sofa from the wall?

‘If space allows, I will always lay out a living room with sofas moved away from the wall,’ says Jo Lane, founder of See Your Place. ‘Contrary to what you might think, it makes a room feel ultra cosy and sociable by bringing people closer together for a more intimate seating arrangement. Also, by creating space behind your sofa your eye will perceive the room as larger, as it gives the illusion of the room’s boundaries being pushed out further.’

Interior designer Bilal Rehman adds what this change to your living room layout, furniture arrangement and sofa positioning will do, ‘Moving the sofa away from the wall helps define a space and introduces depth. It allows for better traffic flow, layered lighting opportunities, and the option to float a console or art piece behind the sofa, all of which make the room feel more dynamic and considered.’

How far from the wall should you move it?

Unlike the 4 inch living room seating rule or the 18 inch rug rule, this sofa positioning advice is not that easily numbered. So how far away from the wall you move it will depend on the dimensions and shape of the living room you’re working with.

‘It depends on proportion and again your specific room and circulation needs,’ says Noor Charchafchi from Celine Interior Design. ‘In a smaller room, a few inches can make a difference and in a larger space, you might have the sofa much further away and into the room to help define zones. It’s all about balance and your unique area. You want the sofa to feel connected to the space, not lost in it, that’s the rule I would follow.’

Bilal Rehman adds, ‘If space allows, even six to 12 inches can make a noticeable difference. That small gap softens the edges of the room and gives the furniture visual breathing room. In larger spaces, I often float sofas entirely to create more intimate conversation zones or to better orient the seating toward a view, a fireplace, or a key design focal point.’

Does this tip apply every time?

As already mentioned, there are times when applying this tip simply doesn’t work. While it makes for a great small living room idea, if the lounge is so tiny that moving the sofa from the wall by just a few inches will mean that the natural flow and walkways get interrupted then it’s best to leave it by the wall.

‘In smaller rooms where every inch counts, pushing the sofa closer to the wall can make sense, but I’d still avoid a fully flush placement if possible. Even a few inches can elevate the room’s proportions,’ Bilal says.

Jo at See Your Place adds, ‘It works less well with corner sofas as you have a right-angle space behind the sofa to consider, so these are usually best used pushed up against a wall. Also if you just don’t have a lot of floor space then your sofa will look strange sitting too far into the room – just embrace the space you have!’

Best sofas to float away from the wall

But either way, I recommend trying to move your sofa away from the wall and see what it looks like and whether it will work. More often than not, this little detail transforms the living space for the better.

There are a lot of reasons to invest in a good sofa bed. This multifunctional furniture works hard for its floor space in your home, offering seating and sleeping space for overnight guests.

However, as Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've tested dozens of sleeper sofas for our guide to the best sofa beds, and one thing I can tell you is that, generally speaking, sofa beds aren't that pretty.

That is, they weren't. At least not until furniture brand Swyft launched its recent Morris & Co collaboration, which sees the already stylish Swyft Model 08 Sofa Bed upholstered in four super-pretty floral prints.

There's the bestselling 'Blackthorn' print, the fun 'Fruit' colourway, the timeless blue and white 'Standen' print, and the elegant 'Willow' print in sage green and cream.

Is this now the prettiest sofa bed on the market? Beauty is subjective, but I've visited more than twenty furniture showrooms over the last four years and browsed through all the upholstery options under the sun.

In my opinion, yes, the Model 08's streamlined silhouette upholstered in these four new fabrics makes this the prettiest sofa bed you can buy.

I'd definitely be more than happy having any one of these sofa beds in my own home. However, style isn't all the Swyft Model O8 has to offer.

This sofa bed offers seating and sleeping for two. There's a full-size double mattress hidden in its depths. Plus, thanks to its cleverly designed slim armrests, it also offers a compact footprint that's ideal for incorporating into a small living room design idea.

As with most sofa beds, you'll need a mattress topper for when you transform it into a sleeping surface. But Ideal Home's Thea owns this sofa bed, and she says the Swyft Model 08 sofa bed is more comfortable to sleep on than her own bed!

Thea uses the Swyft double mattress topper that's made to fit the Model 08 exactly, but you could opt for a cheaper alternative, such as the memory foam Panda Topper, which is one of the best value mattress toppers we've tested.

If, like me, you live in a home that has awkward delivery access, you'll also be delighted to know that this sofa bed is delivered flat-packed in two reasonably sized boxes. That means it can easily fit through any doorway or be carried up a twisting staircase without headaches.

And once it's unboxed, this isn't an IKEA sofa bed that can take a good hour to assemble. It's simply a case of screwing on the feet and slotting the armrests and backrest into place via the brand's tool-less locking system. Ideal Home's Heather put together the Swyft Model 04 sofa bed with no problems when she reviewed it.

Even better, Swyft also offers an assembly service that you can book at checkout if you don't fancy doing any DIY delivery day.

Admittedly, this sofa bed isn't cheap. Although the current discount from £2,099 to £1,699 is very welcome indeed. However, I do think it's worth it to get your hands on a sofa bed that's this pretty as well as so practical.

It's certainly making me reassess my living room setup to see if just *maybe* I could squeeze it into my home.

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