The Sofas & Stuff guide to buying a sofa bed
Space-saving and versatile, sofa beds are the epitome of flexible contemporary living. With a Sofas & Stuff sofa bed in particular, you don’t have to compromise on the sitting or sleeping experience – both are designed for your utmost comfort.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to buying a sofa bed. This buying guide will help you understand the different options available to you and what to look for, from the type of sofa bed to the sofa silhouette and your chosen upholstery fabric.
Buying with Sofas & Stuff
When you buy a sofa bed from Sofas & Stuff, you’re buying more than a pre-made model that you feel more or less happy with. We go the extra mile to ensure that every detail of your furniture is tailored to your design preferences and lifestyle, just as with our classic sofas or upholstered bed frames.
By offering this level of choice and customisation, we craft purposeful, timeless pieces of furniture designed to endure, eschewing the tendency towards quick fixes and trends. Our sofa beds offer somewhere comfortable to sit or rest, and become the backdrop to the many moments in your home.
Exploring the different types of sofa bed
We have a tapestry of different homes and architectural styles in the UK, from country cottages to city apartments. A sofa bed can fit neatly into these interiors owing to its true versatility. Below are some of the different sofa bed types on offer:
Our chosen sofa bed mechanism, pull-out sofa beds feature a hidden mattress that unfolds from within the sofa frame. As such, they provide a sleeping surface similar to that of a standard bed and are typically the most comfortable for sleeping. Each of our sofa beds also has a deluxe sprung mattress.
Click-clack sofa beds, also known as futon sofa beds, are known for their simple, efficient design. With a quick push and pull, the backrest clicks into different positions, converting from a sofa, to a reclined lounger and finally into a flat bed. They are ideal for smaller spaces.
Similar in style to click-clack beds, but often with thicker cushioning for the mattress, the futon originated from Japanese design. They are typically lighter and more portable and are simple to fold and store away as required.
Corner sofa beds are ideal for larger spaces. They offer ample seating in living areas or family rooms and can convert a part of the sectional into a sleeping area, suitable for those who entertain frequently, or even who regularly enjoy indulging in a film night with the family.
In comparison to corner sofa beds, chair beds are perfect for more compact spaces or for adding an extra sleeping spot in a bedroom or study. These armchairs or snugglers unfold into a single bed.
What to consider before buying a sofa bed
To select the right sofa bed for your home, you’ll want to find a piece that meets your comfort, practical and aesthetic preferences. Be sure to give the below considerations some thought ahead of making your purchase:
One of the first considerations when purchasing a sofa bed is how it will fit into your space. Sofa beds are unique in that they require consideration of both closed and extended dimensions to ensure there is sufficient room to manoeuvre around them with ease.
Consider the size of sofa bed you require – whether a single or double – and measure your space, taking into account any existing furniture such as coffee tables or wardrobes and measuring for both closed and extended states. Consider your room’s layout and whether a sofa bed fits in seamlessly or whether you may need to adjust your layout around slightly.
Will your sofa bed be in frequent use or will it simply be there as a backup in a pinch? This may inform the type of sofa bed you select. For example, a pull-out sofa bed offers more reliable comfort for regular guests while a click-clack sofa might be more suitable for creating a quick and convenient sleeping space in one-off or infrequent circumstances.
The usage patterns of your sofa bed may also inform the balance you need to find between a comfortable sofa and a sleeping space. With our sofa beds, you never have to compromise on either as your sofa will be crafted to the same high comfort specifications as our standard settees.
Consider who might be using your sofa bed to guide your decision-making. For example, if you host older relatives regularly, comfort and space while sleeping may be a bigger concern than if you occasionally put up younger guests.
Beyond comfort and aesthetics, consider which of the sofa bed mechanisms might be easier for you to manoeuvre from a personal level. While our pull-out mechanisms are designed to glide easily from sofa to bed, some may find this physical motion more challenging and would therefore prefer a smaller-scale snuggler sofa bed, or even a futon.
Tailoring the look of your sofa bed
The freedom to upholster your Sofas & Stuff sofa bed in any suitable fabric in the world is part of the joy of buying with us. Your sofa bed can be tailored to complement your existing decor and design scheme, becoming a statement piece in its own right or creating a cohesive sofa and sofa bed pairing.
To select the fabric of your sofa bed, you might ask yourself some of the following questions:
- Which room in your home will your sofa bed be placed in?
- Will your sofa bed need to blend into its surroundings, such as in a lounge where you already have a sofa and armchair in place?
- Do you have some leeway to explore bolder patterns and create a design scheme in a guest house or spare room?
- What bed linen might you use and how might that influence your fabric choice?
From a practical perspective:
- What is your preferred maintenance level?
- Will there be young children or pets using your sofa bed?
For a personalised design consultation exploring your upholstery options in more detail, be sure to visit your nearest showroom for a one-to-one design consultation with our expert team.
Final bespoke finishes
With Sofas & Stuff, tailoring your sofa bed goes beyond your chosen upholstery fabric. The below custom finishes create a piece that is distinctly yours, customised to your home down to the very last detail:
- Select your leg finish and wood stain to complement your room’s colour scheme or existing furniture.
- Incorporate design finishes such as custom piping, scatter cushions or fringing into your design.
Choose your cushion interiors for a personalised level of comfort for your sofa, from duck-feather to Quallofil Blue eco fibre.
Ensuring the utmost comfort from your sofa bed
For all hosts, giving your guests a comfortable space to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep is important. You never have to worry about this with a Sofas & Stuff sofa bed, where the sleeping experience is given just as much thought as the sitting experience. Our sofa cushions are filled with the same soft and supportive interiors such as Quallofil Blue fibre seat cushions and duck feather back cushions.
Nevertheless, here are our tips on getting the most out of your sofa bed and giving your guests somewhere truly exquisite to rest their heads:
- Selecting the right bedding is vital. Choose soft, breathable bedding such as high-thread-count cotton or linen sheets, or bamboo bedding for an eco-conscious option.
- Regular maintenance and care are key to keeping your sofa bed comfortable and inviting. For sofa beds with a mattress, flip and rotate it regularly if possible to prevent sagging and uneven wear.
- Embrace soft furnishings like blankets, throws and scatter cushions to create a welcoming space to sit and sleep.
Put our sofa bed buying guide into practice at our showrooms
With our guidance on how to buy a sofa bed, you’re in the best position to begin your journey to handcrafted furniture which is tailored to your home and lifestyle. For personalised support and to try out our exceptionally comfortable sofa models in person, pay us a visit at your nearest showroom.
You can also browse our wide range of 2 and 3-seater sofa beds on our website and explore a multitude of our fabrics, with the opportunity to order up to 8 free samples. Find the perfect fit for your home without compromise.