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The Best Cheap Sofa Bed for You

Candace Osmond
RankProductsHighlights
#1

Tibbee Full Sofa Sleeper

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  • Affordable
  • Modern style
  • Coil spring cushions
  • Comfortable
  • Soft, durable material
#2 

Serta RNE-3S-CC-SET Rane Collection Convertible Sofa

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  • Good value for money
  • Easy to set up
  • Convertible
  • Choice of different colors
#3

Bonded Leather Pull Out Sofa Bed

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  • Easy assembly
  • Modern style
  • Comfortable mattress
  • Soft leather

When the sofa bed was invented, owners of small homes everywhere rejoiced. Not everyone has a guest room to accommodate unexpected overnighters. So, the sofa bed became the perfect solution. Buy a couch or loveseat that unfolds to reveal a mattress on a metal frame and guests could easily turn your living room into their bedroom for the night.

The Different Types of Sofa Beds

Generally, any sofa can be a bed if you try hard enough. If you’re not about to let someone just sprawl out on couch cushions, there are plenty of other options. Specifically, there are four types of sofas that transform into beds.

You may want to read: Best Loveseat Sleeper Sofas

Sofa Bed

This is the traditional type of couch that turns into a bed. Typically, these start out as regularly-sized couches that have a hidden mattress and metal frame inside. You remove the cushions, grab the metal bar and tug, and out pops a twin, full, or queen mattress that rests on top of the frame. Toss a few pillows at the head and put sheets on and you have a bed ready to go. These are also called pullout couches.

You really get the best of both worlds with this version of a sofa bed. The sofa itself is usually quite comfortable, and the bed is usually generously sized. Plus, the bed sits at a normal bed height, which makes it easy to climb in and get out of.

Convertible Couch

You may have seen these loveseats and couches before. They sort of look like gym mats stacked on top of each other, and it has a mod style to it. It’s usually pads that are stitched together at the bendable spots, and then folded accordion-style or flip-flopped up into a sofa. When you unfold it, the bed lays on the floor. These can be comfortable for those who like firm sleeping surfaces.

It might be best to keep one of these in your kid’s room for sleepovers or send one to college with your newly minted adult. They can be hard to get in and out of, and good luck getting sheets on these things.

Futons

Futons are small, low-to-the-ground sofas that have changed a lot in recent years. What used to be little more than a metal frame that had a middle hinge to allow you to set it at a 90-degree angle for sitting or laid flat to be used as a bed is more comfortable than ever. You can find upholstered, cushioned futons that have arms, are sans arms, and even include multiple lounging positions.

They’re still best for college dorms and first apartments because they’re not ideal for sleeping more than one person. And even if they’re wrapped in memory foam, they may not be comfortable for everyone.

Daybeds

If you typically only have a single guest staying overnight, a daybed might be a good choice. They don’t take up a ton of space in an office or extra room, and they work well as a sofa by day and a bed by night. You don’t have to pull anything out or transform it. Simply put clean sheets on it and a person can crash out on the twin or full mattress.

Many daybeds come with trundle beds that fit underneath, which means you could accommodate a couple of people if needed. Usually, these are found in kids’ rooms, though.

Look for These Must-Have Features in a Sofa Bed

A traditional sofa bed might be the best option for overnight guests, and they’re more affordable than ever. To make sure you choose the right one for your home, make sure you get one that includes these features.

Size

Sofa sleepers come in a range of sizes. The larger the sofa, the bigger the bed will be. You can find sleepers that look like small loveseats and feature a single-sized mattress inside. Large sofas that can seat up to three people usually have a queen-sized mattress hiding inside.

Style

Sofa beds come in so many different styles, so just choose the one that works with your décor. Seriously, whether you rock the mod style of the 1960s, traditional furniture, or sleek and modern, there’s a sofa bed that will work in your living room.

Materials

Whether you choose wood or metal is simply a matter of personal preference. Both are sturdy and stable. Wood is usually more expensive, though, so the lower-priced sofa beds are going to likely be made with metal.

The Mattress

The most common type of mattress in sofa beds is an innerspring mattress. These give bounce to both the bed and the sofa, even when folded up. However, memory foam mattresses are becoming more popular, and they’re usually universally comfortable.

Best Cheap Sofa Bed Reviews

1. Serta Upholstery Cia Sleeper Loveseat

SPECS

  • Type: Loveseat
  • Mattress size: Twin
  • Mattress type: Coil spring
  • Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
  • Mattress dimensions: 72 L x 32 W x 5 H inches
  • Sofa dimensions: 52 W x 32 H x 35 D inches
  • Assembly required: No
  • Materials: Wood, polyester

This Serta Upholstery Cia Sleeper Loveseat combines firm cushions with decorative pillows and a hidden mattress to make a great addition to any living room or office space. It’s a loveseat, so it’s smaller than a regular couch but bigger than a chair, so you can seat two people on it. The cushions are comfortable, and reversible, which gives this a longer life. The light gray color works with almost any décor, whether you prefer a traditional or modern look.

The coil spring mattress has good bounce, which helps with comfort when sleeping on it. It’s a twin-sized mattress, so it’s probably best for one sleeper, but you might be able to fit two small people on it. This sofa sleeper comes already assembled, so you don’t have to put anything together, except screw on the legs. It’s a bit pricier than other models, but it’s still one of the best cheap sofa beds around.

Pros

  • Compact
  • Modern or traditional style
  • Firm cushions
  • Comfortable
  • Cushions are reversible

Cons

  • Only sleeps one
  • Pricey

If you’re looking for a smaller sofa bed, this is a good choice with its coil spring mattress and reversible sofa cushions.

2. Serta RNE-3S-CC-SET Rane Collection Convertible Sofa

SPECS

  • Type: Sofa
  • Material: Polyester on exterior, foam inside.
  • Colors: 4
  • Seating capacity: 3

Sometimes when you’re looking for a sofa, you have a budget in mind.  We can recommend the Serta Rane Collection Convertible Sofa.  It comes in 4 different colors, so you’ll have choices to choose from to see which one fits with your home decor.

The Serta is made with high quality polyester fabric and foam to make sitting/laying very comfortable. It’s also a convertible sofa, which can be used as a sofa bed or just a regular sofa. You can fit three people on the sofa comfortably.

Pros

  • Good value for money
  • Easy to set up
  • Convertible
  • Choice of different colors

Cons

  • Some buyers report its low quality, breaks easily.

People who are looking for a sofa bed for the cheapest price for their living rooms or bedrooms.

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3. Cabell Twin Sleeper Sofa

SPECS

  • Type: Loveseat
  • Mattress size: Twin
  • Mattress type: Memory foam
  • Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
  • Mattress dimensions: 72 L x 37 W x 3 H inches
  • Sofa dimensions: 54 L x 32.5 W x 35.5 D inches
  • Assembly required: Yes
  • Materials: Wood, faux leather

Limited space usually means limited options, but this Cabell Twin Sleeper Sofa can fit just about anywhere. You get extra seating for two with this sleek black loveseat, and it unfolds into a bed when you have an overnight guest. The couch itself is upholstered in faux leather, which makes it easy to clean, but it isn’t the most comfortable. The hard lines have a lot to do with the lack of comfort when lounging on this sofa, but you can add some throw pillows and blankets to make it cozier.

The twin-sized mattress is a memory foam style, which means it’s a firmer bed than the innerspring coil mattresses that are usually included in sofa beds. It’s still thin, though, at only three inches thick. You could always add a mattress topper to make it comfier. Assembly is required with this sofa bed, but it’s quick and easy. This is one of those sofa sleepers that will work with any décor, and especially well in an office. Making it a great option for one of the best cheap sleeper sofas out there.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Modern style
  • Comfortable mattress
  • Easy assembly

Cons

  • Only sleeps one
  • Couch is a bit stiff

If you need extra seating and a bed for the occasional overnight guest, this one with a memory foam mattress could be a great choice.

4. Tibbee Full Sofa Sleeper

SPECS

  • Type: Sofa
  • Mattress size: Full
  • Mattress type: Innerspring coil
  • Mattress dimensions: 72 L x 52 W x 4 H inches
  • Sofa dimensions: 78 L x 37 W x 38 D inches
  • Materials: Wood, polyester

Ashley Furniture’s Tibbee full-sized sofa sleeper can work well as a second sofa in your living room or an accent piece in an office or guest bedroom. The sofa itself is an attractive piece of furniture that comes in a slate color that will work with most décor. The contemporary design can swing traditional or modern, and it’s a comfortable sofa. It can fit three people sitting on the couch.

The pullout bed includes a full-sized mattress, which means you should be able to fit two sleepers on it. It’s an ideal solution for when you have couples visit who need a place to stay overnight. The mattress is a traditional innerspring coil type but isn’t the most comfortable bed. You can add a mattress topper to make it cozier for your guests, though. Although this is a pricier option compared to other sofa beds, it’s still an affordable option.

Pros

  • Comfortable sofa
  • Contemporary style
  • Fits one to two sleepers

Cons

  • Mattress isn’t great
  • Pricey

If you need to sleep more than one guest, and you want a seating for more than one or two people, this full-sized sofa sleeper could be a good pick.

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5. Brittany Sleeper Sofa

SPECS

  • Type: Loveseat
  • Mattress size: Twin
  • Mattress type: Memory foam
  • Weight capacity: 600 lbs.
  • Mattress dimensions: 72 L x 37 W x 3 H inches
  • Sofa dimensions: 54 L x 32 W x 35.5 D inches
  • Assembly required: Yes
  • Materials: Wood, linen

There’s no need to worry about sinking into a crack when you sit on the Brittany sleeper sofa from Novogratz. The seat cushion is one long piece made of foam and coil springs, so it’s comfy, firm, and bouncy. And no cracks! It’s technically a loveseat, so you can fit two people seated on this couch, and three, if everyone is tiny. The blue linen upholstery is durable enough that you can put this in your kid’s room and not worry.

The included twin-sized mattress is memory foam, which is one of the best types of mattresses to use on a pullout couch. It should be comfortable for anyone who sleeps on it. This is probably best for one sleeper, but you could fit two people if they know each other really well. The weight capacity is at 600 pounds, so it’s clearly meant to support a couple of people.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Contemporary style
  • Comfortable mattress
  • Linen upholstery

Cons

  • Only sleeps one

6. Bonded Leather Sleeper/Pull Out Sofa and Bed

SPECS

  • Type: Sofa
  • Mattress size: Full
  • Mattress type: Innerspring coil
  • Mattress dimensions: 72 L x 53 W x 4 H inches
  • Dimensions sofa: 70 L x 30 W x 36 D inches
  • Assembly required: Yes
  • Materials: Wood, bonded leather

A leather sofa sleeper is affordable when you compromise a little. This pullout sofa bed from Divano Roma Furniture is covered in bonded leather, which is less expensive than full-on leather. It’s still soft and supple, though. The cushions may seem a bit stiff at first, but after wearing it in a little, it’ll soften and become more comfortable.

The mattress that is tucked into this smaller sofa folds out into a full-sized bed. It’s a traditional innerspring coil mattress that’s about 4 inches thick. It’s comfortable enough for an occasional sleepover, but you might want to add a mattress pad to make it cushier for overnight guests who are staying for a couple of nights.

Pros

  • Easy assembly
  • Modern style
  • Comfortable mattress
  • Soft leather

Cons

  • Stiff seating at first

This might be a good choice for a sofa bed for anyone who wants to add a little sleekness, extra seating, and a bed for overnight guests in their home.

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Conclusion

It’s hard to say what the right sofa bed is because it’s such a subjective thing. If you only need room for one guest, you have more choice, but when you get to bigger sizes, the prices usually get bigger, too. For the most value for your money, comfort for your guests, and style for your home consider the Tibbee Full Sofa Sleeper. The grey upholstery will work with almost any décor, and the buttonless tufting on the back cushions means you get comfort all around. It can fit three people on the seats, and two people in the bed, which means you won’t have to turn guests out early.