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Best Sleeper Sofas

Corey Majeau

When it comes to getting a great night’s sleep, its likely we’d all be in agreement that a comfortable mattress is key. But when space dictates you aren’t going to have the space for a large-scale bedspring and mattress with all that extra cushioning comfort, it’s clear that something has to give. That’s why today’s sleeper sofa is not only super stylish, but also comfortable enough to catch those much-needed 40 winks. And while many may use it as a back-up plan for when friends and family decide to sleep over, some choose to have their unit do double duty. Seating during the day, and their primary sleep space at night.

So, when unexpected guests have you scrambling to find something a little more upscale than a futon, you’ll want to consider a number of factors before you make your decision.

RankProductHighlights
#1Best Choice Products Faux Sofa Bed

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  • Sofa Size: 62.25-inches wide
  • Mattress Size: n/a
  • Maximum Weight:  500 pounds
  • Bed Type: click-clack
  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
#2Novogratz Brittany Queen-Sized Sleeper Bed

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  • Sofa Size: 81.5-inches wide
  • Mattress Size: Queen
  • Maximum Weight:  600 pounds
  • Bed Type: click-clack
  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
#3Jaxx Zipline Lightweight Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

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  • Sofa Size: 61-inches
  • Mattress Size: Queen
  • Maximum Weight: 500 pounds
  • Bed Type: flip open
  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
#4AIMCAE Foldable Queen-Size Sofa Bed

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  • Sofa Size: 75-inches
  • Mattress Size: Queen-size
  • Maximum Weight: 500 pounds
  • Bed Type: Pull out
  • Warranty: n/a
#5Mainstay Connectrix Faux Leather Twin-Sized Sleeper Sofa

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  • Sofa Size: 71 inches
  • Mattress Size:  Twin
  • Maximum Weight:  600 pounds
  • Bed Type: Fold down
  • Warranty: n/a

What to Look for When Buying a Sleeper Sofa

Comfort vs Aesthetics

Today’s sofa bed doesn’t have to sacrifice design aesthetics to deliver big on sleeping and seating comfort. In fact, they come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and materials that seamlessly meld form with function for a totally versatile piece you’d be proud to display in your living space. And while price points can run the gamut when it comes to lift-and-pull designs with plush, memory foam mattresses, you can actually graduate up from that dorm-style futon to a smart looking click-clack sleeper without it costing you an arm and a leg.

Now, if you don’t have the square footage for a full-size pull-out, there are a number of units that can open up within a minimal footprint and still provide you with sufficient comfort to satisfy the most demanding overnight guest. But what features should you be looking for?

What to Look for When Buying a Sleeper Sofa

Comfort

When your sleeper is truly doing double-duty, you need more than just a comfortable sleep experience. Your need comfortable seating. Consider how you want to use your sofa-bed, when it’s not serving as a sleep surface. Do you like to curl up in front of the TV or with a good book? If yes, you’ll want a deeper seat cushion that allows you sufficient space. If you’re a gamer and tend to sit on the edge of the sofa, you’ll want high-density support with edges that won’t break down over time. And if you plan to use your sleeper as your primary seating space, look for one that isn’t too low to the floor, which can make getting up awkward.

Ease of Care

If your sofa bed is going to be used as main seating space, it’ll see a lot more wear and tear than if it sat in a spare room and was used for occasional guest stays. So, having a surface that can be treated with a water repellant spray, wiped down, or removed for cleaning is the way to go. And what it comes to the fabric, you want something that won’t snag easily (loose weave) or be susceptible to rips (important with kids or pets). For a more delicate fabric, consider investing in a good-looking slipcover, or review the manufacturers cleaning instructions to ensure you can use one of the many commercial cleaning products such as spray-foam shampoo or dry-cleaning solvent.

Best Sleeper Sofas

1. Best Choice Products Faux – Leather Queen-Sized Sofa Bed

SPECS:

  • Sofa Size: 62.25-inches wide
  • Mattress Size: n/a
  • Maximum Weight:  500 pounds
  • Bed Type: click-clack
  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Best for Multi-Purpose Use

When your design sense leans toward clean, modern, and leather but your budget isn’t cooperating, this sleek, faux-leather sofa bed will tick all your boxes. To start with, it delivers an impressive 3-in-1 functionality that includes not only a roomy loveseat for chilling out after work, but also a recliner that leans back to a 75-degree angle and includes a center console cupholder – ideal for relaxing in front of the TV. But there’s more, because it also folds flat to make a click-clack sofa bed for those last-minute overnight guests. It’s the perfect solution for a small space in need of quality-built seating that not only looks great, but can multi-task. In fact, this versatile loveseat measures just 65.25-inches in length, making it ideal for tucking into an office, or studio-size apartment.

But being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. This sofa bed features plush foam padding that maintains its shape over time as well as faux leather upholstery that’s not only easy to clean, but resists scuffs and scratches. Removable armrests make it a snap to transform its function from seating to sleeping while durable, steel-frame construction means this unit can hold up to 500 pounds.

ProsCons
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Durable, steel-frame construction
  • Easy-clean, scuff-proof materials
  • 3-in-1 functionality
  • Removable armrests and cupholder
  • Not designed to be a primary sleep surface

Who Should Buy This Sleeper Sofa?

For small spaces that demand big style, this sophisticated looking sofa bed is the perfect choice. Not only does it function as a loveseat, but a recliner and sleep space for when guests sleep over. Clean lines and beautiful design make it perfect for the young professional.

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2. Novogratz Brittany Queen-Sized Sleeper Bed

SPECS:

  • Sofa Size: 81.5-inches wide
  • Mattress Size: Queen
  • Maximum Weight:  600 pounds
  • Bed Type: click-clack
  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Best for Offering Extra Storage Space

For a sophisticated looking multi-purpose sofa that delivers big on both seating and sleeping comfort, this tufted, cushioned-back unit is the one for you. Let’s start with the details in that beautiful linen upholstery. Not only does the fabric used on this click-clack sleeper deliver a striking, clean-lined silhouette to any living space but it features dramatic ribbing detail along the back cushions that give it a custom look. Best of all, it wipes clean for a long-lasting sofa that’s perfect for everyday use. But design aesthetics aside, this versatile sofa bed offers four different seating and sleeping positions.

The generous 81.5-inch length is roomy for three adults and features a plush yet firm polyester / foam filling that prevents guests from sinking in too deep. Push lightly on the backrest and you have an instant recliner – ideal for relaxing in front of the television. Press down harder and you now have a queen-size sleeper that can hold up to 600 pounds. Or opt to lower just one side of this sleeper, for a cozy chaise-style lounge that’s perfect for curling up with a good book. Six sturdy wooden legs taper out for ideal support that brings a mid-century vibe to any space while allowing a little extra storage space for linens and pillows, beneath.

ProsCons
  • Sophisticated, mid-century design
  • Solid wood construction
  • Wipe-clean linen cover
  • 4 position options
  • Space beneath for storage
  • Possible tipping

Who Should Buy This Sleeper Sofa?

If your sleeper sofa is going to be used in your main living space, you want a design that looks great, delivers sufficient seating, and even offers a little extra storage. This elegant design is a great choice, that not only ticks all those boxes but is easy-clean for long-lasting appeal.

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3. Jaxx Zipline Lightweight Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

SPECS:

  • Sofa Size: 61-inches
  • Mattress Size: Queen
  • Maximum Weight: 500 pounds
  • Bed Type: flip open
  • Warranty: 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Best for Easy Portability

Great for dorm rooms, rec rooms, or teenager flex space, this funky-looking sleeper sofa brings together comfort and function for optimal versatility. Because this unique, “cubist” design unit is constructed entirely from durable, supportive polyurethane foam, its ultra-lightweight and easy to reconfigure to meet your needs. Customize its shape and function for any space – from cozy loveseat with dual ottomans for putting your feet up to relax in front of the TV, or maybe rework the design to become an over-sized bench with cube-style work station for that portable home office you’ve always wanted.

Need a last-minute sleep space? Just flip the upper portion forward, and it instantly provides a durable, comfortable queen-sized bed that’s roomy enough for two and capable of holding up to 500 pounds. The options are endless with this convertible sofa. And because any piece of furniture that does double- or even triple-duty sees a lot of wear and tear, it’s reassuring to know that the fade- and stain-resistant polyester covers are fully zipped for easy removing to spot clean. If you need a little more cleaning power, you can machine-wash these covers and then toss them into your dry for a quick, tumble dry without fear of shrinking.

ProsCons
  • Lightweight for easy positioning
  • Zip covers are machine-washable
  • 4 position options
  • Stacks for easy storage
  • Durable polyurethane foam interior
  • Lack of lumbar support
  • Low profile

Who Should Buy This Frame?

If you’re looking for a sofa bed that is quick and easy to transition from seating to sleeping, this is the ideal option. Multi-configurations, soft edges and machine washable covers make it perfect for families with kids or teens.

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4. AIMCAE Foldable Queen-Size Sofa Bed

SPECS:

  • Sofa Size: 75-inches
  • Mattress Size: Queen-size
  • Maximum Weight: 500 pounds
  • Bed Type: Pull out
  • Warranty: n/a

Best for Use Over the Long Term

If your budget can spring for a little extra styling and a lot more comfort, you’ll want to check out this classic pull-out design. Tufted seating made from durable, high-density sponge foam delivers a firmer sofa surface that not only prevents you from sinking in too deep, but offers long-lasting cushioning support. While its compact, 75-inch width makes it a perfect fit for any small space, the elegant, rolled-arm design keeps your secret – that this smart-looking sofa is also a queen-size sleeper. That’s what makes this unit the ideal solution to when your main living area also has to double as a guestroom.

Its upholstered in a beautiful, soft-to-the-touch cotton / linen blend fabric that’s easy to spot-clean when the need arises but it can also be treated with a waterproofing repellant for better resistance to those larger spills and stains. And there’s more to this sleeper than just good looks. Solid hardwood construction, high-quality hardware, and directional wheel design mean it won’t let you down when you need it most. Simply pull the sleeping unit up and out from under the main seating area, and it instantly rolls into place for a comfortable queen-sized bed that will have your guests sleeping soundly.

ProsCons
  • Hardwood Construction
  • Soft, linen-cotton blend cover
  • Top-quality hardware for easy set up
  • High-density foam seating
  • Seating can be too firm

Who Should Buy This Frame?

If you want to spend a little extra to invest in a sleeper sofa that looks great, functions flawlessly and won’t let you down over time, this is the unit. Built using a solid hardwood frame and only top-quality hardware, it’s designed to transition from seating to sleeping, seamlessly.

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5. Mainstay Connectrix Faux Leather Twin-Sized Sleeper Sofa

SPECS:

  • Sofa Size: 71 inches
  • Mattress Size:  Twin
  • Maximum Weight:  600 pounds
  • Bed Type: Fold down
  • Warranty: n/a

Best Design for Movie Night

This compact sofa is the perfect solution for when you want seating that’s rugged enough to stand up to gamers, sports fans, and teenage entertaining, but versatile enough to convert to a sleeper when duty calls. Constructed with smart-looking faux-leather, this option features tufted seating and stitched detailing to give it an urban, designer edge while its wipe-clean finish makes it an ideal choice for family life. Featuring a split-back design, this sofa bed provides comfortable seating for two and includes wider, padded armrests with handy, built-in cupholders which makes cleaning up the spills that can occur when goals and overtime happen, a snap.

And when your seating needs require just a little more room, both arms can be adjusted up and back to provide extra inches in a comfortable bench set-up. Its that versatility that makes this sofa such as great, multi-purpose choice for small spaces. Flip the back down to instantly convert this unit to a cozy, twin-sized bed, or opt to release just one side of the back rest to transition it into chaise-lounge type seating, that’s ideal for stretching out, and settling in with your morning coffee, a good book, or your favorite electronic devices. A great, all-round addition to any space.

ProsCons
  • Easy-clean, faux-leather surface
  • Split-back design
  • Quickly converts to a twin bed
  • Built-in cup-holders
  • Adjustable arm-rests for wider seating
  • Low profile
  • Extra firm seating

Who Should Buy This Frame?

If you’re looking for something that looks great, is easy-care, and offers a multitude of set-up options, this is the one for you. The tufted back and stitch detailing of this sleeper give it the designer look you want for entertaining, yet its rugged construction and faux-leather finish make it a breeze to keep clean. Best of all, it converts quickly and easily to a twin-size bed for those last-minute sleepovers.

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Bottom Line

Choosing to invest in a good quality sofa bed is a great way to extend the functionality of your living space. Whether it’s a spare office, flex space for your kids, a temporary dorm, or your main living room, today’s compact designs look great, are lightweight, easy to set-up and come with a host of versatile features. Best of all, they’re an affordable, space-saving alternative to investing in a new bed, and they’re a definite step up from the standard futon.

Photo credit: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock