VIA MERCHANT
This new leather sleeper sofa from Pottery Barn adds a touch of class. You can choose from nearly 40 different natural leathers and three different sizes: Twin, full and queen. This leather sleeper sofa features a contemporary silhouette and 5-1/2-in. foam mattress.
Pros
- Durable, well-crafted leather
- Multiple size and color options
- Stylish design
Cons
Types of Sleeper Sofas
- Pull-out sofa bed: This is the most traditional type of sleeper sofa, where the mattress is stored under the seat cushions and can be pulled out to create a bed. These sofas often have a metal frame and come in a variety of mattress options, such as innerspring, memory foam and air coil.
- Futon: Futons are a type of sofa that can be converted into a bed by folding the backrest down flat. These options are typically more affordable than pull-out sofa beds, but their firmer construction may not appeal to all.
- Sleeper chair: A sleeper chair is a compact chair that can be converted into a small bed. These chairs are ideal for small spaces, but may only accommodate one person.
- Sectional sofa bed: Sectional sofas offer plenty of seating and can be configured to fit different room layouts, with some designs featuring storage options. However, they can be expensive, bulky and difficult to move.
What to Look for When Buying a Sleeper Sofa
- Size: Before buying a sleeper sofa, first measure the size of the room, as well as the doorway and hall passages. If your room is small (a minimum of 70 square feet), your best option is a twin-size sleeper sofa that accommodates just one person. If space isn’t a problem, a queen-size sleeper sofa is a more comfortable solution for guests.
- Design: Appearance is important. Beach says to ask yourself: “Do you like how the sofa itself looks when the mattress is folded in?” Depending on the design aesthetic of your home or a particular room, the fabric of a sleeper sofa (leather, velvet, chenille, etc.) as well as the color can be crucial.
- Functionality: Always look at the sleeper mechanisms to determine how easy it is to pull the mattress in and out, advises Beach.
- Assembly: As sleeper sofas are usually heavier than their traditional counterparts, many of them come with in-home delivery and assembly. This service may not be included in the price, but it’s well worth it for the ease!
- Materials: “Look at what the mattress is made from, and if the support includes any bars or items that will create discomfort,” says Beach. “Last but not least, a personal preference is how firm the mattress is and how much support it provides, as some people like a super firm mattress and others like something that’s softer.”
- Extras: Like a regular bed, most sleeper sofas don’t come with sheets, pillows, pillowcases or blankets. Purchase additional bed linens when buying your sleeper sofa if they aren’t included or you don’t already have them on hand.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a national award-winning writer and journalist who specializes in outdoor trends, interior design, home decor and gardening. As an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman, I’m well-versed in researching products and recommending the best designs to suit various needs.
For this article, we also consulted Lisa Beach, who is a product expert and the Director of Operations at BenchMade Modern. Beach has worked at BenchMade Modern for nearly a decade, studying the design and functionality of different types of upholstered furniture. She’s held several roles at the company, including Operations Manager, Customer Experience Manager and Design Advisor.
How We Chose the Best Sleeper Sofas
To find the very best sleeper sofas on the market, we did a combination of hands-on testing and heavy analysis. We slept on some of these options either in our own homes or in friends’ homes. After that, we sifted through reviews for the most popular sleeper sofas on the market from retailers like West Elm, Pottery Barn, La-Z-Boy and others. The result? The best sleeper sofas to make your guests feel like they’re getting a five-star treatment.
FAQ
What is the difference between a sofa bed and a sleeper sofa?
“This really depends on who you ask, but they are essentially the same thing and just different names,” reveals Beach.
How much does a sofa bed cost?
According to Beach, a general range for a high-quality sleeper sofa is around $4,500 to $7,500 if you’re looking at something designed and
constructed in the United States. “You’re essentially marrying the components of sofa design with the mattress mechanism, so the price will likely be less for a more straightforward design and more for a more detailed sofa design,” she explains.
How long do sleeper sofas last?
Sleeper sofas should last between seven to 10 years, says Beach. “Similar to all other furniture pieces, they may last longer — or not as long — depending on how you
care for your furniture,” she says. “Purchasing a high-quality sleeper sofa will absolutely help prolong the lifespan as they’ll most likely be constructed with a high-quality mechanism that will last for years to come.”
How do you make sleeper sofas more comfortable?
“Before you buy a sleeper sofa, look to see what the mattress is made from and if there are bars or springs that can make it uncomfortable,” advises Beach. For example, BenchMade Modern sleepers offer a top-quality solid foam mattress with no bars or springs, she notes. “Comfort can be subjective, so if you want a softer or cozier feel, you can easily add a nice
mattress topper,” Beach suggests.