How to choose a sofa bed
The Loom Loft Guide to
Choosing a Sofa Bed
A sofa bed combines comfortable everyday seating with a practical sleeping space, making it one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in the home.
Choosing the right one comes down to a few key decisions, including how often it will be used, the space available when fully extended, the opening mechanism, mattress type and the style that best suits your home.
This guide explains everything you need to know, from choosing the right sofa bed style and mechanism to measuring your room, selecting the best upholstery and understanding what makes a sofa bed comfortable, so you can buy with confidence.
Why choose a sofa bed?
Modern homes often need furniture that works harder. A sofa bed gives you comfortable everyday seating while providing a practical sleeping space whenever guests stay over. Whether you’re furnishing a guest room, home office, garden room or making the most of a smaller home, it offers flexibility without dedicating an entire room to occasional visitors.
Today’s sofa beds are also far more advanced than older designs. Improved opening mechanisms, better mattress options and high-quality upholstery mean many models deliver everyday comfort alongside reliable guest accommodation. The right choice depends on how often it will be used, the available space when fully extended, the mattress type and the style that best suits your home.
This guide will help you compare those key considerations, from comfort and mattress options to opening mechanisms, dimensions and delivery access, so you can choose a sofa bed with confidence.
Start by Thinking About How The Sofa Bed Will Be Used
Before choosing a sofa bed, think about who will be using it, how often it will be used for sleeping and how much space you have available.
These three factors will help determine the best mattress, opening mechanism and style for your home.
Occasional Guests
If the sofa bed will mainly be used for occasional overnight guests, everyday seating comfort is likely to be your biggest priority.
Many modern sofa beds are designed to look and feel like a standard sofa while providing a practical sleeping solution whenever it’s needed. A standard action with a supportive foam mattress is often an excellent choice for occasional use.
Frequent Overnight Stays
If friends or family stay regularly, sleeping comfort becomes just as important as everyday seating.
Look for a sturdy metal action, supportive beech slats and a higher-quality sprung mattress if the sofa bed will be used regularly. Together, these features provide greater support, durability and comfort for more frequent overnight stays.
Everyday Living
If the sofa bed will be used regularly for both sitting and sleeping, you’ll want to balance daytime comfort with long-term durability.
Choose a model with a robust opening mechanism, supportive mattress and generous sleeping area. Quality upholstery and comfortable seat cushions will also help it perform well as an everyday sofa between overnight stays.
Choosing the Right Sofa Bed Style
Sofa beds are available in a variety of styles to suit different homes and lifestyles.
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A classic 2 or 3 seater sofa bed remains one of the most versatile options. It offers comfortable everyday seating while transforming into a guest bed whenever needed.
Collections such as Bethie Sofa Bed and Dalton Sofa Bed have become popular choices thanks to their balance of comfort, practicality and timeless styling.
Corner Sofa Beds
For larger living spaces, corner sofa beds offer generous seating alongside additional sleeping space which is perfect for multifunctional living rooms.
Designs that work particularly well in family homes and open-plan spaces like the Wickham Corner Sofa Bed, maximise seating which is just as important as accommodating guests.
Chaise Sofa Beds
A chaise sofa bed combines relaxed lounging with overnight practicality, making it a great option for everyday comfort alongside occasional guest accommodation.
The chaise footstool on the Wickham Corner Chaise Group Sofa Bed can also double up as an extra seat for additional guests and can be positioned anywhere in the room.
Which Sofa Bed Mechanism and Mattress Is Right for You?
The right mechanism depends on how often your sofa bed will be used for sleeping. Compare our two most popular options below.
| Standard Action & Foam Mattress | Deluxe Action & Sprung Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| How it opens | Three-fold metal action that pulls out from beneath the sofa cushions. | Two-fold metal action that opens out from beneath the sofa cushions. |
| Mattress & support | Sprung polyprop base with a 6cm high-performance foam mattress. | Supportive beech slats with an 11.5cm deluxe sprung mattress. |
| Best suited to | Occasional overnight guests, children's sleepovers and infrequent sleeping. | Regular overnight guests and sofa beds used as part of everyday living. |
| What to check | Before ordering, check the fully extended dimensions, available floor space, mattress size and maximum occupancy weight shown on the individual product page to ensure the sofa bed is suitable for your room and intended use. | |
| Available on | Wickham Collection Cleveland Collection Bethie Collection Pavia Collection |
Marton Collection Cartmel Collection Venton Collection |
Please note: The collections above are examples. Sofa bed mechanisms, mattress dimensions and maximum occupancy weights vary by collection and size, so always check the individual product page before purchasing.
Choosing upholstery for a sofa bed
Most Loom Loft sofa beds are upholstered in fabric, with a wide choice of colours and textures to complement different interiors and lifestyles.
Fabric sofa beds remain the most popular choice thanks to their softness, warmth and everyday comfort. Whether you’re furnishing a guest room, family living space or multifunctional room, fabric creates a welcoming feel while offering excellent durability for both sitting and sleeping.
If you’re unsure which upholstery is right for your home, our How to Choose a Fabric Sofa guide explains the different fabric types, finishes and practical considerations to help you make an informed decision.
To experience the fabrics in your own home before ordering, you can also request free fabric swatches, allowing you to compare colours and textures alongside your existing décor and lighting.
Choosing the right upholstery is about finding a fabric that suits your lifestyle, complements your interior and feels right for everyday living.
Making the Most
of Smaller Spaces
One of the biggest advantages of a sofa bed is its ability to maximise space.
For apartments, guest rooms and smaller homes, a sofa bed can eliminate the need for a dedicated spare bed while still providing comfortable accommodation for visitors.
Pairing a sofa bed with multifunctional furniture such as storage footstools, nesting tables and compact occasional furniture can help create a room that feels practical without becoming overcrowded.
How do I measure for a sofa bed?
Before choosing your sofa bed, it’s important to measure both the space it occupies as a sofa and the open depth required when the bed is fully extended.
If you’re unsure where to start, our Sofa Measuring Guide explains exactly how to measure your room, doorways and access routes before ordering.
Consider:
• Overall sofa dimensions closed (H x W x D)
• Open depth when used as a bed
• Doorways, hallways and access routes
• Space around the sofa bed when fully extended
It’s easy to focus on how a sofa bed looks during the day, but it’s just as important to make sure there’s enough room for the bed to open fully and for people to move comfortably around it.
The open depth is one of the most commonly overlooked measurements when buying a sofa bed.
Taking a few simple measurements beforehand will help you choose a sofa bed that’s the right fit for both your home and your lifestyle, while ensuring everything runs smoothly on delivery day.
Stress-Free Delivery for Peace of Mind
Styling a Sofa Bed
A sofa bed should feel every bit as inviting as a traditional sofa, whether it’s the focal point of your living room or part of a multifunctional guest space.
Layering cushions, throws and textured accessories creates a relaxed, welcoming look while helping your sofa bed blend naturally into your home Choosing a versatile upholstery colour also means your furniture can adapt as your décor evolves over time.
If you're looking for inspiration start by browsing our Shop by Colour guide to explore colour palettes, or discover styling ideas for living rooms, small spaces and open-plan living homes in our Shop by Room inspiration hub.
What makes a Sofa Bed comfortable?
Comfort comes down to key factors including the mattress type and thickness, support system, sleeping width and how frequently the sofa bed will be used for overnight guests.
For occasional use, a quality foam mattress provides practical everyday comfort. If your sofa bed will be used more regularly, a sprung mattress with supportive beech slats offers enhanced support and a more traditional sleeping feel.
Every Loom Loft sofa bed is built with long-term quality in mind and is backed by our Frame Guarantee. For added peace of mind, our optional Furniture Care Plan helps protect your sofa bed against accidental stains and everyday life.
Get Personal Advice from a
Loom Loft Lifestylist
Not sure which sofa bed is right for your home? Our Loom Loft Lifestylists are here to help.
Whether you’re deciding between a two or three-seater sofa bed, comparing different opening mechanisms, choosing the right mattress or selecting the best upholstery for your lifestyle, we’ll help you find the perfect option for your space.
If you’ve already measured your room or have questions about sizing, comfort, delivery or caring for your new sofa bed, we’re happy to guide you through every step of your buying journey.
Simply complete the form below and one of our Lifestyleists will be in touch with personalised advice tailored to your home.
Furniture That Feels Like Family
A sofa bed should feel just as comfortable and inviting as the rest of your home.
That’s why every Loom Loft collection is chosen for its quality, thoughtful design and versatility, helping you create a space that’s ready for everyday living as well as overnight guests.
When you choose the right collection for your home, your sofa bed becomes somewhere to relax, unwind and spend time together every day.
Sofa Bed FAQs
Modern sofa beds are far more comfortable than many people expect. Advances in mattress design, support systems and sofa construction mean today’s sofa beds provide excellent comfort for both sitting and sleeping. The level of comfort will vary depending on the mattress type and how frequently the sofa bed is used.
Some sofa beds are specifically designed for regular use and can be suitable for everyday sleeping, particularly those with high-quality mattresses and robust support systems. If you plan to sleep on a sofa bed every night, choose a model designed for frequent use.
The right size depends on both your seating needs and the number of people who will be sleeping on it. If the sofa bed will regularly accommodate two adults, a larger 3-seater or corner sofa bed may be the better choice. Always measure your room with the bed fully extended before purchasing.
Remember to measure more than just the sofa itself. Consider the full footprint when the bed is extended, along with walkways, nearby furniture and access around the room. Our Sofa Measuring Guide can help you plan the perfect fit.
For many homes, absolutely. Sofa beds combine comfortable everyday seating with practical overnight accommodation, making them ideal for guest rooms, home offices, apartments and multifunctional living spaces.
Fabric sofa beds remain the most popular choice thanks to their softness, warmth and wide range of colours and textures. Leather sofa beds offer a refined appearance and are easy to wipe clean. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, maintenance preferences and interior style. You can also explore our Fabric Guide and Leather Guide to help you decide.
Sofa beds with supportive mattresses and well-engineered sleeping platforms generally provide the highest levels of comfort. Larger sofa beds also offer more sleeping space, helping guests enjoy a more natural sleeping position.
A quality sofa bed can provide many years of reliable use when properly cared for. Longevity depends on the frame construction, upholstery, mattress, opening mechanism and how frequently the bed function is used.
Yes. Corner sofa beds combine generous family seating with practical guest accommodation, making them an excellent choice for larger living rooms and open-plan spaces where flexibility is important.
The most common mistake is choosing based on appearance alone. It’s equally important to consider sleeping comfort, mattress quality, opening mechanism and whether the sofa bed will comfortably fit your room when fully extended.