Unlike the sleeper sofas from 40 years ago, today’s sleeper sofas are as stylish and versatile as your home. From incredibly sleek modern sofa sleepers to traditional upholstered sofas, there is a multitude of sleeper sofa bed types available. To help wade through all the options, we researched various styles, including pull-out sofa sleepers, fold-down sofa sleepers, and sofa sleepers that rotate or flip to create a bed. We also consulted interior designer Liz Woods of Liz Hand Woods Associates to learn more about what features to consider when purchasing the best sofa sleeper, including dimensions, materials, mattress size, and weight capacity. Overall we recommend the Crate & Barrel Barrett II Queen Sleeper Sofa. As a couch, it goes well with a traditional or modern style living room. As a bed, it boasts a queen-size memory foam mattress. You can extend your home’s comfortable sleeping space with this mid-priced sleeper sofa. If you’re tight on space and budget, consider the Corrigan Studio Osian 84” Flared Arm Sofa Bed from Wayfair, which offers a twin-size sleeping space in a contemporary fold-down couch. Read on to discover the the best sleeper sofas.
Locking tilt-up headrestVarious upholstery optionsAnti-tip safety feature
There are more than 100 upholstery color options to choose from, but it may take longer to receive a sofa sleeper in a specialty fabric. The entire sofa measures 35.5 x 36 x 78.25 inches. It showcases a queen-size mattress with a hybrid of gel-infused memory foam and high-foams. “A premium mattress with breathable ticking and memory foam or gel fill would be ideal,” says Liz Woods of Liz Hand Woods Associates. With a generous weight capacity of 600 pounds, it fits up to two adults. You can even tilt the top up as a headrest for a more comfortable way to read or watch tv before falling asleep. This feature makes it comfortable for family or friends visiting for the weekend. If you have kids sleeping on the sofa bed, there is also an anti-tip safety feature. T his stylish piece of furniture has a frame made of certified sustainable engineered hardwood that is kiln-dried to prevent warming. Overall, it’s a sturdy piece that will last a long time in your home. Price at time of publish: $1,899 Dimensions: 35.5 x 36 x 78.25 inches | Material: Polyester textured fabric, engineered hardwood frame, memory foam mattress | Mattress Size: Queen | Weight Capacity: Up to 600 pounds
Great for small spacesPairs with Nola chairComplements various decor styles
Not the most share-friendly optionLimited upholstery options
The upholstery comes in four colors and two fabric styles: camel or black faux leather and blue or gray velvet. You can also pair it with the Nola chair for a cohesive furniture look. This sleeper sofa pulls out into multiple positions. It can recline for lounging or lay all the way down for sleeping. The mattress is 43.5-inches wide, which is slightly smaller than a traditional full-size bed. It might be snug for a couple to share, but with a weight capacity of 600 pounds, it would support two people. The Nola Modern Futon is a great option if you occasionally have an overnight guest and want to give them a comfortable place to sleep but don’t want to spend a fortune. Price at time of publish: $255 Dimensions: 32.5 x 34 x 78.5 inches | Material: Faux leather upholstery, wood frame | Mattress Size: Full | Weight Capacity: Up to 600 pounds
Great for large spacesVarious upholstery optionsAvailable in right and left configurations
Measuring 33 x 84 x 111 inches, this large sectional offers all the comforts of a sectional couch, where the family can all cuddle together for a movie night. But instead of oversized arms and recliner-style seats, this sectional has contemporary details. Tapered rubber wood legs support a streamlined frame made of engineered hardwood reinforced with corner blocking for stability. All joints are glued, stapled, and screwed for extra durability and longevity. Meanwhile, angled back cushions offer comfort and style. This piece is a great option if you want to punch up the color in your living room. With 73 fabric options to choose from, you can go bold with a berry red velvet or opt for subdued blush pink. There are endless neutrals and cool shades of fabrics available. It’s also available in left and right configurations to best accommodate your space. Note that this option is made-to-order, so it has longer delivery times than other options. In addition to boosting the seating in your living room, this sofa sleeper will also give you another queen-size mattress to host house guests. The 5-inch thick mattress is made with 3 inches of high-density foam topped with 2 inches of memory foam for a comfortable night’s sleep, and it has a generous weight capacity of 600 pounds. If you’re really in a pinch for sleeping space, you could have a third guest camp out on the chaise lounge section of the sofa. Price at time of publish: $3,867 Dimensions: 33 x 84 x 111 inches | Material: Engineered hardwood frame, 5-inch resilient mattress with high-density foam topped with memory foam, various upholstery fabrics | Mattress Size: Queen | Weight Capacity: Up to 600 pounds
Easy to cleanEco-friendlyVarious upholstery options
Long delivery timesMust flip pillows to even out wear
Measuring 30 x 37 x 71 inches, it’s a great addition to a home office, den, or small sitting room. One reason this piece is on our list is that each one is custom-made in Los Angeles. It’s also made with eco-friendly construction materials. It has a solid wood frame and hypoallergenic fabrics. There are 58 fabric choices and three leg finishes available for you to customize the look to match your home. All the cushions are detachable, reversible, and flippable. This means you never have to worry about your favorite spot sagging. Flip the cushions around periodically to even out the wear and tear of the couch. Apt2B offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame and workmanship of their furniture. Even the steel bed mechanism has a one-year warranty, so you can rest easy knowing your sleeper sofa was made with care in the U.S. Meanwhile, the bed features a full mattress that’s big enough for two people up to 500 pounds to sleep comfortably. The mattress is 5.5 inches thick with a deluxe innerspring design. Price at time of publish: $2,500 Dimensions: 30 x 37 x 71 inches | Material: Solid wood frame, 2.0 density foam, steel bed support | Mattress Size: Full | Weight Capacity: Up to 500 pounds
Has extra-sleeping spaceEasy to setup as a sleeperLong-lasting
Limited upholstery optionsRequires more upkeep than other options
Available in ivory or gray, it has an upholstered design with a textured boucle fabric. Instead of legs, this sofa has a wooden base that runs along the bottom of the couch. The thick square arms give it a modern structure. To turn it into a bed, you remove the back cushions, then pull up the seat and unzip hidden pockets underneath. Extend the front legs, slide the seat forward, and then fold the back down. You don’t have to pull the unit away from the wall to transition it from a sofa to a bed. It’s an easy setup that only takes a few minutes, making this one of the best sleeper sofas. Once set up as a bed, it’s a few inches wider than a full-size mattress, making it a good fit for two sleepers. Overall, the sofa measures 31.75 x 38 x 87.75 inches and has a 500-pound weight capacity. It also requires a little TLC to keep it looking its best. Vacuum regularly, as you would any sofa, but don’t use water to spot clean stains. Instead, use a water-free cleaning solvent or have it regularly cleaned by a professional upholstery cleaner. Price at time of publish: $1,999 Dimensions: 31.75 x 38 x 87.75 inches | Material: Poplar and plywood frame, pocket spring/foam mattress, polyester blend fabric | Mattress Size: Full | Weight Capacity: Up to 500 pounds
Has extra storageGreat for small spacesLess expensive than other options
Doesn’t have armsLimited upholstery options
Equipped with a pull-out ottoman, this sleeper sofa would also make a great addition to an entertainment room. Sunday afternoon naps during the big game never looked so good. When the ottoman is fully extended, you can pop it up to the same height as the seat. Keep it that way as a chaise or lean the back of the chair down for a quick transition into a twin bed. The steel moving parts are durable, and this sofa sleeper holds up to 300 pounds. This is a great furniture piece for small spaces, such as apartments, where there may not be space for a large pullout bed. It would also be a great solution for a teen’s bedroom, making it easy to host a friend for a sleepover (no more sleeping bags on the floor). The chair comes with a throw pillow in the same faux leather fabric. Add a cozy throw blanket into the mix, and you have a stylish place to host your next overnight guest. Price at time of publish: $397 Dimensions: 18 x 23 x 31 inches | Material: Wood frame, steel adjustable hardware, faux leather upholstery | Mattress Size: Twin | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Quick assemblyLong-lasting100-day return policy
Doesn’t keep the same look over timeReturns aren’t free
Measuring 32.5 x 39.25 x 82 inches, this sofa in cognac tan is upholstered in full-grain pure-aniline Italian-tanned leather upholstery. There is no pigment added to this leather, so you can enjoy the natural beauty of the hide. The sleeper sofa is also available in other colors, which are upholstered in semi-aniline dyed Italian leather. Don’t expect this piece to keep its day one look forever. Part of the beauty of leather is watching a beautiful patina develop over time. This sofa isn’t just a head-turner—it’s also incredibly comfortable. The seat backs, bolster pillows, and seats are filled with feather down. Having a mix of high-density foam, polyester fibers, and feather down elevates the comfort level. Underneath, the sleeper sofa frame is made of high-quality materials, such as corner-blocked wood with reinforced joinery. Kiln-dried wood prevents warping. The queen-size mattress has a tri-layer design. It has a dense polyurethane foam layer, a memory foam layer, and a fiber-filled top layer. The sleeper sofa can hold up to 600 pounds and comfortably fits two people. We also love that it has a limited warranty and a worry-free 100-day return window. Although please note that return shipping fees are deducted from your return. Price at time of publish: $2,969 Dimensions: 32.5 x 39.25 x 82 inches | Material: Kiln-dried solid wood, powder-coated metal, high-density foam, polyester, duck feathers, leather upholstery | Mattress Size: Queen | Weight Capacity: Up to 600 pounds
Has extra storageAvailable in right and left configurationsEasy to clean
Limited upholstery optionsNot for small spaces
This sleeper sofa is made of durable, kiln-dried Eucalyptus and stainless steel and comes in two pieces that clip together to create one big comfortable sectional. You can order it with the chaise on the left or right-hand side of the couch. It is available in dawn gray or midnight blue upholstery. It measures 31.5 x 64 x 105 inches, making it an excellent pick for those with larger spaces. The bed under the couch pulls out to a full bed, which is big enough for two sleepers weighing up to 500 pounds. Meanwhile, the memory foam mattress allows your guests to sleep peacefully. To care for this sofa sleeper, Article recommends spot cleaning with a damp cloth—don’t use chemical cleaners on this upholstery. The mattress cover is removable and machine washable. Hand wash in cold water and hang to dry. Price at time of publish: $2,499 Dimensions: 31.5 x 64 x 105 inches | Material: Kiln-dried Eucalyptus frame, stainless-steel legs, high-density foam wrapped in polyester, memory foam mattress | Mattress Size: Full | Weight Capacity: Up to 500 pounds
Firm mattressLong-lastingComplements various decor styles
Requires two people for bed setupThinner mattress than other options
To transition this sleeper sofa into a bed, simply remove the back cushions and flip the seat forward. We recommend making this a two-person job, so you don’t accidentally drop the back of the couch on your toes. Measuring, 30 x 62 x 80 inches, this sofa has a durable wood frame and is available in four upholstery options. Any spills should be wiped up right away, and you can spot treat stains with a dry cleaning solution; don’t use water. As a bed, this queen sleeper sofa is only 4 inches thick, which is thinner than other options on this list. Still, it holds up to 500 pounds and comfortably fits two guests. If you like a firm mattress, this is a good fit. However, you can add a foam topper if you want a little extra cushion. Overall, if a modern or minimalist aesthetic is your goal, this is an excellent option. Price at time of publish: $2,195 Dimensions: 30 x 62 x 80 inches | Material: Solid and manufactured wood and stainless steel frame and legs, fiber-wrapped foam cushions, and polyester and linen upholstery | Mattress Size: Queen | Weight Capacity: Up to 500 pounds
Can be set to three different anglesHas extra storageLess expensive than other options
Only fits one personLimited upholstery options
What we really love about this sofa is that it is so versatile. You can set the back at an angle to create a reclined position, which is great for binge-watching Netflix. Each side of the couch moves independently, so you can have one side upright and the other lying flat. The armrests can also change position. Keep them upright for a formal look, or flare them out for more personality. There are storage pockets built into the ends of the armrests so you can keep your Kindle or favorite magazine handy. When it is completely flat, it offers a sleeping surface that is a few inches wider than a traditional twin bed and can hold up to 600 pounds. It’s a great option for hosting one person overnight. Price at time of publish: $510 Dimensions: 33 x 32 x 84 inches | Material: Solid wood frame, foam and spring cushioning, polyester upholstery | Mattress Size: Twin | Weight Capacity: Up to 600 pounds
CoolingVarious upholstery optionsDomestically made
Long delivery timesRequires more upkeep than other options
As a sofa, it’s also a cozy place to gather, measuring 33 x 40 x 79 inches. Gentle curves on the armrests, generously stuffed back cushions, and seat cushions supported by steel sinuous springs mean your body is supported at every turn. The couch has an engineered wood frame with corner blocking for extra durability. Each piece is made-to-order in the United States. There are more than 100 upholstery fabrics available, so you can select the shade that is just right for your home. The short, blocky feet in an espresso wood stain coordinate with any fabric choice. Note that it will take at least 10 weeks to receive your sleeper sofa, but we think the quality of this piece is worth the wait. It also requires extra upkeep, like vacuuming frequently and blotting up spills immediately to keep it in top shape. Price at time of publish: $1,599 Dimensions: 33 x 40 x 79 inches | Material: Engineered wood frame, steel sinuous springs, mattress with 1.8 pound density foam and gel infused memory foam | Mattress Size: Queen | Weight Capacity: Up to 500 pounds
What to Know About Sleeper Sofas Before Shopping
Dimensions
Sleeper sofas come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A 70-inch wide loveseat may hold a small pull-out bed. Meanwhile, three-seat couches that range from 80 to 100+ inches wide can house a queen-size mattress. Large sectional couches can also be sleeper sofas. The most important thing is to measure your space and find furniture that fits well in your home. Before buying, consider the dimensions of the sleeper sofa when extended.
Materials
“As with any sofa, start with a kiln-dried hardwood frame of oak or beech for long-lasting durability,” Woods says. “Look for a quality operating mechanism for ease of use. Upgrade to premium fills on back and seat cushions for added comfort. Sleepers are best with no bars or springs for a more comfortable night’s sleep.”
Mattress Size
Sleeper sofas are available in twin, full, and queen-size mattresses. You can even find some king-size sleeper sofas. One thing to note: Sleeper sofas do not always match the exact dimensions of traditional-size mattresses. Sometimes they are a few inches shorter than a typical mattress. Be sure to check the exact dimensions of the mattress before you buy.
Weight Capacity
Generally, a sofa sleeper will support up to 250 pounds per sleeper. So a sleeper sofa with a full-size bed will typically hold up to 500 pounds. Some queen sleeper sofas hold up to 600 pounds, and some twin-size beds hold up to 300 pounds. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity for a specific piece.
Your Questions, Answered
How much space extra space do you need for a sleeper sofa?
When selecting the best sleeper sofa for your space, you’ll need to not only account for the size of the sofa but also for the size of the bed when it’s extended. “Depending on the overall depth of the sofa itself, an extended sleeper should not require more than 7 to 7.5 feet,” Woods says. You’ll also want to allow for an extra foot or two surrounding the extended bed so occupants can move around the perimeter.
How can you make a sleeper sofa more comfortable?
You can make a sleeper sofa extra cozy by making sure the mattress is high quality and accessorizing the bed with nice pillows and linens. “A premium memory foam mattress is ideal,” Woods says.” Add quality natural fiber sheets, down sleeping pillows, and a thick, cushy mattress pad to make it even better.”
Who We Are
Megan Boettcher is a freelance writer for Better Homes and Gardens, writing about a variety of topics including home design, holiday crafts, and more. To find the best sleeper sofas she researched the ins and outs of sleeper sofas and their features for this story, comparing the latest features and product specifications. She also consulted interior designer Liz Woods of Liz Hand Woods Associates.
