The Best Sofa Beds

Size

• The best sofa beds optimize limited space. Before making a purchase, measure where the sofa will be placed. Make sure the couch has enough space to be folded out as a bed. Twin, full and queen-sized sofa beds are available. For extremely cramped spaces, select twin bed units capable of accommodating one person. Some companies manufacture large sofa beds that break into smaller pieces for easier delivery. Technicians reassemble the sofa at the delivery site.

Design

• The best sofa beds coordinate with a design scheme. In addition to personal preferences, consider where the sofa will be placed. Interior designers recommend using leather covered units for home offices that also serve as guest accommodations. The area maintains a professional appearance. Units with a fabric finish work well in heavy traffic areas. Make sure fabric patterns do not clash with room decor. Look for units with removable covers to facilitate the cleaning process.

Fold Down Procedure

• When selecting the best sofa bed, consider the process required to convert the sofa to a sleeper. On traditional sofa beds, the cushions must be removed and the bed is unfolded like a cot. The mattress is a separate piece, adding weight to the unit. Lightweight futon-style sofa beds quickly shift to sleeper mode and cushions are used as a mattress. Individuals experiencing difficulty while lifting heavy objects should strongly consider fold down procedures before purchasing a sofa bed.

Mattress

• The best sofa beds have mattresses that accommodate host and guest alike. Sofa bed mattresses vary in thickness from 8 to 15 inches. A lightweight mattress easily converts to sleeper mode. Thicker mattresses provide cushion against the bed frame, allowing guests to rest comfortably. When selecting a sofa bed mattress, consider mattress rigidity, or support. Also consider firmness. Harder mattresses maintain their form while softer mattresses conform to the shape of the body during sleep.