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Plus, expert advice on how to choose a sleeper sofa. Swivel Rocker Base Replacement
Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor.
If you’ve ever struggled to find space when hosting overnight guests, investing in a sleeper sofa for your living room or spare room is a great solution. Not only will you always have a place for family or friends to crash, but you’ll also have functional furniture to match the rest of your home decor—instead of an extra bed that wastes precious space.
To determine the best sleeper sofas, we tested popular options and assessed them on comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value. After testing, we determined that five sofas were worthy of inclusion on our list—the other seven were selected based on rigorous criteria and extensive research. We also spoke to Jessica Harris, interior designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces, for expert advice on how to shop for the right sleeper sofa.
It comes in two sizes and over 75 color and fabric customization options.
It has a break-in period.
The Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa earned the title of our best overall pick for its impressive comfort, style, and customizability. The mid-century design includes tapered legs and a tufted seat as well as two bolster pillows to complete the look. It’s also available in two sizes that equate to either a twin or queen mattress, accommodating small and large rooms alike. Though the website says that it can seat three to four people, we found that it more comfortably fits two.
If the comfort of your mattress is the highest priority, you really can’t do much better than this Joybird sleeper. We initially found the couch to be too firm for our liking, but once we broke it in, it became much more comfortable. Still, it's worth noting that this isn't a very "cloud-like" option. However, we think its firmness contributes to its durability—after one year of use, the sleeper sofa has retained its shape and feel with no lumpiness or sagging. We also liked that we didn’t have to put much effort into opening or closing the couch. It took just one minute for us to turn it from a sofa into a bed, making it one of the more user-friendly options out there.
Available in over 75 fabrics and color options, including pet-friendly and stain-resistant fabrics, this pick is also easy to customize. We can confirm the pet-friendly nature of this couch—not only has it been able to withstand dog jumping, but we've had no trouble getting stains out, either. You also have the option of getting the couch delivered via curbside or white-glove delivery. We went with the white-glove service and were not disappointed. Overall, we love this couch and recommend it for anyone who frequently has friends or family sleeping over.
Upholstery: Polyester, velvet, performance fabrics | Sofa Dimensions: 79 by 36 by 35 inches; 52.5 by 36 by 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 by 72 inches; 39 by 70 inches | Mattress Type: Memory foam
It has an ergonomic design featuring hidden wheels to roll the bed out.
It doesn’t have a mattress, so it’s not the most comfortable.
If you’re seeking a less-expensive sleeper sofa, the Article Nordby Sofa offers the most bang for your buck. A caveat: This couch isn’t truly budget friendly, but as far as sleeper sofas go, it’s comparatively reasonable since sleepers are typically much more expensive than regular couches. This sofa is designed with removable cushions for easy cleaning and discreet wheels for convenient rolling. We appreciate its user-friendly design—when you’re ready to sleep, simply pull it out using the cloth handles located on the frame. Even better, you won't have to waste time building it, as it comes fully assembled and only requires you to put on its bottom legs.
We found the polyester fabric to be high end and surprisingly durable. After enduring over two years of use—including a lot of cat scratching—it still looks good as new. The back cushions are firm and plump, contributing to its overall comfort. In addition, the sofa’s legs are sturdy, which made it easy for us to move it around the room without issue. Plus, it's available in two styles—a regular sofa and an L-shaped reverse sectional—to cater to any layout.
Take note, though, that this couch doesn’t come with a mattress (it’s more of a futon style), so it’s definitely not the most comfortable option. While we wouldn't advise using this sofa bed as a permanent bed replacement, it’s adequate for one or two nights. Adding a mattress topper would definitely help make it more comfortable.
Upholstery: Polyester | Sofa Dimensions: 87 by 33 by 35 inches | Bed Dimensions: 54 by 72 inches | Mattress Type: High-density foam
It has a built-in storage box within the chaise.
The pillows may slouch and lose shape over time.
Soft cushions and a supportive hardwood frame make the West Elm Harmony Sleeper almost as good as a regular bed to sleep on. We found this sofa to be very comfortable whether you're ready for a nap or just want to kick back and relax.
It features foam seat cushions and plush throw and lumbar pillows filled with a blend of duck feathers, down blend, and polyester. The cushions are loose and have zip-off covers that can be removed when you’re ready to clean them, which is good for busy households. In fact, we don't think stains could stay on this fabric if they tried—it has endured coffee, ice cream, hot sauce, and chocolate stains with no residue whatsoever. After one year of use, this sofa is still in mint condition. While the pillows have slouched a bit over time, we have yet to experience any back pain. In fact, every visitor has raved to us about the mattress's comfort.
When it’s time to sleep, it only takes a few minutes to pull out the bed. This sofa also has a storage chaise for pillows and blankets or extra sheets, making it a space-saving, functional furniture piece. It’s very customizable, too, allowing you to select the side you want the chaise on (left or right) or configure it exactly to your liking. There are around 50 performance fabrics and colors to choose from including stain-resistant and Greenguard-certified fabrics (which means they are guaranteed to have low chemical emissions). Our only issue was that it was assembled incorrectly when it was delivered, so we ended up having to put it together again ourselves.
Upholstery: Basketweave, chenille, linen, velvet, boucle, canvas, twill | Sofa Dimensions: 123 by 69 by 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 by 72 inches | Mattress Type: Gel-infused foam
The performance fabric upholstery makes it a great sleeper sofa if you have kids or pets.
The cushions may require periodic fluffing.
If you have young kids, pets, or both, the Apt2B Tuxedo Sleeper Sectional is the furniture you want in your living room or spare room. Why? For starters, despite the number of times our cats napped or hungout on the couch, there were never any pulls or snags. That’s because of the pet-friendly fabric upholstery, which not only was scratch resistant but also made cleaning excess pet hair easy—even without a lint brush. We tested its strength by letting kids jump on it, too, and for the most part, the couch still looked good and retained its original shape.
Because it’s a sectional sofa, it comes with an ottoman that you can arrange on the side of your choice. You can also customize its color, leg finish, fabric, and mattress type (memory foam or innerspring.) And if you decide that you don't need a sectional, this couch is also available in a regular sofa style. We appreciate the versatility, making this sofa suitable for anyone's preferences.
After one year of use, the couch has comfortably broken in without losing its shape or support. Our only complaint is that the back cushions do require some fluffing from time to time, and it does have a lower back compared to other couches on our list. Despite this, our 6-foot-5 dad attested that this was the most comfortable sleeper sofa he's ever slept on, so we aren't too concerned. Just be prepared for long processing times, because it’s made to order and takes five to seven weeks to ship.
Upholstery: Performance fabric | Sofa Dimensions: 121 by 88 by 36 inches | Bed Dimensions: 60 by 72 inches | Mattress Type: 5.5-inch innerspring; 4.5-inch memory foam
This couch has over 200 color options.
It’s not as plush as other sleeper sofas.
It’s safe to say that sleeper from Crate & Barrel might be one of the best couches out there when it comes to personalization. Despite the fairly simple style and design, it comes with tons of customization options, allowing you to select the color and fabric that suits your style down to the exact hue. The brand offers a wide 217 color palette including 76 shades of gray and black, 33 shades of brown, and many more. You also can get your couch upholstered in a variety of kid- and pet-friendly, stain-resistant, and indoor and outdoor performance fabrics. But if you’re not sure which one to pick, don't worry—you can always request a free swatch first. Just note that shipping times will vary depending on customizations.
This couch is made from sustainable, kiln-dried hardwood, so it’s durable and not susceptible to warping. The queen pull-out mattress sits atop a metal frame, which offers comfort but probably won’t be as comfortable as a regular bed. While it may not be the most luxurious option, this sleeper is still great to have around if you need an extra bed for overnight guests.
Upholstery: Performance, boucle, canvas, chenille, linen, microfiber, shearling, twill, velvet | Sofa Dimensions: 90 by 36 by 36.5 inches | Bed Dimensions: 87 by 30 inches | Mattress Type: Gel-infused memory foam
It’s large and has a variety of customization options.
The mattress sits right on the ground.
If you’re seeking a luxe look, consider the Rove Concepts Milo in velvet. It’s an extremely sturdy couch that features high-quality kiln-dried hardwood, dowelled joints, and removable stainless steel legs. Be warned that this sleeper sofa is wider than your typical sofa, so it’s best to measure entrances, stairs, and the room where it's going to reside before purchasing.
While the mattresses of some sleeper sofas are notoriously difficult to pull out, the Milo is easy to use. With this sofa, you only have to unzip a zipper at the back of the cushions and gently tug. Within seconds, you’ll find the mattress laying flat on the ground (there is no metal frame) and ready to sleep on. To protect the mattress from dirt and stains, it has a mesh cover that can be removed and thrown in the wash. This couch is available in two sizes: 88 inches and 98 inches. You can also choose from a range of colors including cobalt, taupe, olive green, gold, and gray.
Keep in mind that this couch’s sizing is not exact. Although the manufacturer says it is queen sized, it’s actually slightly larger than a standard queen-sized mattress, so there's a chance that your fitted sheets may not be able to fit properly. As long as you're willing to take this into account beforehand, we think this sleeper sofa is an excellent choice.
Upholstery: Velvet, felt, performance, linen, boucle, faux leather, faux suede | Sofa Dimensions: 88 or 98 by 40 by 25 inches | Bed Dimensions: 65.1 by 73.8 inches or 60 by 80 inches | Mattress Type: Foam
It’s an enormous sofa that doubles as a bed.
The cushions require regular fluffing to keep their shape.
The Albany Park Kova Pit is technically not a sleeper sofa, but its dimensions are so big that it’s just like having a bed in your living room (it’s the size of two couches put together). This is the sofa to get if you’re searching for a statement piece. It’s 122 inches long and features a modular design that lets you configure it to fit your space. There are 14 performance fabrics and color options to choose from, adding extra versatility. Plus, it comes with an ottoman that doubles as a storage box.
While the assembly process took a long time, this couch's soft feel and comfort was worth it. The cushions are reversible and contain a hypoallergenic, microfiber blend inside, giving it a feather-like feel. However, the relatively low back may not be as suitable for taller individuals—our partner, who's 6-foot-3, experienced some neck pain after sitting upright on the sofa. Regardless, the deep seats and cozy cushions make this couch a dream for lounging and napping.
In general, we found the pet-friendly upholstery easy to clean. During testing, our dog left muddy paw prints all over the couch, which we were able to wipe off without any residue left behind. After six months of use, we found that although the cushions retained fluffiness, the back cushions deflated faster and needed to be fluffed up more frequently. Despite this, most of the cushions have retained their fluffiness over time with no lumps whatsoever. Final assessment? While it's one of the most expensive sofas on our list, this couch is high quality, deeply comfortable, and has lifetime guarantee, making it a worthwhile investment.
Upholstery: Performance fabric | Sofa Dimensions: 122 by 39 by 79 inches | Bed Dimensions: Not listed | Mattress Type: Not listed
It features a clean, minimalist design.
It has limited upholstery and color options.
This Anthropologie sleeper sofa features a streamlined, minimalist design and a queen pull-out mattress that converts to a comfortable bed for overnight guests. It's 84 inches long and features a single seat cushion that’s big enough for up to three people to sit on. The cushion consists of foam wrapped in down and feathers and is reversible so you can turn it over to reduce wear and tear.
While you can personalize the couch by choosing your preferred fabric and color, keep in mind that you only get four upholstery options: linen, velvet, performance linen, and performance velvet. It comes in at least 10 different colors, but this varies depending on the fabric you choose.
Shipping is not included in the price, and you’ll have to pay a flat $150 shipping fee, but delivery is relatively fast and you should get your sofa in two to four weeks from the time you order. White-glove delivery is also included at no additional cost. Keep in mind that while you can get a full refund if you return the couch within 30 days, Anthropologie charges a 25% restocking on all orders.
Upholstery: Linen, velvet, performance linen, performance velvet | Sofa Dimensions: 33.75 by 83.75 by 37 inches | Bed Dimensions: 87 by 19.5 by 24 inches | Mattress Type: Not listed
At just 62 inches long, it’s an excellent pick if you’re short on space.
There is a 30-day waiting period before shipping.
Although a queen mattress is typically the standard size for a sleeper sofa, if your space is limited, we suggest this Nora sofa from Apt2B, which has a twin mattress instead. This sleeper is only 62 inches long and is small and compact from all angles. It also features foam cushions, straight high sides, and a flat wooden base (it does not have traditional legs) that adds a cool, retro vibe to your space.
The couch comes in 53 performance fabric color options and three finishes for the base—pecan, espresso, and natural. For the mattress, choose either a spring mattress or a memory foam type, which is slightly more expensive. Because all pieces are made to order, you have to wait about 30 days before the couch is shipped out.
What's really nice about buying a couch from Apt 2B is its “decide later” program, with which you can buy the couch and take up to 90 days to decide on the style you want. This is convenient when you want to lock down a sale price but need more time to decide on the color or wait for fabric swatches to be sent to you. All couches are made in the United States and come with a lifetime warranty.
Upholstery: Performance fabric | Sofa Dimensions: 62 by 37 by 32 inches | Bed Dimensions: 62 by 90 by 32 inches | Mattress Type: Spring, memory foam
It features a cooling memory foam mattress.
Its old English style may not be for everyone.
If you’re looking for a statement piece, this elegant Chesterfield Couch from Pottery Barn offers a romantic English vibe for your living room or guest room. The couch features tall, thick rolled arms and tufted cushions, plus a queen-size pull-out mattress. Hot sleepers will appreciate the mattress's cooling capabilities, as it's filled with gel-infused memory foam. It also features enhanced elasticity designed to conform to your body shape as you lie on it, making it extra comfortable. The overall length of the couch is 89 inches, which is great if you have a smaller living room or apartment.
One of the biggest benefits of this couch is its seemingly endless customization options. There are more than 100 performance fabric options in velvet, twill, basketweave, chenille, suede, and more. You can also choose from a wide range of colors, including neutrals and more vibrant hues. All couches are made to order and have a five-week processing time before they're delivered. We recommend ordering a free fabric swatch so you can see what it looks like before you purchase. And, like all Pottery Barn furniture, you can opt for white-glove delivery service (for a fee) if you don’t want to put it together yourself.
Upholstery: Performance fabric | Sofa Dimensions: 89 by 41 by 31 inches | Bed Dimensions: 89 by 90 by 22 inches | Mattress Type: Memory foam
The covers are machine washable, making this a great pick for anyone who has kids or pets.
The mattress is not as thick as some of the other mattress options on our list.
Another easy-to-clean option is Wayfair’s Lucia Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa, which is designed with a slipcover that you can take off and throw in the washer whenever it’s dirty. There are six fabric options and 38 colors to choose from. The couch itself measures 91.5 inches long and has a queen-size spring mattress. Due to its large size and the fact that it comes fully assembled, you’ll want to check the room it’s going in to make sure it will fit before you order. You can also order free fabric samples to see if it works for your space.
Since the cushions are filled with down, you can expect them to be extra soft, though you may need to fluff them up periodically to retain their shape. We like that the seat and back cushions are removable, so you can flip them around to reduce wear and tear. The sofa also includes two square accent pillows.
If you have the space, we think this couch is a practical, comfortable option. However, at just 4.5 inches, the mattress is not that plush, so you might have to buy a mattress topper to make it softer.
Upholstery: Performance fabric | Sofa Dimensions: 36 by 91.5 by 40 inches | Bed Dimensions: 4.5 by 59 by 68 inches | Mattress Type: Inner spring
Our top pick for the best sleeper sofa is the Joybird Briar Sleeper Sofa because it’s luxuriously comfortable and has lots of customization options. For something more budget friendly, we recommend the Article Nordby Sofa Bed, which isn’t as comfortable but makes up for it in durability and ease of use.
To determine the best sleeper sofas, we put six sofas to the test in our own living rooms. First, we took note of how long it took for each sofa to arrive and what the setup process was like, including how many boxes it arrived in and how long it took to build. We then did a thorough examination of each sofa, evaluating the feel and quality of the frame and upholstery. We also took note of whether the upholstery was made of a performance fabric, and whether the sofa was available in a range of colors and fabrics.
Next, we assessed comfort and ease of use. We sat on the couch for at least one hour a day for four weeks, taking note of how firm or soft the seat was and how comfortable it felt to sit for a longer period of time. We then timed how long it took to convert the sofa into a bed and add a fitted sheet, and assessed how challenging the process was for one person to manage. We also measured the mattress and compared it to the manufacturer’s specs.
Then, we slept on the sleeper overnight at least once a week during the four-week testing period. We evaluated our sleep quality and the comfort of the mattress, including its firmness and overall support. When the night was over, we timed how long it took to convert the bed back into a sofa. If any spills or stains happened during the testing period, we assessed how easy the sofa was to clean and whether the cleaning resulted in any wear and tear. Once the testing period ended, we scored each sleeper sofa on its comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value. For long-term insights, we assessed the sofas after six months and one year of use.
According to Harris, sleeper sofas are sized differently compared to beds. For example, small sleeper sofas are under 80 inches wide, while large sleeper sofas are over 90 inches wide. In comparison, standard queen-size mattresses are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Also, bed mattresses tend to be thicker and won’t fit in a typical sleeper sofa.
“Sleeper sofa dimensions change depending on if they are folded in or extended out, and also depend on the bed size within as well as the sofa’s overall size,” Harris says. “Whether you opt for a queen- or full-size mattress and if you choose a small sofa or a large sectional will all factor into the size of the sleeper sofa.”
When it comes to sleeper sofas, there are two mattress types: innerspring and memory foam. “An innerspring sleeper may offer a bit more ‘bounce’ and feelings of support while a memory foam sleeper may feel a bit more contouring,” Harris says.“Test out each type for yourself in the store and go with the one that feels most comfortable to you—if you like it, chances are high that your guests will, too!”
While fabric sofas require a bit more maintenance than leather, Harris says many people prefer them because they're still easy to clean and incredibly comfortable. But, for anyone seeking an extra-durable choice, she says pure leather is always a good option. You can also choose upholstery made from performance fabrics that are spill-resistant, pet-friendly, or have low chemical emissions.
“For the best quality, look for frames made of kiln-dried hardwoods and engineered woods,” Harris says. If you’re seeking a less expensive option, you can go with pine, which is not as durable but still strong enough to support your couch.
When shopping for a sleeper sofa, it’s important to consider how easy it is to pull out the mattress. According to Harris, “It is often very easy to pull out the mattress; however, if your mattress is heavy, it may be more challenging.” Most sleeper sofas will have a fabric handle on the sofa to help pull the bed part out. If you don’t want a pull-out mattress, you can go with a futon-style sleeper, like the Article Nordby Sofa Bed.
Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa With Memory Foam Mattress: This sleeper sofa converts from sofa to bed in about three minutes. While it makes a great family couch because of the slipcover design, it's expensive and took around six months to arrive.
Harris recommends sleeper sofas for those those who love to host but may not have enough space for an entire guest bedroom. “By day, sleeper sectionals provide all the comfy, cozy seating you could want," she says. "By night, they effortlessly transform into a luxurious spare bed—perfect for when you need to host an overnight guest in a pinch!”
The main difference between a sleeper sofa and a futon is that a futon’s mattress is part of the sofa’s design. “In a futon, the cushions for sleeping and the cushions for sitting are the same,” Harris says. “Because the seat cushion of a futon is the same as the mattress, futons tend to have a distinct look—they are flatter, firmer, and tufted in grids like a traditional mattress.”
On a sofa bed, she explains that the mattress usually rests on a separate frame, typically built beneath the sofa's seats. When you want to convert a sofa bed into a nighttime mattress for sleeping, you must pull the bed frame out from under the sofa.
Sleeper sofas typically range in price depending on features and quality. According to Harris, prices can range from below $500 to above $5,000 for a high-end couch. When it comes to sleepers, you get what you pay for, with less expensive sofas typically offering less comfort and having lower-quality frames than more expensive ones.
“If you notice fraying, hear creaking, and/or get an uncomfortable ‘sinking in’ feeling every time you sit on your sofa, then it’s probably time for a new one,” Harris says, adding that a quality fabric sofa can typically last seven to 15 years, while a quality leather sofa can last for up to three times as long.
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we tested the best sleeper sofas in the real world, evaluating them on comfort, ease of use, durability, quality, and overall value. We also received tips from Jessica Harris, interior designer and manager of production design at Living Spaces.
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