Shop comfortable picks for small spaces, sleeper chairs with memory foam, and more.
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If you’re looking to maximize sleeping space in tight quarters or on a tight budget, your first thought might be to invest in a sectional sleeper sofa. For the smallest spaces, however (think: studio apartments, home offices, nurseries, or nooks you want to utilize), sofas of that size might still take up too much room. That’s where sleeper chairs and chair beds, an even more compact sleeping solution, can become incredibly useful.
Often referred to as a "chair-and-a-half" or "twin sleeper sofas," these oversized armchairs look like standard seating at first, but they also pull or fold out into a sleeping setup. Some even offer greater versatility by converting into recliners, ottomans, and chaise lounges as well. While it’s true that their size puts them at a disadvantage compared to the most comfortable couches or full-size beds, they are generally much more affordable and adaptable.
We set out to find the best sleeper chairs to suit all types of preferences, taking into consideration style, size, durability, return policies, customer feedback, cost, and, of course, comfort. Trust us, your overnight guests will be so glad you upgraded from an air mattress to one of these.
If you’re also shopping for larger pieces to match, check out more of our favorite furniture guides:
Best Extra-Deep Sofas | Best Leather Sofas | Best Sectionals For Small Spaces | Best Pet-Friendly Couches
For an ultra-comfortable chair that doesn't look like it's hiding a gel-infused memory foam mattress inside, you can't go wrong with the Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Slipcovered Twin Sleeper Sofa. You can also easily change the look of this customizable armchair since it comes with a removable slipcover. It's made-to-order, so it will take at least five weeks to ship, but white-glove delivery service is included.
Customer Review: One Reddit user shared their experience with the Cameron Sleeper, writing, "All the guests we've had so far have said positive things about sleeping on the Pottery Barn sofa. My husband and I have since added a little one to the family mix, and we're also big fans of how easily we can wash spit-up stains out of the cushions (EDIT: We sprung for one of the Sunbrella performance fabric options, so I can't speak to the washability of any other fabrics). I'm pleased to say that I would totally buy this sofa again!"
This 3-in-1 convertible chair features a fold-out, pop-up design, as well as helpful add-ons like a storage pocket and matching pillows. Not only is it a popular Amazon pick with over 1,000 five-star reviews, but it's also trended on TikTok, where users have called it a "must-have."
Customer Review: One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote, "I agonized over choosing the right sleeper chair and this was the result of my research. I chose it because it has arms so you don’t fall out, it also passes easily for a normal chair. My son took the chair with him to his one-bed apartment so he can have friends stay over. I couldn’t recommend this more highly!"
If versatility is your top priority, look no further than this unique 4-in-1 convertible chair that can fold into an ottoman, chaise, or bed. The metal-framed, linen-covered chair features a quilted pattern that reviewers say holds up well to pets and kids, and the adjustable backrest reclines at five different levels. That said, with just a foam interior (as opposed to a mattress), it's not the most comfortable sleeper chair on the market. To get an idea of how it works, check out this TikTok.
Customer Review: One enthusiastic Amazon reviewer wrote,"I was in the market for a comfortable lounge chair that converted into a bed, but I was struggling to find one that would work in an awkward spot in our office. I was also in a time crunch to get it fairly soon. It took a bit of a learning curve to figure out how the angled seat back works, but once we figured that out, we were good to go. The bed part takes less than 2 minutes to set up. I saw some other reviews mentioning that the seams in the fabric were uncomfortable to sleep on, so out of precaution, we bought a twin flat sheet and comforter set so our guests would feel comfortable, though I don't think it was necessary as I've dozed off on it multiple times and had no issues."
Joybird's popular Eliot Twin Sleeper comes in dozens of premium performance fabrics, is made from a bench-assembled wood frame, and features thick padding throughout, plus a 5" high mattress made with memory foam. For a sale price of well under $2,000, it offers a ton of value for your purchase.
Customer Review: One five-star reviewer wrote, "The Eliot Twin Sleeper has, so far, exceeded my expectations. Quality construction, and the memory foam mattress is very comfortable. I like that it has a traditional pull-out mechanism, rather than the upright to flat conversions that incorporate the back of the couch, as you see in some modern futon-style couches ..."
Interior Define's Skylar Twin Sleeper Sofa is a popular pick thanks to its plush pillow top cushions, a plethora of fabric colors and types — including pet-friendly ones! — and customizable fill. It also offers the choice between a standard mattress or upgrading to a memory foam one for an additional $200.
Customer Review: One satisfied reviewer on Interior Define's website wrote, "Love It! I had been looking for a sleeper sofa for over a year, and this is exactly what I was looking for and more. It's not boxy like most sleepers and brings a sophisticated luxury feel to my living room!"
With its simple silhouette and notable comfort, the Axis has been a Crate & Barrel favorite for over a decade. Though it's less affordable than other options on this list, the price tag lends itself to greater durability, since it includes premium features like a kiln-dried frame, dozens of performance fabrics to choose from, and hardwood legs.
Customer Review: One five-star reviewer praised this sleeper, writing, "This fit perfectly in my office and serves as extra seating in the room. Because it has a full twin-size mattress and not just a pad over springs, it makes a comfortable bed for guests. Also came with a mattress pad. I love the ease of pulling it out to make the bed. At over 80, I am able to operate it and make it into a bed by myself. It is very comfortable to relax and visit also."
This accent chair adds a fun retro flair with its channel tufting and can fold out into a straight-back chaise, reclined chaise, or traditional twin-sized bed. Considering its fair price, it's an especially great option for teen and dorm rooms.
Customer Review: One five-star reviewer on Wayfair shared, "We LOVE this chair! It is so easy to unfold for [a] flat bed. My son loves camping in our room and feels so special sleeping on this. It is not a cushy bed like [a] mattress would be. But kids don’t care and love it!"
Looking for an MCM accent in your space? The Joybird Briar Twin Sleeper Sofa is a stylish, oversized chair sold in dozens of colors, including several bright hues. It features a memory foam-topped five-inch mattress and comes with two bolster pillows so it's no wonder it's one of the brand's top-selling sleeper sofa options.
Customer Review: One satisfied Joybird customer wrote,"After [a lot of] research, I finally found the Briar Twin Sleeper Sofa: perfect for a rest and to host family when they are in town. The sofa is comfortable and the bed too: easy to open, it takes less than a minute to have it ready."
For a timeless design suitable for virtually any space, try Interior Define's Ella Twin Sleeper Sofa. With its sloped arms and tailored style, you'd never know it was a sleeper chair. You can pick from dozens of fabrics, three leg options, three fill offerings, and standard or memory foam mattresses.
Customer Review: One happy Interior Define customer wrote, "We’ve had our Ella sofa for about 4 months and I have been very pleased! It’s comfortable, sturdy, and easy to vacuum up hair from my cats. The marigold color is beautiful. The cushions have held up their shape nicely as well!"
With dozens of tasteful performance fabric options, the Sand & Stable Warrington Wide Convertible Chair is hard to pass up. The roll arm silhouette is a cozy classic reminiscent of Nancy Meyers movies and the coastal grandma aesthetic, particularly in this gray-and-white woven stripe option. It features foam-filled cushions and is delivered fully assembled.
Customer Review: One five-star Wayfair reviewer shared, "Fine piece of furniture, upholstery also quality. I have had several guests say it's the best hide-a-bed they have ever slept on. The couch is also very comfortable. Thank you!"
The Vonanda Convertible Sleeper Chair is a unique 4-in-1 design that can fold down into an ottoman or out into a chair, chaise, or bed. The metal-framed, linen-covered chair features a quilted pattern that reviewers say holds up well to pets and kids and the adjustable backrest reclines at five different levels. That said, with just a foam interior (as opposed to a mattress), it's not the most comfortable sleeper chair on the market. To get an idea of how it works, check out this TikTok.
Customer Review: One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote, "Bought this as I was tired of the rollaway bed in our extra room for guests. This is perfect. It functions as an ottoman and then voila! converts to a twin bed. It is a bit hard, so you'll need some kind of topper, but otherwise works great."
RELATED: Best Couches for a Small Space
If you're a fan of clean lines, the West Elm Urban Chair-and-a-Half Twin Sleeper offers just that. The infinitely customizable chair is sold in dozens of colors and various fabrics, including performance options for high-sit areas and homes with pets.
The West Elm Haven Chair-and-a-Half Twin Sleeper showcases an unassuming, low profile that you and your guests will want to lounge in all day and night. The extra-wide chair features an oversize cushion that you'll sink right into, and pulls out to reveal a twin-size memory foam mattress with a cooling gel infusion.
The Pottery Barn Pacific Square Arm Upholstered Sleeper Armchair touts a classic, minimalist silhouette that pulls out into a twin-sized sleep space. It can be configured to a straight-back chaise, partially-reclined chaise, or flat sleeper area. Best of all, it's sold in a handful of prints, including floral and diamond options.
✔️ Material: When shopping for a sleeper chair, you want to think about where you'll place it and who will regularly come in contact with it. If pets and children are part of the equation, prioritize durable performance fabrics specifically built to endure rough use. Once upon a time, these stain- and scratch-resistant fabrics solely consisted of dense weaves but nowadays performance linen and velvet options exist, too.
✔️ Mattress: Some sleeper chairs are simply filled with foam cushions, while the most comfortable sleeper chairs will have a thick, supportive mattress, says Heather Goerzen, the director of content and design at Havenly, an online interior design studio that also owns the furniture line Interior Define. "In my professional opinion, if you need a chair that truly doubles as a bed, and you or your guests are over the age of 25, then go for a traditional sleeper chair with a mattress," she recommends. "A chair with a bonafide twin mattress will certainly be more comfortable than simply a foldable cushion form and can be a great solution to maximize sleeping options in smaller spaces with a limited footprint."
✔️ Style: Sleeper chairs come in a range of designs, from sleeper sofa-style pullouts with twin-size mattresses to fold-out futon-style types. There are also a range of aesthetics, from traditional roll arm-style armchairs to mid-century modern chairs with clean lines.
✔️ Size: Some sleeper chairs are more compact than others, so always double-check the dimensions (including when it's fully pulled out!) to ensure your pick will fit in your space. Loveseats (which seat two people) will also take up more square footage than single-sitters.
Rebecca Ravee Norris is a freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she covers everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University and has a B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not writing, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows.
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