We’ve come a long way from the traditional basic sofa bed – today, there are several types of sofa bed options. We’re taking a look at the different types of sofa beds out there, along with the benefits and differences of each model.
Let’s dive right in.
What makes the different types of sofa beds different?
Sofa beds all pretty much serve the same purpose. They’re convenient sofas that can transform into comfortable beds for sleeping. But the models can have different setup options, sizes, and functional uses.
Some sofa beds are smaller and transform into small single beds, whereas bigger models can transform into spacious double beds that fit 2 or more people. Moreover, some double up as living room sofas, whereas others as pouffes or ottomans.
Below are the different types of sofa beds and their characteristics.
The different types of sofa bed
There are several types of sofa beds available to buy. The types of sofa bed include:
- Box beds
- 2-seater sofabeds
- 3-seater sofabeds
- Classic sofabeds
- Contemporary
- Corner sofabeds
- Daybeds
- Click-clack sofa beds
- Foam fold-out sofa beds
- Storage sofa beds
- A-frame sofa beds
- 1-part metal action
- 3-part metal action
- Pull out & lift up
- 3-fold roll out
Read more in our guide to the different types of sofa bed mechanisms here
1. Sofa Bed Box Beds
The smallest type of sofa bed available, box beds resemble something more of an inconspicuous pouffe when the bed is folded away.
Box beds are very popular for areas with limited space. Various sizes are available, including for single and small double beds. But the true appeal of the box bed is its suitability for restricted spaces.
The compact size of box beds allows them to easily fit through small, narrow doorways and they are a great choice for lofts and spiral stairs.
Good to Know:
Is your space limited at home? Read our guide on the best sofa beds for small spaces for some expert advice for our personal favourites.
2. 2-Seater Sofa Beds
By day, the 2 seater sofa bed plays a comfortable seating area and by night, it transforms into a small double bed, ideal for one guest.
2 seater sofa beds are perfect for areas with space restrictions and fit right into living areas. With the hidden mechanism, no one will know your luxury sofa can instantly spring into a cosy bed.
2 seater sofa beds are also great choices for guest bedrooms or permanent bedrooms that require an extra bed.
3. 3-Seater Sofa Beds
The 3 seater sofa bed seats up to 3 people when in sofa form. Once transformed into bed mode, it sleeps 2 or more people, making it perfect for sleepovers.
This is a more spacious option than the 2 seater and the extra space means multiple guests can stay over. 3 seaters sofa beds can also fit in any bedroom, however they are more popular in living areas due to their size.
4. Classic Sofa Beds
Classic sofa beds never go out of style. Popular all year round, these sofa beds have a classic design that stands the test of time. These models have been around for years, yet remain a firm favourite with customers.
If you’re unsure which type of sofa bed to go for, the classic is always a great choice. The sofa will remain stylish in 1 month as well as 1 year. Alternatively, for a modern take on the classic sofa bed, customers can opt for modern velvet in brighter colours. All our sofa beds are made from scratch, so can be completely customised to your fabric and colour of choice.
5. Contemporary
Chic and on-trend, contemporary sofa beds become the focal point in any area. Combining modern design with practicality and build quality, our contemporary sofa beds look like they’re straight from a magazine.
These sofa beds are known for their stylish designs and cater to rooms that fit the modern aesthetic. Contemporary sofa beds liven up living areas, modern home offices and bedrooms.
6. Corner Sofa Beds
Displaying an ‘L’ shape, corner sofa beds are great statement pieces of furniture. They are ideal for having lots of guests over and when transformed into a double bed, are perfect for large sleepovers, too.
Suitable for living areas, corner sofa beds truly maximise your living room furniture, providing great aesthetics, comfort and efficiency. Our Chester Corner Sofabed is a great example, with a contemporary design, and double bed built-in.
7. Storage Sofa Beds
Just like the name suggests, storage sofa beds offer added storage facilities. These sofa beds are extremely practical, offering you a sofa, a bed and storage space all in one.
These sofa beds come in various different forms and are perfect for those that are limited in space or don’t have enough areas to store their items.
8. Daybeds
Daybeds are contemporary alternatives to traditional sofa beds. Stylish, comfortable and efficient, the day bed is great for lounging around in the daytime and doubles up as a comfortable bed with foam mattress or pocket sprung mattress for night-time, too.
Daybeds are especially convenient for people with mobility issues or struggling with stairs. They make a stylish seating area during the day and a comfortable sleeping area at night.
The daybed can also be used as a bench next to windows or at the foot of the bed. Folding out to the size of a small double bed when open, these sofa beds are perfect for any guest room or study.
Combining a seating area and a guest bed in a fashionable and cosy way, the daybed is the modern choice of sofa bed in 2022 and beyond.
9. Click-Clack Sofa Beds
Click-clack is a type of sofa bed mechanism. These models first function as beds and sofas second. Click-clack sofa beds are easy to assemble and are some of the most affordable types of sofa bed.
To transform a click-clack sofa bed, you must first push the mattress forward. Once you hear the click, you can then push it back until it lays down flat.
This type of sofa bed is small and compact, making it easy to carry up spiral stairs. The affordability of click-clack sofa beds comes at no compromise to quality, as these models are created in the same factory as our larger sofa bed options.
10. Foam Fold-Out Sofa Beds
Foam fold-out sofa beds are among the easiest types of sofa bed to assemble. With these sofa beds, the seat is essentially a section of mattress that is folded over.
To transition a foam fold-out sofa bed to its bed form, you can simply fold out the seating section and that’s it – you’re good to go. Neither you nor your guests will need to spend time lifting or arranging parts of the sofa bed. Instead, you’ll be all set to tuck yourself into bed and get a good night’s sleep.
11. A-Frame Sofa Beds
A-frame sofa beds require you to move the back of the model, not the seating part. The bed is then made level by the ‘A-frame’ structure that supports the folded out section.
12. 1-Part Metal Action
As the name suggests, this type of sofa bed requires one swift move to transform the sofa into a bed ready for sleeping in. 1-part metal action sofa beds simply require you to pull out the frame and it will do the rest itself. It will even fold away the sofa cushions, saving you precious minutes that can be spent sleeping.
13. 3-Part Metal Action
This type of sofa bed requires 3 singular actions to transform the sofa into a bed. Although it takes slightly longer to assemble than a 1-part metal action, a 3-part metal action sofa bed is still an efficient choice, requiring users to simply remove the seat cushions and fold the mattress out.
14. Pull Out & Lift Up Sofa Beds
A pull out sofa bed does exactly what it says – it pulls out. These sofa beds don’t require much work to assemble – the trolley will roll out from under the seats, pushing them outwards and upwards. Pull out sofa beds are really easy to use and make it easy for guests to set up and nod off in no time.
15. 3-Fold Roll Out Sofa Beds
With 3 fold roll out sofa beds, the mattress is stored directly underneath the cushions. You will need to remove the cushions and simply pull on the mattress. It will then transform into a bed with retractable legs that you can pull toward the ground.
Which types of sofa beds take your fancy?
Hopefully, by now you’re familiar with all of the different types of sofa beds, and you have an idea of the sofa bed that’s most suitable to your living arrangements.
If you have any questions about sofa beds – anything at all – please don’t hesitate to ask our expert team. All of the sofa beds you see here are made by us, directly. We dispatch them ready-made and will deliver them to your house for FREE. So there’s no need to try and assemble them on your own.
Plus, they’re available in over 130 fabrics and colours for you to choose from. For more information, check out our fabrics page and click here to order up to 6 fabric swatches free of charge, so you can see how the material will look in the comfort of your home.
In the meantime, feel free to check out our 5-star TrustPilot reviews and give us a call if you have any questions.