Sofabeds have been around for years and are a great combination of a guest bed and extra seating – what’s not to love? Sofabeds come in traditional and contemporary styles and in thousands of fabrics and colours. So it is no surprise that they are found in thousands of homes up and down the country. However, sometimes you might want that extra bed, but would prefer to not have something as large as a sofa in your room. In this case a boxbed might be the answer you are looking for. So what is a boxbed and how does it compare to a traditional sofabed?
In simple terms a boxbed has the style and look of an Ottoman or large footstool yet inside the base it contains a fold out sofabed action. A great combination of a compact seat and a guest bed. Depending on the fabric chosen a boxbed works well in a study, spare bedroom, living room or in almost any room in the house. The other big advantage is that the boxbed has no arms so will fit through the narrowest of doors and passages. This makes a boxbed a great choice for lofts, apartments and studio flats that might not be easy to fit a traditional sofabed into. The boxbed can be tipped on its end and will fit through any opening easily. So lets have a look at some of the options for boxbeds that could be the perfect choice for your home.
Some boxbeds contain a small double mattress and some are even more compact and contain a single bed in the base. One top seller that contains a small double bed is the Cheshire Double Boxbed. Made to order in the UK the Cheshire box bed features a simple contemporary design that will complement any décor. The lid has a deep foam top that makes it a practical seat. The base contains the sofabed action that easily folds out to create a guest bed. The Cheshire Double Boxbed really is a versatile item of furniture as there are several options available to suit your requirements. There is a wide version that increases the bed from a small double to a standard double. Another alternative is to change the sofabed action to a more robust hotel action. All these options are available made to order in a choice of over 130 fabrics. From Faux Leather to velvets and textured plains there is a fabric to suit your homes style.
Cheshire Box bed shown in Sandringham Velvet Grass Fabric
Cheshire Double boxbed in Balmoral Midnight fabric
For single boxbeds the perfect choice is the Sussex Single boxbed. Similar in design to the Cheshire Double boxbed it has a more compact design. As the name suggests the Sussex contains a single chairbed action rather than a double sofabed action. As a seat it has the style of a pouffe or small ottoman and it is made to order in the UK in a large choice of fabrics.
Sussex Single Box bed shown in Balmoral Fudge Fabric
So there we have it a few great ideas of boxbeds that will make a great addition to your home and a viable alternative to a traditional sofabed.
A lot of craftsmanship, time, care and pride goes into making and delivering our sofabeds. It is always great to hear from the many happy customers of sofabed.co.uk and we are always grateful for the people who take the time to leave us a review. From over 320 reviews, 90% have awarded us 5 stars on Trustpilot – we will keep working hard to achieve perfection.
Samples sent out really quickly. Sofa delivered promptly and efficiently. We ordered from a competitor initially but their was service so poor we had to cancel our order. Sofabed.co.uk is a great example of good service and a good product.
Quality and customer service
Fabulous customer service in the pre order phase helping in understanding options and through ordering process always friendly, courteous and professional on the phone. The delivered sofa bed is perfect, high quality of materials and manufacturing, comfortable as sofa and as bed. Outstanding, thank you!
Quality sofa bed
Took a chance by ordering a sofa bed online, which wasn’t too difficult. Bed arrived within the 6 week time period for delivery. I was not disappointed. Fits into my spare room/office nicely. The fabric quality is good and the colour ‘sand’ blends well with decoration. Thoroughly recommend this service 5*
Superb service.
Service was first rate. The sofa bed is of a very high standard, and we’re very impressed with it. Communication from the company was great, and they managed to make and deliver our sofa for the date we needed. Delivery to the room was professional and tidy. Cannot recommend them enough if you want a great quality sofa bed.
If only all companies had the excellent…
after sales service Sofabeds UK have. Any issues are dealt with promptly & with so much courtesy & care. Would highly recommend to anyone shopping for sofas & Sofabeds the quality is amazing.
The story doesn’t end here. We will continue to design, manufacture and deliver bespoke sofabeds such as the contemporary Milan Sofabed shown in Balmoral Purple fabric
and manufacture and deliver classically styled sofabed like the Cirencester sofabed shown here in Windsor Forest fabric
Choosing the right sofa bed for your home is a big decision, but should not be a daunting one. The two main considerations are often style and comfort but are other things that can also play a role.
This sofabed buying guide breaks down everything you may be wondering, whether you’re measuring for a sofabed, learning the best methods of bed care or just deciding what style is right for you. Read on and learn how to find the best sofa bed for your home so guests can have the best night’s sleep possible.
1. How do you measure for a Sofabed?
There is nothing worse than getting your new sofabed delivered and discovering it is too big or too small for the intended room. To make sure your sofa bed is the perfect fit, we would recommend you to:
Measure the length, width and height of where the sofabed will be positioned in your room, accounting for the open size of the sofabed when acting as a supporting bed frame and mattress, as well as noting the position of windows that may need easy access to. Particularly with corner sofabeds, they can at times obstruct access to the windows or blinds.
Measure any doors, corridors, pieces of furniture or other structures that might obstruct the sofabed, as many are delivered fully assembled.
All our sofabed model pages feature detailed dimensions so you can get it into your home hassle-free. Our sofabeds are made to order and delivered fully assembled so it is very important that any doors, corridors or other structures you’ll have to get the sofa bed through are measured.
2. What is the best sofabed size?
When it comes to sofabeds, most people will go for a classic two-seater model that contains a small double bed. These are a great choice for any room in the house. You could also go for an upgrade to a wider sofabed, such as a three-seater or chaise, which will give you both a wider seat and a double mattress.
Three-seater sofabed pulled-out in a lit-up room
However, space is at a premium for many people. Spiral staircases, loft conversions, narrow boats, flats and apartments are common places for sofabeds to be used. In these locations, compact sofabeds with no arms or box beds are a great choice for the all-in-one main sofa and sleeping area. In homes where space is not at a premium, box beds can be a great choice for a living room to be used as an ottoman or pouffe.
For even smaller spaces, a single box bed like theSussex Single Box bed is a good choice. With all the same attributes as a double box bed, it contains a single bed and can be used as a single seat or pouffe.
Sussex single box bed
3. Types of Sofa Bed Mechanisms
There are two main sofabed mechanisms available to buy; a click-clack action and a pull-out action. Over the years, we have had the experience of having manufactured sofabeds with a variety of actions and there are benefits to each type.
Click-clack sofa bed mechanism
A click-clack mechanism is where the seat is slightly pulled forward and the backrest clicks flat to form the bed. This mechanism is the easiest to operate and most space-saving of the two, however, frequent usage of the back will increase the likelihood of wear and tear.
Pull-out sofa bed mechanism
In the pull-out sofa bed, also known as a fold-out sofa bed, the cushions are removed and the bed will pull out from the front of the sofa, lifting the bed from the base. Many sofabed users believe this makes it the best sofabed style as the back remains in place; making it ideal when placed against a wall or in an alcove.
4. Finding the best ‘Sofa’
Sofabeds are often bought for occasional use to go in guest rooms, home offices or other spare rooms. However, in many British homes, the luxury of an extra room is not always common and because of this, overnight guests often stay in the living room. This of course means you need a sofabed needs that is comfortable both as a regular sofa or a sofabed.
Single & Small Sofabeds
Although not the choice for many, a single sofabed can be ideal if you have a low budget and do not want to sacrifice comfort. They are also great if you are working with a small space and need a sofa bed that does not take up a large section of the room. A single-seat cushion fits the bill aesthetically and practically, making a model like theDevon Sofabed an ideal choice.
Single devon sofabed with scatter cushions
Two & three-seater Sofabeds
The most used type of sofabeds, the two & three-seater take centre stage in the living room as the mantle tieing the room together. Whilst they are heavier than a single, they are easy to tuck away for everyday use and offer a greater level of comfort and support to whoever is sitting. They are naturally heavier to pull out, however, they are the ideal sleeping space if you have two guests.
For soft & squishy double sofabeds, a traditional pair of seat cushions, such as those on theNorfolk Sofabed, fits the bill for many. The back cushion can be fixed, like on theMadrid sofabed, or be cushions, like theTaunton Sofabed. For those preferring a firmer seat, a fixed back might be the best solution.
Two-seater sofabed with scatter cushions
5. How to take care of your sofabed?
Sofabeds are designed with functionality in mind and can come in for a lot of use both as a seat and as a spare bed. To keep your sofabed in the best condition possible we have a few handy suggestions.
Arm Caps
Arm caps are a great way to extend the life of your sofa bed. Cut from the same fabric as the sofabed, they blend in perfectly and are shaped to seamlessly sit on the sofabed armrest.
Armcaps on the end of a sofabed
Cushions
Matching scatter cushions are another good option for creating extra comfort and protecting seat cushions. Back cushions are filled with fibre which in time will start to compact if left alone. A good idea is to regularly plump the sofa cushions to maintain their shape and retain their comfort.
Scatter cushions on a sofabed
Sofabed Mattress
Unlike a futon, where the mattress is used as a seat and cushion, a sofabed gives you the luxury of a mattress unaffected by daily usage. Depending on the size and type of sofabed, there are many mattress types ranging from standard or pocket-sprung mattresses to latex or memory foam mattresses.
What is the best mattress for a sofabed? Whether you have a single-size or king-size sofabed, it depends on who is sleeping on it. If you have a regular guest that will be using it, it’s a good idea to ask about their mattress preference.
In case your guest is struggling to sleep, a mattress topper can add an extra layer of comfort and support, helping them fall asleep on the now-comfortable sofabed.
Mattress toppers are great for extending the life of the mattress, as it decreases pressure applied on the springs and slows down natural wear and tear. They are also a lot easier to wash than the mattress itself; rather than spending potentially hundreds on professionally cleaning or even replacing it, you can throw the wine-spilt mattress topper straight in the wash with a stain remover and have it back on the sofabed in hours.
All the fabrics onsofabed.co.uk are contract-grade fabrics with a high Martindale rub count. This means that they will last for years to come. As they are made from upholstery-grade man-made fibres they will be naturally resistant to stains. Should something become spilt on a sofabed we would recommend wiping this up immediately and for ongoing cleaning the use of a damp cloth.
6. Types of Sofa Bed: Classic vs Contemporary
Some styles never go out of fashion and others are temporary fads. One thing for sure though is choosing between classic or contemporary is all down to personal preference. It is also possible to make a classical sofabed contemporary by pairing it with a modern fabric.
Some sofabeds, like theChesterfield, have never gone out of fashion. When paired with a classic fabric they add elegance and style to any room. Others like the Chelsea are bang on trend particularly when covered with vibrant velvet.
Contemporary two-seater sofabed with scatter cushions
7. Sofabeds Made to Meet Your Dreams
Like most household items, sofabeds come in many shapes, sizes, and prices. Some retailers choose to sell cheap imports that are available in one colour, whilst others offer a completely bespoke service down to underside thread count.
Both have their advantages. The off-the-shelf imports are typically cheaper compared to bespoke, how, the benefit of a custom sofabed greatly outweighs the additional costs. At sofabed.co.uk, you choose the model, the fabric, the size and additional upholstery options including whether you want a memory foam mattress or spring type and scatter cushions.
In this article, we’re going to pick the best sofa beds for small spaces. A lack of space at home is a problem almost everyone can relate to. But with our sofa bed ideas for small spaces, you’ll be able to find the right blend of convenience, style, and affordability.
So let’s jump right in.
‘Bed in a box’ seats
The very smallest sofa beds are what we call ‘Box beds’. As their name suggests, they are literally box seats that double-up as a bed. When the mattress is tucked away, they sit inconspicuously in any room as a convenient, comfortably-cushioned seat.
In fact, box beds are so small that there’s virtually no living space they can’t inhabit. You can carry them up spiral staircases, or slot them into caravans and canal boats no problem.
Our smallest box bed, the Sussex single box bed, has a total height of 45cm and width of 87cm — and unfolds neatly into a foam, mattress with a bed size of 188cm x 69cm.
In the closed position, the Sussex single box bed looks almost like an inconspicuous pouffeOpened up into a single bed, this is the ideal sofa bed for small bedroom
For a box bed/2-seater hybrid, the Cheshire double box bed is great for two sleepers. It has the breathing space of a small double, making it ideal for guest-sleepers or for special occasions. This is another one that meets the challenge of even the tightest spaces. Including narrow doorways, spiral staircase, and caravans. Making it truly one of the best sofa beds for small rooms (in our opinion) — and very stylish, too!
When it is ‘closed’ the Cheshire double box bed is a small and comfortable seating areaWhen it is ‘open’ the Cheshire double box bed a small double bed seems to appear from nowhere!
2-Seater sofa bed ideas for small spaces
2-seaters are ideal for couples both sitting and sleeping. They’re naturally some of the more compact models available on the market to buy.
2 seaters are ideal for studies, ‘box rooms’, and flats where space is limited. And with a proper foam sprung mattress, guests can crash but sleep comfortably all night long.
A great 2-seater to think about is the Madrid sofabed. This model has no arms — making it a breeze to twist and turn on tight staircases and to shuffle down into confined spaces. Without arms, you don’t have to worry about snagging yourself on them as you squeeze past.
Without arms, our Madrid sofabed is even more accommodating in tight spots
As a seat it has a total width of 140cm, but once opened out, it reveals a beautiful 188cm x 119cm small double that sits on a trampoline base, with the feel of a fully sprung mattress.
Simply remove the seat cover and fold out the sofabed action, and you have a small double bed for guests to sleep on
This Edinburgh sofabed has a more familiar, contemporary design. Indeed it wouldn’t look out of place in any living room. It has all the deep comfort of a ‘typical’ sofa — two people will melt into the seat and back cushions. But lo and behold, by removing the cushions, it can soon be transformed into a small double bed with a foam mattress and a luxury feel.
It looks like an ordinary sofa, and it feels like one too. But hidden underneath is a very comfortable small double bed.
The gorgeous Edinburgh 2-seater bed is the same size as a small double bed as standard (188cm x 119cm) but there is the option to upgrade to a standard double bed size (188cm x 139cm) if you have that little extra room to spare.
The Edinburgh small double bed in all its glory.
Compact daybeds for small spaces
‘Daybed’ is a funny word, because it essentially is another word for ‘sofa bed’. As a piece of furniture, they’re great for daytime lounging and nighttime sleeping. And like their sofa bed counterparts, they’re available in compact shapes. Making them ideal for tiny rooms or tight spots.
This Copenhagen daybed can sit up against any wall in any tight spot, where it can easily be converted into a small double bed. It comes with a foam mattress that feels sprung. But you can upgrade it to a true pocket sprung for a little extra.
This Copenhagen daybed will make a fine edition to any small living space
The Copenhagen daybed is perfectly fine to use for permanent sleeping and is ideal for small rooms — such as a child’s or a teenager’s bedroom.
This Copenhagen daybed is a great fit for both lounges and bedrooms
We had to include this gorgeous contemporary York daybed because it has a truly distinctive shape and feel to it that oozes luxuriousnes. For people stuck on space but not wanting to settle for anything less, the York daybed is ready to impress in your apartment, study or lounge.
The York daybed is one of our personal favourites, as it radiates with beauty that is unlike anything else.
Featuring curved arms and no back cushion, the York daybed will fit in the tightest of spaces. Choose the fabric and colour you want so that it becomes a focal point in your room.
As you can see, the York daybed still retains its gorgeousness even as it unfolds into a double bed
Expert Comment
“Any sofabed is a large investment so it is essential that you make the right choice for you and your home. With this level of investment it is important to know where your new piece of furniture is made and who the company you are dealing with is. You could choose an online retailer that buys from all over the world, or you could choose a genuine UK manufacturer. At sofabed.co.uk we manufacture all our sofabeds in our own UK factory in the customers’ choice of fabric. So not only are you enjoying competitive prices, you are getting British build quality and peace of mind that you are dealing directly with the people who make your sofabed.”
Steve Hamblett • MD • Sofabed.co.uk
Inspired by these sofa beds for small spaces?
You’ve just seen some of our favourites. But be sure to check out our complete collection of compact sofabeds to see all of the sofa bed ideas for small spaces we have on offer.
All of the sofa beds here are made by us, directly. We dispatch them ready-made and will deliver 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. 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.
When we were contacted by Tony Cooke he had a special request that we simply couldnt say no to. He needed a Bed in a Box and he needed one very quickly. Tony had a deadline that he couldnt miss, because he had a Ukranian family coming to stay at his home to escape the war in their country and they needed some extra places to sleep. Everyone has watched the sad news from the Ukraine, and when someone like Tony takes practical action to help the least we could do was to provide him with some small support. We thought we would share the message Tony sent us today as who dosen’t like a good news story.
Dear Steve, Paul (marketing), Paul (delivery) and everyone else at Sofabed that helped!
Our Ukraine family of three arrived safely this week, with 5 year-old Vladyslav delighted with his “bed in a box”. We and they cannot thank you enough for your fantastic service at sofabed.co.uk – we deeply appreciate the time and effort you went to to help the family.
As you will be aware, the Visa process has been tortuous and we expected it to take much less than the three weeks it took. All we can say is that your service and support in making the bed available in such a short time was superb.
Once again, many thanks for your terrific support.
Choosing the right sofabed for you and your home is a big decision, but should not be a daunting one. Two of the main considerations are undoubtedly the sofa beds style and its comfort, but these are not the only things you will need to consider. How will your new sofabed fit into the intended space and how will it complement your existing décor and furniture are equally important considerations. This sofabed buying guide from sofabed.co.uk will hopefully go some of the way to helping you choose the perfect sofa bed for your home.
Measuring for a sofabed
There is nothing worse than getting your new sofabed delivered and discovering it is too big or indeed to small for the intended room. To make sure your sofa bed is the perfect fit, we would recommend that before ordering you measure the length, width and height of where the sofabed will be positioned in your room. This measurement should also take into account the open size of the sofabed when it is acting as a bed. On sofabed.co.uk you will find all these dimensions in the details of each sofabed model. It is also worth noting the position of any windows that may need to open near the sofabed and any other furniture in the room. All our sofabeds are made to order and delivered fully assembled so it is very important that any doors, corridors or other structures you’ll have to get the sofa bed through are measured.
Different Sofa bed mechanisms
There are a variety of sofabed mechanisms available to buy with the main ones being either a click-clack action or a fold out action. Over the years we have the experience of having manufactured sofabeds with a variety of actions and there are benefits to each type. We believe that the pull out and lift up mechanism is the best solution available. With this type of action the cushions are removed and the bed is then pulled out from the front of the sofa, with the bed lifting from the base. Crucially the back of the sofa remains in place meaning that they are ideal for placing against a wall or in an alcove.
Sofabeds as a seat
Lots of sofabeds are bought for spare bedrooms, studies or other upstairs rooms. However it is becoming more and more common for guests to stay in living rooms and other downstairs rooms. This of course means that your new sofabed will need to be equally comfortable as a sofa and as a sofabed . Every customer has different requirements, which is why we offer an extensive range of models. For some people a single seat cushion fits the bill aesthetically and practically and a model like the Devon Sofabed is ideal. For others a traditional pair of seat cushions, such as those on the Norfolk Sofabed, fits the bill.
The back cushion can be fixed, like on the Madrid sofabed, or be cushions, like the Taunton Sofabed. For those preferring a firmer seat a fixed back maybe the best solution.
Sofa bed care
Sofabeds can come in for a lot of use both as a seat and as a spare bed. To keep your sofabed in the best condition possible we have a few handy suggestions. Arm caps are a great way to extend the life of your sofa bed. Cut from the same fabric as the sofabed they blend in perfectly and are shaped to seamlessly sit on the sofabed arm. Matching scatter cushions are another good option for creating that extra bit of comfort and for protecting the seat cushions.
Back cushions are filled with fibre which in time will start to compact if left alone. A good idea is to regularly plump these cushions helping them to keep their shape and retain their comfort.
All the fabrics on sofabed.co.uk are contract grade fabrics with a high Martindale rub count. This means that they will last for years to come. As they are made from upholstery grade man made fibres they will be naturally resistant to stains. Should something become spilt on a sofabed we would recommend wiping this up immediately and for ongoing cleaning the use of a damp cloth.
What size to choose?
When it comes to sofabeds most people will go for a classic 2 seat model that contains a small double bed. These are a great choice for any room in the house. You could also go for an upgrade to a wider sofabed which will give you both a wider seat and a double bed mattress. For a lot of customers though space is at a premium. Spiral staircases, loft conversions, narrow boats, flats and apartments are all places that sofabeds are bought for. In these locations compact sofabeds with no arms or box beds are a great choice. Box beds can also be great choices for a living room where they can be used as an ottoman or pouffe. For even smaller spaces a single box bed like the Sussex Single Box bed is a good choice. With all the same attributes as a double box bed it contains a single bed and can be used as a single seat or pouffe.
Classic or Contemporary
Some styles never go out of fashion and others are a temporary fad. One thing for sure though is whether you choose a classic or a contemporary sofabed is all down to personal preference. It is also possible to make a classical sofabed contemporary by pairing it with a modern fabric. Some sofabeds, like the Chesterfield, have never gone out of fashion. When paired with a classic fabric they add elegance and style to any room. Others like the Chelsea are bang on trend particularly when covered with a vibrant velvet.
Made to order or off the shelf
Like most household items sofabeds come in many shapes and sizes and also in many prices. Some retailers choose to sell cheap imports that are available in one colour, whilst others offer a bespoke service. Both have their advantages. The off the shelf import has one obvious advantage it is cheap. Bespoke manufactured sofabeds maybe more expensive, but the benefits can greatly outweigh the additional costs. Being able to choose the model, the fabric, the size and the optional extras make for a sofabed as individual as the customer.
So there you have it the complete guide to choosing the best sofabed that will last you for years to come.
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
For New Fabrics
For Exclusive Offers
And For Much More
Details regarding the processing of your personal data can be found in our privacy policy.
