At sofabed.co.uk we have over 130 different upholstery fabrics in our collection. These include luxury velvets in the Sandringham Velvet range and textured plains in the Balmoral and Blenheim Ranges. We even have faux leathers in the Buckingham collection and patterned fabrics in the Kensington and Highgrove range. Whichever fabric is chosen it can be made to order from a choice of 26 different styles of sofabed, box bed and chaise longue sofabeds we offer.
This array of fabric and sofabed combinations means you have literally thousands of combinations to choose from. Add in options that include wider beds, hotel actions, scatter cushions, arm caps, bolt on arms and storage footstools and the combinations are endless. This bespoke service means that your sofabed is designed to your exact requirements. Even better it is made to order in our UK factory and delivered in only 28 days.
With this amount of choice, we love to see our sofabeds in our customers home and how they blend with their interior style and décor. Here are just a handful of pictures that we love.
First up is the Cambridge Chaise longue sofabed made in Buckingham Faux Leather fabric. We think that the classic elegance of the Chaise Sofabed matches particularly well with the modern feel of a faux leather fabric.
Next, we have something a bit different, a Devon sofabed made with Sandringham Velvet Jasper fabric. The customers own choice of scatter cushions enables the vibrant peacock fabric to work beautifully with the rest of the room to create a warm and homely feel.
The Chelsea sofabed is a modern and minimalist design that is often paired with Sandringham Velvet fabric in a bold choice of colour. So, when we see it work so well with a more traditional patterned fabric it shows off the versatility of the design. This could not be shown any better than in the pairing of the Chelsea sofabed with Fleur de Lys Green fabric. A meeting of modern style and traditional elegance that just seems to work.
Pink is not a colour you would always associate with a sofa, sofabed or in fact any sort of upholstered furniture. With a traditional scrolled arm and twin seat cushions the Dewsbury sofabed has been a top seller for many years. We have seen it upholstered in velvet, patterns, plains and nearly every colour in the rainbow. However, it must be said the combination of the Dewbury Sofabed and Balmoral Pink fabric is not a choice we often see. Having said that it somehow just seems to work.
Sometimes a classic combination is the best combination. Like when a chaise longue sofabed is combined with a velvet fabric it rarley fails to impress. As this customers photogaph of the Sorrento Chaise Longue Sofabed im Sandringham Velvet Lagoon fabric goes to show classic combination just work. The Sorrento Chaise longue is our newest model of Chaise sofabed but already it is establishing itself as a customers favourite.
Our final choice isn’t one combination of sofabed and fabric. Instead it a selection of images that we have chosen to show how the same model can work brilliantly with a whole host of fabrics. The Cheshire Box Bed is an ottoman with a sofabed action in the base. The fist example is the Cheshire Double Box Bed in Sandringham Velvet Yellow
Next is the Cheshire Double Box Bed in Buckingham Faux Leather Black
Cheshire Double Box Bed works just as well in Tweed Duckegg
Finally the Cheshire Double Box Bed is shown in Balmoral Wine.
So there we have it a great selection of sofabeds that are made to order in our customers choice of fabric. Your sofabed your way.
Moving a sofabed can be a difficult process that requires heavy lifting from both you and a friend. That’s why we’ve created the go-to guide to help you prepare for the moving process ahead of moving day.
Do you have enough space?
There’s nothing worse than opening up your sofa bed only for it to hit the wall on the way down. To stop this from happening and to give your guests a real place to sleep, measure up beforehand so you can be confident that the sofabed fits. If it doesn’t, a box bed may be more suitable for your set-up as better in small spaces compared to standard sofabeds.
In sofa mode, the Sussex single box bed is a small, stylish seating area
How to move a sofabed
As sofabeds are heavy pieces of furniture and tend to weigh more than regular sofas. Because of this, moving them can sometimes prove to be a challenge with two people, let alone yourself. Follow the steps listed below so can move your sofabed as safely and efficiently as possible.
1. Clear the path
Clear your path so nothing is in the way. As you should do when moving anything that may block your vision, removing any trip hazards beforehand will make the change a lot easier.
2. Things to remove
Remove anything decorative such as cushions and pillows from the sofabed, making it lighter to carry. If you are moving home and your belongings are going into temporary storage, it’s a good idea to vacuum seal the decorative items so they are not impacted by changes to the temperature.
Removing the feet of the sofa bed will also make it easier to lift and manoeuvre (depending on how it has been designed, it may require a screwdriver). Even if they are only a couple of inches in length, it can make a lot of difference when transporting up a flight of stairs or getting it out the front door. If you are struggling to remove the legs, it may be better to leave them on as you do not want to damage them before you’ve left the house.
If you are moving a corner sofa bed, make sure to separate the isolated square section from the rest of the sofa to make it easier to move.
3. Add a sofa cover
To prevent the sofa frame and fabric from getting damaged, adding a protective cover such as a blanket or plastic wrap over the sofa can be beneficial. Acting as a barrier between the sofa and anything that can cause harm to it; whether it’s a wall, bannister or even outside weather.
If you’ve discovered this guide too late and are now wondering how to clean your sofabed, check out our guide on the best methods of cleaning.
Movers safely carrying a sofabed
4. Safely move it
As mentioned before, it can be very difficult to move a sofabed due to the added weight of the bed frame and mattress. So make sure to come prepared when it’s time to move it as it’s not a one-person job. You might have assistance from professional movers or help from one or two friends, even if you’re an avid gym-goer, the weight should be balanced evenly between two or more people to reduce any chance of injury to yourself or damage to the sofabed.
When you are moving it, make sure it’s being lifted above the ground and not being pushed or pulled along it. Dragging the sofabed can cause damage to both the fabric and the floor, even with the legs removed.
When it comes to stairs, it’s a good idea to take your time and be extra cautious. Especially if it is a cornered staircase, having someone guide you and another down the stairs, telling you when to pivot will stop you and the sofabed from getting stuck and subsequently damaged.
Once the sofabed is in the moving truck or van, secure it in place with a strap to stop it from moving around.
After you’ve moved
Once you’ve moved to the new home you’re left with the task of knowing what to unpack first; should you unpack one room at a time? Sort by essentials? Get the heavy items out of the way first? There is a lot to think about. If you know where the sofabed is going, it can be practical to get it in sooner rather than later, especially if you’re bed frame and the mattress is still in storage.
You should also consider where the sofabed will stay; whether it’s in the guestroom, home office or living room, placing it by a window with the sun beaming down on it all day can cause the fabric or leather to slowly fade over time.
Boxes on and around a sofabed
Are you looking to upgrade your existing sofabed?
Moving to a new house is often a great time to get a new sofa bed! Whether the bar in your old one is digging into your back, you’re moving into a larger space and looking at upgrading an existing recliner to a 2 or 3-seater leather sofa bed, or you simply want to change up your style.
At Sofabed.co.uk, we give you the remote to customise your sofabed and create the ultimate sleeper sofa that matches your needs and style. Choose from a wide range of designs and bed mechanisms, along with over 130 upholstery fabrics and optional add-ons to create a sofabed you want your guests to sleep on.
In sofa form, the Chester corner sofa bed is a statement piece of furniture
A sofabed is great whenever you need a guest bed for a friend or family member to rest on, neatly blending into the living room or home office. They are also incredibly convenient multi-purpose piece of furniture that works wonders in a studio apartment or other small space where you’re limited on room.
However, like with any bed, the way you sleep has a big impact on your body and can leave you with a lasting ache that doesn’t want to go away. From your sleeping position to the sofabed design, several things impact your sleeping and sitting posture when using a sofabed. Read on to find out the best ways to maintain good posture when using a sofabed.
What is the best way to sleep on a sofa bed with good posture?
When sleeping on a sofabed, bad posture can arise from many things including the mattress being too firm, feeling the bar, feeling the coils and even the position you sleep in.
The best way to sleep on a sofabed depends a lot on what naturally works best for you, whether down to personal preference or a medical condition, each position has its benefits. This being said, the best way for consistent sleep posture more often than not is on your back as it promotes healthier back alignment and reduces pressure on your limbs, neck and back.
Sleeping on your back:
It can be very hard to sleep on your back, especially if you have a soft mattress, however, there are many benefits that make training yourself worth it. Sleeping on your back allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position, which reduces the risk of developing muscle pain and tension headaches.
Find the right pillow and neck support
Having a pillow that is both comfortable and supports your head and neck in a natural position is essential for a good night’s sleep. Foam and memory foam pillows are typically a great choice as it allows your head and neck to rest in a conformed position.
Make sure that your head is not over-elevated as that can end up making things worse. A simple trick some people use to avoid this is rolling up a towel and placing it underneath your neck, allowing you to align and not overextend your body.
Lumbar Support
Another way to sleep on your back with ease is to place a lumbar roll or pillow behind your lower back to support the natural curvature of your spine. As there is less pressure, your body is also less likely to roll over, helping you maintain good posture while sleeping on a sofabed.
Not everything will work for you, and finding support can often be a trial-and-error process. It’s important to remember to listen to your body and make any necessary adjustments so you can have a well-rested and dream-welcoming night’s sleep.
It is possible to sleep on a sofabed on your side, however, this can require space-taking tools such as body pillows.
What is the best way to sit on a sofabed with good posture?
Sitting on a sofabed for a long time can often lead to a slouched posture, becoming entranced by what’s on the screen in front of you. One simple and relaxing way to correct this poor form is to place a cushion behind your lower back as an acting backrest, to help maintain your spine and natural curve.
Along with a back cushion, another good way to reduce strain on leg muscles is to place a cushion underneath your knees and have them in a slightly flexed position. Sitting with your feet up for a long time, whether on a recliner or laying parallel, will place strain on your back and neck as your body is in a flexed position, so it’s a good idea to move your position as frequently as possible to maintain a good posture. Make use of the armrests that are available to you; they’re there for a reason and aid in alleviating stress on your back.
Some other ways include using it to just sleep; instead of sitting up on it whilst watching tv or reading, only open the sofabed come the time you need to sleep.
For the best posture possible, only use the mattress section when sleeping and the sofa section for non-sleeping activities such as tv or reading.
Come bedtime, when you need to open up the sofabed, it should be done in the correct way to avoid any potential back strain. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to do so safely.
What are the best stretches for good posture?
As it can take a few weeks to perfect your sleeping posture, you may be feeling sore longer than you had expected. There are a few stretches and exercises you do before and after sleep that will help you feel as refreshed as possible:
Bear hug (reduces pain and discomfort in your upper back)
Kneeling lat stretch (relieving pain and discomfort in your back and shoulders)
Low lunge (stretches hips, thighs and groin)
Legs-up-the-wall pose (reduce tension in your back, shoulders and neck)
Neck stretches (reduce tension in your head, neck and shoulders)
Reclining bound angle pose (reduce tension in your hips and groin)
Seated forward bend (reduce tension in your spine, shoulders, hamstrings and lower back)
What are the best sofabeds for posture?
At sofabed.co.uk, we customise your sofabed to give you the best sitting and sleeping experience possible. Choose from over 130 upholstery fabrics and optional scatter cushions to create a comfortable seat that fits the style of your living room perfectly.
All of our sofabeds are made to last, whether you need a box-style, chaise, or 3-seater sofabed, you can do so with confidence. Our standard foam mattresses are 70mm thick and designed with high-quality materials, giving whoever is sleeping a good night’s rest. If you require extra support, the upgraded pocket-sprung mattress gives you a 10cm thick mattress that can support a heavier weight load. The mattresses can be changed after purchase, so if you find yourself wanting to upgrade, just drop us a call and the team will be happy to assist you.
Getting a good night’s sleep is not always as easy as it sounds. In fact, a 2022 study found that more than 7.5 million people in the UK alone have trouble sleeping and sleep less than 5 hours a night. The worldwide figures are just as shocking and prove just how much of a global epidemic poor sleep truly is.
Poor sleep habits can hugely affect an individual’s everyday function and can even cause potential long-term health problems if not fixed. The topic of sleep to many can be extremely daunting due to sleep disorders such as sleep deprivation, insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and so many more.
In this article, we will detail some small changes that you can implement into your lifestyle and bedtime routine to hopefully see some improvements in your quality of sleep.
Why Is Sleep So Important?
Sleep is one of the most important things that you need to maintain the healthy functioning of your body. Getting enough sleep and good sleep quality help to support a healthy brain function as well as your mental health, physical health and overall well-being.
More often than not, the way in which you feel while you are awake is determined by the amount of sleep and sleep quality that you get during your hours of sleep. Therefore poor sleep schedules and poor sleep quality will have a knock-on effect on how you feel the next day.
A consistent lack of sleep can have significant long-term effects in the form of health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, depression and so many more. Therefore, in order to be a healthy adult, sleep is vital.
How To Improve Your Sleep
There are a number of ways in which people recommend improving sleep such as sleep medicines, relaxation techniques, sleep aids and so on. We have put together a list of 5 lifestyle changes that could help to transform your sleep patterns and help you to have a much-needed good night’s rest.
Create A Consistent Routine
It is very common for individuals who live a busy lifestyle to consistently go to bed at different times every single night. This means that it can be extremely hard to adhere to a consistent sleeping schedule. By doing this you are making it far harder for your body to get healthy sleep, causing regular sleep problems.
Research over the years has proven that sticking to a consistent sleeping schedule can have a hugely positive impact on the quality of sleep an individual gets. This is because good sleep habits such as consistent schedules help to maintain the body’s internal clock and circadian rhythm. This means that your body will get used to sleeping at a certain time making it far easier to fall asleep.
In addition to this, having a consistent sleep schedule allows you to be far more comfortable with the idea of sleep. People can often work themselves up by thinking about getting to sleep. Whereas a sleep routine will incorporate different things that will tell your body it is time to sleep.
Regular Exercise
While this one may seem obvious, too many people neglect it in their daily life. Doing more activities such as exercise will tire your body out during the day making it far easier to get to sleep come bedtime. The more tired your body is from the day, the deeper sleep your body will fall into.
There are a number of reasons why exercise can help to improve your sleep. One of the main ones is that it can help to reduce stress. One of the main reasons for sleep problems is stress and through exercise your body releases mood-boosting endorphins. In addition to mood-boosting endorphins, exercise also helps the production of melatonin which can be hugely effective for increasing sleep quality.
It is important to note that you should not partake in any physical activity up to 90 minutes before sleep. This is because it will not give your body’s core temperature enough time to cool down which can make it difficult for individuals to get to sleep.
Create A Nice Sleeping Environment
The mind is a very complex and intelligent place. It can be drastically influenced by your surroundings. That is why it is super important that you create a nice sleep environment that allows your mind to not be focused on anything other than sleeping.
The three factors that tend to have the most influence on an individual’s sleep are light, heat and noise. If these three factors are not exactly how you want them then it could have a knock-on effect on your sleep performance. Creating the perfect environment for your body and mind to be able to relax is integral to a good night’s sleep.
There are a number of things that people do to create the perfect environment, but it is important to remember that everyone has different preferences. Many people love to fall asleep to different things such as white noise, or music. All that is important is that you create the most comfortable and cosy environment possible.
Change Your Eating Times
There is truly nothing worse than trying to go to sleep on a full stomach after a big meal. In order to maximise your sleep and get the best quality of sleep possible you should be more mindful of the times in which you are eating.
This is because you need to give your body sufficient time to be able to properly digest your food. If your body has not been given enough time to digest your food before bed then you will more often than not be up at night with an upset stomach.
In addition to this, when you eat at night you often break your body’s circadian rhythm. This can therefore have a knock-on effect for nights to come. In the evening we often make far less informed and therefore unhealthier decisions. While this will not have an instant impact on sleep quality, the unhealthier your diet is the worse your sleep will become.
Reduce Evening Blue Light Exposure
One thing that most of us are guilty of before bed is using our electronic devices. While this is very common, our devices such as phones, laptops, and TVs all emit a light source called blue light. Blue light suppresses the amount of melatonin that our body created, therefore, making it more difficult to fall into a state of sleep.
There are a number of different things that you can do to reduce the amount of blue light you are exposed to. These are:
Wear blue light glasses
Use blue light screen protectors
Lower your devices screen brightness
Do not use any of your electrical devices up to an hour before your bedtime
High Quality & Comfortable Sofa Beds At Sofabed.co.uk
Here at Sofabed.co.uk, we are the UK’s largest manufacturer of high-quality and bespoke sofa beds. We believe that everyone, even your guests, should sleep in maximum comfort. That is why we are proud to stock a huge range of the comfiest sofa beds on the market. Shop our range of sofa beds today and help your guests to get the best night’s sleep possible.
Sofa beds in all shapes and sizes seem to attract a range of different crumbs, toys and small objects due to their frequent use and position in the home. All sofas need cleaning from time to time but sofa beds are even more important to clean for any guests staying over and needing to sleep on them. You should always clean a sofa bed after use and again before the next guest arrives as the sofa part of the bed will have been used in your daily life and gathered dirt. Each sofa bed has its own specific requirements and cleaning process because of its fabric type and material but the basic rules for cleaning them are the same across them all. This blog also contains some top tips from parents around the world if you want to try a tried and tested alternative method.
1.
Remove any loose items from the sofa bed such as cushions or blankets that you may keep on there. Also, try and remove anything that fell into the sofa such as small toys or money. You never know what you might find in a sofa bed- some items found in crevices in other homes include false teeth, snakes and a hedgehog!
2.
If you have any protective removable covers on your fabric sofa to protect from everyday spillages and direct sunlight damage, wash these according to the cleaning codes on their label. Any slipcovers that do not have labels should be taken to a dry cleaner, especially when they are made from delicate materials such as velvet sofas or leather sofas.
Top Parent Tip: I have a sofa with non-washable covers which I got second-hand. I put all the covers through a cold wash and line then tumble-dried them and they are perfect.
3.
Open the fold-out bed safely using these tips and secure it so it stands firmly for cleaning. Remove the mattress protector on the bed and wash it according to the instruction on the label (this is usually a regular wash at around 30 degrees in a washing machine).
An Unfolded Sofa Bed
4.
Using the bristle/ brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner, vacuum the surface of the mattress to remove any dust or small particles of dirt, a lint roller can also be used to remove dust and hairs. Sponge any obvious stains on the mattress with a clean microfiber cloth dipped in soapy, cold water. Do this with a damp clean cloth rather than a soaked one to allow the mattress to dry quicker, and press on stains lightly. Then allow the mattress time to dry out completely after the spot-cleaning.
Top Parent Tip: I have recently seen a cleaning “hack”‘ that suggests dissolving a dishwasher tablet in hot water soaking a microfibre cloth in the mix and then wiping your sofa down with that – disclaimer I’ve not tried it!
5.
Close up the sofa bed again into the sofa position so that you can clean the upholstered fabric. Using a regular vacuum, vacuum all of the sofa bed surfaces and any cushions that the covers cannot be removed from. Then re-attach the vacuum brush adaption and remove any lying dirt on the flat surfaces. You will then need the hose attachment of the vacuum to get into the deep creases on the main body of the sofa bed to remove any hidden pet hairs or mites for deep cleaning.
Vacuum Your Sofa Carefully
6.
Again, spot-clean any stains but this time on the fabric of the sofa bed according to any care guides it has. We suggest using an upholstery shampoo or any washable fabric but only a dry-cleaning approved product such as a spray or cloth for non-washable materials. Similar to the technique used on the internal mattress, dampen a cloth with the sustain remover or cleaning solution and blot and stains until they fade. Allow the areas to completely air dry before use.
Top Parent Tip: I have black leather sofas and just wipe them over with water. I was told things like wet wipes would take the colour out of the leather and break it down over time. J cloths and water work just fine on mine
7.
Finally, run a damp cloth over any solid parts of the sofa such as wooden or metal arm ends or legs. Remove any build-up of dust or dirt from the sold areas and then allow them to dry or use a dry cloth to speed this up. Enjoy your freshly clean sofa bed and welcome any guests with pride!
Top Parent Tip: I was told you can clean leather by mixing equal parts of water and white vinegar and applying it with a soft cloth but I don’t want to risk my sofa bed smelling like a fish and chip supper
Bonus Sofa Bed Cleaning Tips For Those Hard To Clean Stains
Any of these cleaning tips should be tested on a small patch area of the sofa before using over the entire upholstery area.
How To Clean Red Wine Out Of A Sofa Bed
1. Red wine stains can be removed from your sofa by pouring baking soda over the stain and coating it with vinegar.
Top Parent Tip: A family member got red wine on a pale carpet. They put white wine on it, and it completely went.
2.
Once it has soaked in for a few minutes (it will bubble up a lot – this means it’s working), rinse it with a damp cloth. You will need to repeat these steps until all of the red wine is gone.
Red Wine can be easily cleaned from a sofa
How To Clean Paw Prints Off A Sofa
1.
Let the mud dry before you attempt to clean away muddy paw prints from your sofa, carpet, or other soft furnishings. The mud will be easier to remove once it is dried, and it will also create less mess when you are removing the stain.
2.
You should remove any dried mud from the stain with a hose attachment on your hoover (to prevent snagging delicate materials) or a soft brush before applying any kind of solution.
3.
You may still find dirt embedded in your soft furnishings even after vacuuming. To remove stubborn bits of mud, use a spoon or dull utensil to loosen the fibres, being careful not to damage them. Using a vacuum once again, clean up the soil after it has been loosened.
4.
There will likely be a stain left behind after your pet jumps right onto your clean couch after a walk, even if you remove the excess mud. Use an old toothbrush and run it under some warm water before dipping it in bleach-free liquid laundry detergent and working it into the stain. After that, let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Top Parent Tip: Mud is best got out by soaking protective covers in cold water with detergent and then washing. If plain white you could try a soak of dilute bleach or try Napisan.
Muddy Paw Prints on White Fabric
Muddy Paw Prints on White Fabric
5.
If you want your soft furnishings to look new for as long as possible, mix white vinegar with water. To rinse off soap and mud that’s left behind, dip a cloth into it and blot the stained area. White vinegar and water can be used to remove mud stains as well as doggy odours and urine from soft furnishings.
Top Tip: To prevent any damage to your soft furnishings, dilute the solution before applying it to your couch. Keep your dog separate from the area where you use vinegar for cleaning to prevent accidental ingestion.
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.
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.
