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
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 Cheshire double box bed is a stylish seating area when ‘closed’The Cheshire double box bed springs into a comfortable double bed when ‘open’
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.
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.
When it is ‘closed’ the Cirencester 2 seater sofa bed is a seating area for 2When it is ‘open’ the Cirencester 2 seater sofa bed springs into a cosy double 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.
When it is ‘closed’ the classic Dewsbury sofa bed is a majestic area to sitWhen it is ‘open’ the classic Dewsbury sofa bed becomes a spacious, comfortable double bed
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.
When ‘closed’ the contemporary Keswick sofa bed catches your eye as a stunning seating areaWhen it is ‘open’ the contemporary Keswick sofa bed transforms into a delightful double bed
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.
In sofa form, the Chester corner sofa bed is a statement piece of furnitureIn bed form, the Chester corner sofa bed makes a large cosy double bed
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.
When it is ‘closed’ the Stockholm daybed sofa bed is a unique bench or seating areaWhen it is ‘open’ the Stockholm daybed sofa bed springs into a complete double bed
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 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.
