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The Definitive Sofa bed Buying Guide from sofabed.co.uk

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.

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Christmas Orders

Got guests coming this Christmas? Need an extra bed? Then a sofabed is the perfect solution and what is more you will have an extra sofa for them to sit on in the daytime. Every sofabed we make at sofabed.co.uk is made to order in our UK factory and delivered in only 28 days.

So for all orders that we receive in October or the first 2 weeks of November we can guarantee delivery in plenty of time for Christmas.  The official Christmas cut off date is the 14th November so order now for guaranteed pre Christmas delivery.

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Buy Direct From The Manufacturer– You know it makes sense!!

Whenever you make the decision to buy something, from the smallest impulse buy to larger considered purchases, such as a sofa bed, you have the choice to buy in many different ways.  You can buy direct from the manufacturer, from a retailer or from a distributor and that is before we even get into online and offline purchases!

Although all three options can offer different advantages and experiences, we believe that buying direct from the manufacturer, like www.sofabed.co.uk, offers you the greatest benefits. When you buy direct there is every chance you will get a better product at a better price. So when it is time to buy a sofabed we think that there are at least 6 reasons to consider buying direct from www.sofabed.co.uk.

  • There is no middle-man involved when you buy direct. Online retailers, distributors and high street shops have numerous expenses that they pass on to the customer. Buildings, employees, advertising and transport all need to be paid for. These extra costs inevitably get incorporated into the end price. At sofabed.co.uk we have no partner retailers to pay we have a factory and a website, that’s it. This means our costs, and our prices are always low.
  • When you order an item from the manufacturer, there are a lot less companies involved in its distribution meaning it is much more likely to get to you in top condition. At sofabed.co.uk we either deliver ourselves or via our online carrier. Either way it is a 2 man
  • Product miles are a key issue for the whole planet and buying local has never been more important than it is right now. When you buy from a local manufacturer you know that your new sofabed has not been shipped around the world. The sofabed only need to be transported from the factory to your house.
  • As you are buying direct from the manufacturer your product is made to order to your specification. With sofabed.co.uk you choose the style of sofabed, the fabric, the mattress, if you want arm caps, how many scatter cushions you want and even if you want an extra wide sofabed.  It truly is your sofabed your way.
  • Buying British makes sense. co.uk is a true British manufacturer.  We have 2 factories one in Cheshire and one in Staffordshire.  We buy all our raw materials such as wood, foam, fibre and fabric from UK based businesses. So as well as helping to support the British staff we employ, you are helping to support the staff in our supply chain.
  • When you buy from a retailer that sources its products from overseas there is a huge time lag between order and delivery.  Also should there be any issues with your order it take an age to rectify.  When you buy direct from a small manufacturer you can be assure of a quick turn around.  At www.sofabed.co.uk we manufacture and deliver our sofabeds in only 28 days.  Also should there be an issue we try to remedy the situation straight away.

So there you have it 6 great reasons to buy direct from the manufacturer.

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How to Open Your Sofabed

We are often contacted by customers wanting a little help converting there sofa into a sofabed.  So lets make it easy.  Here is a step by step guide:

How it works – Sofa to Bed
To convert your sofa into a sofabed please follow the steps included here.
Should these steps not be followed, and the sofa bed action is forced in the wrong
direction it may become bent and inoperable.
Please note that we include with your purchase a 12-month manufacturing guarantee.
This guarantee does not include damage caused by the incorrect use of the sofa bed action.

Step 1
• Remove the seat and back cushions from the sofabed.

Step 2
• Fold out the black fabric cover.
• Pull up the sofabed action using the bar nearest to the front of the sofabed using the metal
handle.
DO NOT PULL THE SOFABED ACTION OUT WITH THE REAR BAR

Step 3
• Pull the sofabed action towards you gently until it sits horizontally.
• Pull up the foot bar from the rear of the sofabed action as shown.

Step 4
• Continue to pull the foot bar towards you until it sits on the floor.
• The sofabed is now half open.

Step 5
• Pull the second footbar up and towards you.

Step 6
• Continue to pull the second foot bar towards you until it sits on the floor.
• The sofabed is now ready to use

Step 7
• For sofabeds with back cushions these can be slotted between the back of the sofa and the sleep
area to create a headboard.
• Seat cushions can be stored under the sofabed

 

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Sofabed.co.uk to feature in the Daily Mail

Saturday the 22nd May will see the appearance of sofabed.co.uk in the Daily Mail.  We are proud to announce that we will be featuring for the first time in the ever popular Homes and Gardens Checklist of the Saturday Daily Mail.  As a one off special for Daily Mail readers we are offering 2 free scatter cushions as well as our fantastic May offer of a free upgrade to a pocket sprung mattress.  To take advantage of this offer simply use the code CHECKLIST at checkout.

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Faux Leather Fabric Range – NEW

April 2021 sees the launch of a new fabric range from www.sofabed.co.uk – Faux Leather.  These upholstery grade Faux Leather fabrics are designed for regular use in the home and will last for years to come.  All our fabric ranges have been chosen to be durable, comfortable and tactile.  The Faux Leather fabric range is available to select on our full range of sofabeds, so whether you want a Bed in a Box, a two seater sofabed or a Chaise Longue then we have a faux leather to match your design scheme.

The Fabric is Flame Retardant to  BS5852 0 & 1, BS5852 Crib 5  it is also waterproof  and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge.  We would not though recommend the use of wax polish, abrasive or solvent cleaning products.

The Faux Leather range is also antibacterial and  antifungal meaning it will not support microbial growth including: Aspergillus Niger, E Coli, Altinata, Salmonella, Penicillium, Staphyloccus Aureus, Cladosporium, Herbarism.

The Range has six different colour options from the classical style of Antique Brown to the modern Pewter.

Antique Brown Faux Leather

Antique Mahogany Faux Leather

Antique Sand Faux Leather

Black Faux Leather

Cream Faux Leather

Pewter Faux Leather

Check out our full range of fabrics Fabrics – Sofabed.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Our Sofabed Fabric Range

The sofabed.co.uk range of fabrics is truly unique.  Selected for their high Rub Count, these upholstery fabrics are will last for years to come.  Our fabric are durable, tactile and selected with comfort in mind.  All our fabrics are compliant to UK Fire Regulations and to ensure that the FR treatment is unaffected we recommend that the covers are wipe cleaned and are never washed.

During 2021 we will be adding even more fabrics to our range to give our customers even more choice.   Even with this excellent selection there are customers that would prefer if their sofabed was manufactured in their own choice of fabric.  This is where we really come into our own. As a genuine UK manufacturer, we can make any our sofabed models in any upholstery fabric. To do this call our office on 01606 594404 and we will be able to tell you how many meters of fabric you will need and we can arrange everything over the phone.  Please note that to ensure that your new sofabed meets the latest regulations and is safe for your home we will require an FR Certificate from the fabric manufacturer sending with the fabric.

Our house fabric Balmoral is available in 22 beautiful colours and it will complement any of our sofabeds. Contemporary sofabeds  such as the Milan or more traditional sofabeds like the Chesterfield work brilliantly in Balmoral fabrics.  Want a more traditional style then the Highgrove range really is the part. Velvet fabrics are currently bang on-trend and we are seeing lots of sofabed orders for our Sandringham Velvet Range.  Finally, for a more relaxing style, we would recommend our range of Tweed fabrics.  What ever fabric you choose you can be certain it will be made by hand in our UK factory.

The Highgrove Range

Sandringham Velvet fabric

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Tweed Fabric

We think our Tweed Fabric range is an absolute belter and ever since we introduced it, it has proven to be  a great success.

All our sofabeds are made to order so Tweed is available in all of sofabed.co.uk 16 styles of sofabed.  Tweed comes in only 3 colours, Grey, Oatmeal and Teal, but each one is a classic.

Check out the Devon, Taunton, Wiltshire and Edinburgh Sofabeds in this tactile and comfortable fabric.

Wiltshire Sofabed in Tweed Grey

Taunton Sofabed in Tweed Oatmeal

Edinburgh Sofabed in Tweed Oatmeal

Devon Sofabed in Tweed Grey

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Christmas Magic – Ray of light in Lockdown

Sometimes we receive a review that is so nice we just have to share it.  Thanks again Nigel and Debbie for your Christmas tale.  You can checkout all our reviews on Trustpilot  https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/sofabed.co.uk?utm_medium=trustbox&utm_source=Mini

Christmas Magic – Ray of light in Lockdown

We had delayed looking for a sofa bed for a newly renovated room, usual mad rush, had to be done before Christmas. My wife said where can we get one on line? Well the Sofabed company of course!

We had left it to Friday 11th December at about 7:00pm in the evening. We looked up online and decided on the Norfolk Sofabed in Balmoral Charcoal with the Mattress Pocket Sprung Upgrade.

I noticed a telephone number on the website 8am-8pm. I called it and unsurprisingly left a message on what sounded like a mobile phone number. Oh well, I had to take my son to Football training.

My wife received a call from Steve the MD who was in New Zealand. He said he would do what he could do and would pay us back if it did not arrive in time for Christmas, which was a lovely offer, but tbh we would have kept is as we needed one.

After paying we were engaged by Paul, Karen and the amazing team at Black Dog saying they would do their best to get the delivery by Christmas, I did not even chase it leaving it to fate.

On Wednesday 23rd December 2020 I was contacted by Karen who gave me Maureen’s number at the delivery company, Surrey Palitz who had the goods at a local depot. They were maxed out but as I am lucky to have a transit, collected the Sofabed.

It was beautifully wrapped, no damage and it took be about ten minutes to put it in place, two minutes to lay up as a bed and thirty seconds for a nice nap, being woken by my wife and daughter laughing at my slumbers at the window. The sprung mattress upgrade was worth every penny.

My daughter and her boyfriend confirmed it was lovely to sleep on and had not minded being ousted by Grandma from her bed (all in our bubble btw).

Well done the Sofabed company and Black Dog with special thanks to Paul, Karen and very much to a hands on MD in Steve, nothing like old school sales and service.

Nigel and Debbie Surrey/Kent borders

The Norfolk Sofabed

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5 Reasons to Buy your Sofabed Direct from the Manufacturer

Well 2020 has certainly been an unusual and undoubtedly difficult year.  Covid has brought us well documented sadness, loneliness and difficulties aplenty.  It has also affected us all in many other ways including seismic changes in how we shop and the way we do business.

As stores were forced to temporarily close, we have seen a massive rise in online sales at the expense of the high street.  At Sofabed.co.uk we believe that this switch towards online should not mean the end of traditional values, like a great customer experience and personal customer service.

So here are 5 reasons why we believe that buying your Sofabed direct from a genuine UK manufacturer is more important now than ever.

  1. Personal service

One thing we pride ourselves on is personalised service.  Every Sofabed is made by hand by us.  As a business we are small enough to keep track of everything we manufacture and each customers requirements.  Although we manufacture all our sofabeds in only 28 days we will always try and accommodate customers that need things turned around quicker or who have different requirements.

  1. 2.   A great price

Many online sellers and high street retailers buy from the manufacturer and simply double their buying price.  This helps to cover their high rents, rates and marketing costs. When you buy from Sofabed.co.uk you get the price advantage of dealing with a vertically integrated British Manufacturer. We have no retail premises, catalogues or sales staff to pay, we have only a factory and a website; low overheads meaning low prices.

  1. Your Sofabed is made to order

At Sofabed.co.uk we manufacture all our sofabeds ourselves in our factory in your choice of fabric.  Simply put we are the genuine manufacturer, we make the wooden frames, fill our own cushions, shape the foam, cut and sew the fabric, upholster the frames, wrap and despatch your sofabed.

  1. Its better for the environment

Shopping local means less air miles, less CO2 emissions and more local employment.  Much of the furniture that is currently sold in the UK is manufactured in the far east or eastern Europe.  So, on top of the miles it travels to your door you will have an awful long wait for your new Sofabed.

  1. You are buying British

At Sofabed.co.uk we design our sofabeds, make are own frames, cut the fabric, upholster the sofabeds and finally wrap and despatch it to you.  This all takes place in our UK factory, so as well as supporting British manufacturing, you know that your Sofabed meets all UK and European Fire Regulations.  We also source all our raw materials from the UK further supporting the UK economy.