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.