Expert Advice On Couch From A Five-Year-Old

Buying a Couch Bed

Sofa beds are multi-functional furniture that can be used in many ways. Interior designer Annie Mueller recommends this budget-friendly twin sleeper from Pottery Barn's teens collection. The sofa seat cushion is able to be unfolded to create a 10" foam mattress that rests on the floor.

Comfort

When buying a sofa bed, comfort is the most important factor. Many sleeper couches have mattresses that are thin, which makes guests feel as if they're sleeping on a platform rather than a bed. To avoid this, you can add extra padding to the mattress of your sofa bed by investing in a mattress topper like the Linenspa Memory Foam one available at Amazon. This will prevent your guests from waking with back pain, or having metal frames creaking or squeaking.

A chaise extension can allow guests to stretch out and enjoy a more relaxing time. The fabric and color of your sofa bed will determine how well it blends in with the other furniture in the room. Get free fabric swatches and try them at your home to determine the ideal fabric for your needs.

This modern midcentury sofa from Anthropologie is a great option for those who want a sofa or bed that's comfortable in both versions. This sofa has a queen-size mattress and can comfortably fit two people. It's also customizable with over 70 fabrics and cushion combinations.

The sleeper sofa, though a little more expensive than other options in this roundup, is incredibly comfortable and comes with a thick 13cm memory foam mattress--the most dense of them all. The unique design of this sleeper sofa, which includes a mechanism that flips both the backrest and seat in order to transform it into a mattress is a further plus feature.

It requires assembly, however all the tools needed are included. It's worth it, since this sofa is loved by all buyers for its convenience. It can comfortably fit two people and comes with a wide range of customization options, including 11 designs, 194 fabrics, 5 widths, 4 depths, and 6 chaise lengths.

The West Elm model is different than other sleeper sofas since it has a bed frame built into its structure. This makes the conversion process much easier and more comfortable. When not in couch mode, the mattress is hidden underneath the cushions, and it takes just minutes to fold it out into a bed. The mattress isn't thin or uncomfortable and even has a built-in compartment that can be used to store blankets and pillows.

Style

A couch bed comes in a variety of styles. The most common is a sleeper sofa, which has an upholstered bed frame and mattress inside its structure. These couches are more comfortable to rest on than air mattresses or traditional pull-out couches. They also provide a more consistent and comfortable feel to the mattress.

Click-clack sofa beds are a different type that can be transformed from a couch into an actual bed in a single move. They require you to lift the under portion of the structure and tilt it back before laying flat to create the mattress, however they are extremely easy to use.

A daybed has a similar design to a couch bed, but it has a higher back and armrests. This kind of sofa has mattresses that are covered by a removable slipcover, making it an ideal option for anyone who wants the benefits of a sofa bed but prefers a more traditional design. This kind of couch has the added benefit that it is possible to store the bedding when not being used.

Durability

When you're looking for a sofa bed, you'll want one that's going to be durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. Look for sturdy construction details like solid wooden frames as well as reinforced seams and cushioned armrests that don't flatten over time. You'll want a fabric that is easy to clean, can take on spills and take on staining. Order fabric swatches before you buy if uncertain about the right fabric for you.

This two-seater sleeper sofa from Emma Sleep is an excellent example of durability and comfort in a sleeper sofa. Its mattress is 10 inches thick when laid flat, and is constructed of CentriPur foam, which is designed to keep you cool. It's also free of latex to lessen any allergy concerns. I found it very comfortable to sleep on. The only drawback was that turning it to a couch required some effort (it's not quite as easy to convert into an air mattress).

Another great feature of this bed is its frame, which is made from birch wood for durability for a long time. It is also upholstered with polyester that is easy to clean and has an extra cushion for comfort. The chaise is a nice feature that doubles as a headrest when the couch is turned into a bed.

This three-seater sofa bed from West Elm is another great alternative for a functional, comfortable sofa bed. The mattress is 13cm thick when folded out and is a decent size and is much more comfortable than the thin sofa beds that a lot of sleeper couches come with. The extra thickness makes it easier to take out the mattress for guests to arrive without any struggle or falling.

Another feature that makes this couch a standout is its simple mechanism to transform it into a bed. This green sectional couch is much safer than other pull-out couches which are difficult to operate and feel unsecure. Instead, it features an lever that you can pull to open the bed, as well as an extension bar that you pull to extend it. It's a bit more expensive than other sleeper sofas, however, it's well worth the cost for its comfort, quality and the ease of use.

Storage

If you're looking for a space that's small, a sofa bed with built-in storage is the ideal solution. This kind of sofa comes with an enclosed compartment in which you can store pillows and bedding, allowing you to fold the bed in a snap when guests arrive. The furniture is multi-functional and comes in various upholstery fabrics that will fit on the majority of mattresses.

Storing the Couch to Allow Air Flow

Avoid putting boxes on the top of your couch when you're storing them. This could damage the cushions and frame as well as leaving water behind, which could lead to mildew or mold. It's also important to store the couch at a reasonable distance from the wall of your self storage unit to allow for airflow.

It's also important to thoroughly clean the sofa before storing it. Vacuuming the fabric, wiping off non-fabric surfaces as well as the sofa's feet are all part of this. This reduces the chance of mold and mildew growth, as well as guard the fabric from insects.