Written by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator
Edited by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Rey Amini, Senior Interior Designer & Architect
Fact-checked by: Benjamin Ibanez, Development & FF&E Manager

Experts will tell you that for optimal rest, you simply can’t beat a standard bed. But, as leaders in the interior design industry, we’re acutely aware that with rapidly-changing homescapes, that isn’t always possible. And this begs the question: Is it okay to sleep on a sofa bed every night? Let’s take an in-depth look at the pros and cons. 

Nowadays, more and more of us are considering compact, multifunctional alternatives to traditional décor as homes become ever-smaller, especially in the UK. 

This space-conscious generation has it all figured out, from furniture that doubles as extra storage to customisable modular sofas and extendable tables. 

So, if you're thinking of using a sofa bed as a permanent sleeping option, we invite you to explore this informative guide. Correlated by our top designers and brimming with advice and suggestions, it will tell you what to look out for to ensure best rest possible.

 

Are sofa beds comfortable to sleep on?

The sleeping comfort of a sofa bed is mostly determined by the quality of its design.  

Luxury versions frequently include specialised, high-tech mattresses built for both sitting and sleeping, ensuring a mix of support and softness. However, because the foam is generally thinner and firmer, the bottom line is that they will never be as restorative as a proper bed.  

Key influencing factors for optimal comfort include mattress type (spring, memory foam, or hybrid), frame construction, and cushioning. 

Enquire about all of them before you make a final decision and read customer reviews to gain insight into their ratings. 

We also recommend that you test out your shortlisted preferences in the shop to ensure that you’re 100% happy with how it looks and feels.

Below, we look at the pros and cons of sleeping on sofa beds:

The pros of using a sofa bed:

They’re space-saving:

The ideal option if you have limited room, these versatile furniture pieces can be used as either a bed or a sofa at any time. They also come in many formats from single- to queen-size. To find the right one for your room, check out our sofa measuring guide. 

They accommodate special occasions: 

With family and friends gathering on special occasions, it’s quite likely that at least one of them will need a place to crash for the night. And, if you don’t have a spare room, a sofa bed is a great solution. So for those unexpected guests, they provide an impromptu resting space and give you an extra seating option should you require it. 

You can isolate a family member: 

A sofa bed can come in handy if you or your partner are ill and you don't want to risk making the other person sick. It will provide the distance needed to stop the spread of germs while ensuring that both parties remain comfortable and get a good night’s rest. 

They enhance a child’s bedroom: 

Modern sofa beds are perfect if you want to enhance the functionality of a child’s bedroom. Swiftly convert them into seats during the day to increase his or her play area and then unfold them into a cosy bed at night. 

They’re helpful if you have sleep issues: 

We've all experienced restless nights. Whether your partner's snoring is keeping you up or you suffer from insomnia, a sofa bed will give you a place to rest without compromising anyone’s comfort. This change of environment may also assist you in falling asleep, ensuring that you’re fresh and ready for a new day. 

They’re perfect for furnishing guesthouses: 

If you own a holiday home that you rent out in peak season, sofa beds are a flexible way of catering to various tenant needs. Going this route will provide you with ample sitting and sleeping space without having to overinvest in too much furniture.

They can offer additional storage space: 

Many sofa beds come with hidden storage units, usually located under the mattress. This enables you to store spare blankets, towels and pillows for your guests without taking up extra wardrobe space. 

The cons of sleeping in a sofa bed:

It can cause body pains: 

With thinner, less supportive mattresses, sofa beds lack the same level of comfort as a regular bed, which can eventually result in restless sleep and physical pain. 

Sofa beds have size constraints: 

If you’re used to a king-size mattress, then sleeping on a sofa bed with a partner may make you feel cramped and uncomfortable. 

They are less durable:

Frequent folding and unfolding your sofa bed can cause wear and tear on the mattress and mechanism, causing them to deteriorate faster. So if you’re going to use it for its dual purpose on a continual basis, it may need replacing sooner. 

They are harder to maintain:

Cleaning a sofa bed might be more difficult due to its intricate structure and multiple facets, making hygiene a potential issue.

Budget constraints

Buying a high-quality sofa bed with improved sleep characteristics can be more expensive than purchasing a standard sofa or bed. However, if you need to save space and will be using it for both functions, you won’t have to fork out on two separate pieces of furniture. We suggest that you weigh up which option is a better investment trade-off in accordance with your budget.

 

 

How to make sleeping on a sofa more comfortable?

If you want to make your sofa bed more comfortable, take a look at these tips: 

• Add a high-quality mattress topper to provide more padding and support. This will help to alleviate any pain caused by its standard fixtures.
• Look for luxury sofa beds with high-tech designs. Some even have improved mattress alternatives that include memory foam or gel-infusions. 
• Keep it clean and well-maintained by vacuuming the mattress on a weekly basis to minimise dust buildup. You should also check the mechanism frequently to ensure that it works properly.  
• Use comfortable, ergonomically designed pillows while sleeping to provide better neck and lumbar support.
• Make sure you invest in breathable bedding and linens to help control temperature and improve your sleep quality.
• Adding foam gap fillers between the mattress parts will help to produce a smoother sleeping surface.
• If your sofa bed is located in your living room, use blackout curtains to create a darker sleeping environment. 
• Position your sofa bed away from anything that makes a noise and use sound-absorbing materials if necessary.
• Adjust the temperature of your room to ensure that you don’t overheat or feel too cold while sleeping. 
• If the mattress allows for it, rotate or flip it on a regular basis to uniformly distribute wear and tear.
• To create a cosy sleeping environment, layer your bedding with a comfy mattress pad, fitted sheet, and soft blankets.

Are sofa beds good for long-term use?

Since they are made and intended for sleeping, a dedicated mattress and base set will always be a better option than a sofa bed. 

However, they can be used for extended periods if you’re experiencing space constraints, have a visitor or need to bridge the gap while searching for a new bed. 

Unfortunately, many offerings are not ergonomically designed to provide optimal lumbar and neck support, leading to physical pain and a bad night’s sleep. 

To avoid this, make sure that you invest in a superior product and try to limit its use as much as possible. 

View Our Luxury Sofa Bed Collection

Can sofa beds be shared?

Yes, sofa beds can be shared but it’s important to note that they may not offer the same level of comfort as sleeping on a proper bed. 

With thinner mattresses and a seam where the sofa folds up, they do have downfalls when it comes to facilitating two occupants. Because of this, we suggest using a mattress topper.

Make sure that you choose a size that will accommodate you and your partner with ease. By rule of thumb, a double bed is equivalent to a two-seater sofa whilst a queen will come in a three-seater format. 

 

Best Sofa Beds to Buy - According to Interior Designers

At FCI London, we’ve curated a range of sofa beds from renowned global manufacturers to ensure that you have access to the ultimate in comfort. Here are our top 3:

The Indy Sofa Bed by Fama

This state-of-the-art design converts into a sublimely comfortable 140 x 200 cm bed with a single-piece polyurethane mattress big enough for two. Its ingenious motorised backrest system allows you to alter the depth and back position of the sofa, seamlessly converting it into a four-seater recliner. The first of its kind, it’s no wonder it received an award for innovation at the Esprit Meuble, Paris.

 

The Aston by Felix Collection

If you’re after the best of both worlds and are looking for an L-shaped sofa that can convert into a sleeping spot, this is it. Its clever configuration allows you plenty of space for a living room gathering and can fold out into a generous double bed should you have unexpected guests. And, with the additional bonus of an adjacent chaise longue, it will facilitate space for a third person with ease.  

The 2Much Sofa Bed by Twils

Ideal for a kiddies bedroom, this handy offering comes in a trundle format, allowing you the benefit of a generous seat that houses an additional mattress beneath. Simply pull out the lower level and your children will be able to host pyjama parties whenever they want to. 

Here are some more of the most comfortable sofa beds, recommended by our team: 

• Dakota Sofa Bed by Felix Collection (Best Sofa Bed with storage)
• Dali Sofa Bed by Fama (Best Sofa Bed for Sharing)
• Zeta Sofa Bed by Naustro Milano Collection (Best Sofa Bed for Everyday Use)

Summing Up

A sofa bed is always an excellent investment and provides an additional seating and sleeping area without the need for large spaces or a spare room. 

While they will never replace a normal bed, they can be used as a resting place on an ongoing basis, providing you choose one that has quality features. 

Modern luxury editions are both stylish and functional, making them a sought-after option amongst homeowners and professionals alike. 

If you’re looking for a range that delivers on comfort, get in touch today or visit our expansive showroom for a guided tour.