A well-chosen sofa bed can do wonders for your living space. Not only does it save precious room, but it also adds a touch of style to your decor. Whether you're relaxing or hosting guests, sofa beds offer optimal comfort both as seating and sleeping options. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about sofa beds, from their functionality to the best places to purchase them.

What Are Sofa Beds?

Sofa beds are versatile and practical furniture items that serve dual purposes; a couch during the day that can effortlessly transform into a comfortable bed at night. They present an excellent solution for compact apartments or spaces, providing a stylish and functional addition to any room. By seamlessly blending into the decor during the day, these hidden gems reveal their true potential as cosy guest beds when the sun sets.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sofa Bed

Before you buy a sofa bed, you may want to consider the size of the space, other sleep options for guests, price, durability, style, comfort, and more.

1.    Sofa Size and the Space it’s Going Into

You want to account for the sofa bed dimensions when the piece of furniture is in both its sofa form and bed form. For instance, if you buy a sofa bed that fits well as a couch but is unable to properly fold out into a bed within your space, then this defeats the purpose of having a sofa bed in the first place.

Always make sure to measure (or even lay out newspapers with proper dimensions) to determine how much space the item will take up. Assessing the size of the room itself can also help determine what would work best. For example, a small sofa bed may make a larger room look rather scarce, unless planned out correctly.

2.    Comfort Level

Many sofa beds mimic the comfort of a regular bed, especially when well-maintained. When deciding if buying a sofa bed is right for you, you will want to consider how often it will be used. This may further determine how much cleaning or maintenance the sofa bed will require.

And if you’re wondering how to make a sofa bed more comfortable, we’ve got a few tips.

• Add a mattress topper.
• Clean the topper and mattress once a month.
• Don’t forget to flip the mattress as you would a bed.
• Consider replacing your mattress when it starts to get worn out.

Additionally, never underestimate the value of reading previous customers’ reviews. This can help you gain a better sense of the comfort and value of the sofa bed you’re considering.

3.    Style and Design

From different fabric to colour, there are a variety of styles and designs to choose from. For example, you can buy leather sofa beds (such as the Visconti Leather Sofa Bed), corner sofa beds, and more.

The design and style you choose will often depend on your space and the decor already situated in the room. Consider your floors and what colours or textures would work well with them. Take into account the colours of your walls and the other furniture or art in the space. Think about what style the rest of your home conveys and try to match that.

You may also want to consider the fabric used and whether it’s easy to clean. For example, when properly cared for, leather couches make for easy maintenance. When a spill occurs, most often, it can simply be wiped up. In contrast, other fabrics, like velvet, might not clean so easily.

Lastly, consider how many people will be sleeping on it. Are you most likely to have one person or two visit at a time? From there, you can figure out what type of sofa bed is best.

The Different Types of Sofa Beds

When choosing a sofa bed, what types should you consider? Check out all the different options below.

1.    2 Seater Sofa Bed

Designed for two people to sit or sleep, a 2 seater sofa bed is a classic sofa bed where cushions are removed, and the mattress is pulled out from underneath. These work well for smaller rooms with limited space.

2.    3 Seater Sofa Bed

A 3 seater sofa bed is the same as a 2 seater sofa bed but with slightly more room. Most often, this type of sofa bed can comfortably sleep two people, such as the Lancaster 3 Seater Sofa Bed.

3.    Corner Sofas

Corner sofas are frequently spacious and convenient. These will either contain mattresses that fold out or separate pieces that move around to form a full bed. It’s important to note here that these also tend to be the most expensive.

4.    Armchair Sofa Bed

An armchair sofa bed is a much smaller version. It usually folds out quite easily but also may not be as comfortable as other options. As you can probably guess, this type of sofa bed also only provides room for one. As such, it can make a practical solution for a small room or even an addition to an existing guest room.

How to Choose a Sofa Bed for a Small Living Room?

First and foremost, start off by measuring your space. This will immediately narrow down your search by restricting you to the dimensions that your living room allows. And this is especially important when dealing with small living rooms.

For example, the Piper Sofa bed may work well in smaller spaces, whereas the Poppy 3 Seater Sofa bed requires a bit more space.

If you can, it’s also a good idea to test the sofa bed before buying it. This means trying to assemble and disassemble it. As such, this will give you an idea of how easy it is to put together and take apart.

Latest Sofa Bed Trends

Furniture trends are ever trending towards multifunctionality. This means that sofa beds are in! Soft and sculpted are currently trending, yet whether this works for you or not may depend on the rest of the decor in your home. Most of the time, it’s best to go for classic looks, such as the Louisiana 3 Seater Sofa bed, that never go out of style and offer the functionality you desire.

 Where to Buy a Sofa Bed

Caseys has been selling furniture in Ireland for over 100 years. With our customers in mind every time, we only offer superb quality furniture and that includes sofa beds! We never recommend any piece we wouldn’t put in our own home. When choosing a sofa bed, consider Caseys for all your needs.

Check out our sofa bed selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I look for when buying a sofa bed?

When choosing a sofa bed, consider the mattress type, frame quality, mechanism, and overall comfort levels. It’s also important to measure your space and check whether you prefer a fold-out, click-clack, or pull-out style to suit your home.

2. What are the best sofa beds in Ireland?

The best sofa beds in Ireland combine comfortable mattresses, durable mechanisms, and stylish design. Popular options include models with pocket-spring mattresses, easy-open metal mechanisms, and compact designs ideal for Irish homes and apartments.

3. Are sofa beds comfortable enough for everyday use?

Yes, many modern sofa beds are designed for regular sleeping, especially those with high-quality memory foam or pocket-spring mattresses. If daily use is your priority, look for reinforced frames and thicker mattresses for better long-term comfort.

4. What size sofa beds are available in Ireland?

Sofa beds typically come in single, small double, double, and king widths, depending on the model. Compact two-seater sofa beds are popular in Ireland for smaller homes, while three-seaters suit guest rooms or larger living spaces.

5. How do I choose the right sofa bed for a small space?

For tight spaces, opt for click-clack sofa beds, armless designs, or two-seater pull-outs. Measuring the extended bed length is key to ensuring it fits comfortably without blocking doors or walkways.

6. Are sofa beds worth it for guest use?

Absolutely. Sofa beds offer practical seating by day and a comfortable sleeping area for guests, making them a great space-saving solution in Irish homes. Look for models with supportive mattresses to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Find a Sofa Bed Store Near You

Now that you have a clearer idea of what to look for in a sofa bed, it’s the perfect time to explore our full sofa bed collection. Browse our wide range of stylish, comfortable sofa beds to find the ideal fit for your home.

If you’d prefer to try out your sofa bed optionsin person, you’re always welcome to visit one of Caseys Furniture’s stores. With locations in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin, you can test comfort, compare styles, and even use Click & Collect for extra convenience.