The Most Comfortable Sleeper Sofas, According To Reviewers
Your in-laws are visiting from out of town. Your best friend just got unexpectedly snowed in with you. Your kid is home from college for Thanksgiving, and they brought a classmate who'd otherwise be spending the holiday in an empty dorm room. There are countless situations in which the most comfortable sleeper sofas will save the day — or the night, more specifically. (Of course, everyone should be limiting their house guests and staying home during the Coronavirus pandemic, but it never hurts to be prepared for future hypotheticals.) So what exactly constitutes a sleeper sofa, and what should you know before you pull the trigger on a purchase?
Also known as a pull-out couch, a sleeper sofa has a real mattress stored inside of it, so once you remove the cushions and pull the handle, it transforms into an actual bed. Sofa beds, on the other hand, simply fold flat like a futon, so you can have a larger, more comfortable sleeping surface in seconds. Since the terms are often used interchangeably by brands and retailers, we've included both sleeper sofas and sofa beds in this article. If you don't have a guest bedroom — or if your house guests come in hordes — these couch-bed hybrids can be absolute life-savers when it comes to accommodating your visitors.
That being said, traditional sleeper sofas are often the most expensive category of couch — so should you buy a sleeper sofa, or will an air mattress suffice? It all comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you get more than a few overnight guests a year, then it's probably worth the splurge to ensure that they feel at home. You can also cut costs by opting for a sofa bed, instead. Space is also worth considering. Queen-sized sleepers are the most common, as the majority of standard sofas are six to eight feet in length — but if you don't have that kind of space in your living room, there are smaller options; they're just a little harder to find.
Finally, it's really not worth buying a sleeper unless you know it's comfortable. If it feels like a wad of rolled-up newspapers, you might as well just put a set of sheets over the couch cushions. These 17 sleeper sofas and sofa beds are some of the best available because real reviewers have fallen in love with them — both for their style and for their extremely comfortable mattresses and cushions.
The Best Bang For Your Buck: Nolting Channel Tufted Sofa
Most quality sleeper sofas are at especially high price points — well over a thousand dollars, in fact. That's because they come complete with a mattress, which drives up the price as well as the demand. The Nolting Channel Tufted Sofa features a problem-solving sofa bed design, so you can get a sleek sofa and a comfortable bed for your guests — all for just over $300.
Instead of a mattress, the couch cushions fold out flat to give you a twin-size sleeping area. It's this unique feature that saves you hassle and money when accommodating your company, and the split-back design lets you choose between three positions: sitting, lounging, and sleeping. As the description says, “Perfect for unexpected overnight guests, or just a handy spot for a nap, futons are a great option for adding a touch of seating that can easily be transformed into sleeping space whenever needed.”
The upholstery is available in three different colors (black, navy blue, and gray), all of which are easy to match with any existing decor. The sofa measures 80.5" inches in length, so when folded upright, it’s a nice full-size couch for guests to sit on and chat.
This pick has lots of great reviews on Wayfair, with one customer saying, “I looooove my new couch!!! It is so cute and actually comfy! You can’t even tell that it can turn into a 'bed.' It looks so beautiful in my living room! It’s nice and big too! And it also was so easy to put together!”
Nolting Channel Tufted Twin or Smaller 80.5'' Tight Back Convertible Sofa, $319.99, Wayfair
If You’re Short On Living Space: Mercury Row Imani Velvet Convertible Sofa
So you're furnishing your tiny multi-purpose office or small living area. You might initially think the footprint isn't big enough for a sleeping solution, but think again. There are plenty of ways to maximize the space so you can get the most out of it — and this Imani Sleeper from Mercury Row is one of them. It measures just 44 inches deep when folded down to a twin-size bed, and its split-back design makes it perfect for sleeping or just lounging.
The mid-century modern design is super trendy and sleek, and velvet upholstery gives it an expensive feel without actually breaking the bank — it’s under $400. You can choose from seven colors, including a millennial-pink option that will liven up any small space. Sometimes with studio apartments or small guest rooms, some furniture rearrangement needs to be done in order to fold down a sleeper. Fear not — this one comes with soft padding under all four feet to make it easy to move around without scuffing up your floors.
This piece has a whopping 14,000 reviews on Wayfair and a 4.5 star rating. “It looks like a much more expensive piece than it really is,” one reviewer wrote. “Very comfortable to sit on, and looks great in our space. It took me about an hour to put together by myself.” Reviewers agree that the cushions are quite firm, so if you have a guest who likes a softer mattress, you may want to put a twin-size mattress topper on it.
Subtle and Sophisticated: Flipside Sleeper Sofa
For the most part, you can look at a sleeper sofa and know exactly what it is — but every once in a while, you come across one that's too subtle to pass up. The Flipside sofa has sleek lines, a low base, and a deep-seat design, so you'd never suspect that it turns into a bed... But grab the hidden fabric handles and with one quick flip, you've got a queen-sized mattress that lays out flat across the floor. For that reason, it's technically a convertible couch, but reviewers have given it a 4.6-star rating for a reason: "The whole [thing makes for] such a comfortable sleep."
In fact, all the cushions — including the four movable back ones — are stuffed with an eco-friendly synthetic down material. The frame is made with kiln-dried hardwood that's been responsibly harvested, and the block feet are actually constructed from solid wood, which isn't too common nowadays. (Most online sofas use plastic, which can start to crack over time.)
Finally, the sofa comes with a removable and washable cotton top sheet that securely fits the bed, so you're ready for your first guest as soon as it's delivered. You can get this design in velvet, which is a charcoal black color, or in three linen-like materials: Parliament Stone, Leaside Driftwood, and Chelsea Pacific.
Gus Modern Flipside Sleeper Sofa, $1,866, Wayfair
Customize To Your Heart's Content: Custom Upholstery 92" Rolled Arm Sofa Bed
The Wayfair Custom Upholstery 92" Rolled Arm Sofa Bed in white looks like it belongs in the perfect summer beach house, thanks to its overstuffed cushions and clean but traditional Bridgewater design. But in fact, you can customize this couch to match any type of house, thanks to over 150 upholstery options. What a piece of furniture! Choose between subtle geometrics, bright floral prints, and virtually any color under the sun. Wayfair even lets you personalize your throw pillow fabric, plus you can request free swatch samples first to make sure it's the right pick for your living space.
Complete with a queen-sized mattress inside (in your choice of DreamQuest coil or classic innerspring), reviewers say they're "to the moon" with this pick. "It looks very solid. Well made. Fabric of sofa is beautiful. Queen mattress is comfortable. Would recommend." As far as sleeper sofas go, it's one of the more affordable ones — especially considering how high-end it looks.
Birch Lane Rolled Arm Sofa Bed, $1,159.99, Wayfair
The Eco-Friendly Option: Greta Recycled Leather Sofa
Searching for something that's good for the planet as well as your home's aesthetic? The Greta sofa from Urban Outfitters fits the bill. While this piece is soft, versatile, and chic-looking, it's also eco-friendly thanks to the recycled leather exterior. Its legless design gives it a bohemian appearance, and so do the pin-tucked cushions filled with foam — also recycled.
While this piece doesn't have any high-tech additions, its versatility lies in its simplicity. With a quick adjustment of the sturdy metal frame, this couch goes from fully upright to half-way reclined for lounging. Then, if you're hosting an overnight guest or in the mood for a nap, it keeps going to create a flat, mattress-like surface — and thanks to the one-piece design, you can effortlessly add a fitted sheet.
"We waited with anticipation for this piece, and I am happy to report that it seems to have been worth the wait," one reviewer wrote. "The leather is soft, as is the seat when folded up into couch position." They also raved that it's "perfect for the area [they] intended" and is "well worth the money given its versatility."
Urban Outfitters Greta Recycled Leather Sofa, $879, Urban Outfitters
You Don’t Have To Choose: Sandbacken Sleeper Sectional
Typically, you need to make a choice between a sleeper sofa and a sectional — and it's a hard choice to make. Yes, a sleeper means that your guest has upgraded from a sleeping bag, but a sectional means you can stretch out and take a post-brunch nap whenever the urge strikes.
Thankfully, IKEA saves the day once again with its unique, innovative designs. The Sandbacken sofa has elastic foam seats, soft back cushions, and a movable ottoman (with hidden storage) that you can push up against the couch to create a stylish sectional. It even has a removable cover that has been specifically designed to handle up to 25,000 cycles through the washing machine.
That being said, this isn't just a sectional. Roll out the hidden mattress and fold down the legs, and all three pieces clip together to create a sturdy, cozy bed. You can even store the sheets, pillows, and blankets in the ottoman, because — as previously stated — it has hidden storage. Can you tell we love genius organizational hacks?
"Outstanding! Strong, comfortable, beautiful!" reviewers rave. They also say it's "such a great size" for their small city apartments because it's sleek and compact, but serves so many different purposes.
Worth The Splurge: Vesper King Sleeper Sofa
Designed by Jeffrey Bernett and Nicholas Dodziuk, the Vesper king sofa is worth the splurge for so many reasons. For one, the style: this sofa has a low, deep seat and clean 90 degree angles for a gorgeous combination of contemporary and mid-century modern. Then there's the comfort-factor: The double layers of down-filled bolsters mean you can customize your level of back support, while the high-density foam cushions provide just the right amount of firmness while sitting or lounging.
This sofa also offers the ability to personalize. Choose between several types of fabric or genuine leather — and between them all, there are over 40 color options. Finally, the Vesper is carefully designed for longevity. The kiln-dried hardwood frame and the foam mattress ensure durability, and due to the patented conversion mechanism, this king-sized sleeper rests entirely on a sturdy wooden platform instead of an uncomfortable metal bar. When opened, it even takes up less space than a traditional sleeper.
So far, sources have been raving about this pick. Interior designer Jennifer Wallenstein told The Strategist this couch is “high-quality with a beautiful design" and the LA Times named it one of the best stylish sleepers that "won't ruin your back."
Design Within Reach Vesper King Sleeper Sofa, $7,995, Design Within Reach
The Most Minimalist Pick: Claude Brisson MULTY Sleeper Sofa
Sometimes you just want a piece of furniture that's straightforward, simple, and practical. The MULTY sleeper sofa (created by French designer Claude Brisson) is that piece. This 47-inch loveseat comfortably fits two people when positioned into a couch, and it comes with two matching lumbar cushions for extra support.
Still, it's unlike most other options because the layered couch cushions become the actual mattress; the bottom slats pull out to create a base for the polyether foam, which is covered in a cotton-blend cover that's treated with a special guard to prevent the growth of bacteria. As a result, every piece of the couch is used to create your pull-out bed, so you don't have to find somewhere to stash your extra cushions. (That's a life-saver for those minimalists who are consistently trying to reduce clutter.)
You can get this sofa in your choice of beige, green, yellow, black, or gray. Best of all, since each piece from Ligne Roset is made in the heart of the French countryside, you know you're getting a unique sofa that's manually created with careful craftsmanship.
Claude Brisson MULTY Premier Sleeper Sofa, $4,815, Ligne Roset
A Pull-Out Sectional With A Storage Chaise: Mackenzie Silverpine Sofa Sleeper
The Mackenzie Silverpine sofa is another sectional-to-sleeper option — though this one utilizes one uninterrupted mattress for a more traditional sleep, whereas most others offer a modular design. With a streamlined shape and sharp, clean angles, it's also sleeker than most pull-out couches, but this one has an additional secret that sets it apart from the competition: hidden storage space.
When the mattress is folded away into the wooden platform base, this sectional has a removable chaise lounge cushion that covers a convenient storage ottoman. There, you can stash things like blankets, seasonal throw pillows, games, clutter, or the sheets you'll need for your overnight guest.
This sofa is available in multiple colors, and so far, reviewers have been thrilled with the quality. "After searching multiple brick and mortar stores [...] we now have comfortable accommodations to offer our overnight guests," one wrote, while another person said, "We tried every single sleeper sofa on the market for our guest room/den and we did not have a budget so I mean everything. It was tough finding a sofa that was comfortable both as a sofa and a bed but we found it!"
Living Spaces Mackenzie Silverpine Sofa Sleeper, $3,795, Living Spaces
Ideal For The Impromptu Guest: Twilight Sleeper Sofa
This one's technically a modular daybed (rather than a pull-out or a futon-style sofa bed), but in this case, that's a great thing. The Twilight sleeper sofa has one solid, mattress-like cushion and an adjustable bolster with three different positioning options. As a result, you need only move the bolster out of the way for use as a twin — or slide the top pillow onto the floor, adjacent to the cushioned base, for a bed that's bigger than a queen. When used as a sofa, the bolster provides comfortable lumbar support while the foam-filled cushions hug every curve.
In short, this piece turns any room (from a functional entryway to a small home office) into a guest room, all with minimal effort on your part. Because it takes seconds to set up and comes with a removable, washable slipcover, it's ideal for guests who drop by unannounced. It also comes in four colors and three upholstery options to match any space.
Finally, this piece is worth the price tag due to the durability. It's made with an aluminum frame and high-density foam, and according to buyers, it's in it for the long-haul: "I have had this sleeper sofa for 15 years and have re-covered it 2x. Great sleep option for guests," one wrote.
Cozy And Practical: FINNALA Sleeper Sofa
The FINNALA has been called the "best IKEA sofa" because it's "superbly comfortable," "wears well," and is "incredibly easy to construct." Now, IKEA has extended this fan-favorite series to include the FINNALA sleeper sofa, a brand-new release that offers all of those features plus one more: a thick, comfortable mattress that pulls out.
As a couch, this one is soft, cozy, and well-suited for smaller spaces, thanks to its corner-friendly design and 80-inch width. It's covered in a washable cotton-polyester blend and filled with high-resilience foam, so it bounces back into shape as soon as you stand up.
When your guest arrives, simply remove the seat cushions and pull out the underframe; within seconds, you'll have a 4 and 3/4-inch mattress — also made from high-resilience foam. Consequently, you can offer a flat, continuous, supportive sleeping surface that stays comfortable all night long. Get it in six different colors.
IKEA FINALLA Sleeper Sofa, $849, IKEA
A Vintage Touch: Novogratz Vintage Sofa Sleeper
Most of the time, vintage styles and practical pieces don't go hand-in-hand. The Novogratz vintage sleeper sofa is the exception. Its camelback shape, curved lines, and all-over tufts give it a traditional, elegant appearance — and so do the Victorian-style wooden legs and velvet upholstery, which comes in five different colors. In other words, it's a no-brainer when it comes to your semi-formal living room or home library.
Still, this one is more than just a statement piece; it's also a brilliant solution to your growing guest list. While it's not a standard pull-out, the back folds down flat to provide an additional 8 inches of foam for your visitors to sleep on. Reviewers say it "looks much more expensive than what it cost," especially given the extra functionality.
For Ultimate Portability: Anywhere Sleeper Sofa
There are several reasons why this one is called the Anywhere sleeper sofa: For one, it measures just 56 inches wide, which lands somewhere between a chair-and-a-half and a loveseat, so you can fit it just about anywhere. For another, it's extremely lightweight and portable, so whether you're moving around your furniture or moving across the country, this one goes with you. Finally, it costs just shy of $400, so wherever you're at in your life, it's a smart, cost-efficient purchase that you'll actually use.
As a sofa, it's comfortable and stylish, but when it's time to hit the hay, the resilient foam cushions fold out to lay flat against the floor. From there, you can cover them with sheets, equip the necessary blankets, fluff a pillow or two, and sleep soundly through the night.
This sofa is available in a modern, neutral charcoal color that goes with both light and dark color-schemes. One reviewer wrote, "Small couch, firm but nice for the price and for small spaces. I’ve been moving a lot and the portability is a plus for me."
Leather In Various Colors: Urban Leather Sleeper Sofa
Typically, leather sofas come in either white or black — and they're very rarely appropriate for sleeping. Needless to say, the Urban sleeper sofa from West Elm surprises in more ways than one.
You can pick up this double-seater in six different shades (like chalk, taupe, cognac, and molasses) to suit virtually any space, from sophisticated lounges to professional home offices. It also offers concealed legs for a streamlined profile and ample feather-wrapped cushioning underneath all that vegan leather, including on the arms.
And if you haven't grasped the theme of this article by now, here's the big reveal: There's a mattress hidden inside, which stretches out into an impromptu queen bed. Since it's made with a combination of pocket-coils and foam, it's arguably more durable and supportive than competing all-foam mattresses.
Mid-Century Memory Foam: Novogratz Brittany Sleeper Sofa
It may look like it's straight out of Don Draper's living room, but this isn't your average mid-century modern sofa. Available in both twin and queen sizes (as well as a futon, accent chair, sectional, and ottoman design), the Novogratz Brittany adds a funky touch to your living room with its tufted backrest and vintage, boxy shape. It also cushions you while you watch TV thanks to the independently encased coils within the seat.
But while it's surprisingly streamlined, it's hiding a memory-foam mattress that evenly distributes body weight and helps to relieve pressure on joints.
"Very impressed with this couch especially for the money!" one buyer said after giving it five-star ratings for design, value, quality, and ease of assembly. "So happy we pulled the trigger on this. I also like the mustard color; unique and funky. It is firm but still comfortable." The best news? Amazon offers a massive selection of colors, from pastels to neutrals to bold shades.
Novogratz Brittany Sleeper Sofa, $1,055, Amazon
For Two Guests At Once: VALLENTUNA Mod Sofa
Say two of your friends are staying the night, but unfortunately, they don't know each other too well — or maybe your niece and nephew are both coming to stay, and you've only got one guest room. In those situations, the VALLENTUNA sofa makes for significantly less-awkward sleeping arrangements. That's because this couch is actually modular, meaning that the two halves break apart to create two entirely separate corner chairs, as well as two separate twin-sized beds.
It comes in light blue, dark gray, light gray, black, white, and olive green, and you can even extend the set with an additional storage seat; use it alone as an ottoman or chaise, or lengthen the couch with a backrest. All in all, this is an exceptionally versatile pick that helps you get the most out of your space. The linen-viscose cover is easy to remove and stands up to 15,000 washes, while the pocket springs offer full-body support.
"It was a great purchase since I live in a small apartment," one reviewer wrote. "I can have family over and they can rest very comfortably."
IKEA VALLENTUNA Mod Sofa, $1,310, IKEA
Best Colorful Pick: Hughes Sleeper Sofa
Sleeper sofas are largely about practicality and comfort — but we're of the belief that you shouldn't have to sacrifice style for a little extra sleeping room. The Hughes sleeper sofa beautifully accents a space with its mid-century modern style. Its tapered wooden legs, clean lines, and subtle tufting make for a gorgeous showpiece, but the medium-plush cushions and well-proportioned angled back ensure that comfort is a top priority, too. Apartment Therapy even calls it, "way more comfortable than it looks" and loves the subtle lean when it comes to "lounging back."
The customization options are also a huge bonus. In addition to choosing the best type of fabric to suit your needs and style (like linen, safeguard, velvet, and pet-friendly), you can choose between nearly-countless color options. You also get to customize the wood stain on the feet — and you can request free swatch kits to test the choices in your space.
Finally, the rave feedback from reviewers is hard to ignore. "First of all, the process of ordering this couch couldn't have been easier," one buyer said. "When the couch arrived, the color and material were better than we could have imagined. We just hosted a housewarming and everybody wanted to know where we got this! I can't wait to host overnight guests to test the sleeper." Others who have tested it out say that the memory foam mattress is "extremely comfortable" and the pull-out mechanism is "easy to use."
Simply put, this sleeper sofa makes our list because it doesn't look or feel like a compromise. Instead, you get a couch that you'll absolutely love, and your guests get a comfortable place to sleep every time they visit. Buy it outright or finance it for 18 months with a 0% APR.
Joybird Hughes Sleeper Sofa, $2,245, Joybird