15 of the best chic and practical sofa beds for when guests drop in

When out-of-town family and friends come to stay, there’s always one crucial question to answer before they arrive: where are they going to sleep? The answer: a comfy sofa bed. Buying a bed for your guests to sleep on is a big decision and there’s a vast selection on the market, so let’s unpack exactly how to find the best sofa bed to suit your guests and your home. 

Ensuring the absolute comfort of your guests is paramount; it’s a matter of manners and hospitality. But so is investing in furniture that’s durable, useful, stylish and truly a good fit for your home. 

Where to place your sofa bed

Consider which room the sofa bed will be located in, who will be using it and even the time of day it will be used. Perhaps the sofa bed will be located in the rumpus room, for example, where, by day, it will be primarily used as a sofa by kids or teens. If so, durability and stain-resistance (or washable covers) should be high on the priority list – after all, if children are about, spilled drinks and ninja kicks are never too far away. If the bed is likely to be used by someone with mobility issues, it should be roomy, supportive and high enough to easily get in and out of – you don’t want your guests feeling cramped, sleep deprived or, worse still, waking up with aches and pains. The bed should also be simple to set up and pack away for you! Finally, it’s essential to think about aesthetics and find a piece that will not disrupt the existing flow or style story of your home.

“Will it mainly be used as a sofa with the bed used infrequently? Or will the bed be set up more regularly?”

James Whitta, VP of product design, Koala

Which is more important, sofa bed comfort or style?

Sofa beds have had a bad reputation in the past, but they’ve come a long way. To guarantee your guests’ comfort, look for models that feature an inner-spring or a memory foam mattress – much more comfortable than a basic foam mattress. A sturdy steel frame is also key. James Whitta, VP of product design at Koala says you need to focus on the sofa bed’s primary use. “Will it mainly be used as a sofa with the bed used infrequently? Or will the bed be set up more regularly?” asks James. “If it’s the latter, and especially if the bed will be used by adults, focus on the comfiest bed rather than the most stylish sofa to ensure your guests enjoy a great night’s sleep.”

Modern sofa bed style

“The days of hiding the ugly sofa or old bed in the spare room are long gone,” says Lounge Lovers stylist Jason Granziera. “The modern sofa bed can make a real style statement and also be comfortable enough to use every day as a sofa or bed. But what you choose as guest bedding must also reflect your personal style and fit harmoniously into the space available.” In short, if it’s not a ‘disappearing’ rollaway, then it needs to look good. With so many configurations, customisations and price points, there’s no need to settle for something you don’t love.

How big should your sofa bed be?

“Consider the scale of the furniture within the space and whether the piece you’re looking at will accommodate one or more people,” explains James. “Think about all options for placement, orientation and its storage capabilities and, crucially, consider the footprint of the bed when it’s fully extended. If you’re choosing a sofa bed, check the dimensions so you know exactly how much room both the sofa and the bed will occupy.”

Pullout sofa beds: High tech or low tech?

Look for a piece that transforms easily in one or two simple movements, and disappears just as simply. You don’t want to be wrangling a difficult contraption or having to seek out extra helping hands or a brains trust. If children are involved, it’s also important to choose a mechanism that is safe for adventurous little fingers. “I recommend low-tech, bi-fold formats because they deliver the easiest set-ups,” says James. “That way you don’t have to fuss with buttons levers or hinges.”

How to clean your sofa bed

Accidents are bound to happen, so removable, washable slipcovers and stain-resistant fabrics are well worth considering. Microfibre, wool and leather are all sensible choices.

How much should a sofa bed cost?

Of course, budget considerations also come into play. Think about how often the bed will be used and the genuine comfort requirements of its primary users. These factors will help determine a ballpark figure you’re prepared to spend. Naturally, you’ll pay more for construction longevity, premium fabric and bespoke size customisation.

How to style your sofa bed

So you’ve found your guest bed. Well done! What’s next? Add fresh, natural linen and pillows in both low and high profiles. Extra cushions, a mattress protector, a lamp and a side table will also ensure your guests feel welcome. A night light in the hall is also always appreciated, as is a carafe of water and glasses next to the bed.

Our top tips:

1. Style the bedside table with a jug of water and a floral touch
2. Create space to unpack or spread a blanket at the foot of the bed for five-star polish and to save your linen from soiled suitcases
3. Add cloud-like comfort with a topper or luxury bedding such as the A.H. Beard ‘Nature’s Rest Verde’ mattress topper from Domayne
4. Freshen up the room by throwing open the curtains by day and lighting a scented candle at night ahead of evening arrivals
5. Check linen supplies including towels, pillows (and pillow protectors) and blankets 

Our pick of the best sofa beds

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