Sofa Beds

For sleeping and relaxing: This is what makes sofa beds so special

A cozy sofa to relax in during the day and a comfortable bed to sleep in in the evening – a sofa bed combines two functions in one piece of furniture. In just a few simple steps you can pull out the couch, fold it out or convert it and turn it into a place to sleep. While there is usually no space to sleep on a simple sofa and you don’t have soft backrests for relaxing on a bed , the sofa bed combines both advantages.

Since the piece of furniture fulfills two tasks at the same time, it is very suitable for small apartments where you do not have space for two separate pieces of sleeping and seating furniture. This means you can make good use of the limited space without sacrificing comfort. Sofa beds are also a good way to offer your guests a comfortable place to sleep. They therefore find their place not only in the living room, but often also in the study, guest room or teenager’s room.

To fold out or take off? Sofa beds are so diverse

How can a sofa be transformed into a comfortable bed and what are the advantages of each variant? Often it doesn’t take much effort to convert the seating into a sleeping piece of furniture. Here you can get an overview of the different models there are.

Fold-out sofa beds

There are different conversion options for folding sofas. The most common method is to fold back the backrest. This means the lying area is significantly wider. You can often fold down the side armrests to create a straight lying surface that is ideal as a single bed. The advantage of these models is that they are easy to use. This means they fit well if you use the sleep function regularly.

Pull-out sofa beds

With some pull-out sofas you can pull the seat forward with one hand and the backrest will automatically lower. In models with a substructure, the extension can be pulled out from below. Using a special mechanism, the additional surface is raised to the same level as the seat, creating a flat level for sleeping. There are also sofa beds in which the mattress consists of a thick, accordion-folded cushion that unfolds when pulled out.

Sofa beds with bed storage

Sofa beds with integrated bed boxes under the seating and lying area provide additional storage space. You can store pillows or bedding here during the day when you are not using the bed function . This quickly creates a tidy impression when you get up.

Sofa beds with or without slatted frames

In addition to the different conversion options, there are also differences in the equipment. In models where you can extend the seat, you will often find a complete bed frame with a full-length mattress and supportive slatted frame. If you want to use the sofa bed regularly as a place to sleep, this variant is well suited. The slatted frame ensures that the mattress is well ventilated as the air can circulate freely. This creates a good sleeping environment.

Tip: If you only occasionally use the sofa bed as a guest bed, a model without an integrated slatted frame is often sufficient.

Buying a sofa bed: This is what you should pay attention to

When buying a sofa bed, there are various criteria that play an important role in the decision. In addition to different materials and types of upholstery, you should also pay attention to the right size. Here is an overview of the purchasing criteria.

Leather or fabric? These materials are available to choose from

The upper material depends on your personal taste. Basically you have the choice between fabric and real or artificial leather. Leather and imitation leather have a pleasantly smooth surface, imitation leather is washable and therefore easy to clean.

Cotton and microfiber are very popular for fabric coverings. Cotton is particularly skin-friendly and therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers. Cotton covers are great for families with children as they are very robust and hard-wearing. Stains can also be easily removed. Microfiber is just as durable and insensitive and feels particularly comfortable on the skin.

Spring core or cold foam? These types of upholstery exist

Since you not only sit relaxed on a sofa bed, but also take a nap, it should be particularly comfortable and cozy. The key to this is the padding inside. You can choose between models with a spring or cold foam core. Cold foam padding adapts ergonomically to the contours of your body and thus supports your body. It also offers a high level of thermal insulation and keeps you pleasantly warm in winter.

A cushion with a spring core has good ventilation, ideal for people who sweat easily. A spring core is particularly advantageous if you want to use the sofa bed every day. Thanks to the integrated springs, it offers your spine secure support when lying down and provides the necessary relief when sleeping.

Big or small? Note the dimensions

Before you decide on a sofa bed, you should measure the place where the piece of furniture will stand. Also make sure that a sofa bed needs more space when unfolded or pulled out. The so-called bed size is therefore larger than the sofa size. You should also make sure that the sofa has a comfortable seat height so that you can sit on it relaxed during the day – approximately between 43 and 45 cm.

From modern to rustic: the right sofa for your living style

Depending on how you have furnished your four walls, you can adapt your sofa bed to your personal furnishing style. Here are some inspirations for modern, country house and Scandi living styles.

Modern living style: minimalist and straightforward

Do you love the modern furnishing style with its minimalist and straightforward design? Then a simple sofa bed in grey, black or light beige goes well with it. A leather model with chrome-plated feet goes well with the elegant style and underlines a cool ambience. Combine your sofa bed with a glass table and a soft shag carpet . A stylish side lamp in a chrome look looks great with it.

Scandi style: functional and reduced

Is your apartment functionally furnished and characterized by light furniture and light colors? Then you can combine it with a sofa bed with a delicate wooden frame . The light woods look homely and go well with gray upholstery with decorative quilting on the backrest. Place some throw pillows with graphic patterns in light blue and beige on the couch to add some color. A rocking chair made of light wood and a fur rug also harmonize with the Scandi style.

Country house living style: rustic and natural

A sofa bed with robust side wooden elements on the armrests and a checked pattern on the cover fits in with the cozy and rustic country house furnishing style . If you prefer something subtle, you can also choose a model in natural colors such as brown or beige. Simply decorate the sofa with a colorfully patterned patchwork blanket and combine it with a natural wooden side table that you can use as a bedside table at night. The style looks harmonious when the curtains and curtains on the window match the color of the couch.

Tips for the care and use of sofa beds

To ensure that your new sofa bed continues to look good even after a long time, you should care for and clean it regularly. There are also some tips that you should keep in mind when using it. Here you will find some tips.

1. For cleaning, you should take a look at the manufacturer’s information. You can find more information about proper care here .
2. Vacuum the sofa bed regularly to remove crumbs and dust. Use a handheld vacuum cleaner or set your vacuum cleaner to the lowest setting and select the upholstery attachment.
3. You can regularly spray a sofa bed with leather upholstery with waterproofing spray to protect it from dirt and moisture.
4. You should quickly dab fresh stains on fabric upholstery with an absorbent cloth and do not rub or press firmly. If the stains have already set in, a little detergent and water will help.
5. You can clean a leather sofa with a little distilled water and soap dissolved in it . However, this only applies to small stains.
6. Always use sofa protector or sofa covers to save your sofa from dust and stains.
7. If you use the couch’s bed function every day, you should air out the mattress before folding it in the morning. This allows the moisture created during the night to dry out.

Conclusion: A sofa bed saves space and offers a lot of comfort

With a sofa bed you have the opportunity to combine a bed with a sofa to save space. It is suitable as a guest bed and even as a practical alternative to a daily sleeping space. Read the important information summarized here again:

• You can easily and quickly convert sofa beds into a comfortable place to sleep. There are models that can be pulled out or folded out.
• Sofa beds are particularly suitable for teenagers’ and guest rooms  as an additional place to sleep, as well as in small one-room apartments as an alternative to a separate bed and couch.
• Models with an integrated slatted frame offer a lot of comfort and are suitable for long-term sleepers. For occasional overnight guests, sofas without slatted frames are sufficient.
• Sofa beds with robust leather covers go well with modern furnishings, while fabric covers in a checked pattern go well with rustic country house living styles.