A sleeper sofa is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can have in your home. Whether you live in a small apartment, host guests regularly, or want a functional piece for your living room, a couch bed offers both seating and a bed on demand in one compact design.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about sofa beds, pull out couches, foldable sleepers, and convertible beds, including types, pros and cons, shopping tips, and more.
What Is a Sofa Bed?
A pull out sofa is a space-saving piece of furniture that serves as both a sofa and a bed.
These sofas usually have a built-in mattress mechanism that can be pulled out or unfolded when needed. Some use folding designs to reveal a full-size mattress, while others flatten out into a sleeping surface.
Types of Sofa Beds
Here are the most common types of sofa beds:
Pull Out Sofa Bed
– Features a fold-out mattress stored inside the couch. Ideal for occasional use.
Convertible Couch
– The backrest reclines fully flat. No hidden mattress. Perfect for minimalist decor.
Split-Back Couch
– Folds flat with a ‘click-clack’ mechanism. Very easy to convert.
Corner Pull Out Couch
– A large couch with built-in sleeper in the middle or chaise lounge sofa bed area.
Compact Sleeper
– Lightweight and portable; great for dorms.
Advantages of Sleeper Sofas
Sleeper sofas are an excellent investment for several reasons:
Space-saving
Perfect for guests
Cost-effective
Stylish and practical
Comfortable for both sitting and sleeping
They are ideal for urban dwellers.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Sofa Bed
When shopping for a folding couch, pay attention to:
Dimensions
Memory foam or innerspring
How easy it is to convert
Frame material
Upholstery
Style
Don’t forget to consider both open and closed dimensions.
Which Mattress Is Best for Your Pull-Out Bed?
Your overall feel depends heavily on the mattress thickness. Options include:
Traditional coils
Memory foam mattress
Air-over-coil mattress
Prevents overheating
Choose based on guest feedback.
Where and How to Use Sleeper Sofas
Sofa beds can be used in:
Guest bedrooms
Entertainment rooms
Tiny homes
Home offices
Even playrooms can benefit from a foldable sofa bed, perfect for extra seating.
Is a Convertible Couch Worth It?
Pros:
Multifunctionality
Emergency sleep solution
Modern looks
Cons:
Can be heavy to move
Depends on quality
Investment furniture
Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Best Sofa Bed Brands in 2025
Some popular and reliable brands include:
IKEA – for budget-friendly futons and daybeds
West Elm – modern aesthetic sleeper sofas
Joybird – customizable mid-century styles
Ashley Furniture – durable and widely available models
Burrow – modular and tech-savvy sofa beds
Wayfair – wide range of folding sofas and pull outs
Always look for return policies.
Should You Buy a Pull Out Couch?
If you’re looking to maximize space, a foldable couch is a fantastic solution. It serves two purposes.
When shopping, consider your budget, and choose a model that offers the best mix of comfort, durability, and design.
From convertible sleepers to compact futons, today’s options are better than ever.