3 Tips for Selecting the Right Sofa Bed or Sleeper Sofa

Incorporating a convertible sofa, sleeper or futon into your living room design is a great way to maximize space. A welcome addition to any home, they come in different styles, sizes and types of upholstery to fit well with your room size and decor. We have a few suggestions of things to consider as you shop for your new sleeper sofa, or sofa bed.

1) Think About Functionality

The obvious benefit of sleepers is that they double as a sofa and a bed. For smaller apartments, that dual function saves a significant amount of valuable floor space. If you’re using the sleeper primarily for seating, then any type of convertible sofa will work: from the modern, casual design of the Calam futon, to the sleek, sophisticated Marit queen convertible sofa. Each one brings a different vibe to your space, but both easily transition to a bed when the need arises.



If you’re using the convertible sofa primarily for sleeping, it’s important to select one that converts quickly and easily from seat to bed and back again. You’ll also want one with a high-quality, comfortable mattress like the Jonas leather sofa. The attractive upholstery stands up wonderfully to everyday use and the memory foam mattress promotes a good night’s sleep.

2) Check Your Space Constraints

This is especially true if you live in a small apartment or are working with a small room. Not all sleepers are the same size; some are designed to replace a queen bed, while others have smaller mattresses. Sleeper sofas like the Marit queen convertible sofa comfortably fit two people when fully opened as a bed. Make sure you measure with dimensions opened and closed in mind when selecting what will work best for you. For smaller rooms, a sleeper that is the size of a loveseat or chair will likely have a full or twin mattress and take up far less space.

3) Who’s Using the Sofa Bed?

This is another important question to answer before selecting your convertible sofa. If the sleeper is intended for a guest room, adults, or visitors who come for extended stays, a beautifully upholstered, larger sofa that opens to a queen sized bed with a cushy mattress is the more comfortable and appealing option.


Conversely, if this piece is intended for occasional sleepovers for the kids, for college students who just need a place to “crash” after cramming for a test or to accommodate extra guests at your vacation home, a futon or sleeper with durable upholstery that simply drops down as a bed in one swift move, may be the best choice.

Once you’ve considered our three main tips and have narrowed in on what is the best fit for your lifestyle and your home, it’s time for the fun part – heading to the Scandinavian Designs store near you or shopping online to order the perfect match for your home.