Sofa bed is a great solution when one piece of furniture needs to do two jobs: provide a comfortable place to relax during the day and turn into a bed at night. This is especially useful for people living in smaller flats, studios, or anyone who wants to make practical use of the space they have.
However, not all sofa beds are equally suitable for everyday sleeping. Some models are better for the odd overnight guest, while others are designed for frequent use and regular sleeping.
How do you choose a sofa bed that is comfortable not just for sitting, but for sleeping too? Here are the key points.
1. Is every sofa bed suitable for daily sleeping?
Short answer: no.
Although many sofas have a sleeping function, that does not automatically mean they will be comfortable every night. Their construction, fillings, sleeping surface and folding mechanisms all differ.
If the sofa will only be used occasionally, for example to accommodate guests, you can place more emphasis on design and sitting comfort.
But if you plan to sleep on it every day, the most important things to assess are:
- The flatness and support of the sleeping surface.
- The width and length of the sleeping area.
- The filling of the seating and sleeping sections.
- How easy the folding mechanism is to use.
- The stability and durability of the frame.
Tip: when choosing a sofa bed for daily sleeping, first judge it as a bed, and only then as a living room feature.
2. What size sleeping area should you choose?
One of the most important criteria is the actual size of the sleeping section.
Bear in mind that the sofa’s overall width and the width of its sleeping area are not the same thing. A sofa may look spacious, yet when unfolded the sleeping space can be much narrower.
Approximate recommendations:
| Sleeping area width | Suitable for? |
|---|---|
| 80–100 cm | One person, if comfort and length are enough |
| 120 cm | A roomier sleep for one person, or for two if a slightly tighter fit is acceptable |
| 140 cm | Two people, when saving space matters |
| 160 cm and more | Two people who want more room |
These are general guidelines – comfort depends on height, build and sleeping habits.
Don’t forget to check the length of the sleeping area too. For taller people, a 190 cm sleeping surface may be too short.
Tip: before buying, look not only at the sofa dimensions, but also at the separately stated length and width of the sleeping area.
3. Pay attention to the sleeping base
For everyday sleeping comfort, the surface you lie on makes a big difference.
Sofa beds may use different constructions: foam fillings, spring systems, or a combination of both.
Polyurethane foam
Often used in upholstered furniture. How comfortable it is depends on density, elasticity, thickness and the overall construction. The foam name alone does not tell you whether the sofa will be suitable for daily sleeping.
Spring bases
Some models use Bonell, zigzag or other springs. They can provide support and bounce, but the comfort layer above them is also important.
Continuity of the sleeping surface
If the sofa unfolds in several sections, make sure there are no major height differences or noticeable gaps between them.
Key point: there is no single universal construction that is best for everyone. When choosing for daily sleeping, it’s important to assess the whole sleeping surface, not just one material.
4. The folding mechanism – important for everyday convenience
If you need to unfold the sofa every evening and fold it away every morning, the mechanism’s ease of use becomes especially important.
Various solutions are used on the market, such as Eurobook, DL, Dolphin and other mechanisms.
They differ in how they transform, how much free space is needed, the construction and the overall feel in use.
Before buying, pay attention to:
- Does the sofa unfold without much effort?
- Do you need to move other furniture every time?
- Is the mechanism designed for frequent use?
- Does the unfolded structure stay stable?
- Is the sleeping surface sufficiently flat once unfolded?
Tip: if possible, watch a video of the specific model’s folding process. It will help you judge how the sofa works in everyday use.
5. A sofa bed with bedding storage box – a practical choice
If you live in a small flat, extra storage for belongings can be a real advantage.
A sofa bed with a bedding storage box lets you store:
- Duvets and pillows.
- Bedding sets.
- Extra throws.
- Other textile items.
That means you don’t need a separate wardrobe just for bedroom essentials.
However, before buying, check whether the box is spacious enough and easy to access. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for storing and airing bedding.
6. Which fabric should you choose for a sofa bed used every day?
When a sofa is used for both sitting and sleeping, its fabric gets more daily contact and wear.
That’s why it’s best to choose a fabric that is:
- Pleasant to the touch.
- Reasonably resistant to abrasion.
- Easy to care for.
- Suitable for heavier use.
- In keeping with your home interior.
When choosing, it is worth paying attention to the fabric specifications given by the manufacturer, such as abrasion resistance, pilling resistance and cleaning advice.
If you have small children or pets at home, a practical, easier-care fabric becomes even more important.
Tip: softer textured fabrics can feel cosy, but it’s important that their care matches your everyday routine.
7. Which sofa bed is best for a small room?
In a small flat, a sofa bed can serve as both a living room and bedroom piece of furniture.
But it’s important to consider more than just its dimensions when folded.
Before buying, check:
- The sofa’s overall width and depth.
- How much space it will take up when unfolded.
- Whether there will still be a comfortable walkway.
- Whether you’ll need to move a table when unfolding it.
- Whether the sofa will fit through doors and stairwell access during delivery.
Smaller spaces often suit compact models, but you should not sacrifice sleeping comfort just to save a few centimetres.
8. What can you choose from the Jaukisofa.lt range?
When looking for a sofa bed, it’s worth comparing several models with different sizes and constructions. Here are three examples from the Jaukisofa.lt range.
Sofa bed Neo 101
A compact model, suitable for smaller spaces.
- Sleeping area: 198 × 120 cm.
- Eurobook folding system.
- Integrated bedding storage box.
- Different fabrics and colours available.
Who is it worth considering for? One person or a small space, when saving room matters.
Sofa bed Piano 101
A wider sofa bed with extra sleeping space.
- Sleeping area: 145 × 200 cm.
- Seating section with T30 foam and zigzag springs.
- Integrated bedding storage box.
- Modern, versatile design.
Who is it worth considering for? Those looking for a roomier sleeping area, when the sofa is used for both relaxing and sleeping.
Sofa bed Mono 101
A roomier model with distinctive fabric and a larger sleeping surface.
- Sleeping area: 205 × 147 cm.
- In the seating section – zigzag (“Zig Zag”) springs.
- Integrated bedding storage box.
- Several colour options available.
Who is it worth considering for? Those looking for a larger sofa bed for a living room or a versatile living space.
Important: final suitability for everyday sleeping depends on personal comfort and the specific model’s construction, not just on the dimensions.
Common mistakes when choosing a sofa bed
Before ordering, avoid these mistakes:
- Choosing based only on the sofa’s appearance.
- Not checking the true sleeping area dimensions.
- Ignoring the flatness of the sleeping surface.
- Not looking into the folding mechanism.
- Not measuring the space for the unfolded sofa.
- Not checking the fabric care instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sleep on a sofa bed every day?
Yes, if the model’s construction, sleeping surface and dimensions suit your needs. It’s important to choose a model designed for frequent use.
Can a sofa bed replace a standard bed?
In some cases, yes, especially in a smaller flat. But it’s important to consider sleeping comfort and whether the sofa provides the support you need every night.
What width sofa bed is suitable for two people?
It is often worth starting with a sleeping area of about 140 cm wide, but a 160 cm or wider surface will provide more room. It’s an individual choice.
Is it worth choosing a sofa bed with a bedding storage box?
Yes, especially if you are short of storage space at home. A bedding storage box helps you make better use of a small living area.
Which sofa bed mechanism is best?
There is no single best mechanism. For everyday use, the most important thing is that the specific model’s mechanism is comfortable, stable and suitable for frequent unfolding.
In conclusion: what matters most?
A sofa bed for everyday sleeping needs to combine two qualities – comfortable daytime relaxing and a proper sleeping area at night.
When choosing, first assess the size of the sleeping surface, the construction, the mechanism and the comfort. A well-chosen sofa bed can help save space at home and add more functionality to everyday life.
Looking for a practical sofa bed for your home? Browse Jaukisofa.lt’s range of sofas, compare model sizes, fabrics and features, and choose the furniture best suited to your needs.
