There is a debate about whether to buy a sofa bed or go for a regular sofa. The answer is that it depends on your needs and preferences.
Space is paramount when living in Singapore, primarily when you reside in a smaller HDB or BTO flat. Having space as a luxury, we need to look for creative ways we can infuse as much function into a room as we can. This includes the use of multipurpose furniture pieces like a sofa bed.
As the name suggests, this clever living room furniture mixes the look and functions of a couch and a bed. Sofa beds are popular in apartments and small spaces. But are they really comfortable? Are they worth it?
To help you weigh your choices, we will explain what a sofa bed is and how it can improve your room's function.
First, what is a sofa bed?
A sofa bed serves as a couch to sit on in the morning and can be converted into a bed at night. Some varieties are called sleeper sofas because of the presence of a mattress underneath when converted to a bed. Because it is primarily designed for seating, a sofa bed, like a futon, can only accommodate a single or super-single-sized sleeping space. Because of this compact design, a sofa bed can fit into a regular living room layout to replace a standard sofa, a guest room, or a home office.
What are the Benefits of a Sofa Bed?
Helps Overcome Space Limitations
If you have a small space, chances are you don't have much room to store an extra mattress, let alone have a dedicated room for your guests. Sofa beds come in various styles and sizes that can fit narrow areas, which means you can easily find one that can fit your limited space. When in need, this compact piece of furniture can be converted into an instant sleeping surface for guests. This reduces the living area you will waste if you buy a bed separately for your guests, especially when it is not used often.
A Versatile Furniture Option
Sofa beds are highly versatile! Whether you want a cosy seat in the morning, a sleeper at night, or you just need a more spacious area to lie on while watching your weekend movies, you can rely on the flexibility of a sofa bed. With a sofa bed, you don't need to buy a separate sofa or a single bed frame. Many sofa beds come with storage spaces for throw pillows or bedding. These storage sofa beds can also be pulled out of the sofa bed to become a chaise.
Highly Comfortable
A good sleep quality is paramount to keeping your health and overall wellness in top condition. This shall not be compromised, even if you have little available space. One thing that shoppers worry about when buying a sofa bed is how it affects their comfort. Will it feel like a sofa when slept on, or will the seat feel like a converted bed frame?
When shopping for a sofa bed, know the type of cushion to determine if it's firm enough or too soft for your liking. When choosing a mattress for a pull-out sofa bed, understand the size, material, and firmness rating that fit your sleeping needs to ensure your comfort. Since it's hard to identify the sleeping needs of your guests, you can go for the generally preferred medium-firm to firm mattresses.
Perfect for Guest Rooms
Have a separate room for guests? A sofa bed is versatile enough to turn a typical guest room into a lounging area where your guests can enjoy their stay. When it's time to sleep, a sofa bed can effortlessly be transformed into a bed. This versatility will definitely make your guests' stay more memorable.
Blends Well in Your Living Room Design
Sofa beds come in different styles and sizes. You may choose a modern futon for a spacious-looking living room or opt for a storage sofa bed to transform your living room into a more homey space. There are 2-seater sofa beds that can be transformed into a single bed, perfect for compact living room spaces, and L-shaped sofa beds that offer more storage space. If you worry about mixing and matching other living room furniture pieces with a sofa bed, you can find a sofa bed that looks seamless like a standard sofa.
Easy to Convert
Modern sofa beds have a robust framework and reliable mechanisms that make it easy for them to be converted and transported. Many sofa beds just require a little pull to be turned into a sleeper. Some just need to spread out the sofa's backrest to turn the unit into a bed. Despite this easy configuration, furniture designers and manufacturers ensure the sofa bed structure remains sturdy and stable.
Sofa Beds are Stylish
Of course, it's essential to keep your living room clean and appealing when welcoming guests. Don't worry. A sofa bed is highly stylish and can fit various interior design themes. Want a cosy traditional look? Go for an upholstered sofa bed. How about a modern and lightweight living room configuration? Choose a futon sofa. For a playful contemporary feel, opt for a coloured piece. Much like a regular sofa, a sofa bed comes in a myriad of styles.
Sofa Bed Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Sofa Bed
Answer these questions to help you choose the best sofa bed for you:
- Where will your sofa bed be?
- How will you mostly use your sofa bed?
- How much seating and sleeping area do you need?
- What interior style do you want to achieve?
Before shopping for a sofa bed, check your available space first, including the allotted space once the sofa is converted into a bed. Ultimately, your sofa bed will take up more space when converted into a bed, so it's important to take your room's footprint into consideration. You also need to consider the mechanism based on your available space. Will a fully pulled-out bed fit in your living room? If you have plenty of space for it, invest in a good sleeper sofa, to which you can add a mattress. If you're short on square footage, opt for a lighter futon.
When shopping for a sofa bed or any home furniture in general, it's nice to have a list of qualities you are looking for and find a unit that ticks all the boxes. Browse sofa beds at your favourite online furniture store to find a more flexible assortment. You can also find great deals and discounts when buying online.