Best Sofa Beds in the UK – 2026 Buying Guide
A great sofa bed does two jobs well: it's a comfortable sofa for everyday use, and a proper bed when guests arrive. The best ones make switching between the two effortless. The worst ones are uncomfortable in both modes and frustrating to convert.
This guide cuts through the noise so you can find the right sofa bed for your home, budget and lifestyle.
Types of Sofa Bed
Not all sofa beds are built the same. Understanding the main types helps you narrow down your options quickly.
1. Pull-Out Sofa Bed
The most common type. A fold-out metal frame with a mattress is stored beneath the seat cushions and pulled out to create a bed. Available in single, double and king sizes. Comfort depends heavily on mattress quality — look for pocket sprung over foam for regular guest use.
2. Click-Clack Sofa Bed
The backrest folds down flat to create a sleeping surface. Simple, affordable and quick to convert — but the sleeping surface is thinner and better suited to occasional use only.
3. Corner Sofa Bed
An L-shaped sofa with a built-in bed mechanism, usually in the chaise section. Offers the most seating and often includes storage. Ideal for larger living rooms. Browse our corner sofa beds or read our dedicated corner sofa bed buying guide.
4. Futon
A traditional Japanese-inspired design where the whole sofa folds flat. Minimal and space-efficient, but less comfortable for sleeping than a pull-out with a proper mattress.
What to Look for When Buying a Sofa Bed
Mattress Quality
This is the single most important factor for sleeping comfort. The hierarchy from best to most basic:
- Pocket sprung — individual springs that contour to the body; best for regular use
- Open coil sprung — good support, more affordable than pocket sprung
- Memory foam — comfortable but can retain heat; good for occasional use
- Standard foam — fine for very occasional guests; not recommended for regular use
Ease of Conversion
Test (or check reviews for) how easy the sofa is to convert. A mechanism that requires two people or significant effort will quickly become a source of frustration. Read our full guide: Choosing the Right Sofa Bed Mechanism.
Size
Sofa beds are available in:
- Single (90 cm wide) — suits one adult or a child
- Small double (120 cm) — comfortable for one, tight for two
- Double (135–140 cm) — the most popular size for guest use
- King (150–160 cm) — best comfort for two adults
Always check the open dimensions, not just the sofa dimensions, and make sure you have enough floor space.
Fabric
The same considerations apply as for any sofa — fabric for warmth and variety, leather or faux leather for easy cleaning. See our fabric vs leather guide for a full breakdown.
Frame & Build Quality
A solid hardwood or steel frame will outlast a softwood or MDF one. Check the weight limit of the bed mechanism — most quality models support 120–150 kg per sleeping position.
How Much Should You Spend?
- Under £500 — entry-level; foam mattress, basic mechanism; fine for very occasional use
- £500–£900 — better build quality, improved mattress comfort, more fabric choices
- £900–£1,500 — pocket sprung mattresses, solid frames, wider size range
- £1,500+ — premium materials, designer styles, king-size options, longer warranties
If guests will sleep on it more than a few times a year, it's worth investing in the £900+ tier for a proper mattress.
Sofa Bed vs Corner Sofa Bed: Which Is Right for You?
If you have the space, a corner sofa bed offers more seating, built-in storage, and a larger sleeping surface. If space is tight or you're furnishing a smaller room, a regular sofa bed is the smarter choice.
Read our full comparison: Corner Sofa Bed vs Regular Sofa Bed.
Shop Sofa Beds at Msofas
Browse our full range of sofa beds and corner sofa beds, available in a wide range of sizes, fabrics and price points with UK delivery.
