The sleeper sofa is the most durable piece of furniture. They are far more durable than the ones from years ago. We’ve come a long way from those outdated options. Now there are many high-quality pieces on the market that look so stylish you wouldn’t know they’re dual-functional.
Thomas Trust, an interior designer based in Chicago, says, “I think a great sofa sleeper has the same qualities as a regular sofa but with the surprise element that a sleeper inside.”
For decades, homeowners have turned to sleeper sofas because of the limited space and ability to host guests. Benjamin Reynaert from Interior Define says, “A versatile piece like this allows you to host family and friends. This is especially important in a shoebox NYC apartment.” My tiny spare bedroom doubles as a cozy den and a place to crash for guests from out of town. Sleeper sofa accommodations are the best because they say, “Stay the weekend but not more than that!”
You should keep these things in mind when shopping for a sleeper couch. First up: Mattress quality. Annie Kersey is the lead interior designer at Purple Cherry Architects. She says that no one wants to sleep on a thin mattress that feels like springs and rods all night. We look for sofas that have a thick, comfortable mattress that can be rolled into a beautiful frame. Heather Goerzen, Havenly design editor, says, “Read the reviews about the mattress.” It’s even better if you can actually test it.
Next up: Style. Today’s sleepers are not only stylish, but also highly customizable, with a wide range of fabrics, feet and piping options. Maggie Gienger, Arhaus’ director of interior design, says that this is not your grandmother’s sleeper sofa. “Elevated designs like turned legs, sleek arms, and tufted seats have helped to transform the sleeper sofa into something that looks great in any space.
Finally, ensure that the sofa is comfortable. It’s a bed at night, but sleepers are a couch during the day. You’ll want to use it for seating. Trust says that the number one rule is that it must be as comfortable to sit on as it should be to sleep on.
We asked home and design professionals to help you choose the right sleeper sofa. You can find all of them below.
Edloe Finch Ashbury Sofa Sleeper
$1380 $989 at Edloe Finch
BIPOC-owned, female-founded EdloeFinch is a DTC furniture company that produces stylish, affordable, and durable furnishings. This is why we are long-standing fans. Jessica Smith, a home designer and interior stylist, is also a fan of the brand’s mid century modern sleeper, which folds flat futon-style. CNN Underscored: “The Ashbury is our main seating in the TV room, which makes a great addition to our guest rooms when my family visits! It’s a piece that we use every day. The trendy green velvet is fashionable and durable. It has been able to withstand the abuse of all three cats. The 86-inch sofa is available in olive velvet or gray linen fabric. It has high-density foam cushions which provide a comfortable and supportive place to rest.
Interior Define Skylar Sofa Sleeper
Interior Define: $2,545
Interior Define is all about customization. You can choose from over 100 fabrics and also the type of cushion you want between seat cushions or bench cushions. Trust says that the Skylar is a casual, pillowy look that will appeal to anyone who loves it. It can be customized in tons of colors, and the removable cushions can be used as pillows once the mattress is pulled out. This makes it easy to style. Reynaert says that the Skylar Sleeper Sofa is comfortable and relaxing. This sofa would look great paired with a large coffee table to allow for everyone to have their own space, books, and snacks. This sofa is a great choice for small spaces, as it measures 78 inches in width and 37.25 inches deep.
Arhaus Ashby Luxury Sleeper Sofa
Arhaus $9,999 $6999
We understand if you feel a little bit of sticker shock when you see this one. But, with Arhaus, you get what you pay for. The Ashby is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, paired with high-end design, and plenty of comfort. Trust says that the slope arm is both trendy and timeless. It’s beautiful and extremely comfortable. It looks like a shelter mattress when it’s pulled out as a bed. It’s the perfect blend of form and function. “Adds Gienger. “The Ashby is easy to open and close thanks to a pull-out mechanism. It also features a patented sleep system without springs or bars for flexible comfort. It can be styled in any room and has the look and feel a high-end sofa with the comfort of a comfortable bed. The sofa is available in four sizes (72 to 108 inches wide) and is made of the creamy performance fabric, which is stain-, smell-, and moisture-resistant. You don’t need those sloped arms anymore. Arhaus offers the equally luxurious Remington Sleeper Sofa.
Anthropologie Denver Trundle Sleeper Sofa
Anthropologie starting at $2,698
Pretty pink furniture is a hot trend (hello Barbiecore! This Anthropologie trundle bed is a standout piece, and it’s why this trundle sleeping bag from Anthropologie is so popular. Goerzen says that sleeper sofas are becoming a popular choice for home brands. They are stylish statement pieces that can make the most of your space. This trundle sofa bed is relaxed and refined. It features a single bench, sink into me cushions, and lounge-worthy depth. It’s a mix of boho and Cali cool with effortless style. The 86-inch-wide Denver sofa is available in a variety of colors, in velvet and linen fabrics, and has a pull-out Trundle that can be pulled out to extend to 69 inches in depth. It can take up to six months for the Denver to arrive.
Lulu & Georgia Coniston Linen Sleeper Sofa
$5,998 at Lulu & Georgia
This simple, chic sleeper is a Ginny Macdonald creation for Georgia & Lulu. Havenly designer Goerzen cannot get enough of it. She said that while I love pretty things just for their beauty, great design often combines form and function. The Coniston is classic chic and timeless. The Coniston is a classic and elegant sofa. I love the sloping arms, rich, sultry toned green, and the wood detail at its base. The sofa is available in two widths: 73-inch (queen) or 89-inch (sofa). It comes in three linen fabrics. This sofa combines Macdonald’s English heritage with her easy-going California style.
Joybird Eliot Twin Sleeper
Joybird – $2,184
This 51-inch-wide twin sleeper chair, which is 51 inches wide, is perfect for small spaces. It’s small enough for you to fit it in a corner of your room, but big enough for two. We love the versatility of the design and the five-inch thick memory foam mattress. Trixie Motel designer Dani Dazey says, “I have two Joybird sleeper sofas and I swear by them.” As an interior designer, it is important to find pieces that are both practical and beautiful. It’s a great place to sleep in. We have one in our guest bedroom. One of our Airbnb’s has seen hundreds of guests over the past four-and-a half years. It still feels brand new. You can also choose the fabrics to match your space. This is a must-have for me.
Ballard Baldwin Queen Upholstered Sleeper
Ballard Designs: Starting at $3,799
The Baldwin Upholstered sofa by Ballard is a bestseller thanks to its traditional charm and tailored details, such as a classic rolled arm design and kick-pleat skirt. The seat measures 42 inches deep. Baldwin’s downy cushions make entertaining and movie nights easy. The queen-sized innerspring mattress is 5.5 inches thick, which will ensure that overnight guests sleep well. You can also get it in a slipcovered option.
EQ3 Reva Sleeper Sofa
EQ3 starting at $3,499
The Reva by EQ3 is a solid choice if you are looking for customization. The 86-inch sofa is customizable with a choice of standard or narrow arm widths, a double- or queen-sized mattress, three leg stain options and dozens if fabric options. Trust says, “I have this sofa as a guest room/office and it’s super functional. It’s also very comfortable for sleeping and is a great sofa.” It’s available in many different fabrics to suit any design style.
West Elm Shelter 85 Inch Sleeper Sofa
West Elm: Starting at $2,499
Need your sleeper ASAP? West Elm has your back. Shelter can be delivered in just a few weeks if you order the “quick ship graphite yarn dyed line weave fabric”. This sleeper sofa is a favorite of Goerzen. It has a soft, luxurious seat and the interior queen-sized mattress, which is gel-and-memory foam-infused. Goerzen says, “This sleeper sofa has been my recommendation for more luxurious and dramatic spaces.” “I love the modern lines and the beautiful blue velvet fabric. For a modern look, I would pair it up with chic pillows in black and white as well as some shearling. You can choose from more 75 fabrics if you are willing to wait a little longer for the couch. FYI, the mattress is a bit smaller than standard sizing.
Castlery Nathan Velvet sofa
$799 at Castlery
Castlery, a couch-in-a box brand, is the purveyor many beautiful furnishing items — from leather sectionals and sleek coffee tables — so it’s not surprising that they’re a great choice for a sleeper. Surprisingly, though, is the extremely affordable price. It will arrive in just a few short weeks. The 82-inch sofa is available in navy velvet or teal. It can be assembled in 30 minutes and seats three. It has ultra-firm foam cushions, folds flat to 76 inches. The tufted sofa is sleek and stylish, and will be a focal point wherever it goes.
Pottery Barn Celeste Upholstered Trundle Sofa
Pottery Barn: Starting at $1,399
Compact and sleek, trundle beds take up less space than traditional mattresses. The Celeste’s 86-inch width is available in more than 30 fabric options. Goerzen says, “This sleeper sofa embodies timeless elegance.” It’s a worthy investment that will always be in style with its single bench and subtle sculptural arms. Each soft is handmade and can take up to 17 weeks for delivery.
Pottery Barn Buchanan Square Arm Upholstered sofa
Pottery Barn: Starting at $1,899
The Buchannan is crisp, clean, and fancy enough for cocktail party seating. It has a queen-sized, 5-inch thick gel mattress and measures only 83 inches in width and 39 inches depth. It is ideal for small spaces and comes in dozens if fabrics, including quick ship charcoal chenille, which can be delivered in as little as one to five weeks.
Arhaus Pavo Trundle Sleeper Sofa
$6,499 $4.499 at Arhaus
Pavo will prove to you that trundle-sleepers are chic if you had any doubts. Trust’s 93-inch sofa is full of angular curves, and a stylish greige performance material. This sofa is not only stylish, but it is also functional. It has a trundle-style pullout that is great for saving space if you don’t have enough room to pull out a full-size mattress. (It’s a queen mattress so it’s still full size!) Gienger says that the Pavo Trundle Sleeper Sofa has a soft, luxurious feel, but is durable enough to withstand daily use. This sleeper sofa is a modern addition to any room. Its casual design and plush, generously padded upholstery make it a stylish addition to any space.
Interior Define Sloan Sleeper Sofa
Interior Define: $2,245
The Sloan sofa can be customized in the same way as Skylar. There are 100+ fabric options. The sofa is small in size, Skylar measures 86 inches wide by 36 inches deep. It is equally elegant and comfortable. Reynaert says that the Sloan Sleeper Sofa’s classic track arm is wide enough to sit on at a party, or balance a bowl full of popcorn for movie night. I would customize this piece with deep marigold velvet and custom walnut legs, and add bold patterned accent pillows.
Macy’s Radley 86 Inch Fabric Queen Sleeper Sofa Bed
Macy’s: $2,149