When you choose a sleeper sofa, you’re getting a dual-use piece of furniture—but it’s still a sofa first. “Although sometimes a sleeper, the primary use of these pieces is typically still seating, so comfort is a must,” says Michelle Castagna, President of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), Florida Chapter. Ideally, you want your sofa to be as comfortable while watching TV as when spending a night on its mattress. And when it comes to the mattress, Castagna recommends those with air-over-coil engineering for a combination of comfort and support. “When I have clients looking for sleepers, I usually suggest this," she says. “Ease of use is also key,” Castagna notes. “The sofa frame itself should be made of kiln-dried hardwoods or furniture-grade plywood,” details that can make it easier to lift up and out. Smooth edges, a locking mechanism, and maneuverability are also signs of a quality sleeper sofa. After hours of research and at-home testing, our top pick is the Pottery Barn Cameron Roll Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa, which offers equal comfort as a couch and a sleeping spot. Durable enough for daily wear and tear, this versatile sofa is also easy to clean. Here, the best sleeper sofas for every space. With mortise-and-tenon joinery, the corner-blocked frame is strong and durable, meant to last you for years to come. When it’s time to pull out the queen-sized mattress, it’s a smooth effort: the pull-out mechanism is designed for heavy use, and a double-locking headrest and fall-away crossbar allow for customized adjustments for all-night comfort. A 5-inch-thick memory foam mattress infused with cooling gel gives you a supportive and heat-wicking sleep surface. And when it comes to comfort, our at-home tester said, “My husband had to sleep on it for 10 nights when I was sick. He usually has back pain and had no issues at all.” You can choose from dozens of different upholstery fabrics in varying shades. No matter the color or material, this sleeper sofa comes with a slipcover that’s easy to pull off when it’s time for a cleaning. While it is an expensive investment—and takes some time to ship—you can expect this dual-use couch to last. Price at time of publish: starts at $2,499 While this sleeper sofa doesn’t offer a traditional mattress, its futon-like design makes it easy to shift into a bed. A split back fold-down backrest lays flat to create a firm “bed” anywhere. When you’re using it as a couch, you can angle and adjust that backrest to your liking for a customized level of comfort, too. Levelers are included for the legs to keep the sofa stable. And setup is a breeze; the simple process takes just a few minutes. However, keep in mind that this convertible sofa does run a bit small. When folded flat, it falls between a twin and full mattress in its size; it can be slightly short for taller sleepers. Additionally, the foam material does run firm rather than plush. Price at time of publish: $369 Sized to accommodate two sleepers, this sofa converts into a roomy bed with a mattress made from high-density, high-resiliency foam. Along the top, a 1-inch ThermaGel layer works to keep you cool and wick away heat while offering solid back support. Whether used as a couch or a bed, this convertible sofa’s highly durable frame made of kiln-dried engineered hardwood and pine won’t warp or sag. The high-density foam and polyfoam cushions can also withstand plenty of wear. It’s worth noting, however, that your typical queen-size sheets won’t perfectly fit the mattress inside this sleeper sofa. Because of its unique 68 x 80 inch sizing, the mattress will require special sheets. Additionally, it’s a pricey investment piece—but it’s one that offers a whole lot of versatility, from convenient in-couch storage to a quick-converting pull-out mechanism. Price at time of publish: $7,998 Underneath the seats of this sectional sofa, you’ll also find a full-size mattress. A smooth, easy-to-operate pull-out mechanism transforms it into a bed, and the memory foam mattress conforms to sleepers’ bodies. The combination of the sofa’s kiln-dried wood frame and metal bed frame are sturdy and ready for long-term use, too. While this sectional sleeper sofa pulls out into a full-size mattress, it’s important to note that the mattress isn’t technically a true full. It runs a few inches shorter than your typical full-size mattress, and it’s thinner, too. Over time, customer reviews also mention that the upholstery can begin to pill and show spots of wear. Price at time of publish: $2,299 Constructed with a solid wood frame, this convertible sofa can support up to 400 pounds whether you’re sitting or sleeping. It’s built with durability in mind, from the high-density foam cushions to the easy-to-maintain throw pillows included. Pulling out the mattress is relatively easy, though it does require some strength. This sleeper’s mechanism allows for multi-functional positions, includes a lock for stability, and is equipped with Serta’s patented Finger Guard Protection technology to prevent injuries. Though the sofa is small, it doesn’t skimp on comfort. The couch cushions feature Serta Dream Coils wrapped in upholstery fabric, and the mattress keeps you comfortable while at rest thanks to its memory foam core. It is a firmer mattress, so you may want to add a topper if you like a softer, more cushioned feel while you sleep. Price at time of publish: $1,040 In our home testing, this sofa impressed immediately upon arrival. With supple softness, it’s comfortable to sink into when you sit on its leather-covered foam cushions. According to our tester, the buttery feel of the leather feels wonderful against the skin. The sofa is sizable, but not large enough to overpower a smaller room. And its lower 33-inch back allows it to take up less real estate. When you’re ready to convert this leather couch into a sleeping space, you’ll be supported by a metal frame with springs. The mattress offers enough room for two adults, though its weight limit is somewhat low at just 350 pounds. It’s got plenty of space, but the mattress is thinner; it stands just 5.5 inches high, which means some sleepers may want the added cushioning of a topper. While it doesn’t compare to a standard 9- to 12-inch mattress, our tester noted, “While it cannot compare to a regular 9- to 12-inch mattress, we slept reasonably well on it.” While getting the couch converted is relatively simple, moving the mattress once it’s out can be tricky, as the mattress is surprisingly heavy. Additionally, one small detail we didn’t love about the sofa itself appears in its cushions. The edges don’t perfectly line up with the seams along the back of the couch. It’s a minor design flaw, but guests likely won’t notice. Price at time of publish: $1,640 Perhaps the most exciting detail, though, is the queen-size memory foam mattress sitting underneath the sleeper’s cushions. It’s thinner than a standard memory foam mattress, but this pull-out version still offers body-hugging comfort and comfort for sleepers in any position, with decent pressure relief. While the cushions on this sleeper sofa are nicely firm and supportive upon arrival, they do tend to break in quickly and soften. Within the first year, you may find that they’ve softened significantly. Additionally, if you’re searching for a custom color or fabric option, your choices are limited here; this sofa only comes in one upholstery color and type. Price at time of publish: $1,596 In addition to its stylish appearance, this sleeper is well-built. With a sustainably-sourced, FSC-certified wood frame, it’s constructed for durability. The cushions are fiber-filled with high-resiliency polyurethane foam cores and feature high-gauge sinuous springs for extra support. To lay this futon flat, the simple click clack mechanism gets the job done fast. As an added bonus, this sleeper gives you more than a couch and bed in one; lift up the seat cushion, and you’ll find there’s hidden storage space for blankets, pillows, and more. Because this piece is a true futon and not a full sleeper sofa, keep in mind that it doesn’t offer an actual mattress. Instead, the back folds down to create a flat sleeping surface—and that surface is pretty firm, thanks to the innerspring design that offers support while you’re seated. You’ll definitely want to cover the futon with sheets to protect the velvety upholstery each time it’s used for sleep. Price at time of publish: starts at $1,299 Covered in a polyester blend fabric, this sleeper sofa is made cozy thanks to a supportive solid engineered wood frame and foam-filled cushions (which, as an added perk, are reversible for a longer lifespan). Under the seat, sinuous springs offer support for up to 500 pounds of weight. When you’re ready to convert the couch into a bed, you’ll rest atop an innerspring mattress that stands 6 inches high for a bit of extra support. With enough room for two sleepers, it’s plenty of space to welcome guests—expected or not! While this sleeper promises to unfurl a queen-size mattress, it does run a little short. At 72 inches long when extended, it’s about eight inches shorter. This means true queen sheets will run large, and taller sleepers may not have enough length. It’s also worth noting that reviewers mention the pull-out mechanism can be sticky at first. After a few uses, it should loosen up, but it does require strength initially. Price at time of publish: $1,090 With seating for up to three people, this dual-purpose sofa features 100 percent polyester upholstery and rotatable zippered cushions stuffed with Dacron wrapped foam cores. A durable hardwood and pine frame with reinforced joints can support up to 500 pounds of weight. To pull out the king mattress inside, the smooth-gliding mechanism works quickly and with ease, making it a breeze to maneuver. The mattress itself offers a comfortable, supportive night’s sleep thanks to its gel construction, which relieves pressure while cradling the body. Though the weight isn’t specified for this king sleeper sofa, reviews note that it’s very heavy; you won’t want to try to move it around on your own. As a larger sofa—one with a larger internal mattress and more framing—it’s also more expensive than other options on this list. Price at time of publish: $5,680 This sleeper sofa adjusts to three positions: upright, angled-back at 45 degrees, or flat. Underneath its tufted poly fabric in dark gray is a real mattress, one with pocketed coil innersprings and high-density foam. There’s enough room for two to sleep comfortably. Supporting the sleeper is a powder-coated hand-welded metal and mesh frame with a polished chrome base. When you’re ready to hit the hay and lay this sleeper sofa down flat, it offers up a pretty firm surface. If you’re in need of more cushioning, you may want to add a mattress topper to soften it up. Additionally, getting sheets onto this convertible sofa is a bit tricky. Queen sheets offer the closest match, but the unique 49 x 80 inch sizing makes for an imperfect fit. Price at time of publish: $1,499
Material
Comfort is key in a sleeper sofa. When it comes to the mattress inside a sleeper sofa, Castagna recommends opting for an air-over-coil for a combination of support and comfort. Spring mattresses tend to be the most common (and the most affordable), but they aren’t the most comfortable to sleep on. Memory foam mattresses are another option; they’re costly, but they’re also nicely supportive.
Mattress Size
The size of the mattress inside a sleeper sofa can range anywhere from twin to king. Just like traditional mattresses, these convertible couches can offer enough sleeping space for one or more people. If you’re searching for a sofa that’ll fit in an apartment or a small room, a twin-sized mattress may be the best fit. If you have room to spare and want your sleeper sofa to double as a full-size bed, a full, queen, or king mattress will suit your needs.
Easy-to-use Mechanism
Skip the struggle and opt for a sleeper sofa that’s a breeze to lift, pull out, and put away. An easy-to-use pull-out mechanism makes a world of difference, especially when it works smoothly, seamlessly, and without any sharp edges or challenging components. “Since you are basically just dealing with the shell of a sofa with a mechanism inserted, make sure the mechanism is a quality one,” Castagna notes. Look for details like smooth edges, easy lifting, locks, and easy-to-use pull-out components as you browse. If you’re shopping in-store, test out the sofas you’re considering to judge how smoothly their mechanisms work.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Heather Adams is a senior editor for The Spruce and researched the products in this roundup, considering the design, functionality, and comfort of various sleeper sofas and sofa beds. She considered options reviewed by our testers and researched the best sleeper options, choosing sofas that offered comfort when used for sitting or sleeping, durable construction details, and value for the cost. She also previously wrote for Clean Eating Magazine, covering food, nutrition, and wellness content, and The Drive, covering automotive, garage, and tool content. Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer and editor specializing in home improvement, textiles, and lifestyle. For insight on what to consider when shopping for a sleeper sofa, she interviewed two design experts: Decorist designer Mikayla Keating and Michelle Castagna, President of the Florida chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA). She then considered options reviewed by our testers and researched today’s best sleepers. The chosen products were ultimately comfortable for both sitting and sleeping, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and a good value for the price. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers furniture, mattresses, bedding, and decor. You can read more of her writing on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and more.
