Sofa Beds: Practical Picks to Optimise Your Space

By our product experts

Living in a small apartment or studio often comes with a major challenge: how do you balance a comfortable living room for daily life with the ability to host friends and family overnight? The sofa bed is the perfect solution. Practical, multifunctional, and increasingly stylish, it transforms a living space into a guest room in just a few simple steps.

Faced with an overwhelming number of options, choosing the right model can quickly become a headache. This guide is here to help you see things more clearly by breaking down the key criteria and presenting a selection of models that caught our eye. Our goal: to help you make the right choice, cutting through the marketing jargon.

How to Choose the Right Sofa Bed?

Before you dive in, review these key points. They are essential to ensure you won't regret your purchase.

1. The Opening Mechanism: Practicality First

The opening system is a fundamental criterion, especially if you plan to use it often. There are several main types of mechanisms:

• The Click-Clack: The most well-known. The backrest folds back to align with the seat. Simple and often budget-friendly, it requires you to move the sofa away from the wall to unfold it.
• The BZ Sofa Bed: The most compact. The mattress is folded into three sections, like an accordion (hence the "Z" shape). This system is perfect for a small sofa bed, but you might feel the folds in the mattress.
• The Pull-Out (or Drawer) Style: The simplest. A section of the bed pulls out from under the seat. This is a very common system for convertible corner sofas.
• The "Rapido" System: The most practical. It allows you to unfold the bed without removing the seat cushions. This is the ideal mechanism for daily use, but also the most expensive.

2. Dimensions: Measure Twice, Buy Once

This is the classic rookie mistake: underestimating the space the sofa takes up once unfolded. Before you pull out your credit card, grab your tape measure and measure precisely:

1. The space available for the sofa in "day" mode (closed).
2. The total space needed for the sofa bed in "night" mode (open), making sure to leave comfortable walking space around it.

Also, think about access points: the width of doors, hallways, stairwells... A 3-seater sofa can quickly become a delivery nightmare in an old building.

3. The Mattress Type: Occasional or Daily Use?

The quality of the mattress will depend directly on how often you'll use it. You wouldn't choose the same mattress for friends staying over a few nights as you would for your everyday bed.

• Occasional Use: For hosting guests a few nights a year, a polyether foam mattress that's 8 to 12 cm thick will do the job.
• Regular or Daily Use: If the sofa for a studio will serve as your main bed, mattress quality is non-negotiable. It's essential to opt for a high-resilience polyurethane foam (density over 35 kg/m?) or latex, with a thickness of at least 14 cm for proper comfort.

Our Sofa Bed Recommendations

We've scoured the market to bring you three models that meet different needs and budgets.

1. Ochama L-Shaped Convertible Corner Sofa

• What sets it apart: Its modularity and XXL comfort. At 272 cm wide, this large sofa is a true invitation to gather. Its structure allows you to place the chaise on either the left or right side. It transforms into a guest bed in the blink of an eye, making it an all-in-one solution for the living room.

• Advantages:

  • Modularity: Adapts to your room's layout.
  • Extra-Deep Seating: With a 60 cm depth, it's extremely comfortable for relaxing.
  • Corduroy Fabric: Soft, breathable, and elegant.
  • No Assembly Required: It arrives fully assembled, ready to use.
  • High-Density Foam: Ensures lasting support and resists sagging.

• Who is it for?: Perfect for families or those lucky enough to have a large living room and who love to entertain. It's the ideal choice if you're looking for a convertible corner sofa that doesn't sacrifice everyday seating comfort.

2. URBAN MEUBLE "Lazy Sofa" Convertible Pouf

• What sets it apart: Its 100% foam concept, with no rigid frame. No more squeaking or uncomfortable pressure points! Made entirely of high-elasticity foam, this low-profile, relaxed pouf-sofa is as unique as it is comfortable.

• Advantages:

  • Ergonomic Design: The low seat and slightly inclined backrest provide good back support.
  • 100% Foam Structure: Conforms to your body shape without losing its form.
  • Premium Chenille Fabric: Very soft, durable, and easy to clean, it's also pet-friendly.
  • Non-Slip Base: Ensures excellent grip on the floor without scratching hardwood.
  • Ready to Use: Delivered compressed, just unbox it and it will expand to its full shape.

• Who is it for?: The perfect solution for a student's studio, a playroom, or a home office corner. It's a guest bed with a youthful, casual vibe that's all about simplicity and comfort.

3. COMHOMA 3-Seater Sofa Bed

• What sets it apart: Its versatility and clever design. This 3-seater sofa uses the click-clack principle but with an extra trick up its sleeve: its backrest is split into two parts, each independently adjustable to 5 positions.

• Advantages:

  • Adjustable Backrest: Allows you to easily transform the sofa into a chaise lounge or a flat bed.
  • Soft Materials: The cotton velvet upholstery is pleasant to the touch.
  • Reinforced Stability: Equipped with extra metal legs that fold out for better security in bed mode.
  • Simple Assembly: Tools are included and assembly is quick.
  • Compact Dimensions: At 174 cm wide, it fits well in small spaces.

• Who is it for?: The smart choice for studios, small apartments, or offices. Its great flexibility makes it an excellent occasional sofa bed that combines functionality with a clean style.

Still Haven't Found What You're Looking For?

Our selection is just a starting point. Your interior is unique, and so are your needs. If these models aren't exactly what you're looking for, don't worry: there is a multitude of other formats, styles, and mechanisms out there.

? Explore our entire collection of sofa beds to find that hidden gem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between a click-clack, a BZ, and a convertible sofa?

A click-clack unfolds parallel to the wall (by folding the backrest down). A BZ sofa bed unfolds perpendicularly, like an accordion. The term convertible sofa is more generic: it includes all sofas that transform into a bed, including more advanced systems like pull-out or "Rapido" mechanisms, which conceal a real, separate mattress.

How do I choose a sofa bed for daily use?

For everyday use, the mattress is the number one criterion. Aim for a thickness of at least 14 cm and a high-resilience foam (density over 35 kg/m?) or latex. The bed base also matters: opt for a slatted base, which is much more durable and comfortable than a webbed one. "Rapido"-style mechanisms are generally the most recommended because they completely separate the seating from the sleeping surface.

What size sofa for a studio apartment?

In a studio, every square centimetre counts. A small 2-seater sofa bed or a BZ sofa bed are often the best options due to their small footprint. Remember to measure the total space once the bed is unfolded to ensure you can still move around. A model with built-in storage under the seat is a valuable bonus for stashing away duvets and pillows.