Sofa Bed Guide: Types, Benefits and How to Choose the Right One

Sofa Bed Guide: Types, Benefits and How to Choose the Right One

A sofa bed is one of the most practical pieces of furniture you can own — it combines two of the most used items in a home (a sofa and a bed) into a single piece, providing sleeping accommodation without sacrificing the everyday living room sofa experience. Whether you frequently host overnight guests, live in a smaller flat where a dedicated guest bedroom isn't possible, or simply want the option to create an occasional bed without committing to a spare room, a sofa bed is an excellent solution. This guide covers the main types of sofa beds, their pros and cons, and what to consider when choosing one.

The Pull-Out Sofa Bed (with Mechanism)

The most common type of sofa bed in Europe is the pull-out or fold-out mechanism. The sofa seat slides or folds forward to reveal a mattress stored beneath. The primary advantage of this type is that the sleeping surface is a proper flat mattress — typically 10–15cm deep — which provides comfortable sleeping support for most adults. The mechanism is usually very simple to operate: pull the seat forward, unfold the front section, and the mattress lies flat. When guests leave, reverse the process and the sofa returns to its normal seated configuration. The Riva and Torino sofas in the Furni range both feature pull-out sleeping mechanisms.

The Click-Clack Sofa Bed

Click-clack sofa beds work by reclining the back of the sofa. The back clicks into different positions — typically upright (sofa mode), reclined (lounging mode), and flat (bed mode). They are generally more compact than pull-out sofas and better suited to smaller spaces. The sleeping surface in click-clack models is the sofa seat and back combined when flat — typically narrower than a proper double bed but adequate for one adult or two children.

Choosing the Right Sofa Bed: Key Questions

How often will it be used as a bed? If guests stay frequently (monthly or more), invest in a pull-out model with a proper mattress — comfort matters for regular use. If it's occasional (a few times per year), a click-clack model may be sufficient. How many people will sleep on it? A pull-out mechanism typically provides a double (140cm) sleeping width; a click-clack typically sleeps one adult comfortably. What is the room size? Pull-out sofas require clearance in front of the sofa for the mechanism to extend — usually 1.8–2.5 metres of floor space. Click-clack models recline backward and need less front clearance.

Storage Consideration: Built-In Bedding Space

Many sofa beds — including the Riva and Torino in the Furni range — include under-seat storage for bedding. This is a significant practical advantage: you can keep the guest duvet and pillows directly under the sofa, eliminating the need for separate linen storage. Check whether the sofa bed model you're considering has bedding storage before buying — it's a feature that dramatically improves the day-to-day practicality of a sofa bed.

Do Sofa Beds Look Like Sofas?

Modern sofa beds have improved dramatically over the past decade. The best contemporary models are virtually indistinguishable from a standard sofa at a glance — the sleeping mechanism is completely hidden within the sofa frame. The Riva and Torino are good examples: both are stylish, well-proportioned sofas in their own right, with the sleeping function as an invisible added benefit rather than a visible compromise.