Just like a sofa, a sofa bed or daybed is often the largest item in a room and will have a big impact on your style - so it’s a good idea to carefully consider the room you are putting it in.

If you have a small space that you need to be flexible, carefully measure your room to work out how much space you can dedicate to a sofa bed or daybed. Will you have enough room to open your sofa bed out or will you have to reshuffle your furniture to make it work?

If you’re not sure, try marking out the space your chosen sofa bed would take up using masking tape or newspaper sheets. Choosing a style that’s proportionate to you space will look good and make your life much easier in the future.

One guest, or two? If you are only having one occasional guest to stay, a daybed might be what you need - if you are looking to sleep two, you might want to consider a sofa bed that transforms. It’s important to consider and firm-up your needs before you buy as the right sofa bed or daybed will be with you for many years to come.

Things to consider

Here are five essential factors to consider when making the final decision on a sofa bed or daybed.

Do I need a sofa bed or a daybed?

Depending on the amount of space you have and the use you expect your space to get – is a sofa bed or a daybed more suitable?

Sofa beds - the perfect choice for hosting guests, a sofa bed transforms from a seating area to a place to sleep, usually involving a mechanism. From fold down to pull out spring mechanisms, there are many options to choose from. A great choice for spare rooms or living spaces, you can choose from double or single versions.

Daybeds - usually around the size of a single mattress, daybeds don’t require any transformation. Used as a bench in your bedroom, living room or hallway - daybeds are smart, space-saving solutions that are full of potential. They can usually only sleep one person though, so if you are looking to host multiple guests this might not be the right choice for you.

Material & durability

The fabric you choose will not only make a big difference to the look and feel of your new sofa bed but also, it’s durability and longevity. How much use will your sofa bed get and what’s its expected lifetime? Will you be able to clean it often?

If you are looking for a covering that will stand up to the accidental spillages that life inevitably brings - look for something with a high wool content. Wool is a highly versatile material that is natural dirt and water resistant (it’s renewable and biodegradable too!) Wool fibres are resistant to liquid so if you have a spill, the water will bead on the surface rather than being absorbed straight away and you can simply brush it off. Look out for fabrics from Kvadrat, a brand well-known for their high quality, high-wool content textiles.

If you want the option to clean your sofa bed on a regular basis - look for styles where the covers can be removed. This would also allow you to change up the colour or style of your sofa bed in the years to come.

Mechanism

If it’s a daybed you’re after, there’s no need to worry but if you’re choosing a sofa bed, it’s worth considering the mechanism it uses.

Probably the simplest way of transforming a sofa bed is through a fold-down or fold-out mechanism. Sometimes referred to as ‘clic-clac’ these styles often have a backrest that folds down to make a flat mattress or a seat cushion that folds outwards to do the same. In just one-motion, you can transform your sofa bed with ease.

Filling & comfort

Whoever you’ve got bedding down for the night, you want them to get a good night’s sleep. Traditional pull-out style sofa beds often have thin mattresses that aren’t particularly comfortable. Check the thickness of the mattress or cushions on your sofa bed to make sure it’s right for your needs.

The most common filling you’ll find for sofa bed and daybeds is foam. Supportive and slightly firmer than a feather or fibre filled cushion, foam fillings allow for a more sculptural appearance. Foam-based sofa beds often come with a soft, cushioned layer on top for optimum comfort.

As with any finish, foam fillings will naturally compact a little over the years, but a high-quality foam will keep its shape well and should last a lifetime.

Colour & style

Bold or neutral, choose a colour that suits your room and your personality. Dark or bold hues are great for areas that get a lot of traffic and neutrals will allow you to change the style around your sofa bed easily.

From wooden legs to metal frames, we offer a range of styles which will bring a unique personality into your space. After a bespoke configuration? Our sales team who will be able to talk you through custom styles and fabric options.

Struggling to decide? Why not request a swatch? Get in touch with the team by calling 0114 243 3000, email info@nest.co.uk or via Live Chat.

And finally, don’t forget…

Remember to check the dimensions of your doorways and windows to ensure your chosen sofa bed or daybed will be able to be delivered to your chosen place smoothly. You’ll also want to keep your dream sofa bed looking at its best - check the manufacturer's guidelines for care instructions for your chosen finish.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you need further help, please get in touch by calling 0114 243 3000, email info@nest.co.uk or via Live Chat.