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<p class=”body-text”>Over the years at the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Textiles Lab, we’ve tested everything from the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g42124696/best-cheap-couches/” target=”_blank”>best cheap sofas</a> to the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g37666745/best-sectional-sofas/” target=”_blank”>best sectional sofas</a> to the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g432/recliner-chairs/” target=”_blank”>best recliners</a>. When choosing the best online sleeper sofas, we test both fabric and furniture and used our categorical expertise, combining it with our deep understanding of the sofa industry, reputable user reviews and feedback from our panel of consumer testers who we asked about the sofas they personally tried. Our most recent sofa survey amassed <strong>more than 5,800 responses from our panelists, providing us with more than 156,000 data points for analysis </strong>to narrow down the sleeper sofa picks that real consumers swear by. </p><p>Continue reading after checking out our top sleeper sofas to learn more about key features to look for when shopping and tips and tricks to make sleeper sofas even more comfortable. If you really want to impress your guests, browse our list of the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/pillow-reviews/a19289/best-pillows/” target=”_blank”>best pillows for all types of sleepers</a>, so even the most finicky friends and relatives can get a good night’s rest. </p>” />
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1
Best Overall Sleeper Sofa
Mercer41 Grattan 81.1″ Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
1
Best Overall Sleeper Sofa
Mercer41 Grattan 81.1″ Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
Pros
- Helpful customer service
- Trendy velvet material
- Budget-friendly price
Cons
- Online reviewers complain cushions sag with use
Recline into bedtime with ease thanks to this futon-style sleeper sofa. Its luxe polyester velvet fabric is on trend and available in both neutrals and bolder shades. In just eight steps, the sofa bed is “so easy to put together,” per online shoppers. Plus, dozens of our panelists appreciate the simple and seamless ordering process through Wayfair. Online reviewers of this sofa bed agree, adding that Wayfair’s customer service is helpful if there are delivery issues or if pieces show up damaged. It is important to note, though, that some reviews complain of the cushions sagging or “deflating” with extended use.
Dimensions: 81.1″ x 39.4″ x 33.5″ | Bed size: Twin | Bed type: Cushions | Delivery timing: 1–2 weeks
2
Best Value Sleeper Sofa
Serta Rane Convertible Sofa Bed
2
Best Value Sleeper Sofa
Serta Rane Convertible Sofa Bed
Now 26% Off
Pros
- Locks into three different positions
- Compact size
- Modern style
Cons
- Cushions are firm
Touting more than 8,000 five-star Amazon ratings, this modern Serta futon is a great option for college students and teens living in smaller spaces. One Textiles Lab analyst has used this sleeper sofa before and attested that the couch feels comfy to sit on, but it is one of the firmer sofa beds we’ve tried. Whether relaxing or sleeping, you have the option to lock the sofa’s back into three positions, either upright, reclined or flat. Another Amazon shopper who has owned the sofa bed for more than five years praised its sturdiness and durability, sharing, “it’s held up really well” to years of regular use.
Dimensions: 33.1″ x 66.1″ x 29.5″ | Bed size: Twin | Bed type: Futon | Delivery timing: 1-2 weeks, depending on color
3
Best Customizable Sleeper Sofa
Pottery Barn Pearce Square Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
3
Best Customizable Sleeper Sofa
Pottery Barn Pearce Square Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
Pros
- Compact
- Good balance of firmness and plushness
Cons
- Made to order; may take a few months to get delivered
Ranked as a crossover hit in our best sofa guide and best sectionals guide, Pottery Barn nails compact and comfort. Consider this the sleeper sofa version of the Pottery Barn Pearce sofa that we made our best overall sofa pick. No matter your design preferences, this comes in a multitude of fabrics and colors — you can get free swatches from Pottery Barn if you prefer to review your options before you buy. It comes with a bench option to make it even more seamless for sleeping. But of course, it also becomes guest ready thanks to its included pull-out bed. When testing the standard Pearce sofa, our surveys found that it struck a great balance between plushness and firmness. Our panelists gave it high marks for comfort, support and appearance, saying it looks amazing in their homes.
Dimensions: 83″ x 40″ x 38″ | Bed size: Full | Bed type: Mattress | Delivery timing: 2-3 months, depending on design
4
Best Pullout Sleeper Sofa
Ashley Bladen Full Sofa Sleeper
4
Best Pullout Sleeper Sofa
Ashley Bladen Full Sofa Sleeper
Pros
- Soft faux-leather material
- Online reviews say the cushions and the bed are comfy
- Worn leather appearance
Cons
- Price varies by area code
Of our panelists, more than 800 have purchased their sofas from Ashley, giving the brand’s products rave reviews for both style and comfort. The Bladen Full Sofa Sleeper is a pullout couch with a traditional look and a spacious full-size mattress inside. Online reviewers praise how comfortable the sofa and bed are to lounge on. One impressed reviewer shared, “We’ve had guests sleep on the bed for a full week without complaint.” They also love the faux-leather material’s worn-in look and super soft feel. Know that Ashley’s pricing for this model does change based on your area code, so the final cost for you may be different from the initial listed price.
Dimensions: 90″ x 36″ x 38″ | Bed size: Full | Bed type: Mattress | Delivery timing: 3-4 weeks, depending on location
5
Best Small Sleeper Sofa
Crate & Barrel Axis Twin Sleeper Sofa
5
Best Small Sleeper Sofa
Crate & Barrel Axis Twin Sleeper Sofa
Pros
- Spacious seating
- Comfortable and durable materials
Cons
- Delivery may take a few months
During sofa testing, panelists raved about Crate & Barrel and its comfortable loungers. The Axis sofas received high scores for families because of their durability (especially for dog owners), while its plush cushions are exceptionally comfortable. This style also comes in stylish leather options. Made with slimmer armrests, the Axis sofa is designed for spacious seating when lounging. Once ready to snooze, the Crate & Barrel sofa bed converts into a twin-sized pull-out bed. One tester who has owned their Crate & Barrel couch for four years raved about its quality: “This sofa still looks as good as the day I bought it.”
Dimensions: 58″ x 43″ x 32″ | Bed size: Twin | Bed type: Mattress | Delivery timing: A few months because it’s made to order
6
Best Sleeper Sofa for Apartments
IKEA Friheten Sleeper Sectional
6
Best Sleeper Sofa for Apartments
IKEA Friheten Sleeper Sectional
Pros
- Built-in storage
- Reversible chaise attachment
- Soft material
Cons
- Upholstery prone to pilling
In small apartments, space-saving pieces can make all the difference. This sleeper sectional from IKEA features storage in the chaise — ideal for holding spare pillows, blankets and sheets. To convert the sleeper sofa into a bed, just remove the back cushions and pull the underframe out and up into place. Like all IKEA furniture, there is assembly required at home, but with this sofa, you have the opportunity to customize the piece while building it: You can choose which side you’d prefer to put the chaise (you can always reverse it later). Online reviewers and a Textiles Lab analyst who have used this couch share that the material, although soft, is prone to pilling.
Dimensions: 90.5″ x 59.5″ x 26″ | Bed size: Full | Bed type: Cushions with pull-out trundle | Delivery timing: 1-2 weeks, depending on location
7
Best Leather Sleeper Sofa
Albany Park Sleeper Sofa
7
Best Leather Sleeper Sofa
Albany Park Sleeper Sofa
Pros
- Also available in upholstery and velvet options
- Separate packages make it easier to move up tighter spaces
Cons
- Only available in one leather colorway
A chic fuzzy rug or some indoor plants can fold this sleeper sofa into any space. The tan color comes with a distressed look and a kiln-dried hardwood frame. It boasts a cozy couch that easily transforms into a futon bed. Albany Park claims its seat cushions have pocket coils surrounded by high-density memory foam. The brand offers delivery in separate boxes for more convenient setup, especially helpful if you’re trying to pivot the couch around tight staircases or hallways. Though the brand is relatively new, consumers told us in our sofa testing they are loving their Albany Park sofas so far.
Dimensions: 87.4″ x 35.5″ x 31.5″ | Bed size: Twin | Bed type: Futon | Delivery time: 1-2 weeks
8
Best Sleeper Sofa in a Box
Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
8
Best Sleeper Sofa in a Box
Burrow Block Nomad Sofa
Pros
- Reviewers say fabric is easy to clean
- Sleep Kit with bedding is included
- Comes in three compact boxes
Cons
- Sleep Kit is designed to fit the Nomad sofa and may not be ideal for deeper couches
To convert this sofa into a bed, use the brand’s Sleep Kit, which consists of a thin memory foam mattress topper, a custom couch-size sheet set, a quilted blanket, a pillow and an eye mask. No more lending your best new blankets to your guests! Simply open the bagged kit, lay the mattress out on top of the couch, cover the mattress with the sheets and the Nomad is ready for bedtime. Coordinating furniture deliveries can be frustrating, but you don’t have to worry about that with Burrow’s sofa bed, since it’s delivered by mail in three compact boxes. Online reviewers found sofa setup to be much easier than expected and loved the olefin fabric, sharing that it’s easy to clean and “feels great.” If you don’t love a traditional woven material, you can choose a velvet or leather sofa instead. Our tester loved that the included kit’s memory foam mattress helped to create a comfier feel for her overnight guests by providing plush support and removing the indentations between her couch cushions. Know that the kit is designed to fit Burrow’s Nomad sofa, but you can use the kit on your own narrow couch; it’s not ideal for a deeper couch with wider cushions.
Dimensions: 86″ x 35″ x 33″ | Bed size: Twin | Bed type: Cushions with mattress kit | Delivery timing: 1-3 weeks
9
Best Rolled Arms Sleeper Sofa
Birch Lane Ravine Centerton 89″ Rolled Arm Sofa Bed
9
Best Rolled Arms Sleeper Sofa
Birch Lane Ravine Centerton 89″ Rolled Arm Sofa Bed
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- More than 60 shade options
- Comfortable bed
Cons
- Some reviews say cushions dent easily
Made with a sturdy wood frame and rolled arms, this sleeper sofa has a traditional look with a hidden queen-size pullout mattress. It’s available in more than 60 different shades, with the option to receive free samples before choosing a fabric. Reviewers were impressed by this sofa, which has a 4.7-star rating (out of 5), with one reviewer raving that she was surprised “how comfortable the bed was, as sleeper sofas are usually not this comfortable.” Some online reviewers experienced dents in the cushions early on, but you have up to 30 days to return the sofa if you aren’t satisfied. If you do have any issues, hundreds of our survey panelists have purchased their sofas from Wayfair and praise the retailer’s excellent, supportive customer service team.
Dimensions: 111″ x 63″ x 32″ | Bed size: Between full and queen | Bed type: Mattress | Delivery timing: 10-14 weeks for made-to-order pieces
10
Best Sectional Sleeper Sofa
Interior Define Sloan Chaise Sleeper Sectional
10
Best Sectional Sleeper Sofa
Interior Define Sloan Chaise Sleeper Sectional
Pros
- High ratings for comfort, support and style
- Customizable fabric, cushion and wood options
- Free fabric swatches available
Cons
- Extended shipping times
If you love being able to stretch out on a sectional-style sofa but also want the option of a pullout bed, this sleeper sofa checks every box. Interior Define lets you customize the sofa completely with tons of different fabric options. (It will even send you free swatches to check out yourself before ordering.) You can also specify the leg color, chaise length, seat cushion style and type of fill. Our survey panelists were blown away by the fabric selection of 100-plus options and loved the “individuality” of each sofa. There are even leather styles available for a higher price. Panelists who own this specific sofa model gave it high ratings for style, comfort and support. Survey respondents shared that they experienced elongated delivery times, and the brand notes it can take anywhere between 10 to 14 weeks for the product to ship, but online reviewers say that when the product arrives, the white-glove delivery process is seamless.
Dimensions: 89″ x 40″ x 37″ | Bed size: Queen | Bed type: Mattress | Delivery timing: 2–5 weeks, depending on material
How we choose the best sleeper sofas
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we researched sleeper sofas from popular online brands and brands that have performed well in prior evaluations. We considered properties including fiber content and fabrication, dimensions and bed size, cushion type and the conversion mechanism used to transform the sofa into a bed.
We also recently distributed a sofa survey to our panelists, asking them to highlight the couches they currently own or have purchased in the past decade, including sofa bed and futon models. More than 10,000 of the data points collected in the survey covered sofa beds and futons specifically. This survey data provided insight into everything from overall quality and comfort to style to ease of delivery and setup to durability and long-term use. When making sofa bed picks for this article, we reviewed relevant data and chose some models from our panelists’ favorite brands.
What to look for when shopping for sleeper sofas
There are a few things you’ll need to consider when deciding on the best sleeper sofa for you and your home:
✔️ Size: First, we recommend measuring your space to ensure not only that the sofa will fit perfectly but that it will also be able to fit through your doorframes and into your home. If you have a small space, opt for a sleeper sofa that folds down or pulls out into a twin-size bed. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to accommodate more guests, try a larger sofa that converts into a more spacious full- or queen-size bed.
✔️ Mechanism: Sleeper sofas come in a wide variety of styles and shapes, with different mechanisms to convert sofas into beds. Here are the most common ones:
- Pullout couches: This style has a real mattress stored inside. After removing the seating, you pull a handle to transform your sofa to an actual bed. These beds require more space than their counterparts below.
- Sofa beds: These feature a sofa that folds down, creating a bed without an additional mattress. They’re a space-efficient and convenient option.
- Futons: They fold flat to make a bed but lack sofa cushions altogether — a great option for small spaces that can’t accommodate a full-size pullout couch.
✔️ Bed type: Be sure to consider the bed type and upholstery because both affect the overall look and feel of your sofa:
- Cushions: For sofa beds and futons, the cushions themselves will be used as a mattress, so it’s key that you like their feel and fabrication. Typically, the seat cushions are filled with foam that’s wrapped in either down or polyester fibers for support and comfort. Although it’s more expensive than polyester, down filling gives a plusher feel.
- Mattress: Pullout couches in particular use actual mattresses that are stored inside the couch. The mattresses are typically made of foam without springs, and if there are springs, the mattresses tend to be on the thinner side, so it’s easier to compress them into a sofa when not in use.
Where is the best place to buy sleeper sofas online?
Online furniture brands are making it easier than ever for consumers to make big purchases online, thanks to less arduous setups and more lenient return policies. Even before you buy, some companies will mail you fabric swatches free of charge to help ensure you love the shade and feel of the fabric. Plus, you can always reach out to the company to make certain the delivery will be as seamless as possible.
When ordering a sofa, expect delivery wait times to range from one to 10 weeks. To ensure you have your sofa when you need it, schedule delivery far in advance, especially if you’re ordering custom fabric.
How to make a sleeper sofa more comfortable
Keep in mind that if you love the look of the sofa but end up not loving the mattress, you can purchase a new sofa mattress — just double-check to ensure it’s the correct size. To make your sleeper sofa even more comfortable, we love to add throw pillows and a soft, cozy blanket for a stylish look and an extra comfy feel.
What is the lifespan of a sleeper sofa?
There is no set lifespan for a sleeper sofa, and how long it lasts will vary based on the sofa construction and how often it’s used, according to the GH Institute’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs. As a rough estimate, she says you can expect a sofa to last around eight to 10 years.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She’s been at Good Housekeeping for more than three years, overseeing in-Lab and consumer tests. She has written multiple furniture features, including stories on the best bed frames and the best sectional sofas. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive product-testing experience. For this article, she used her relevant expertise when making selections and researched picks with rave online reviews.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She has written about furniture and home goods, including stylish recliner chairs and the best cheap couches. For this article, she reviewed thousands of data points from the Textiles Lab’s most recent sofa survey for relevant information regarding sleeper sofas and sofa beds from popular or top-tested brands.
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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