Few pieces of home furniture multi-task as masterfully as a sleeper sofa. These versatile couches can be a game-changer for smaller homes and apartments: They provide a comfortable spot to lounge during the day, then transform into an extra bed for guests in a snap. But the bestsleeper sofas go beyond functionality, enhancing the ambiance of your home while offering innovative features, durable construction and unmatched comfort. Our top pick, West Elm’s Shelter Sleeper Sofa, exemplifies this blend of form and function—and it’s an ideal size for most people.
The best sleeper sofas go beyond functionality, enhancing the ambiance of your home while offering ... [+] innovative features and unmatched comfort.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Retailer
“There's an old myth out there that sleeper sofas are less stylish, and these days, that is simply not true,” says Kathy Kuo, founder of Kathy Kuo Home. “There's no reason your sleeper sofa shouldn't be as chic and comfortable as any other piece in your home.” As far as what to consider when you begin your search, Kuo suggests taking a close look at the actual physical space in which you’re planning to place the item. "Make sure to measure the footprint of the sofa, as well as the space you'll need for it when the bed is fully extended out.” Comfort is equally important, so be sure to take note of the mattress type and the cushion material. Finally, take style into account: Look for a design that blends seamlessly with your existing décor. Once you’ve identified your top priorities, explore our curated list of the best sleeper sofas on the market, ahead.
During the rigorous, months-long testing process that went into determining our picks for the best couches on the market, this sofa stood out in a big way. Available in 10 colors and seven upholstery options (fabric, bouclés and velvet are all offered), it clearly offers extensive customization—but it’s also just incredibly comfortable and versatile. The plush cushion filling features a combination of polyester fiber, duck feathers and duck down, and the mattress here is crafted from two layers of memory foam, including one that’s infused with gel for optimal comfort. West Elm allows customers to order up to 15 free fabric swatches, too, which is an excellent way to determine which will look best in your space.
What the editors say: “This is a great napping couch," says Emily Jackson, senior vice president of e-commerce at Forbes Vetted. "We snoozed on it in the couch configuration and also as a pull-out bed. The cushions are comfy and there was enough room to change positions throughout the day so you wouldn’t get uncomfortable. The depth is also wide enough so you could add cushions behind you to stay supported."
Best High-End Sleeper Sofa
A Sophisticated Sleeper With A Comfortably Firm Mattress
Lulu and Georgia
Lulu And Georgia Coniston Linen Sleeper Sofa
Upholstery fabrics: Belgian linen | Colors: 7 | Fill: Foam, trillium | Removable covers: No |Shipping time: 6 to 8 weeks
Pros:
Incredibly easy to pull out or put away
Handcrafted in Los Angeles
Cons:
Limited range of neutral colors
Designer Ginny Macdonald is known for blending classic British design with a laid-back Californian vibe, and that’s precisely what she accomplishes in this elegant Lulu and Georgia exclusive. This sophisticated linen piece comfortably seats three and features a firm, 5-inch foam mattress for overnight guests. The sofa’s thoughtful design includes a unique backrest that mirrors the look of a tailored headboard, seamlessly integrating the mattress into the more luxurious made-to-order elements here. It’s the perfect blend of practicality and refined aesthetics.
Best Sectional Sleeper Sofa
An Elegant Sofa With Hidden Storage For Your Linens
West Elm
West Elm Harmony Modular Sleeper Sectional With Storage
Upholstery fabrics: 8 | Colors: 10 | Fill: Polyester fiber, duck feather and duck down in down-proof ticking | Removable covers: Yes |Shipping time: 1 to 5 weeks
Pros:
Convenient storage solution
10 color choices and 8 fabric options
Cons:
Less ideal for sitting upright
Sectionals can certainly double as sleeper sofas, and this modular option from West Elm does so without sacrificing style. Its pillowy-soft cushions are perfect for lounging, and a hand-built frame provides the right amount of sturdiness and support. The right (or left) side effortlessly pulls out to reveal a queen-size sleeping area, topped with a gel foam mattress that promises a restful night’s sleep. What sets this piece apart from the pack, though, is its design—it looks just as stylish and inviting as any regular sectional, which is a rare feat for a sleeper. What’s more, the built-in storage bin under the chaise is a clever touch; keep extra pillows and sheets close at hand, and your guests won’t have to search for linens in the middle of the night.
Best Compact Sleeper Sofa
A Petite Sleeper That Fits Just About Everywhere
Birch Lane
Birch Lane Shelby Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
Upholstery fabrics: Cotton, performance fabric, polypropylene and more | Colors: 7 | Fill: Foam, synthetic fiber | Removable covers: No |Shipping time: 5 to 6 weeks
Pros:
Perfect for smaller spaces
Made in the USA
Cons:
Compact, so not ideal for larger spaces
At just 60 inches wide, the Decker loveseat is proof that good things come in small packages. Designed and crafted in the USA, it’s ideal for spaces where every inch matters. Built with a sturdy frame made of solid and engineered wood, it transforms effortlessly into a twin-sized foam mattress, offering a cozy sleeping solution for one adult or two young children. But what truly sets the Decker apart is its customizability: With over 65 upholstery options available, you can select a fabric or finish that perfectly complements your décor, whether you’re leaning toward a bold statement piece or a subtle, neutral tone. The inclusion of two matching accent pillows is a nice touch here, too.
Best Sofa Bed
A Couch That Transforms Into A Bed With A Genius "Sleep Kit"
Article
Article Nordby Sofa Bed
Upholstery fabrics: Polyester | Colors: 3 | Fill: Foam, polyester fiber | Removable covers: No|Shipping time: 4 to 10 days
Pros:
Easily converts into a bed
Firm, supportive cushions
Cons:
Requires regular fluffing of cushions
Unlike the rest of the true “sleeper sofas” on this list, a sofa bed doesn’t come with a traditional mattress. Instead, the couch itself is a bed. Our favorite option, Article’s Nordby model, offers a seat that smoothly slides out to form a queen-sized sleeping area. It’s a user-friendly design that makes conversion from sofa to bed (and vice versa) a breeze, even in tighter spaces. What’s more, you can personalize the Nordby to suit your home by choosing from several colorways and deciding between the classic sofa style or the reversible sectional configuration. Note that the cushions do require regular fluffing to maintain their shape, and some reviewers note that the fabric can pill with extended use. The rest of the pros here—along with a quick shipping timeframe of just four to 10 days—make it a winner in our book.
Best Chesterfield Sleeper Sofa
A Traditional Model That Cleverly Conceals Its Sleeper Status
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Chesterfield Roll Arm Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
If a classic Chesterfield sofa is in your vision—but space for guests is also a high priority—this model from Pottery Barn is worth checking out. Rolled arms, diamond tufting and tapered legs give it the feel of a more traditional, stately couch, but it is, in fact, a sleeper sofa—and a remarkably comfortable one at that. Hidden within the seat is a thick, gel-infused memory foam mattress that “adjusts” to the sleeper, and the manufacturer claims it doesn’t sag over time, either. Of note, as with many Pottery Barn furniture items, there’s a five-week lead time here—but it is a made-to-order couch, and we think the wait is worthwhile for top-tier fabrics and premium durability.
Best Leather Sleeper Sofa
A Classic Silhouette That's Highly Customizable
Interior Define
Interior Define Sloan Sleeper Sofa
Upholstery fabrics: 1 | Colors: 8 | Fill: Foam, down blend or down alternative | Removable covers: No |Shipping time: 10 to 14 weeks
Pros:
Customizable colors and fill
Your choice of spring or memory foam mattress
Cons:
Extended shipping time
The Sloan sofa is a sophisticated-looking piece that amps up the “wow” factor in whatever room it’s placed in. It’s also highly durable: As with most leather furniture, as the material gains scuff marks and other blemishes, it tends to look more rugged and lived-in—in a good way. (The manufacturer does note, however, that if you’d like to hide such blemishes, opt for a darker leather; the lighter shades will be most revealing.) Notably, though there’s a longer shipping time here (10 to 14 weeks), Interior Define offers customers the opportunity to order their sofa now and choose the exact hue later—a big win for indecisive shoppers who’d like to cut down on any extra wait.
Best King Sleeper Sofa
A Roomy Pick With Plenty Of Space For Overnight Guests
Sleeper sofas typically come with a queen or smaller mattress, so finding a king-size model is a rarity. This popular option from Crate & Barrel fits the bill, offering more space than most sleeper mattresses and accommodating up to 600 pounds. Given all of that extra room, it’s suitable for couples to sleep on—and it simply looks more appropriate for larger homes and spaces. The mattress within includes an inch-high layer of gel for additional support and cooling properties, and for those interested, there’s even an option here to upgrade to a Tempur-Pedic mattress. Color and fabric combination possibilities abound here (there are a whopping 199, to be precise), along with leg options and your choice of standard or down blend cushioning.
This story is overseen by Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen team, which includes the following expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
We added to our own expert insight by consulting Kathy Kuo of Kathy Kuo Home, who curates luxury furniture via her retail site.
We update this page frequently to ensure that our product selection remains up-to-date; it was last updated in December 2024.
How We Chose The Best Sleeper Sofas
To find the best sleeper sofas for every home, we began by scouring the market for outstanding, bestselling items that are currently turning heads. Our selection process involved meticulous consideration:
We always combine in-house testing with real customer reviews to ensure that every pick on our list stands the test of time.
The sleeper sofas that made the final cut here offer a perfect balance of comfort, style and a diverse range of color and style options—all at a price point that aligns with their overall value.
We enlisted the guidance of several design experts to narrow down our search, including Kuo.
What To Consider When Buying A Sleeper Sofa
Before you invest in any large sofa, it's wise to consider the following factors—but they’re particularly important when it comes to sleeper sofas, which tend to pose additional design and function challenges.
Sofa TypeSleeper sofas certainly aren’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, you’ll find some designs with fold-out mattresses, others with fold-down backs and others still with fold-out seats (sans mattress). Daybeds, futons and “sofa beds”—a separate category altogether—are also shepherded into this genre from time to time, so you might see a combination of all of these as you browse.
Material
Fabric is an important consideration as well. “If you truly plan to use your sleeper sofa as bed on a very regular basis—for example, if you have kids who love to host sleepovers or you don't have a guest bedroom and you know you’d like to have houseguests more than a couple times year—it's a good idea to look into performance fabrics,” says Kuo. “These days, [they] come in so many colors and styles, and are so high-quality and so durable that I really don't think of going that route as any sort of design sacrifice.” Another consideration: Do you tend to eat meals or serve beverages on or near your couch, or is it totally off-limits? Opting for a durable material, like such a soft performance fabric, can be a wise choice. But that’s certainly not your only option, as Kuo reminds us. “If your plans for the sleeper are more along the lines of being a backup sleeping option every now and then, I would say go ahead and consider a full range of premium upholstery choices to your heart's content.”
Sizing And PlacementMeasure before making a purchase—and remember to take the full length of the extended sofa (with mattress in place) into account. You’ll likely need room around the mattress, so this might require you to move other furniture out of the way (or select another model entirely). Consider other practical aspects, too, such as where you'll store couch cushions when the sleeper feature is in use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Most Comfortable Sleeper Sofa For Sleeping?
West Elm’s Shelter Sleeper Sofa is our top pick for 2024, and it’s certainly comfortable, featuring a plush filling of polyester fiber, duck feathers and duck down. But beyond comfort, we loved it for its customizability (it’s available in 10 colors and seven upholstery options), and the fact that the included mattress is crafted from two layers of memory foam.
What Makes A Sleeper Sofa Comfortable?
Typically, an actual mattress makes such a sofa comfortable (though there are certainly exceptions, and some sofa beds do provide more than enough comfort and support for a one- or two-night stay). You’ll want to look for options with memory foam mattresses, and if you want a little extra comfort, you can always add a mattress topper. It’s worth noting that the higher the price of a sleeper sofa, the better the quality of construction and durability.
Which Is Better: A Sofa Bed Or A Sleeper Bed?
It’s easy to assume that sofa beds and sleeper sofas are synonymous, but they actually represent different pieces of furniture. Sleeper sofas, which look like regular sofas during the day, hide a collapsible mattress beneath the cushions that unfolds to reveal a twin or queen-size bed frame. On the other hand, sofa beds are single surfaces with arms or backs that fold down to create a flat sleeping surface. Sleeper sofas are also significantly costlier than sofa beds. The final decision comes down to your personal preference, space and budget.
