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The Ideal Solution for Space-saving in the Home

With space in most family homes at a premium these days, dual-purpose furniture really comes into its own. One of the most popular solutions to lack of space is the sofa bed; ideal for every day extra seating, but an excellent way of increasing sleeping space for unexpected guests.

The sofa beds available today have come a long way from earlier designs, both in terms of style and performance. They can be bought singly or as part of a complete suite of furniture, depending on the requirements of the household. If space allows, the ideal solution would be to purchase one to go into a room that doubles as a spare room, such as a dining room or study. During the day it can provide extra seating without looking out of place, but when extra sleeping space is required, it can turn that spare room into a comfortable bedroom without interrupting the use of the rest of the house. For those homes with no extra living space, a sofa bed that forms part of a suite of furniture in the family sitting room can easily be transformed into a spare bed without guests having to make do with a bed on the floor.

When purchasing a sofa bed, the main priority has to be comfort, both as a sofa and a bed. A good furniture retailer will be more than happy for you to test the piece in both positions, which will allow you to try the mechanism for ease of use. It is also essential that the mechanism cannot be felt when the sofa is being used as seating, so substantial cushioning and upholstery are vital. The mattress has to be thick enough to feel like a regular bed, yet flexible enough to fold back smoothly into the framework when it is put back into sofa mode.

As a sofa, you will want it to look stylish and presentable; as a bed, you will want to be sure that, once converted, it is easy to make up with bed linen and, above all, that it ensures a good night’s sleep.

When considering buying a sofa bed, it is most important to take room measurements before looking for a sofa bed; you need to allow not only for the sofa itself, but also enough unobstructed room for it to be pulled out and converted into a bed, ideally without having to move the rest of the room around to accommodate it. If space allows, a sofa bed with a back that folds down flat will make a bigger bed. Take account, also, of the weight of the sofa bed, especially if it has to be carried upstairs.

Furthermore, one should test the mechanism of all sofa beds; some may be a lot easier to operate than others. Test the sofa bed as a sofa first, making sure that the mechanism cannot be felt through the seating, and then as a bed, again ensuring that it feels comfortable and secure. When the sofa bed is in bed mode, it can be made up with standard-sized bed linen. It is important to ensure the materials used conform to fire safety standards. Making sure the chosen fabric has been protected to withstand stains and spills, and that it is comfortable to the touch is significant.

A sofa bed is a worthwhile purchase for any home. They provide stylish seating as well as comfortable sleeping for guests.