Expecting guests? These dual-purpose sofas are calling your name.
No guest room? No problem. A sleeper sofa is the perfect workaround for those who frequently host and want to provide a little more for their out-of-town visitors than simply a throw blanket and pillow on an old air mattress.
Available in the form of couches, loveseats, and sectionals, the best sleeper sofas are those that add functional refinement to a room, are comfortable to sit on, and convert easily into a sleep spot when the occasion calls for it—whether that’s a sleepover party or welcoming a loved one for a weekend stay.
These sleeper sofas aren’t the same as that dusty futon you remember from your college years. They feel just as comfortable as a regular mattress but give you the versatility of using them as a lounge spot in your everyday living spaces when you’re not playing host. Also, the sky’s the limit as far as color and fabric choices go, as you’ll see that many made-to-order sofas come in a mind-boggling number of options.
Ready to give your hosting game an upgrade? Check out the best sleeper sofas to find a two-in-one lounger that you and your guests will love.
What to Consider
PURPOSE
The first thing to consider when looking for a sleeper sofa is how it will be used in your home, says Marisa Bettencourt, interior designer and founder at North + Fair Interior Design.
“Will it be placed in your living room or den where there are a lot of gatherings or movie nights with the whole family? Perhaps consider a larger sofa sleeper or one with a chaise that can accommodate more seated people. Or maybe you need something smaller that will fit into a compact space like an office,” she explains.
The more seamlessly your sleeper sofa fits into your everyday lifestyle, the more likely it is to become a piece of furniture you keep for the long term. Keep practicality and purpose in mind as you shop.
SOFA FOOTPRINT
In addition to purpose, another practical consideration for a new sleeper sofa is the size of both the sofa and the bed inside. Make sure to map out your floor space with masking tape to ensure that your area can fit a fully extended sleeper sofa. We’ve denoted in this guide the footprint of the closed couch, as well as the closest mattress size that all of these sofas contain. Remember to account for some extra space around the bed so your guests can comfortably move around.
MATERIAL
Sleeper sofas are available in many different fabrics. Finding a material that feels comfortable to you is important, but you also want to consider its durability. After all, you might be using this sofa for everyday living and sleepovers, so you’ll need to find something that can stand up to plenty of wear and tear.
“Choose any fabric described as a performance fabric,” says Bettencourt. This can be velvet, chenille, cotton, or linen that is specially crafted to withstand heavy daily use.” Bettencourt adds that if you have dogs and cats, opt for high-performance velvet or chenille fabrics, which can be easily cleaned with a pet hair roller.
BUDGET
Like most pieces of furniture, the cost of a sleeper sofa can range from the low three figures to sky-high sums. So, where’s the sweet spot when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck? “For a queen-size sofa sleeper, plan to spend anywhere from $900 to $4,000, depending on quality, shipping costs, taxes, assembly fees, and any custom add-ons, if available, such as the selection of the sofa material, cushion filling, and type of mattress,” Bettencourt suggests.
DELIVERY AND ASSEMBLY OPTIONS
These furniture pieces are typically heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than regular sofas (but their easy convertibility makes them well worth it!). Because of this, many sleeper sofas are available for in-home delivery and assembly. This service may not be included in the price, so just be aware that you’ll likely be paying a little more on top of the listed price if you go with this option.
PRODUCTION
If you’re ordering a custom sleeper sofa or you want a very specific color or style, you may need to be patient. Manufacturing can take months. On a tight timeline? Take a look for sleeper sofas in stock now and order from a major manufacturer to speed things up. They usually provide shipping estimates that can give you a sense of how long you’ll have to wait.
How We Selected
To find the best sleeper sofas, we combed through the online stores of major retailers and furniture companies to find options that were durable, stylish, and well-rated. We skipped options that were frequently out of stock and prioritized sleeper sofas that could fit a variety of budgets, tastes, and room sizes. We also considered the production and shipping time to make sure we selected at least a few options that were available right now — just in case you have a last-minute guest showing up soon.
Without further ado, check out our guide below to the 11 best sleeper sofas that will make overnights at your place a whole lot more appealing than booking a last-minute vacation rental.
1
BEST OVERALL
Interior Define James Sleeper Sofa
$2,645 AT INTERIORDEFINE.COM
PROS | CONS |
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Comfy, classic style | Delivery takes up to 14 weeks |
White-glove delivery is included in delivery fee | |
Order 10 free fabric swatches to test different options | |
Choose your fabric, seat cushions, cushion fill, and sleeper mattress |
Normally, “sleeper sofa” and “sleek” do not belong in the same sentence — but the Interior Define James Sofa changes that. This made-to-order design is a decor chameleon, looking perfectly tailored yet wide and cushy enough to be an inviting seat in any home.
It is available in over 100 colors and fabric options, and the brand will send you 10 swatches of your favorite fabrics to help you determine which ones will work best in your space. The shape and fill of the sofa cushions, as well as the type of mattress that’s tucked inside, are customizable, too. Want a bush-colored sleeper sofa with a bench cushion and box spring mattress? Or how about a kid-friendly sofa with two cushions and a memory foam mattress for supreme comfort? That’s just the beginning of the ways that Interior Define has you covered with its custom sleeper sofas.
Given how customizable this sleeper sofa is, it’s no surprise that production time can take a little while — 10 to 14 weeks, to be more specific. However, white-glove delivery is included with the shipping charge of this sleeper sofa, so you don’t have to sweat over the hassle of installation. We’ve named this as the best sleeper sofa overall because it truly is the total package.
Key Specs
Closed sofa footprint (width/depth) | 84 x 40 in |
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Approx. bed size | Queen |
Color/fabric options | 140 |
2
BEST BUDGET
Ashley Furniture Bladen Full Sofa Sleeper
$999 AT ASHLEY FURNITURE
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Firm yet comfortable cushions | Mattress could be comfier |
Multi-tonal upholstery looks like real leather | Limited color choices |
Supportive metal frame for the mattress | |
White-glove delivery included |
If you want a couch that has the luxe luster of leather without the wallet-busting expense, the Ashley Furniture Bladen Full Sofa Sleeper is the perfect alternative.
This sofa, believe it or not, is upholstered from a multi-tonal polyester blend that has the soft, comforting feel of a broken-in leather sofa — without all the scuffs that come with it! This big softy pulls out into a full-sized bed with a bi-fold memory foam mattress, but the couch itself is comfy enough to snooze on. In other words, this purchase comes with permission to take all the cat naps you’d like! We also like the exposed tapered feet, which add a stylish accent to an affordable sofa.
Shipping isn’t included, but you have the option of doorstep delivery or white-glove delivery with in-home assembly, giving you options when it comes to your budget and need for convenience.
Key Specs
Sofa footprint | 90 x 36 in |
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Approx. bed size | Full |
Color/fabric options | 2 |
3
SOPHISTICATED STYLE
Legend Vansen Velvet Pillow Top Arm Sleeper
$773 AT WAYFAIR
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Generous cushioning makes for a comfy place to sit or sleep | Seats aren’t deep; not great for tall households |
Seven regal color options | Assembly required |
Sophisticated silhouette | |
Free white-glove delivery |
Kick back and get cozy on the Legend Vansen Velvet Pillow Top Arm Sleeper. The back folds down to turn it into an impromptu bed in a flash (hello, instant guest room!). Even when situated upright, the generously tufted ridges on this velvet sofa are a tempting invitation to catnap, and they exude a sophisticated style. It’s a piece of furniture that’d make a great gift for someone with a home office that needs an upgrade.
The rich look of the velvet (which comes in seven regal colorways) elevates a room. And while some assembly is required, it’s a fairly straightforward process. Bonus: The sleeper sofa contains a discreet storage area beneath the seat, so you’ll always have a place to stash spare blankets and pillows.
Key Specs
Closed sofa footprint | 83 x 45 in |
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Approx. bed size | Twin |
Color/fabric options | 7 |
4
MODERN-FARMHOUSE CHIC
Pottery Barn Comfort Square Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa
$2,099 AT POTTERY BARN
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Over 140 upholstery options | Some materials can fade |
Double-locking headrest allows top of mattress to tilt up | |
Completely customizable |
Even if you only entertain occasionally, the Pottery Barn Comfort Square Arm Slipcovered Sleeper Sofa is an extra-plush mainstay for the living room. A relaxed profile with customizable, expertly tailored upholstery, it’s perfect for curling up with a good book or TV series. Choose from two cushions, three cushions, or a bench cushion in either memory foam or downfill, along with more than 140 upholstery options.
The 5-inch-deep memory foam queen mattress inside folds out easily and is comfortable enough for anyone sleeping over for multiple nights. The mattress even has a double-locking headrest that allows the head to tilt up for easy book-reading or movie-watching. A fall-away crossbar ensures the mattress will provide plenty of support when you’re lying down.
Shipping may not be included, but you have the option of doorstep delivery or the full white-glove treatment with unboxing, assembly, inspection, and removal of all packing materials. While the finished product and delivery can be pricey, we think the durability and aesthetics of this sleeper sofa are well worth the investment. It’ll become one of your home’s key pieces of furniture.
Key Specs
Sofa footprint | 81 x 39 in. |
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Approx. bed size | Queen |
Color/fabric options | Approximately 140 |
5
BEST VALUE
Wayfair Custom Upholstery Demetrius Upholstered Sleeper Sofa
$1,800 AT WAYFAIR
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
High-performance upholstery options | Bed can be hard to pull out |
Queen-sized mattress is comfy for two overnight guests | Cushions tend to sink in the middle |
Arrives fully assembled | |
Available in nearly 50 colors |
The Wayfair Demetrius 79” Upholstered Sleeper Sofa is anything but basic. Whether it’s your main family room sofa or an extra seat in your office or basement, this sleeper sofa will fit the bill beautifully. Choose from almost 50 different color options, many of which come in durable, high-performance fabrics. You’ll also get two matching throw pillows to complete the entire look.
It is a made-to-order, very substantial piece that will hold up to many years of use. While production can take a few months, it arrives fully assembled and ready to go. It can seat up to three people, and thanks to the generous queen-size mattress, this sleeper sofa offers plenty of room for an adult couple or a few young kids having a sleepover party. We think it’d be a splurge-worthy gift for a first-time home buyer.
Key Specs
Closed sofa footprint | 77 x 36 in |
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Approx. bed size | Queen |
Color/fabric options | 47 |
6
MINIMALIST DESIGN
Article Soma Dawn Gray Left Sleeper Sectional
$2,299 AT ARTICLE
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Memory foam mattress | Some assembly required |
Hidden storage area beneath chaise lounge | |
Fast delivery time |
The Soma Dawn Gray Left Sleeper Sectional punches above its weight, considering its mid-range price tag. It includes both a regular sofa seat and a chaise lounge. It has a beautiful minimalist design that would fit perfectly in a high-end home. It comes in two sleek colors of durable polyester upholstery (dawn gray and midnight blue). It even has a hidden place to stash spare pillows, bed linens, and other essentials beneath the chaise lounge.
This sleeper sofa doesn’t make any compromises when it comes to the mattress, either. Its full-size memory foam sleeping base will help your guests drift off with ease and avoid a backache when they wake up in the morning.
The best part? This sleeper sofa is ready to go from the warehouse and can show up at your door in just a few days — so go ahead and invite your in-laws to spend the weekend at your place.
Key Specs
Sofa footprint | 105 x 64 in |
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Approx. bed size | Full |
Color/fabric options | 2 |
7
LUXE PICK
EQ3 Reva Sleeper Sofa
$3,199 AT EQ3.COM
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Offers more than 200 upholstery options | Made-to-order piece requires long wait time |
Seat cushions and mattress are made of memory foam | |
Every aspect of the sofa is customizable | |
Several size options |
The EQ3 Reva Sleeper Sofa has a clean-lined construction that strikes the right aesthetic balance between minimalist and warm. This beautifully crafted sleeper sofa’s bed pulls right out of the midsection without having to toss the seat cushions aside. Both the seat cushions and the mattress are made of memory foam, so you’ll be plenty comfortable whether you’re sitting or sleeping on it.
This couch model offers almost endless customization options: Choose between fabric or leather upholstery (in dozens of colors each), a double or queen-sized bed, the width of the arms, and even the material of the sofa legs. The narrow version is excellent if you’re looking for a sleeper sofa to tuck into a small space, while the standard sleeper sofa has a more commanding look and offers a bit more real estate for lounging.
Once you’ve created your sofa and waited 14-16 weeks for its construction and shipping, it will either be delivered to your doorstep or assembled, per your instructions at checkout. Since this is a pricey piece you’ll have for many years, we recommend ordering a few fabric swatches to ensure you’re in love with your choice before finalizing your purchase.
Key Specs
Sofa footprint | 90 x 41 in |
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Approx. bed size | Full or queen |
Color/fabric options | Approximately 215 |