Decide how it will be used
Start with the room’s main job. Will this be your everyday sofa with occasional guests, or a bed opened regularly? Check the maker’s intended use for the specific model. A sofa-bed label does not mean every design is suitable for everyday sleeping.
Compare the sitting comfort as well as the bed. Seat height, depth and the position of the arms affect how it feels as a sofa. If you can, try the mechanism and both positions in the showroom.
Understand how it opens
Fold-down back
The back folds to create the sleeping surface. Check the clearance needed behind the sofa and how the bedding is stored.
Pull-out design
A section or mattress pulls forward. Measure the floor space in front, including the route around the open bed.
Corner sofa bed
A pull-out section may work with a chaise or return. Confirm the layout, full sleeping size and any storage compartment.
Ask these questions before choosing
Make the changeover easy
Keep the opening area clear and use the mechanism as instructed. Do not add a topper or different mattress unless the manufacturer allows it; extra depth may stop the bed folding correctly.
Follow the care instructions for the upholstery and mattress. Make sure everything is dry before closing the bed, and check whether bedding must be removed first.