Sofa Bed Buying Guide

Having a sofa bed is a practical item of furniture to add to your home especially if you are short on space. Not only is it primarily used for cosy seating but can elevate your interior décor and of course, transform into a bed when family and friends come to stay for a night or two. From space saving chair beds to classic pull out sofa bed  styles you can create an inviting bed for your guests in a matter of minutes. The Laura James sofa bed buying guide will help you to consider the best option for your space.  

Types of Sofa Beds 

Our sofa bed range at Laura James includes double sofa beds, single sofa beds and our handy bed in a box design. Our Una sofa beds, and chair beds have a folding mechanism so the back and seat fold out flat to create a bed and are available in both single and double sizes and come in six different colours. The Una has the option of velvet fabric in both single and double folding sofa beds, opt for a dark green for a sultry look, a pop of colour with the vibrant yellow or textured neutral with the teddy finish.  

The bed in a box features a unique design and is perfect for those occasional times when you may need an extra bed for a guest. This single bed design is carefully concealed inside an upholstered box which can be used as a handy seat when not extended. Finished in a sandy hue, the fluted lid becomes a headboard when folded up and the single bed folds out of the box. Laura James would recommend adding a mattress topper to the bed if the Madeleine is being used for more than a couple of nights.  

Our Troy small double sofa bed transforms from a cosy 2 seater sofa with arm rests into a double bed with its easy to use mechanism. The bottom of the sofa slides out and the back of the sofa simply folds down flat and clicks into place. Upholstered in a dark grey fabric with foam filled seat cushions this contemporary and comfy sofa would suit any space. The compact design means the Troy can fit into smaller spaces as a handy sofa and still transform into a small double bed, perfect for guest sleepovers.   

What to Consider 

Just like choosing a sofa or armchair you need to consider the type you want as well as the purpose of the sofa bed, here are a few things to consider. 

Where will the sofa bed go? 

Firstly, where will your sofa bed go? Is it going to be part of your living space therefore if the primary use is as a sofa, then you may want to opt for one that seats 2 people and can change into a double bed. If it is going in a bedroom, we always recommend measuring the space and double check the sofa bed dimensions to make sure it will fit in the desired spot. Ensure you have enough space for the bed once the sofa bed is fully extended.  

Who is it for and how often will it be used? 

Perhaps you have friends or family members that visit regularly therefore you are looking for a sofa bed to fit in a guest bedroom. A sofa bed can also be a practical idea if the room already has a purpose where space is needed such as an office or playroom. With a quick tidy the room can be turned from office or playroom to guest bedroom in a few minutes. If you have a smaller study or box room, then the Una single sofa bed is ideal and looks stylish as an accent chair for the home office.

  

Will it fit with the interior style of the room? 

Think about the colour and fabric, will it suit the rest of the room décor and do you have soft furnishings to compliment the new sofa bed. You can order a free fabric swatch from Laura James to see if it is the right look for your room. 

Sofa Bed Styling 

Once you have decided on the sofa bed and you are happy that it will suit your décor then you can add your own personal interior touches. Soft furnishings are the perfect way to add texture, colour, or pattern to any sofa. Add a throw or a cushion to add interest and cosiness. If you prefer a Scandi style look with lots of neutrals then the Una Oatmeal sofa bed is a great choice that will seamlessly blend with a tonal colour scheme.  

Think about the rest of the room, it might be useful to have a side table next the sofa bed for a lamp. Plus, your guest will have a space to pop their belongings like their phone or glasses when they go to bed. If your chosen sofa bed is in a bedroom, then you may want to add some storage furniture such as a blanket box to keep spare blankets and bedding for your guests. Placing a rug under the sofa bed is the perfect way to create an inviting space.  

Shop all Laura James sofa beds here.